2020-21 NFL Season

[Dr. Blackheart]

So, is a generational talent like AR and the Pack, going just 1-4 in NFC championships with one Super Bowl win with him at the helm, a bigger disappointment than the 1985 Bears in terms of unfulfilled legacies? 

No wonder AR is upset.

[MUBurrow]

Rodgers said yesterday that had he known they would have kicked on the 8, he would have run the ball.  I think he should have anyway.  He likely doesn't get in but they are inside the five.

You could tell that entire drive was rife with indeicison, right up to the point Crosby's fg split the uprights.  It wasn't a hurry up, out of fear of leaving TB too much time.  But LaFleur also wasn't willing to run clock in case they didn't get in or didn't get the 2 pt conversion. La Fleur was in clock no man's land, and he sort of just never made any decision and then boom, the game was over.  Always easy to second guess, but in addition to Rodgers not tucking it on 3rd down, the playcalling in the redzone seemed really uncreative/clock conservative too.

[StillAWarrior]

I'm not a Tom Brady fan. At all. But, knowing how competitive people like he and Belichick are, I'm guessing Brady is feeling pretty vindicated right about now.

I'm not saying it's justified...but I'm sure he's feeling pretty good.

[Lennys Tap]

So a team coming off of a Super Bowl and pretty much a lock for the 1 seed in the Playoffs for the last month of the season played uninspiring football for the last month of the season and are now dominating the playoffs, with the exception of the 1.5 quarters their future HOF quarterback missed.

But maybe the Falcons and Jets are almost as good of football teams as the Chiefs.

The last month of the season? Seriously? The last time the Chiefs won a game by more than 6 points before yesterday was November 1st against the mighty NY Jets. That’s two and three quarter months ago, basically the last 60% of the season.

Carolina, Atlanta, Denver and the Jets all suck. The Raiders and Chargers do too. But the greatest team ever either squeaked by them or lost outright to them over the past 2.5 months. Your eye test just isn’t borne out by the facts.

[The Hippie Satan of Hyperbole]

So, is a generational talent like AR and the Pack, going just 1-4 in NFC championships with one Super Bowl win with him at the helm, a bigger disappointment than the 1985 Bears in terms of unfulfilled legacies? 

No wonder AR is upset.

I don't think history treats the Bears as an "unfulfilled legacy" as time goes on.  And I don't think time will treat the Rodgers era, or the back to back Favre/Rodgers that way as well.  Time tends to treat people more positively.

As a Packer fan, it sucks no doubt.  But it's better than 0-4ing in Super Bowls like the Vikings and Bills, and better than being a fan of a perennial disappointing team like the Lions.  Rodgers has played a lot of great football with dozens of memorable moments.  I will choose to remember those.

[The Hippie Satan of Hyperbole]

You could tell that entire drive was rife with indeicison, right up to the point Crosby's fg split the uprights.  It wasn't a hurry up, out of fear of leaving TB too much time.  But LaFleur also wasn't willing to run clock in case they didn't get in or didn't get the 2 pt conversion. La Fleur was in clock no man's land, and he sort of just never made any decision and then boom, the game was over.  Always easy to second guess, but in addition to Rodgers not tucking it on 3rd down, the playcalling in the redzone seemed really uncreative/clock conservative too.

I thought the playcalling was even worse in the two drives after the Jaire interceptions.  They moved away from what got them the last touchdown - controlled passing game.  Both had "kill shot" type 20+ yard passes, and (I believe) running attempts that went nowhere.  Then relied on Rodgers to make a couple of tough 3rd down conversions, which he didn't do.  (Granted I am not sure if that was play calling or Rodgers audibling too.)

I think that entire fourth quarter was FULL of missed opportunities.

[cheebs09]

Once I watched the Bills 30 for 30, I stopped getting too down on “wasting” Rodgers prime. It’s really hard to win a Super Bowl. Other than NE, it’s not like there’s a ton of QBs with multiple Super Bowls in that time. Ben and Elite Eli. Both won their first before Rodgers was a starter.

The two previous NFCC games I didn’t have high hopes for the Packers. I thought we were a clear step below. This one stings because I thought they were better than Tampa.

[wadesworld]

The last month of the season? Seriously? The last time the Chiefs won a game by more than 6 points before yesterday was November 1st against the mighty NY Jets. That’s two and three quarter months ago, basically the last 60% of the season.

Carolina, Atlanta, Denver and the Jets all suck. The Raiders and Chargers do too. But the greatest team ever either squeaked by them or lost outright to them over the past 2.5 months. Your eye test just isn’t borne out by the facts.

The fact is they're on their way to a 17-2 season and back to back Super Bowls.  I never claimed they were the greatest team ever.  They're definitely the best I've ever seen, though.  Or at least was old enough to remember having seen.

[MU82]

Best long-stretch teams I've seen since I've been old enough to know better (chronological order):

1972-73 Dolphins

1974-79 Steelers

1985 Bears

1988-89 49ers

1992-95 Cowboys

2001-04 Patriots

One thing all of those teams had in common is that they were excellent for a long time in the years before, after and/or between championships.

For example, the Dolphins made the playoffs for the first time in 1970, lost SB6 the following year, capped the only undefeated season in NFL history by winning SB7, absolutely dominated the league en route to a decisive win in SB8, and lost an epic playoff game to Oakland in 1974. That's a 5-year run for a team filled with HOF players. The Chiefs aren't there, at least not yet.

The Steelers won 4 SBs in 6 years, first with one of the dominant defenses ever and then with a spectacular offense. The Aikman-Smith-Irvin Cowboys won 3 SBs in 4 years and were a great team for a long time. In addition to the back-to-back SBs, the 49ers won 2 other SBs in the '80s and were still competing with the Cowboys (and winning yet another SB) well into the '90s; until Brady came along Montana was considered GOAT by many. The Patriots, I probably could have included 12-15 years in their greatness.

The Bears only won the single SB, but their 85 team was as dominant as any team ever and the franchise owned its division for a decade.

KC has a chance to stake its claim among these greats. First let's see what they do in two weeks. Then let's see what they do for the next couple/few years.

One thing for sure: These Chiefs sure are fun to watch. Mahomes is a blast - both supremely talented and extraordinarily exciting. I hope this proves to be a "generational team," because that means Mahomes will have stayed healthy and effective for years.

[JWags85]

I thought it was kind of wild that KC played the AFC title game at home 3 years in row, no other AFC team had done it.  The only other NFC team to do it (or at least most recent)...Andy Reid in Philly.

Really happy the Chiefs are doing what they’re doing cause Reid is an awesome coach and a great guy who has always had baffling time/end of game situations tarnish what is really a pretty incredible coaching resume

[The Big East]

Best long-stretch teams I've seen since I've been old enough to know better (chronological order):

1972-73 Dolphins

1974-79 Steelers

1985 Bears

1988-89 49ers

1992-95 Cowboys

2001-04 Patriots

One thing all of those teams had in common is that they were excellent for a long time in the years before, after and/or between championships.

For example, the Dolphins made the playoffs for the first time in 1970, lost SB6 the following year, capped the only undefeated season in NFL history by winning SB7, absolutely dominated the league en route to a decisive win in SB8, and lost an epic playoff game to Oakland in 1974. That's a 5-year run for a team filled with HOF players. The Chiefs aren't there, at least not yet.

The Steelers won 4 SBs in 6 years, first with one of the dominant defenses ever and then with a spectacular offense. The Aikman-Smith-Irvin Cowboys won 3 SBs in 4 years and were a great team for a long time. In addition to the back-to-back SBs, the 49ers won 2 other SBs in the '80s and were still competing with the Cowboys (and winning yet another SB) well into the '90s; until Brady came along Montana was considered GOAT by many. The Patriots, I probably could have included 12-15 years in their greatness.

The Bears only won the single SB, but their 85 team was as dominant as any team ever and the franchise owned its division for a decade.

KC has a chance to stake its claim among these greats. First let's see what they do in two weeks. Then let's see what they do for the next couple/few years.

One thing for sure: These Chiefs sure are fun to watch. Mahomes is a blast - both supremely talented and extraordinarily exciting. I hope this proves to be a "generational team," because that means Mahomes will have stayed healthy and effective for years.

I would add the Bart Star Era Packers in the 1960s. I was explaining to my kids, that the Saban Alabama dynasty is what the Packers effectively had in the Pros in the 60s, A great game manager QB with almost an entire lineup of All Stars, no drama and just grinding out championships.

From my perspective   would also Add the Cowboys in the 70s to the list above. They were in 5 super Bowls and won 2 in that time span,  which was dominated by the Dolphins and Steelers as you point out. Their games with the Steelers were classics.

KC is positioned for great things. Mahomes has extreme talent, a very good head coach and some incredible supporting cast teammates.

[MU82]

Not that they have any inside knowledge at all, but Kornheiser and Wilbon each is certain that Rodgers has played his last game for the Packers.

[The Hippie Satan of Hyperbole]

Not that they have any inside knowledge at all, but Kornheiser and Wilbon each is certain that Rodgers has played his last game for the Packers.

Maybe I should ask my 80 year old neighbor who moved here from England two years ago. That’s just as meaningful.

[HutchwasClutch]

Not that they have any inside knowledge at all, but Kornheiser and Wilbon each is certain that Rodgers has played his last game for the Packers.

I cannot believe the noise nationally about this.  It is beyond ridiculous and will not happen! The Packers are not going to force Rodgers out after this season with 3 years left on his contract to give our QB job to a guy who was a healthy inactive all season and hasn’t thrown an NFL pass.  He’s never appeared in a preseason game even.  Just because he’s being groomed to replace Rodgers, he’s nowhere near ready and won’t be in 8 months.

Boyle is an UDFA, so count him as no chance either.

The media touting this story are either just trying to get attention with their hot take, or just unbelievably stupid. 

[JWags85]

I cannot believe the noise nationally about this.  It is beyond ridiculous and will not happen! The Packers are not going to force Rodgers out after this season with 3 years left on his contract to give our QB job to a guy who was a healthy inactive all season and hasn’t thrown an NFL pass.  He’s never appeared in a preseason game even.  Just because he’s being groomed to replace Rodgers, he’s nowhere near ready and won’t be in 8 months.

Boyle is an UDFA, so count him as no chance either.

The media touting this story are either just trying to get attention with their hot take, or just unbelievably stupid.

Except it wouldn’t be GB forcing him out.  Maybe before popping off, actually pay attention to what caused people to run with that theory...

[HutchwasClutch]

Except it wouldn’t be GB forcing him out.  Maybe before popping off, actually pay attention to what caused people to run with that theory...

Heat of the moment comments after a devastating loss. He loves LaFleur’s offense and has consistently said he wants to finish his career a Packer. He’s never hinted before a desire to play anywhere else. 

[HutchwasClutch]

Except it wouldn’t be GB forcing him out.  Maybe before popping off, actually pay attention to what caused people to run with that theory...

And it would certainly be Packers pulling the trigger to move on based on his contract. Rodgers has zero leverage to make anything happen other than retiring. 

[Jockey]

And it would certainly be Packers pulling the trigger to move on based on his contract. Rodgers has zero leverage to make anything happen other than retiring.

Stars always have leverage.

But I don't think he is going anywhere - except maybe to another NFC Championship game in GB next year.

[4everwarriors]

Not that they have any inside knowledge at all, but Kornheiser and Wilbon each is certain that Rodgers has played his last game for the Packers.

I agree he'll now force his way out, hey?

[MU82]

Of course he has leverage.

He has the same kind of leverage Emmitt Smith did years ago when he forced the Cowboys to give him a new contract, and at least as much leverage as Watson does now in Houston.

I tend to think this will be smoothed over, and he'll be back at the helm in GB next season. But I obviously don't know that for sure, and neither does anybody else. Not even Rodgers or LaFleur.

[DegenerateDish]

Rodgers will not finish his career in Green Bay, his contact and the drafting of Love guarantee it. Pay no attention to him having three years left on his contract. There’s a 0.0% chance he plays year 2023 on that current deal.

If, big if, he wanted out for the 2021 season, the Packers wouldn’t do anything until after June 1st. Time will heal whatever perceived wounds exist, the Packers can make moves in the draft and free agency to help address any perceived roster issues.

After 2021 is when things were always going to get interesting. Rodgers carries a modest dead cap number in 2022, and your now in an odd position with Love where you’ve lost two years to help decide on the looming fifth year option. This was always eventually going to be an issue they were going to have to deal with.

[wadesworld]

Tom goes to Tampa and suddenly the Rays go to the World Series, Bucs go to the Super Bowl, and Lightning win the Stanley Cup. Greatness is contagious.

[tower912]

Belichick was holding him back.

[JWags85]

Amazing what a top tier defense with a hellacious pass rush and the best WR grouping in the NFL can do for you. Let’s you win a NFC championship game despite being horrific and throwing 3 picks in critical moments

[wadesworld]

Amazing what a top tier defense with a hellacious pass rush and the best WR grouping in the NFL can do for you. Let’s you win a NFC championship game despite being horrific and throwing 3 picks in critical moments

I mean, he was pretty dang good in the first half (and first possession of the second half) in getting them an 18 point lead.