WIN AND THEY’RE IN: Packers get into playoffs with win over Detroit Lions

Doing a complete 180 on the season, the Green Bay Packers now sit one win away from making the playoffs, a scenario that seemed impossible as little as four weeks ago, when the team was 4-8.

A four-game win streak has propelled the Packers to a spot where they control their own destiny and has given the Packers a conceivable chance to make the playoffs.

After suffering a five-game losing streak (and a stretch of seven losses in eight games) in the middle of the regular season, many thought it would be more likely for the Packers to end up with a top 10 draft pick than a chance to win a Super Bowl. While fans and media members may have been down on the team, quarterback Aaron Rodgers never let his belief in the team waver.

“I felt like we were going to beat the Bears — Rams at home were a good matchup for us — Miami was a wild card, I thought, and the last two at home I thought would be winnable even though Minnesota obviously had a really good season,” said Rodgers, on where his mind was at when the team was 4-8. “Just dome teams in the winter, and the way we’ve played over the years in December and January, our record is pretty good with me starting.”

Throughout the four-game win streak it has become obvious that Green Bay has been re-energized, most notably on the defensive side of the ball. In fact, during the win streak the defense has created 12 turnovers and held teams to an average of 17 points per game, something that Packers head coach Matt LaFleur attributed to a recent string of productive practices.

“I think a big reason for our success has been throughout the course of the week,” said LaFleur. “Seeing the energy and the effort in practice and throughout the process of our preparation — I think it has been pivotal.”

With the improved defensive play, players like Jaire Alexander, Rasul Douglas and Kenny Clark are carrying momentum and swagger into the week 18 matchup against the Detroit Lions.

Alexander, who is never one to hide his emotions, made it very clear where his confidence level is, performing Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson’s touchdown celebration after knocking a pass away from Jefferson early in the game in week 17.

Rodgers added to that swagger in the game against the Vikings, performing a more subtle version of his signature “championship belt” celebration after scoring a 2-yard rushing touchdown.

Even with the four-game win streak and a very realistic shot to make the playoffs, there is still one more obstacle — the Lions. For the Packers, it’s simple — win and you are in, lose and you are out.

Beating the Lions may be easier said than done, as just like Green Bay, the Lions were counted out of the playoff picture early in the season. Starting 1-6, including a 29-0 loss to New England, the Lions have won seven out of their last nine games to keep playoff hopes alive.

“They’ve come all the way back to 8-8, and there will be a lot on the line for both teams,” said Rodgers. “It’ll be exciting to line up against them.”

Rodgers also touched on the adversity that the Packers have faced this year, with seemingly everybody outside of the players and staff having little to no faith in the team. He noted that players have filled into their roles this year, often getting asked to do much more than was projected in training camp.

“Look at the guys that made plays today: (Darnell Savage) had a pick six; he was benched for a number of games. Zach Tom played his fourth different position for us — right tackle,” said Rodgers.

“Christian Watson after nine games, you’re thinking well, you know, maybe next year he’ll kind of step into his own. Allen Lazard and his consistency, A.J. Dillon and his consistency. David Bakhtiari coming back after a myriad of injuries, being just so consistent at left tackle. This is the identity that we thought we were going to have. It just took a long, long time to get there.”

These players aren’t the only ones who have been doing more than they were asked to do this year, as Rodgers himself has faced adversity this year and found himself in a slightly different role. He has become a stronger leader and a stronger voice in the locker room this year, which was probably needed with so much inexperience across the team and a decline in play from the quarterback.

“It hasn’t been my best football at times. But I have been asked to step up my leadership and be someone that the guys can count on to keep it together even when it doesn’t seem like there is anything to play for,” said Rodgers.

LaFleur noted the importance of Rodgers’ leadership, saying every team needs a quarterback who can provide the spark and energy to bring success.

“The quarterback’s energy is absolutely imperative to the success of your club,” said LaFleur. “I think (Rodgers) has done an outstanding job leading our group and talking to our team. Talking to our guys. Talking to our young guys — leading. So, I’m super proud of how he’s handled everything.”

lreimer@newmedia-wi.com