The Packers Could Win Without Aaron Rodgers

by Brandon on Jan 1, 2012 7:01 AM CST in Green Bay Packers Preview

Green Bay Packers news | Green Bay Packers vs. Detroit Lions: How we're picking it | Green Bay Press Gazette. It's not a big surprise, but all four writers for the Press-Gazette are expecting that the Green Bay Packers won't play their starters. But I think that could be a little deceiving.

Aaron Rodgers won't play much, and neither should Clay Matthews or Charles Woodson. Also, Tramon Williams might not play. However, the defense would have problems against Detroit's passing attack even with them. If the defense can force a couple turnovers, the Lions might have trouble scoring in potentially bad weather conditions. And the Packers defense has proven to be opportunistic this season.

Though Matt Flynn hasn't much experience, this game could be very important to his future. He might be playing for his next contract. And except for Rodgers, the entire starting offense could play. Greg Jennings, Bryan Bulaga, Randall Cobb, and James Starks weren't going to play anyway due to injuries. With depth a concern on the offensive line, and the need to get Chad Clifton some work in his first game back in a couple months, the starting lineman could play the entire game.

I'm not trying to be too optimistic. The Lions want to win this game and it's not important to the Packers overall. But I'll be watching the Packers to win this game.

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First off, Happy New Years to Packer fans evertwhere!

How about a no huddle blitzgrieg on our first possesion. Put up six, go for the two point, make a huge statement and THEN rest the key offensive starters. Defense pull themselves together and at least makes Detroit work about 6 minutes to earn a fieldgoal.
I do think Flynn and co can put together a good game and am looking forward to it. Then if the Lions prevail it will be like a preseason loss, and the mojo will be against the Lions all week.

by Farveuless Pack on Jan 1, 2012 9:44 AM CST reply actions

Agree for the most part.

I’m expecting a little more than one series for Rodgers. Maybe a quarter… But I do expect the offense to come out and play fast to try to get an early lead.

Our Biggest Challenge is how we deal w/ Success!

by Strohman on Jan 1, 2012 9:59 AM CST up reply actions

Happy New Year Everyone!

Maybe I’m being a it homer-ish, but I feel really confident the Packers could steal this one!

"Show me a good loser, and I'll show you a loser." - Vince Lombardi

by AdamA on Jan 1, 2012 10:09 AM CST reply actions

Looks like it's cold and windy

Weather.com says 25-35 MPH winds and light snow this afternoon. Hope that’s true.

December, 7 1941 may be a day that lives in infamy, but December 6, 2011 is a day that will live in AWESOMENESS!!! The day I became part owner of the Green Bay Packers!

In Cheese We Trust

by Zundar on Jan 1, 2012 10:18 AM CST reply actions

Excellent.

by mike_o on Jan 1, 2012 10:35 AM CST up reply actions

NFL Network just said Flynn will start

Rodgers will not play today.

December, 7 1941 may be a day that lives in infamy, but December 6, 2011 is a day that will live in AWESOMENESS!!! The day I became part owner of the Green Bay Packers!

In Cheese We Trust

by Zundar on Jan 1, 2012 10:36 AM CST reply actions

I know it doesn't matter in the grand scheme...

but I hope this doesn’t cost him MVP.

Also hope it’s not too much sitting before the playofs, but then again it will be shitty outside so maybe its better that way.

In Every Climb and Place....

by PhoenicianPakFan on Jan 1, 2012 10:49 AM CST up reply actions 2 recs

Might depend on how much Brees plays

If the 49ers get up early on the Rams the Saints may play it safe. But then again the might keep him in if it looks like Brady might take the record from him.

Might as well sit Rodgers if it’s gonna be cold and windy.

Aaron Rodgers breaks the passer rating record!

December, 7 1941 may be a day that lives in infamy, but December 6, 2011 is a day that will live in AWESOMENESS!!! The day I became part owner of the Green Bay Packers!

In Cheese We Trust

by Zundar on Jan 1, 2012 10:54 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs

Flynn

The lack of Matt Flynn “tape” for prospective teams to examine is a testament to our poor defense. We’ve won 14 games, but Flynn has gotten precious little playing time.

by Starquest on Jan 1, 2012 10:36 AM CST reply actions

Flynn will be starting

Rodgers is inactive,. as well as Wood and Clay.

by Shoes31 on Jan 1, 2012 11:03 AM CST reply actions

Half time creeping up, and we are up 5 with our backups!

It is soooo great to see Flynn and So’oto and other great players getting time, and taking it to the Lions. Lee, of course, is not going to have a great week, and he will have a very nervous off-season, because that fiasco was bone-headed in high school, much less the pros. If Flynn keeps this up, he likely won a starting gig and a multi-million dollar contract. If you don’t think the subs aren’t motivated, you need to think deeper!

by DrCheese on Jan 1, 2012 1:44 PM CST reply actions