Two Hail-Mary plays. Tied score. We go to overtime, and Larry Fitzgerald crushes any dreams we cheese-heads had of making it to the Super Bowl. That was the story of the 2016 Divisional Championship game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Green Bay Packers. It was historic, with Aaron Rodgers yet again proving himself as the best quarterback under pressure, and Larry Fitzgerald making people forget what age he actually was. But it’s time to put that behind us, because this year is our year, and here’s why:
1. Jordy Nelson’s back.
This reason speaks for itself. Rodgers’ best receiver is back, and ready to prove himself to the rest of the world. Last season, without Jordy, Rodgers had the lowest season stats in his NFL career, showing just how important Nelson is to the team, and more importantly, Aaron Rodger’s offense. Jordy Nelson back also puts the pressure off Randall Cobb and Richard Rodgers, who can now make more plays and get back to the beautiful pass-offense that won us the Super Bowl in 2010.
2. Eddie Lacy is back in form.
The coach of the Green Bay Packers made it a point over the offseason for Eddie Lacy to get back to his regular self: smaller and faster. Last season was humiliating for him, rushing for only 758 yards. In 2013, he rushed for 1178 yards and had 11 touchdowns. We need that Eddie Lacy back, and the offseason might have done just that.
3. Healthy Offensive Line
No NFL team can run without a healthy offensive line, especially the Packers. The Packers are known for Aaron Rodgers’ famous pass-offense, spreading out the receivers and targeting all of them almost equally. To do this, he needs a very healthy offensive line, and he didn’t have that last year. The offensive line of the Packers is probably one of the most experienced in the league, but with their injuries, there was a constant rotation and no stability for Rodgers. This year, that might change, and we might see the traditional offense we’re so used to loving.
4. Mike McCarthy taking back control of the offense.
Last season, McCarthy was so frustrated with the offense that he gave play-calling duties to his associate Tom Clements in the offseason. That ended pretty badly. If he takes back control and has his offense clicking again, especially the intricate passing plays from Rodgers to Nelson, Green Bay should be well on its way to Super Bowl 51.
