After consecutive seasons of missing the playoffs, the Green Bay Packers clinched the NFC North with an impressive 23-10 win over Minnesota, then grabbed a first-round bye with a win over Detroit. Matt LaFleur became the first Packers head coach to win the division in his first year as head coach.
How We Got Here
Throughout the season, there has been a completely different attitude with this team compared to past seasons. The veteran leadership provided by guys like Aaron Rodgers and Za’Darius Smith has kept the team loose and having fun. In his post-game press conference after the Week 16 win, Rodgers stated how he and Za’Darius bought into LaFleur’s message immediately and the locker room followed suit. The wins haven’t always been the prettiest, but Green Bay is still 6-2 against teams with plus .500 record this season. Rodgers also stated that he had a feeling midway through training camp that this team could be special, joking that only former teammate and current NFL Network analyst James Jones thinking they could win the division.
But now, the team’s motto going forward? The North is Not Enough.
What’s Next?
The Packers will get to rest and prepare this weekend, after winning the second seed in the NFC and a first-round bye. They will host the highest remaining team to come out of Wild Card Weekend.
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