Gary from Cross Plains, WI
If Mike is researching last time the No. 1 didn’t make the playoffs the following year, realize that both No. 1s last year are out. Not only that, look at how many 12-plus game winners last year are out (three NFC and one AFC, and Baltimore could join KC on the sidelines). Hard to win consistently every year indeed. Glad we have the brain trust that looks at more than just the current season when figuring out which jars to put on the shelf.
After studying up, the reigning No. 1 seed bowing out has happened way more than I thought. Dating back to the start of six seeds in each conference in 1990, both No. 1 seeds have failed to make the playoffs the following year six times, including this year (also GB & TEN in ’22, DEN & CAR in ’16, TEN & NYG in ’09, NE & DAL in ’08, TEN & NYG in ’01). A single No. 1 seed has failed to make the postseason the next year 14 other times, led by SF thrice (’24, ’20, ’91) and KC twice (’98, ’96).
Add to that the other craziness from this year, like the handful of 12-game winners mentioned from last year not making it, plus Houston starting 0-3 and getting in, Indy starting 7-1 and getting eliminated with two games left, New England and Chicago combining for nine wins last year and both winning division titles this year, Tampa Bay starting 6-2 then going 1-7 and now having a chance to win a division with an 8-9 overall record … it’s just been wild.
I’ve been pretty grouchy this season dwelling on injuries and how we haven’t always lived up to our full potential. But it struck me today – Bears haven’t been to the playoffs for five years, Lions/Vikings miss out this year after combining for 29 wins last year, and Chiefs miss the playoffs. Made me appreciate being in for the third straight season that much more. At the end of the day (season), you just want to have a chance to win it all and we get that chance again.
The Bears haven’t been for seven years, but who’s counting.
So Austin Booker was fined $5K apiece for the two roughing penalties. He is appealing the second one claiming Love lowered his head at the last minute. I say it doesn’t matter because Booker was leading with his helmet which is against the rules. I sure hope the rivalry doesn’t deteriorate into the Gregg/Ditka years. It sure looked like Bears players were deliberately trying to injure Packer players especially with all the roughing penalties.
No fine for Brisker’s forearm shiver or Sweat’s full-body-weight sack. The league only kinda sorta cares.
Carey from Egg Harbor, WI
After suffering an ACL tear, what is a realistic timeframe for Micah Parsons to be back on the field next season? Knowing he will need surgery, rest, and physical therapy, is it really possible that Micah will be back at the beginning of next season, as some reports have stated? It appears some reporters are being too aggressive with a timeline. What timeline is possible, knowing the status of his injury?
We have no way of knowing. Parsons has indicated via social media he’s aiming to be ready in early-to-mid September. I wouldn’t put anything past him, and that certainly is aggressive, but the process isn’t entirely within his control. This past year, Christian Watson had ACL surgery in mid-January and played in late October. It sounds like Parsons is having his surgery about two weeks sooner on the calendar than Watson. Beyond that, I’m not going to speculate.
What a great inside look and tribute to Dr. McKenzie, Mike! The Packers were surely blessed to have a man of his integrity and skill on their team. In the midst of a potential injury it was always comforting to see him tend to a player with his calm manner and expertise. It was evident that the players and coaches trusted him, and so did the fans. We knew he was the best! Thank you, Dr. McKenzie and best wishes in your retirement.
A top-notch physician and 10 times the gentleman.
Mike, being a Packer fan for 60 years has taught me to roll with the punches. I’ve seen the good, bad and ugly and I will always remember that our team is more historic, iconic, and decorated than most teams in any sport can imagine. Because of this, I’m also realistic, (I think), and our postseason chances look bleak. “Just get in and see what happens,” you like to say, and I agree. I’m just not looking forward to what I believe will happen. I guess I’ll watch and see. GPG.
It still beats the alternative.
Derek from South Point, OH
My how the turntables. November gave high hopes. Our December friend has brought us crushing defeats and devastating injuries. This season has been a memorable one, if not always for good reasons. Here’s hoping the team has better fortune as the calendar turns to January.
No other way to look at it. Happy Monday.
