Packers’ Rodgers weathers challenging season

The Packers are staggering after a 38-8 dismantling by Arizona while the Vikings are fresh off two blowout victories. “We’re focused on beating the Vikings”, he said. Seattle would be the No. 6 seed, regardless of the outcome in the Arizona game because Green Bay would own the tie-breaker from their Week 2 defeat of Seattle.

BRIGHT LIGHTS: The Vikings-Packers showdown for the NFC North title was moved from noon to 7:30 p.m. on NBC’s “Sunday Night Football”, and Vikings defensive lineman Sharrif Floyd is looking forward to the spotlight for a second straight week. The victor is guaranteed to be the NFC’s No. 3 seed, but their opponent will be determined by the game between the Seattle Seahawks and Arizona Cardinals.

“We played the worst we can possibly play, and we’re on to Minnesota”, receiver James Jones said.

By now, you’ve surely seen the video or the photographs of Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer prancing around the field in a makeshift grass skirt and bikini top before Sunday’s game against the Green Bay Packers.

Seattle saw a 5-game winning streak snapped last week in a 23-17 loss to the St. Louis Rams. The Redskins are just an average team. “I just know we want to go to Green Bay and win the NFC North”. And facing the Seahawks would be my least favorite scenario of them all. However, I doubt those things will be enough for the Packers to be considered Super Bowl contenders. So of course, the Vikings took a 30-13 face shot, and they now have to win at Lambeau to win the division.

Despite all of this, Barclay’s performance at left tackle was the most concerning aspect of Green Bay’s O-line on Sunday.

But the way they played last week, I can’t see them winning this Sunday. These teams don’t like each other. “Not that I can recall”, Zimmer said.

You can bet Vikings coach Mike Zimmer will be watching what the Packers put on film against the Cardinals. But then, maybe it won’t be so hard after all. Barring a setback the next few days, Lacy should be fine to play Sunday night’s regular-season finale against the Vikings. This is more of a fade from the Packers who are a shell of themselves right now. They split the two wild-card games.

One thing that Rodgers did acknowledge has had to change, though, is the way the Packers’ offense operates. What’s more, his receivers – who at one time made hard catches appear routine – have been dropping easy receptions repeatedly.

The Packers desperately need starting tackles David Bakhtiari and Bryan Bulaga to pull through their respective ankle injuries after reserves Don Barclay and Josh Walker struggled against the Cardinals, who sacked Rodgers nine times.

The Vikings can not be overconfident heading into Lambeau, however.

The Vikings welcomed three key defensive starters back last week, and safety Harrison Smith provided a turning point with an interception return for a touchdown that widened Minnesota’s lead late in the first half. “They make it tough on us as far as in our run blocking and finding ways to get open in the zones”.

The NFL continues to be a odd league where every game is like a box of chocolates.

You know, take your pick. Just what they would have hoped for when the season started. But I’d frankly rather be in their shoes than the Packers’ shoes.