The True Leader of the Pack is Aaron Rodgers

3 weeks ago the Packers were sitting at 4-6 with the prospect of missing the playoffs for the first time since 2008 when quarterback Aaron Rodgers said, "I think we can run the table. I really do."

Just like in 2014 when the Packers started 1-2 and Mr. Rodgers quieted the young and the restless with these immortal words that should be enshrined on a plaque outside the main gate to Lambeau Field, "R-E-L-A-X".

The entire phrase from September 24, 2014 was "Five letters here just for everybody out there in Packer-land: R-E-L-A-X. Relax. We're going to be OK."

No truer words were ever spoken at the right time. The Packers went on to advance to the Conference title game and had the Seahawks on the ropes with 5:04 left when Morgan Burnett had his "No Mas  Moment" followed by "He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named" blowing an onside kick. If the stupidity of those 2 plays had not happened the Packers would have won the Super Bowl.

Panther Preview

Cam Newton after hearing he is facing the Packer defense

Now to the game at hand. The road game against the 7-0 Panthers has some interesting aspects.

 

First Sam Shields (shoulder-injured when he fell down and not after being hit), Ty Montgomery (sprained ankle) and Quinten Rollins (neck) are most likely out. Bryan Bulaga (knee), T. J. Lang (illness) and Mike Neal (hip) have been added to the injury list on Saturday and Bulaga and Land are listed as probable and Neal questionable. Clay Matthews (ankle/knee), Nick Perry (shoulder/hand) and Aaron Ripkowski (illness) are also probable.