QB Aaron Rodgers UPI/Bill Greenblatt
It would be hard for Green Bay Packers fans to buy into quarterback Aaron Rodgers latest predictions. After all, the those fans have just witnessed their team losing four straight games and the injuries continue to grow.
On Sunday, Rodgers said he was very optimistic about the Packers ability to turn their season around. On Wednesday, Rodgers was asked what he meant.
“I feel like we can run the table, I really do,” Rodgers said. “The offense is starting to click a little bit more, we’ve just got to put together a game where we’re more consistent from the first snap to the last. We’ve been, I think, getting closer to that. We’ve really been clicking, at times, in the last few games.
Rodgers said it’s important that they get going early, unlike the Washington game last week when the Packers started with three three-and-outs to open the game.
Rodgers feels good about the offense, especially after getting tight end Jared Cook back. He had six catches for 105 yards and a touchdown.
The Packers now know they won’t have Eddie Lacy back, but the Packers will begin to see what they have in running back Christine Michael. Packers coach Mike McCarthy said Michael, who was inactive last week, will get his first chance with the Packers when they take on the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday night.
Wide receiver Jordy Nelson said Rodgers comments aren’t just a pipe dream.
“I think everyone in here probably believes that, to be honest,” Nelson said. “That’s how we started the year. I don’t think I’ve ever been part of a team here where we went into a game thinking there’s no way we’re going to win this game, even if our backs are against the wall.
Nelson compared this season to 2010, when the Packers were 8-6 with two weeks left and in danger of missing the playoffs. There was also heat on coach Mike McCarthy. The Packers went on to win the last two games, made the playoffs as a wildcard team and went on to win the Super Bowl.
Given the Packers limitations on defense, it may be up to Rodgers to play some of his best football. The offense will have to play better and start faster to have any chance of making the playoffs, let alone running the table.