The Green Bay Packers may not have been able to better themselves by winning or losing against the Detroit Lions on Sunday, but it's how they played the game that counts the most.
The Packers scored on their first three possessions, which led to a 34-13 trouncing of the Lions at Lambeau Field.
Mike McCarthy deactivated seven starters for the game, but it mattered little against the Lions, who have struggled mightily since jumping off to a 6-2 start. Detroit finished 7-9.
The Packers were coming off a bad loss to the Bears in Chicago. So it was important that they at least play well and that they did. Brett Favre tossed a couple of touchdown passes and the Packers rushed for over 200 yards as a team in the win.
They'll take four days off and won't return to practice until Friday. It's important that they have a good taste in their mouths, being away for that length of time. It wouldn't have done the Packers any good to sit and wonder about their future playoff fate. The Packers know they're coming off a solid effort and can now enjoy their time off without wondering what's in store next.
The Packers finished the regular season 13-3. The 13 wins ties a franchise record. It's another remarkable achievement for a team that most people figured would maybe compete for a wildcard playoff spot, but little more.