Lance Allan: Sports Glance with Lance
Packers Knock Another Pretender Away
Who Can Contend in the NFC?
No offense to Floyd Mayweather, but since he won't fight his main challenger, the Packers are feeling a little like Manny Pacquiao these days.
A champion without a true challenger.
In a game that the Falcons circled since the schedule came out, looking for revenge from an embarrassing playoff loss, and with Atlanta trying to prove they can match up in the NFC, only one thing became abundantly clear.
At this point, the Packers have no peer.
They say the true sign of a great team is that they don't even play their best game on the road, yet find a way to win.
The Packers did it by 11.
Red zone deficiencies? Covered by Mason Crosby's 4 field goals.
One starting tackle out, while the other injured during play? A second year player (Marshall Newhouse) and a rookie (Derek Sherrod) are helped by an elusive Aaron Rodgers who was sacked 4 times, yet is probably the most accurate quarterback I've ever seen on the run.
It all adds up to the Packers first 5-0 start since 1965, and counting the playoffs, an 11 game winning streak that is 1 shy of the franchise record 12 from 1961-62.
The Packers deserve their due. Now it's off to Miller Park for game 2 of the NLCS, and then St. Louis Tuesday. But for now, Green Bay earned some praise.
Follow me on twitter @lanceallan
This site uses Facebook comments to make it easier for you to contribute. If you see a comment you would like to flag for spam or abuse, click the "x" in the upper right of it. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use.