The Green Bay Packers produced another dominant win this week to improve to 7-3 and move in to a tie for top spot in the NFC North. Aaron Rodgers and company have picked it up following a slow start to the season and, all things considered, the Packers are clearly the class of their conference right now. Here’s why:
MVP-Caliber Quarterback Play
Aaron Rodgers had thrown for 2,748 yards and 28 touchdowns to lead the league’s eighth-ranked passing attack. Perhaps even more impressive is the fact that he has thrown just three interceptions. Rodgers has thrown for three or more touchdowns and zero interceptions in seven of 10 starts.
The 30-year-old signal-caller has all of the tools to consistently perform at an elite level and if he continues to do it, he could be in line for an MVP award. No quarterback has been better to this point in the season and that is the biggest reason the Packers are the class of the NFC.
Lambeau Dominance
Rodgers and company have been at their best at home where they are 5-0 this season. After throwing for 341 yards and three touchdowns in last week’s 53-20 win over the Philadelphia Eagles, it’s clear to see why they’re so good in Lambeau.
Rodgers has thrown 322 consecutive passes at home without an interception, which is the longest streak in NFL history. He has also thrown 29 consecutive touchdowns at home without an interception. Green Bay is the first team in NFL history to score at least 28 points in the first half of four straight home games and they have scored 31 points or more in each of their five home wins.
The Packers are still in contention for the top seed in the NFC and home field for the playoffs and it’s clear they will have a distinct advantage if the road to the Super Bowl runs through Lambeau Field.
A Relatively Healthy Roster
Every team has deal with injuries this season including Green Bay. But the reality is that they have stayed healthy at key positions while some of the other contenders in the NFC have taken some major blows. The Arizona Cardinals lost quarterback Carson Palmer for the year while the Philadelphia Eagles are without their starting sling Nick Foles.
Tony Romo is dealing with a severe back problem for the injury riddled Dallas Cowboys while the San Francisco 49ers have lost two Pro Bowl caliber linebackers already. Green Bay has been fortunate to stay relatively healthy at key positions and that will be crucial the rest of the way.
Other Teams Falling Off
The Packers have made an ascent up the standings with five wins in six games while other NFC contender have fallen off. The Cardinals are still the cream of the crop at 9-1 but there is skepticism with Palmer out and Drew Stanton running the show.
As mentioned, the Eagles are without Foles and the Detroit Lions, who have led the NFC North almost the entire way, are slumping on offense. As for the Dallas Cowboys, the Packers own the tiebreaker with them right now.
Other than a visit from the New England Patriots, the Packers schedule is a walk in the park the rest of the way. Don’t be surprised if they finish the year 13-3.
