Like Aaron Rodgers said earlier in the week, it might not be pretty, but the job will still get done. That it did as the Packers were able to overcome even more injuries to beat the Cleveland Browns 31-13 at Lambeau Field and take over first place in the NFC North.
The Packers lost Jermichael Finley to what at first glance looks like it could be a career ending neck injury to what was already an injury depleted receiving corps. Incredibly Jarrett Boykin stepped up and caught eight balls for 103 yards and a touchdown. That same guy looked like a deer in headlights last week in Baltimore.
Record-wise the Packers are sitting pretty good at 4-2 and only have three teams with winning records on their remaining schedule. That would be the Bears, Lions and Cowboys.
The Packers head to Minnesota next week for their second division game of the year and then face the Bears in Lambeau. Certainly that is an opportunity to take control of the NFC North but with all the injuries you have to wonder if the Packers will have the horses to do it.
What a strange year it has become. Thankfully Aaron Rodgers is still standing so anything is still possible. Finley’s loss is probably the biggest blow of all though. While his health is obviously the main concern here, his loss to an offense already without out Randall Cobb and James Jones will be immeasurable.
This is not how I expected the Packers to end up 7-9 this year, but I guess that is what makes the NFL so unpredictable. I almost feel like the way the Packers were able to win this game today is reminiscent of their Super Bowl run three years ago. The only problem is there are too many games left to play. No way they can overcome these injuries for 10 more games plus playoffs.
I am very impressed with today’s win. I guess we should do like head coach Mike McCarthy says – “keep calm and carry on”. OK, I will.