Lance Allan: Sports Glance with Lance
Things You Like About the Packers Postseason Chances
And Things You Fear
Let's face facts...next weekend when the Packers play the Cards, it's the perfect opportunity to extend your New Year's celebration, because the game won't mean much beyond how long the Packers play their starters, and if they are a 5 seed...or a 6 seed.
So let's just move ahead two weeks, and see what bodes well, and what could be a warning sign as the playoffs begin.
1. 5 rushing TD's for the first time since Oct. 9, 1988 vs. the Patriots? Where did this rushing attack and o-line come from? But if they average 4.8 per carry, and Daryn Colledge seals off not one but two defenders and Quinn Johnson buries a linebacker like he did on Ryan Grant's long TD run...that Packers offense will have balance that will be hard to throw off.
2. If the Cardinals are the first round opponent, you like your chances. This year, Arizona is up and down more than a yo yo. You don't know what team will show up, but inconsistent teams can be beaten. And the track record of teams in the following year after they lose the Super Bowl, not good.
3. The defensive swagger is back. 4 INT's, tremendous. And man, I'd send Johnny Jolly to Texas at the beginning of every week if he's going to play like that. Plus Charles Woodson saying in the locker room that by looking at the Seahawks formation, he told Atari Bigby where to be for a pick. That is a defense very sure of their surroundings.
4. The Vikings already worried about a rematch. Who knows if it happens. But wouldn't that be sweet? It just seems like it's headed for that 3rd time's a charm NFL fantasy ratings bonaza at some point.
Things you fear:
1. Facing the Eagles at any point. With the Saints fading and the Vikings in turmoil, Philly is the best team in the NFC right now. It would be best to avoid them off the bat.
2. If the Cardinals are the first round opponent, you are nervous. I know, I said you like their chances a few paragraphs ago. But the Cards strength at receiver against the Packers weakness in the secondary? Steve Breaston against Jarrett Bush? Anyone else having cold sweats about that?
3. Derrick Martin's injury. Don't laugh. The leading tackler on special teams means this unit could give up big momentum changing plays at the worst possible times.
4. Road rules. Sure, the Packers posted 2 of their 5 losses at home. But going to Philly, I don't like their chances. Going to Minnesota? Sure, it's hard to beat a team 3 times in one year, but there are distinct reasons why the Pack didn't win the first two times. The Saints? Vulnerable, but hard to beat at home. Cowboys and Cards are beatable. But with the Pack only having a home playoff game if they're the 5 seed and host the 6 seed in the NFC Championship game...it's a long and tough road to Miami for the Super Bowl. But the Packers know it can be done. Just think back to 2 years ago...when the Giants won 3 straight away from home, including a deflating loss at Lambeau in the NFC Championship Game...and then, shocked the world by beating the undefeated Patriots.
Emails at lallan@todaystmj4.com
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