:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/68699356/1285841773.0.jpg)
The Jordan Love draft pick seems like a distant memory.
Sure, 2020 was an insane year, and the COVID-19 pandemic has changed every facet of life — and has seemingly made time flow slower in some respects. But figuratively speaking, it took place ages ago, before the Green Bay Packers’ offensive resurgence, before Aaron Rodgers’ MVP-caliber season, before Davante Adams’ explosion, before the team earned the #1 seed in the NFC with a 13-3 record.
In fact, you can be forgiven if you forget for a time that he’s even on the roster and supposedly providing a threat to Rodgers’ job.
The Love pick was for the future. But the present is all that matters to the Packers, and the present involves beating the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFC Championship Game on Sunday. Rodgers isn’t looking any farther than that, and nor should he; this team is having too much fun, is too successful to worry about any of that.
Sure, the Packers will have tough decisions to make with their roster and free agents this offseason. Yes, the salary cap is an impending problem. But none of that matters over the next few days.
Let’s just enjoy the ride while it lasts.
Packers QB Aaron Rodgers is keeping team’s ‘eye on the prize’ | Packers.com
There's no looking ahead to the Super Bowl for this Packers team, not when it has lost three NFC Championship Games in the past six seasons. And there's certainly no looking ahead to the 2021 season or beyond.
Aaron Rodgers not feeling extra pressure, says his future is 'beautiful mystery' | ESPN
Indeed, Rodgers has no idea what's in store for him moving forward. But you can bet that the Packers won't be cutting him loose this offseason and turning the keys over to Jordan Love -- not after a likely MVP campaign.
Green Bay Packers pondering how to turn tables on Bucs' ILB tandem | Packersnews.com (subscription)
Will the cold weather (and maybe some snow) help nullify the speed of the Bucs' defense? Perhaps using more inside zone runs to go straight at them would be a better approach -- the Packers certainly had success that way last week against the Rams.
Packers' offensive line has thrived despite many obstacles – The Athletic (subscription)
The focus on the Packers' line shifts from the interior to the tackles this week, as the Bucs' edge rushers will be bringing the pressure.
Packers’ investment in pass-rushers could provide ultimate reward vs. Bucs | Packers Wire
In this week's Walkthroughs, multiple APC writers focused on the Packers' ability to pressure Tom Brady as the key to this week's game. Thankfully, they have a superstar in Za'Darius Smith, a stud interior rusher in Kenny Clark, and one of the hottest pass rushers in the NFL in Rashan Gary to lead the way.
Man broke into friend's home to steal tortoise, posted picture of himself with pet on social media - The Straits Times
Are you sure you want a tortoise? They can live for 100 years or more! Also, maybe don't post clear evidence of your crime to social media (though to be fair, a lot of people seem to need that advice lately).