I think we can. I think we can. I think we can. That's the attitude that Packers players and fans alike should possess going into this Sunday's match up against the 6-7 Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh.
Though the 9-4 Green Bay Packers are on a five game winning streak and the Steelers are on a five game losing streak, the former Super Bowl champs are still a very capable and challenging team. They rank ninth in the league in total offense and fourth in defense. Ryan Grant will have a tough time putting up big numbers like he did against the Bears, as the Steelers are first in defense against the run.
The Packers are still impressively ranked second in the league on defense. The 254 total net yards surrendered to the Bears (and Cutler's multiple picks) certainly helped maintain that high rank. But this weekend as they face veteran quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, the Packers defense will have their work cut out for them. Defensive Coordinator Dom Capers initially implemented his version of the 3-4 defense in Pittsburgh, and that system is still in place now under their current defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau.
Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay offense will be facing a Pittsburgh defense that is without All-Pro safety Troy Polamalu, but after a lackluster performance against the Bears, as a Packer fan, I'm not exactly in a position of confidence. If the offense can put up big numbers early (and the entire team can lay off the $&%^ penalties), then I do think we can win.
If, or in light of said positive thinking, when the Packers win on Sunday, if either Dallas of the New York Giants lose, the Packers will lock up a Wild Card position. And then it's on to take the NFC.
Until then, I'll be wishing for the best...
I think they can; I know they can; they better.
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