OH! How the “Inaccurate Reception” still haunts the Packers…

While I was (I feel, rightfully) infuriated over the (non)TD non-catch/MD Jennings interception, I never thought that it would play a huge factor in the NFC playoff race, but it may now become mammoth. Aside from the obvious extra loss for the Packers, the Seahawks have a real chance to win the NFC West if they can beat the 49ers at home next weekend.

That, in and of itself, is immaterial if the Packers can manage to win out. Road games against the Bears and Vikings stand in their way and those games are always difficult within the division. It would be wonderful if the Packers could ‘drop’ one of those games and still get a 1^st round bye, but as nice as that would have been, it was most likely lost in Seattle. And while winning out is still a possibility, I don’t expect the Packers to win against both the Bears and the Vikings and it all comes down to numbers and the numbers don’t favor the Pack.

NO Team has gone unbeaten in their division 2 years in a row since the current 4 division alignment was adopted in 2002. NONE, ZERO, NIL, NADA! This period includes the 16-0 Patriots and the dominant Colts. I’m not positive that it hasn’t ever happened, but in today’s NFL it just does not happen. Sadly, that means the Packers are likely lose to either the Bears or the Vikes, it’s just what the numbers say. The good news is that they will win the division with a win against either team as long as they beat the Titans at Lambeau.

On to my main point, the “Inaccurate Reception”: Seattle has been coming on strong with wins against the Bears (thank you!) and an annihilation of the Cards. If they can beat the 49ers next week in the Thunder (retractable) Dome, they will almost surely finish at 11-5 and win the NFC West. This could end up being a HUGE travesty for the Packers, not only robbing them of a bye week, but forcing them to go back on the road to play in Seattle again.

I was in Seattle for the game in September, 10 rows up in the now infamous end zone, and I saw the play. I have been to many stadiums and it is, without question, the loudest place I’ve ever been to see a game, even when Packer fans were abundant. Playing the Seahawks at home after they’ve had a bye will be as difficult as was in September only more so. The energy of the crowd will be amped up for a playoff game, period. Then consider the fact that their fans won’t be selling 1/3 of their tickets to Packers fans and factor in that nearly all of them believe Golden Tate caught that ball when anyone with access to the internet knows otherwise.

A Packer win this week will go a long way toward allaying my concerns, but the true impact of the “Inaccurate Reception” may not yet be complete.

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I’m hoping that today’s match-ups between the Giants and Falcons and Steelers and Broncos instill a bit more interest.

Yesterday’s Bengals vs. Texans was entertaining for one half before Houston literally ran away from Cincy. And as for the Lions vs. Saints … we all knew deep down how that game was going to turn out. The Lions are missing many pieces … and Mr. Suh was completely invisible. Clearly, the New Orleans was the best team playing yesterday and will probably show that, with the Packers, stand head and shoulders above the rest of the field.

So, with the Giants getting set to kick-off with the Falcons, I have a feeling that somehow Mr. Manning will find a way to win this one … but does it matter to the Packers? Probably not. I feel they will be ready next weekend for whichever team steps on the Lambeau Field turf.

So, without any more hype, who wins today?

Take the poll and enjoy the games.

For me, the best game of the weekend, in addition to the Falcons/Giants matchup, is the Lions vs. Saints. As much as most Packers fans would like to see the Lions somehow come out of New Orleans with a win, it most likely won’t happen.

Needless to say, either the Saints or Lions will have their hands full when they have to travel to San Francisco and face that stout defense.

It should be an entertaining weekend, but before it gets started let’s see who you think will come out on the other side as winners.

Take the poll, grab some snacks and beverages, sit back, relax and watch the games.

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But we here in Packers Nation certainly won’t stand for the trash talkin’ Niners fans putting down the best team in the NFL and a team that is headed toward history.

That’s why Hamm and I have agreed to start sharing our thoughts about the possibility of a 49ers vs. Packers playoff and some of the things that will have to happen to bring that to fruition.

Today we start with a look at each team’s final four games. While cautious about how things will turn out for the Packers, I feel that Hamm is taking it a bit too far in claiming the 49ers will have the home field advantage. The Packers have ways to go yet, but they are WELL on their way to proving not only to 49ers fans, but the entie NFL that they will be the team to beat.

So, after the jump you will find my column followed by Hamm’s. Enjoy them both.

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