Without exception, the predictions I heard for this game against the Broncos all had Green Bay winning the game. Many predictions were closer than others, but all had Green Bay winning this game out right.
So what went wrong?
For starters, the Broncos offense started clicking on all cylinders. After weeks of looking lackluster, the real Peyton Manning decided to finally show up to a game.
Not only was he not missing the mark on his receivers short patterns but he was actually connecting with people down field which is something he hasn’t done in the past few games.
The Packer offense didn’t show up at all. The last couple of games, we expected the Packer offense to finally start clicking. I personally expected it to happen in this game. After all, Davante Adams was returning which should have freed up Cobb and Jones more. But it didn’t happen, not even close.
But, one of the factors that I don’t think anyone predicted was the emotional factor from the week of homecoming ceremonies that the Broncos had. Add to that the fact that it was a home game for Denver and their loud crowd, and that Peyton has probably gotten sick of people saying he’s lost a step, and you have the makings of a perfect storm.
So, how does a team bounce back from this?
The same way we always do. Put the game behind us and move on to another road game against another tough opponent. Bring on Carolina!
I predicted that the Broncos would win 24-13 on your web site and on a thread on your Facebook page. Our performance shouldn’t have surprised anyone. Dating back to last year, Rodgers is 0-5 on the road vs top 5 Ds. 4 of those losses (last year) were with a healthy Jordy Nelson on the field.
This magnifies why home field advantage in the playoffs is so important for us. Rodgers is half the player on the road that he is at home.
Personally, I’d have put Tolzien in the game at the start of the 4th quarter. We had everything to gain, and everything to lose – Rodgers was lucky to escape healthy the way he was holding the ball too long.