Comparing The Packers SB 45 Victory To The Eagles in Super Bowl 52

I was rooting for the Eagles in the Super Bowl because the last time they won the NFL Championship it was in Vince Lombardi's second season as the Green Bay Packers head coach. It was also the only time Lombardi lost a playoff game (9-1).

This is actual a photo of the last time the #Eagles won a championship; the year was 1960, it was at the University of Pennsylvania's Franklin Field (academic buildings are in the background) and they beat 2nd year head coach Vince Lombardi and the Packers, 17-13. #SuperBowl pic.twitter.com/zsfgoCyWsc

— ⅔ Of My Face is a Cat (@snowballmaggie) February 5, 2018

The Eagles had been waiting a long time for another championship.

Back to the present, Super Bowl 52 reminded me a little of the Packers win over the Steelers in Super Bowl 45 because of the moment when there was about 2 minutes left in the 4th quarter. Not that it means anything in particular, it was just an interesting memory I had while watching.

In Super Bowl 45, the Packers had a long 5 minute scoring drive late in the 4th quarter to extend their lead to 6 points. But then the Steelers had the ball back with just under 2 minutes remaining and a touchdown would win them the game. Fortunately the Packers' defense held them to only 20 yards on that final drive and forced a turnover on downs. At first it looked like the Packers left too much time on the clock for Ben Roethlisberger but the defense held on for the victory.

In Super Bowl 52, a long 7 minute touchdown drive late in the 4th quarter gave the Eagles a 5 point lead. But they left the Patriots with 2:21 remaining and a touchdown would lose the Eagles the game. That's too much time for Tom Brady. But just as in Super Bowl 45, the defense came up with the plays they needed to win, this time a strip sack and a knocked down Hail Mary attempt in the final seconds.

The Eagles sack that forced a Tom Brady fumble was the turning point in a memorable #SBLII. https://t.co/XmObG4XWfA pic.twitter.com/6rUnrsgD80

— NESN (@NESN) February 5, 2018 

Packers (5-6) End Losing Streak, Beat Eagles in Philly, 27-13

The Green Bay Packers entered their Monday night game on a four game losing streak. The Eagles were ranked No. 2 overall in DVOA according to Football Outsiders and were far and away the best team at home this season. So, of course, the Packers were in control for the entire game and cruised to a 27-13 victory. Unfortunately there were a couple of dark clouds.

Rodgers: I hurt my hamstring on the first drive in the second half when I was extending the play...I'll be good to go. #GBvsPHI

— Green Bay Packers (@packers) November 29, 2016

And LB Clay Matthews injured his shoulder. He's not the same player anymore but with all the injuries at ILB (both Jake Ryan and Blake Martinez missed this game) it would be a huge loss if he couldn't play next week. I'd think Rodgers's hamstring injury would have to be very bad for him to miss any playing time, but it should limit his ability to run as he had been doing all season.

This might have been the offense's best game of the season, though they still can't run the ball (even with their 1st rushing TD from a running back). Rookie RG Jason Spriggs had his first NFL start in place of T.J. Lang, and he was asked to take on All Pro DT Fletcher Cox. He struggled, he was pushed deep into the backfield on multiple plays and Cox got free on a stunt that led to a personal foul, but later in the game C Corey Linsley started helping on double-teams. I was ready to give up on WR Davante Adams after the first three weeks but he keeps getting better as the season goes on, though he still doesn't have the break out speed to separate on deep routes. RB Christine Michael was only in for a few snaps and the sooner he can earn the trust of the offensive coaches for more playing time, the better. Considering how well the Eagles's defense has been this season, this was a spectacular game for the offense.

The defense wasn't epic (13 points, 292 yards allowed) but it looked epic in comparison to what's been on the field over the past four weeks. During that four game slide, they faced three Top 10 pass offenses, according to Football Outsiders (Falcons #3, Redskins #6, Titans #8), and all three shredded them. Their loss to the Colts will stand out all season long as one in which they just didn't show up as a team, but those three road games, against top pass offenses while their own secondary was dealing with injuries, was a disaster. The return of CB Damarious Randall helped, but the Eagles were missing a bunch of skill players (RB Ryan Mathews, WR Nelson Agholor; WR Jordan Matthews was injured during the game) and turned a weak offense into a toothless one.

The Eagles entered this game ranked No. 22 overall in pass offense according to Football Outsiders. The Packers' remaining opponents (Texans-No. 32, Seahawks-No. 7, Bears-No. 21, Vikings-No. 14, Lions-No. 9) don't have nearly the passing firepower as the Falcons, Redskins and Titans. The Seahawks remain a tough match-up, but the Seahawks and Eagles are ranked about the same by DVOA (No. 1 and No. 2 according to Football Outsiders entering this week) and the Packers were in control for nearly the entire game in Philly. There's no reason they can't do it again in two weeks against the Seahawks in Lambeau. While the Vikings and Lions present some problems, the fact that neither of those teams can run the ball at all is a big help.

Aaron Rodgers thinks the Packers can win out. https://t.co/3YOoIp6EB3 pic.twitter.com/1oH0sklvbs

— Rob Demovsky (@RobDemovsky) November 23, 2016

It's not likely that they'll actually win out and finish 10-6 but their win over the Eagles showed it's possible. One step at a time, beat the Texans next week and we'll see.

Matthews: I'll Play Without Limitations Sunday

Packers LB Clay Matthews said that the groin injury that's limited him in practice this week shouldn't affect his involvement Sunday.

"I was a little sore after the game in regards to the injury with my groin and everything," Matthews told The Green Bay Press-Gazette today. "I was able to do a lot more today than I was yesterday and obviously we don't work on Friday, that's our rehab day. I feel good. So, I don't think there were will be any limitations going into this weekend."

Hopefully that statement is true, as Matthews has collected 13 tackles and two sacks in the team's last two games. He's also recorded three assists, helping the Packers stay undefeated at home.

Rodgers Assures Media After Victory Over Eagles: "This Isn't Easy"

Many would agree, though, you make it seem so.

Packers QB Aaron Rodgers told the media after yesterday's 53-20 blowout of the Eagles that what he and the team are doing right now isn't easy.

"This is not easy," he assured the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. "This is a tough job. A lot of preparation goes into it, a lot of guys working together. It takes all 11."

Be that as it may, Rodgers is clearly one of the more important ones on the field. In Green Bay's last two games alone, he's thrown 9 TD and 0 INT, helping the Pack out-score their opponents 108-34.

Basically, the stats don't appear to support his modesty here, as necessary as it is.

Reaction: Packers Blowout Eagles to Move into First Place Tie

The Packers walked all over the Eagles 53-20 today in a fashion most probably didn't see coming. Here are my takeaways from it:

1. The Packers are the best team in the North:

After today, that seems clear enough. I know Mark Sanchez was starting, but wow, 53 points.

2. Mason Crosby:

I know the Packers won here by 33, but that doesn't mean Crosby looked particularly sharp. He barely made two short attempts, missed a usually-automatic 50-yarder, and had an extra point blocked. Might be something to think about.

3. Now the Road:

If this team is as elite as they seem, they'll do this same thing next week in Minnesota. Just getting a close victory would prove they're only good at home.

Leave your thoughts below.

Eagles/Packers Final Prediction

My final prediction for tomorrow's Packers/Eagles game:

Score: Packers 31, Eagles 21

I've liked Mark Sanchez' play in recent weeks, but since the contest's still at Lambeau I just can't see his team winning. I think they'll make it close, but in the end, the Packers will end up emerging victorious for the second week in a row. 

Why?

Because Aaron Rodgers has been great lately and the defense has shown a lot of improvement. I expect Clay Matthews to record at least one sack, and for Green Bay to intercept at least one pass. Again, this one'll be close, but I just can't see the Packers suddenly losing on their home field.

Leave your thoughts below on how accurate you think mine are.

Forecast Predicts 30% Chance of Snow For Sunday's Game

Weather.com is reporting that there is a 30% chance of snow for Sunday's Packers/Eagles game. 

As for the temperature, the site also said that Green Bay's high for the day is just 29 degrees, while the low is 16. 15-mile-per-hour winds are also expected around kickoff, which was moved from noon to 3:25 earlier this month. 

In other words, it will be pretty cold during the contest, so make sure to wear plenty of layers if you're going. You don't want to be at Lambeau when it's freezing out, regardless of how much the Packers are winning.

Packers Listed as 6 Point Favorites for Sunday's Eagles Game

The Packers have been listed as six point favorites for Sunday's Eagles game.

The Packers are coming off Sunday's 41-point blowout of the Bears, and currently sit at a perfect 4-0 at home. The Eagles, meanwhile, are 2-2 on the road. 

Green Bay was seven point favorites for last week's game against Chicago, making this line a little strange. The Eagles have too been playing well lately, beating up the Panthers Monday despite having to start Mark Sanchez.

Sanchez is also expected to play this week, something that should give the Pack the advantage if their defense can dominate again.

Packers to Wear Throwback Uniforms Sunday

The Packers will wear throwback uniforms in Sunday's game against the Eagles, The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel's Tyler Dunne reports.

The jerseys, which are navy blue with a yellow circle in the center containing the player's number, will be accompanied by an all-yellow helmet. The Packers also wore those last year when they blew out the Browns in Jermichael Finley's infamous neck injury contest.  

In previous seasons, though, the Packers have usually stuck with the brown ones pictured above, which are meant to simulate old leather helmets. As Dunne notes, they first dawned the set in a 2010 meeting with the 49ers. 

Week 11 Packers/Eagles Game's Start Time Pushed Back to 3:25 p.m.

The start time for Week 11's game between the Eagles and Packers at Lambeau Field has been pushed back to 3:25 p.m., ESPN.com's Rob Demovsky reports.

The network which will air the contest, FOX, originally protected it in order too keep it from switching to primetime, but the league has gone ahead and done so anyway, Demovsky writes.

The league also moved the Vikings/Bears matchup of the same day from FOX to CBS in a related move, just in case you were wondering. It is too set to start at noon, where it will justifiably stay.

Looking Ahead in the Schedule: Will the Packers Lose Again in the Regular Season?

The question's right there: will the Packers lose again this regular season? In my opinion, no, they won't.

Just look at their schedule. Granted, nothing's guaranteed with this team, but considering their only actual hard games left come at Lambeau against the Eagles and Patriots (maybe the Lions, too) the rest of 2014 definitely appears favorable for three time-defending NFC North Champs. Add onto those matchups visits to three weak teams in the Bills, Buccaneers, and Vikings and walk-in-the-parks at home against the Bears and Falcons also scheduled, and I think we can all agree these next two months will be fun to watch, and very likely undefeated.

Sorry this opinion post was short, but I just had to point something positive out here. You guys are welcome.

Matthews fined $15,750 by league for "roughing" Nick Foles

Well, this just keeps getting better and better. Apparently, Packers LB Clay Matthews has been fined $15,750 by the league for a stupid "roughing" penalty on Nick Foles in last week's loss to the Eagles. Now the hit was somewhat harsh, but it definitely wasn't fine-worthy. I'm fine with the 15 yard penalty, but for Matthews to be fined a penny because of this is absolutely ridiculous. 

So yea, the NFL's concussion paranoia is apparently not slowing down. In my opinion, sometime in the next decade we as a society are just gonna have to decide if football's worth it anymore. Right now, it seems to be a choice between two-hand touch and killing each other. 

Who should the Packers start this weekend?

Earlier this week, in an article published by Bleacher Report, Packers head coach Mike McCarthy let the world know that he plans to start third-string QB Scott Tolzein in this Sunday's game against the Giants. However, now that Matt Flynn's back on the roster after brief failures in Seattle, Oakland, and Buffalo, that decision could change. So, since I have no insider info on this topic, I'll just give my opinion on this piece of news. I think that it would be stupid of the Packers to let Tolzein play this weekend. While it's true that he was okay against the Eagles, that was just one game and he's still just a third-stringer. As far as I'm concerned, he hasn't proven anything. Flynn, however, does know how to play the game of NFL Football and, despite his recent struggles, is still overall a solid arm with plenty of potential. So, who'd you rather have start? The guy with experience who has thrown 6 TDs in a game before, or the guy who has played one game ever that he lost by 14 points? Seriously, who'd you have play?

Why the Packers can still win today

On Tuesday, the Packers were listed as 10 point favorites for their game this afternoon against the Philadelphia Eagles(game will start at Noon CT and air on FOX). By Wednesday, that number had fallen to a still solid, 2.5. But on Friday, it went all the way down to 1. And now today, it has dropped all the way to an awful, -1.5. 

That's right, the Packers are now listed as underdogs for this contest, a home one against a below .500 team. Now when I saw that, I had to deny it. The Eagles simply aren't good enough to beat the Packers at Lambeau, even if Rodgers doesn't play. Why? Because the Pack's running game has been great recently while Philly currently possesses the worst defense in the league. So, knowing that, isn't it reasonable to believe that Eddie Lacy and James Starks will have big games today, especially since they both were so good last week against another bad defensive team in the Bears? I think it is. So yea, keep in mind that, while this game will definitely be close, the Packers winning is still very possible.  

By the way, this post was the 1000th published one in this site's history. Congratulations, Brandon. 

Matthews probable to play tomorrow

According to Fox Sports, Packers LB Clay Matthews, who returned to practice just two days ago, is listed as probable to play in tomorrow's home game against the Eagles. Matthews has been out since week 5, when he broke his thumb in a win over the Lions. 

In my opinion, this news couldn't be better. If Matthews doesn't play this week, the Packers defense will almost certainly struggle. But now that #52's likely to suit up, I see the D putting up a decent performance tomorrow. It probably won't be great, but it just might be good enough to win. 

Injured Packers LBs Clay Matthews and Nick Perry finally return to practice

According to the Green Bay Packers Official Blog, Packers LBs Clay Matthews and Nick Perry, who have missed the team's last 4 and 3 games respectively, returned to practice yesterday on a limited basis. Matthews is currently recovering from a broken thumb he suffered Week 5, while Perry is coming back from a foot injury he suffered Week 6. 

In my opinion, these two guys playing on Sunday is needed for the team to win. Against the Bears, the Pack's defense was absolutely terrible, so having these two back definitely would help. It wouldn't necessarily be a quick fix to all of their defensive problems, but it wouldn't hurt. 

Packers listed as just 2.5 point favorites for this Sunday's Eagles game

No surprise here as the Packers, now without star QB Aaron Rodgers, have been listed as just 2.5 point favorites for their game this Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles are just 4-5, but beat up the Raiders pretty good last week, 49-20, behind 7 TD passes from Nick Foles. So if you think this game's gonna be an easy win, you're wrong. 

In my opinion, the Pack will be able to pull this one out as long as they play well on defense. For the past few years, Green Bay just never tried on D. So far this season, that's kinda changed, but in Monday's game against the Bears, everything that's been going right lately started going wrong again. They left receivers open, they didn't rush the QB enough, and most importantly, they couldn't get themselves off the field. Maybe it's just me, but the Bears picked up a lot of first downs Monday night by just throwing to open guys. That can't happen on Sunday. They gotta come in with a better game plan and maybe, just maybe, they'll be able to win. 

Packers LB Matthews could return as soon as November 10

According to ESPN.com's Rob Demovsky, Packers LB Clay Matthews, who has been out since the team's Week 5 win over the Lions due to a broken thumb, will have the pins removed from that injured thumb November 4 and, if all goes well, could return as early as November 10. On that day, the Pack will be hosting the struggling Eagles at home, so if Matthews is still not back by then I think they'll be fine. 

Despite the fact that they'll almost definitely win that game, having #52 back would be nice. He's just fun to watch whether you root for Green Bay or not.