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Craig Trapp
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What kind of expectations are there for theGreen BayPackers to repeat as champions? by Tony Karpinski
Firstly, let’s start off with an ecstatic cheer for the NFL football season getting geared up and ready to roll. I never considered the horrific thought that football wouldn’t start on time, and thankfully for all the fans, it will be, without missing a beat.
Welcome back NFL!
Now, onto the “Packer Backers.” Last season, the Pack made it into the playoffs with a 10-6 respectable record, placing 2nd in the division and grabbing their playoff berth via the 6th wild card slot. Outperforming some of the 2010 preseason favorites, like the Cowboys and the Vikings. Aaron Rodgers led his team into the playoffs with a breathtaking season. But now what does the future hold for them? Have they hit their pinnacle, are they done?
Now, granted, the majority of people would agree the Pack backed into the playoffs with some ridiculous help from one of the most astonishing plays in NFL history, when DeSean Jackson returned the punt 65 yards, and in effect, eliminated the Giants from the playoff race and put Green Bay in.
Over the last 20 seasons, since 1991, only 3 teams have repeated as champions the following season, for a measly 15% of the time. Not exactly odds I would be willing to bet the farm on. Besides the few rare repeaters, is the fact that only once, the reigning Super Bowl champion even gets to the big game following the year after winning it (improbably enough… it was Green Bay in 1997). Makes you think a little bit, doesn’t it? Odds are pretty strong against the cheeseheads.
Aaron Rodgers has a lot on his plate to take in this 2011 season. After last years campaign to greatness, with 28 touchdowns and 3,922 yards, and then capping it off with the Super Bowl MVP trophy after playing the lights out, going 24-39 with 304 yards in their 31-25 victory over the stubborn Pittsburgh Steelers.
Can they stay hungry? They did in fact; lose some key players on their team, most notably, injury prone, LB Nick Barnett and talented DT, Cullen Jenkins. They have a tricky schedule in the ever improving original “black and blue division,” NFC North. Opening up with The Saints, they play at the NY Giants, who surely would like some retribution. And they play atAtlanta, in a rematch game that carries bragging rights to it. The Pack can find themselves in some tough spots, which can play out tremendously as far as playoffs and how their season can be.
Last year, the Packers went into the season with the infamous and overused word.
Potential.
This year is another game entirely. They come in with an even scarier word.
Expectations.
Potential is easy to blow, it’s disappointing and always a let down. But screwing up expectations, now that’s a whole other class of let down.
Personally, I think the Pack will still be more than solid this season. Rodgers is without doubt in the top 3 in the NFL quarterback command, in the mix of the “big boy” names of Peyton and Brady. In fact, Rodgers actually passed for more yards than Brady last season, and threw less picks than Peyton. I don’t see Mr. Rodgers or the Packers slowing down much in 2011.
Super Bowl? We’ll have to see…anyway you look at it; it’s going to be another huge year of football!
Tony Karpinski contributes everything from NFL FREE WINNERS, to news, articles, and updates right here at www.aasiwins.com.
