Can the Green Bay Packers pull off a repeat of 2010?
By Evan Kenney
Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
For Green Bay Packers fans, the year 2010 was one we will never forget.
The entire season, up until the playoffs, was painful to watch, losing players left and right. We saw a team that lost Jermichael Finley, starting middle linebacker Nick Barnett, and quite a few other big names from that season. Luckily, the depth of that team showed, and the emergence of players such as Sam Shields, Desmond Bishop, and Tramon Williams helped Green Bay return the Lombardi Trophy to its true home.
Here we are in 2013, and many may wonder if the Packers can do the same thing they did three seasons ago?
I’m not one that usually believes in superstitions (OK, maybe the occasional knock on wood), but I do think it is possible Green Bay can get to MetLife Stadium this season, even if the next few games will be played without Aaron Rodgers.
Let’s look at the similarities between 2010 and 2013.
The loss of Jermichael Finley to a season-ending neck injury doesn’t help the Green Bay Packers, but it’s on of the similarities to 2010. Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports photograph
Injuries: Unfortunately, the Packers lost Finley to season-ending IR, again. Believe me, I would much rather attempt to win games with Finley in there, but if the superstition holds true, I suppose we will have to do it without him. You won’t find a single Packers fan who isn’t worried about playing without Aaron Rodgers. Recall 2010, when Rodgers suffered two concussions. I am thankful that this injury is not another concussion and that this injury is not season-ending. Furthermore, we should thank the football gods for staying away from his throwing shoulder.
Rising stars: 2010 was the year of the backup for the Green Bay Packers. This season, we are seeing some rising stars on this team. Jamari Lattimore has really come on strong for the defense. Even with Clay Matthews and Nick Perry hopefully returning this week, expect to see Lattimore get a good number of snaps. David Bakhtiari and Eddie Lacy are showing they were worthy of Ted Thompson‘s draft picks. A few more names we can continue to see produce are Micah Hyde, Mike Daniels, and newly-remodeled Johnny Jolly.
Struggling to win: In 2010, the Packers barely made it to the playoffs. Just about every game that season was a nail-bitter. Each loss was by four points or less. Weeks four and five were consecutive overtime losses. The Chicago Bears claimed the NFC North title that season, and split the series with the Pack 1-1. If I remember correctly, week 3 in 2010 was one of the most painful experiences of my life. The Packers committed more penalties than I can count, yet they still only lost by three. Finally, in week 17, the Bears had a chance to deny Green Bay the playoffs. The Pack came out victorious in a hard fought game, and from that point on Aaron Rodgers refused to lose.
So, if we follow superstition, since the Pack narrowly lost to the Bears in the first match-up of the year, that means they will win the second game (also week 17 – the same as 2010), and subsequently sweep the playoffs and win the Super Bowl, right?
Conclusion:
As mentioned before, I don’t normally follow superstitions. But hey, it can happen, right?
It has before and I certainly believe it can again.
Success lies at quarterback, and Seneca Wallace must show he can be a quality replacement for the time being. Perhaps he can follow the ways of Alex Smith and manage the next few games. Mike McCarthy will have to depend heavily on the run game and the defense in the coming weeks.