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If there's one thing that comes with playing for 13 years in the NFL, it's perspective, and Julius Peppers has plenty of it.
The veteran Green Bay Packers linebacker has been in a handful of big playoff games, and has played a Super Bowl once before, as a member of the Panthers. However, as he is likely in the final few years of his career, he knows that there will be few opportunities left, and it's likely that none will be as great as the one that he and his team face this postseason.
As such, it's time. Let's not let him go out without a ring.
Aaron Rodgers says he’s ‘about the same’ | Packers.com
The bigger question this week is whether Rodgers will have as much time as he had in the second half against the Cowboys; after all, Seattle's pass rush is significantly better than Dallas'.
Green Bay Packers QB Aaron Rodgers practices on very limited basis - ESPN
Here's a little more information on what happened in practice for Rodgers and company this week.
Seattle QB Russell Wilson evolves into playmaker | JSOnline
The accusation that Wilson is just a "game manager" is out, as he has been freed up to make more calls at the line of scrimmage and, no insult to Marshawn Lynch, has become the engine that drives the Seahawks' offense.
Eddie Lacy glad he doesn't have to tackle Marshawn Lynch - ESPN
And, I suspect, Lynch is glad he doesn't have to tackle Lacy...not that he'd answer that question if you asked him, though.
Julius Peppers' Production Goes Up as Snaps Go Down | Cheesehead TV
Check out the number of snaps Peppers has played over the past several games; there's certainly a correlation between keeping his snap counts under control and his much higher level of play.
Peppers savors chance at elusive ring | Packersnews.com
The veteran has been to one Super Bowl and this will be his third NFC Championship Game in 13 seasons, so he knows that he and his team need to take advantage of this opportunity, which might not come again before the end of his career.
The 8 baddest dudes in the NFL playoffs - SBNation.com
Oh, and Peppers' forced fumble earns him the title of "The OG" from SB Nation's Stephen White, and top billing in this article.
Jim Tomsula named 49ers head coach - SBNation.com
Considering how highly former defensive coordinator Vic Fangio is thought of, this seems like a surprise. However, Tomsula was interim head coach after Mike Singletary was fired in 2010. Still, San Francisco will be hiring new coordinators on both sides of the ball.