The Packers' dilemma

[Mary1966]

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/20 ... e/related/

If, as former 49ers G.M. Scot McCloughan has said with tongue supposedly planted in cheek, his current team in Seattle “beat[s] the hell out of” his former team from San Fran later today, the Packers will nail down the No. 1 seed in the NFC playoff field. With the quest for perfection gone up in smoke (signals) six days ago at Arrowhead Stadium, the Packers would have nothing for which to play on Sunday night.

So the Packers would be facing a potential dilemma, especially if Saturday’s other results give the 7-7 Bears more than a glimmer of hope for a wild-card berth. Should Green Bay rest starters for all or part of the Christmas night contest? Or should the Packers try to knock their arch-rivals out of playoff contention, like the Bears tried (unsuccessfully) to do in Week 17 a year ago?

[AdmiralKird]

You always play to win. People are paying millions to watch the game in person, millions of people are watching around the world, and its the only game on Christmas Day. You play to win.

[doe_boy]

Pile up a big lead early and then sit Rodgers, Matthews, Woodson and anyone else you want to keep out of harm's way.

But, play to win the whole game if it's close.

[slide_into_first]

Definitely should not risk injuries against Detroit- take 2 weeks to get ready for playoffs.

[cpebbles]

Rest Rodgers and make sure you take away the record for single-season QB rating away from that cleft-chinned turd in New England.

[Schlich]

Rest Rodgers and make sure you take away the record for single-season QB rating away from that cleft-chinned turd in New England.

I think Manning owns that record.

[Mary1966]

The Packers did sit Rodgers for the Lions' game--and backup Matt Flynn went on to throw six TD passes. So now people are saying that the Packers could put in a yellow dog as their QB, it's the system that makes Rodgers great.

[Freed Roger]

The Packers did sit Rodgers for the Lions' game--and backup Matt Flynn went on to throw six TD passes. So now people are saying that the Packers could put in a yellow dog as their QB, it's the system that makes Rodgers great.

Even Tebow?

/ducks away from Socnorb

[Richie Allen]

The Packers did sit Rodgers for the Lions' game--and backup Matt Flynn went on to throw six TD passes. So now people are saying that the Packers could put in a yellow dog as their QB, it's the system that makes Rodgers great.

And people are idiots. I've heard the same arguments. We've known for awhile now that Matt Flynn might be one of the best reserve QBs in the league. And how can a system, other than perhaps nothing but screen passes, explain Rodgers' small handful of interceptions. He's the MVP and has had one of the best seasons of all time for a QB. Flynn will probably be starting somewhere in the NFL next year. And people will still be idiots.

[vinsanity]

The Packers did sit Rodgers for the Lions' game--and backup Matt Flynn went on to throw six TD passes. So now people are saying that the Packers could put in a yellow dog as their QB, it's the system that makes Rodgers great.

And people are idiots. I've heard the same arguments. We've known for awhile now that Matt Flynn might be one of the best reserve QBs in the league. And how can a system, other than perhaps nothing but screen passes, explain Rodgers' small handful of interceptions. He's the MVP and has had one of the best seasons of all time for a QB. Flynn will probably be starting somewhere in the NFL next year. And people will still be idiots.

I don't think the suggestion was that he's only good because of the system, just that the system does a good job of hiding his flaws and emphasizing his strengths. He wouldn't necessarily have had the same success in STL or NE or Indy or NY but he'd still be a franchise QB.