I continue to believe that fans could safely be allowed to watch Packers games at Lambeau Field – and especially during the playoffs. Here’s the deal. Our health officials used to list the number of Covid-19 cases, number of those recovered, and number of deaths. Currently the Wisconsin Department of Health Services lists 475,000 cases and 4,412 deaths, but it no longer lists the recovery numbers. I would assume, however, that Wisconsonions who have certifiably recovered from the virus are north of 200,000. I further believe that it’s been scientifically established that virtually all of those recovered people are no longer susceptible to reinfection, or at least not for another year or more. Why can’t the Packers make tickets available, with or without cost, to those who are certified to have had the virus and have recovered? Let’s put 20,000 to 25,000 fans in the stands for that first expected home playoff game!
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Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said this on Tuesday: “Not one time have I been in any discussion, had any dream, been sitting by myself, have I given a thought to anything but Mike McCarthy being our coach next year and being our coach in the future. How in the hell something like that could get going with a conversation … is ridiculous.” My take is simply that Big Mike was once a fine coach, but he burned out – something that happens to most NFL coaches. At 57 years old, that’s getting on for such a demanding job – an one that involves constantly changing to keep up with the times. Speaking of burnout, Jerry Jones is 78 – about two decades past his prime as a chief executive.

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Sacks are an important and revealing statistic. Such minus yardage most often leads to third down and long yardage to convert, which usually leads to turning the ball over via punting. What is happening, sacks-wise, this year with regard to Aaron Rodgers is nothing short of phenomenal. In the 12 season in which he’s been a starter, and omitting the two years he missed 7 or more games, AR has been sacked 50 or more times twice, between 40 and 49 twice, and between 30 and 39 five times. So how does one explain how Aaron has been sacked only 13 times in 13 games? That projects out to 16 sacks over a full season – and I didn’t even require a calculator. Here are some comparisons: Carson Wentz, 50; Russell Wilson, 40; and, Matt Stafford, 37. Players in AR’s vicinity include: Patrick Mahomes, 18; Tom Brady, 16; Philip Rivers, 13, and Ben Roethlisberger, 11. I’d say that the number of times a QB has been sacked generally has considerable bearing on an offense’s ability to complete long drives down the field. When more time permits, I’ll contemplate how Aaron’s remarkable turnaround has come to be I do think that multiple factors are involved.
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The news that Aaron Jones has replaced his former agent with the notorious Drew Rosenhaus has already sparked discussion among TP followers. Based on what some commenters have said, I agree that it is now unlikely that Jones will be on the team in 2021. Rosenhaus clients usually sign with the highest bidder. Even if the Packers lusted to have him return, they aren’t in a financial condition to compete for him when it’s all about the money. My additional take on this is that this news is all the more reason to take full advantage of this wonderful talent in the brief time that remains. Jones has averaged only 14.5 carries in the 11 games in which he has played. Worse, despite being a very good receiver, he’s had only 38 receptions on the year, and the majority of those were just dump-offs when the intended receivers weren’t open. My #1 complaint about Coach LaFleur is that he’s never fully utilized Aaron Jones.
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Back on November 18, I noted that the Packers had yet to display any sustained emotional intensity on the season. I’m happy to report, however, that Green Bay responded with a fine effort against the Colts on December 22 – they had that game well in hand but for four turnovers. I was also pleased by the team’s intensity and consistency last weekend against the Lions. It’s not often that a team comes out in the second half and scores on every drive, which consumed 14, 12, and 7 plays. The team has nicely positioned itself to make waves in the playoffs.
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Packers versus Panthers – on Saturday evening no less. If sensational running back McCaffrey is indeed unavailable, that puts most of the offensive burden on veteran QB Teddy Bridgewater, a mid-range talent who has seldom distinguished himself since being the NFL Rookie of the Year in 2014. Bridgewater’s current passer rating is 96.1, which ranks 14th best in the league. 45-year-old first-year NFL head coach Matt Rhule’s experience has been almost exclusively as a college coach, so he’s had to make quite an adjustment. With three games left, the Pack’s motivation for this game is going to have to be remaining the NFC’s top seed in the playoffs. That should be enough, as this team has put itself into contention to win it all in what keeps shaping up to be Aaron Rodgers’ finest year ever.
Jesus Christ Rob. Just yesterday or so I complimented you on your write up – now these god awful covid takes are back?
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“I would assume, however, that Wisconsonions who have certifiably recovered from the virus are north of 200,000. I further believe that it’s been scientifically established that virtually all of those recovered people are no longer susceptible to reinfection, or at least not for another year or more.”
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Literally none of this is true. By your own admission your first statement is an “assumption”, not backed by any science or statistics. Deaths.are.not.the.only.probelm!! An enormous amount of people suffer from long term after effects, something I cited the CDC in when we last chatted about this. And what are you talking about “those recovered are no longer susceptible”?!?! That has not been proven, by anyone, anywhere.
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Here’s some actual facts – Wisconsin’s positivity rate yesterday was 27.5% – that is ludicrously high. And an estimated 10% of established cases are still active. Here’s a source (the thing people use who aren’t just spouting off bullshit) https://www.channel3000.com/wisconsins-7-day-positivity-rate-dips-slightly-10-of-covid-19-cases-remain-active/
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The fucking vaccine will be here in April or May. Just be a fucking man and suck it up for a few months. To everyone who’s lost their job, lost a loved one, or is dealing with long term health effects, your bullshit bad takes are an absolute slap in the fucking face.
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Fuck.
I am following the science. If you don’t have the virus, i.e. because you’ve (scientifically) recovered, you can’t spread it. And if you’ve already recovered from it, you can’t get it again. About a month ago I saw an article that claimed someone had become re-infected and it went on to say this was only the second time there had been a report (unverified) of a reinfection – worldwide. The latest statistic is there have been 74,200,000 covid cases worldwide, and 42M who have recovered – given that sampling size, I’d say the chances of reinfection are scientifically insignificant. Please let us all know if you discover scientific evidence that reinfections pose a danger to recovered victims. And why bring up that some people are suffering long term effects of the virus – such fans could still go to the game without further endangering themselves or others. In like manner, positivity rates aren’t relevant to my proposal, nor are the numbers of those who actively have the virus. If you are recovered, you are by definition inactive. Stay healthy!
@burfect….the vaccine is here….serving the two most needed segments first. Health care and elderly care centers. I know the first shipment is only 50,000 doses, but it’s 50,000 more than we had 2 weeks ago. More will be rolling in.
Hey Dr. Rob, how did Nick Saban get it twice? Allowing thousands of people to attend something like a sporting event and risk their life is one of the most idiotic things any person can suggest. No wonder the cases in WI are so out of control. People who live there read things like your article.
I’ve heard or read that people who have been infected, obtain natural antibodies from the virus reducing their chances of being infected again. BUT…..it is not absolute and those antibodies dissipate over time. I have heard as little as 2-3 months.
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Remember, like all of us, we learn as we go. It’s a continuous fluid education, even for the scientist.
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Anyone talking in absolute fact about this virus, might be considered a fool.
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Want proof?….See Trump..but he’s busy packing.
Skipping article…
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I continue to believe we should thank God we have vaccines with incredible success rates. That, if as effective as advertised, we should be able to see signs of normal life in 4-7 months.
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More importantly, eliminate the suffering and deaths of hundreds of thousands of people, just in the U.S.
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Do i enjoy that we have a NFL season…hell yea.
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Do i care if there are any fans in the stands….hell no, not this season..
Excellent take. I am just grateful that football is being played, and the nfl pulling this off is nothing short of a miracle really. It was a very long stretch without sports, no baseball, hockey, ect. Sports aren’t the priority here though
So we have the Panthers on Saturday night.
I told you people awhile back, this is a tough schedule.
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It seems week after week we have to face the leagues toughest teams. It’s been quite a test for our Packers.
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When can our Packers get a break, and maybe…play a cupcake team? I’m getting tired of having the schedule Gods stacking teams against us.
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Now we have to face a ruthless 4-9 team on National TV, if that wasn’t bad enough, we have to face Teddy Bridgewater.
The man has posted 18 TD’s against only 8 picks. That’s better than 2:1 TD/INT ratio. The man is on fire.
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The only thing that would make me feel better is if somehow, someway, Christian McCaffery doesn’t play. I probably can’t be that lucky.
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I’m afraid we’re looking at a loss Saturday night people, and i’m not even going to blame the Packers. I wouldn’t wish their tough schedule on any team.
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It’s nothing short of a miracle our Packers are 10-3 …..against all odds.
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Hopefully next season, the NFL scheduling department can show the Packers some mercy.
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It is fucking bullshit for the NFL to broadcast the Packers/ panthers game only on NFL network.
Yea…i noticed that last night.
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Usually…Fox6 will also pick up the game, but that doesn’t look like the case this time around.
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Personally…Although rare these days, i know there is the potential for the NFL to only show games on their own network. So when i shop TV providers, NFL Network is a must have for me. Plus they have a good morning show, with my future ex wife as host.
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If i lived outside of Wi. I’d be forced to get the NFL Ticket and have access to all games. Whether i’m there, watch it live or i dvr the game (which i always do), i honestly can’t tell you the last time i missed a Packer game, My best guess is 2 decades + ago.
Check that….the game is on Fox6.
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My bad
Fox6 must be a local Wisconsin station?
Yes, but there are Fox stations across the State and Country. I just can’t tell you with confidence, which ones will air the game, or not. I have no way of checking.
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But i think..most major cable or dish suppliers offer NFL Network. Not sure about the newer streaming services as i’m not a fan of those.
Thanks PF4L. I will go to the local sports bar before subscribing to NFL network.
Personally…..I don’t mind supporting the NFL. I love this sport and league. They make a shit ton of cash, i’ll give you that. But to me…they offer the ultimate in sports, and they do a lot of good concerning charities, as do a lot of the players.
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They are basically paying their players full wages this season…yet, other than TV, they barely have any revenue coming in compared to a normal year.
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For deeper thinkers…..will the NFL, concerning money lost, try to be recouped (shared losses if you will by the teams and the players, not just the league) in future years concerning yearly “adjustments” in the salary cap?
I can’t say yes or no, but i can say it’s a possibility.
Howard, you could try streaming the game if it is not on TV.
Crackedstreams.com is a good site to use. I don’t have cable and that is how I watch the game when I don’t go somewhere else to watch the Packers.
Thanks Cheese.
Yeah I will be watching it on the NFL app on my phone
When I was a kid (many moons ago), I watched the original “War Of The Worlds” movie. If you recall in that movie, all the artillery, bombs, flame throwers etc; could not stop the aliens advancing to destroy the earth. Doom and gloom, indeed! Then, all of a sudden the aliens and their craft started slowing down, crashing, and dying off. The end of the movie credited the existence of germs on our world that signaled the end of the invasion. So, what’s the point? This virus has turned the world on it’s ear. It shows how vulnerable we as humans really are. It doesn’t care if you are rich, poor, in a position of power; or whatever. In history, the human race has survived the plague, spanish flu, and many other viruses. Most of those however, were regional disasters. This covid thing, is global. If we kick it’s ass, we should consider it the greatest medical achievement of our time. Let’s pray that the vaccines work; and give thanks to the scientists and medicine that are working to make this killer of a disease go away! Meanwhile, we have football to watch!
God bless you man.
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Not only an achievement, but one that was done in warp speed.
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Mick is the perfect example of how to look at something….people have to look at the big picture. This is the importance of how you perceive something. How important the correct perception is. Patience isn’t a virtue, as much as having the correct perception is a virtue.
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I don’t think Mick cares….and i sure as hell don’t GAF….how many fans are in the stands right now as thousands of people die….each day.
The 1918 flu killed an estimated 50 million people globally. Estimated 500 million were infected. Let that number resonate. 100 years ago. Not that long ago really. I doubt any of them were worrying about going to football games like the selfish fools today. A vaccine this fast is great. Now if only people will take it.
Stay Healthy everyone.
Ferris-especially since a lot of those people were young people. The same ones today that say “only old people are dying, meh.”
Howard, I take it that you do not reside in Wisconsin. On the PackersWire site, you will find an article titled “Packers vs. Panthers tv schedule, streaming, how to watch” . At the bottom it says televised nationally. Also gives radio and xm info. Hope this helps,,,,,, GO PACK!
Thanks Mick.
I don’t know, but i’d check to see if the NFL Network offered to stream the game for a small fee.
PF4L, I don’t mind supporting the NFL. In fact I have subscribed to game pass since the first year it came out. I guess I can just watch the game pass broadcast about an hour after the game ends. For some reason it does not feel the same as watching live, and it always seems like somehow you see the score or someone tells you the score before watching. That takes the anticipation out of the game.
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I think I will go to the local sports bar and give them some financial support. They also need support and it feels great to support the waitresses by giving them generous tips. Restaurants, their waitresses, and the support staff can sure use the financial support during these times, and this time of the year.
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Thanks for all the suggestions everyone. Be safe.
Can’t argue with supporting your local community. Again, i didn’t even think of that. I’m slipping in my old age.
I just worry about you when i know your going into establishments that specialize in serving alcohol:) Granted…i’m emotionally hypersensitive this year with everything. Sometimes i just think…i care too much.
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Yea…watching a game after the fact loses it’s luster quite a bit. I watch games delayed 45min – an hour, to skip commercials.
Truth be told, i record just about everything i watch (even the news) to avoid commercials. I refuse to watch 10 minutes of commercials to watch a 20 minute program.
I can watch an NFL football game in about 75-80 minutes
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Be well also.
Apparently Bree’s is starting against the Chiefs this Sunday i just heard.
:-) . I’m surprised Brees is going to play this week. I guess the doctors know what they are doing. It seems early to come back when your rib(s) are busted up enough to puncture your lung. Most of these NFL players are tough as hell.
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Quick story. I had to record the Packers last regular season game of the 1995 season against the Steelers. The game when their receiver (thigpen?) dropped a last second potential TD pass. I believe that win gave the Packers their first division title in several years. I give everyone explicit direction, I don’t want to know anything about the game. One of my young nephews stops by with his parents just as I’m starting the game, and first thing he says is “you are going to really like the end of the game”. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯.
I’ve run the gamut of rib fractures, it all depends on the severity. The last time was my motorcycle accident, my rib injuries were the very least of my problems. But i’ve broken some where i couldn’t swing a golf club for about 6 months and it just hurt to breathe for the first 1-2 months. If i had to cough or sneeze…forget about it…OUCH!!
Just when you think a guy is too old and lost it. Sure as the sun rises, Rodgers will make you look the fool.
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DON’T….BE DISRESPECTFUL!!
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I don’t recall his name, but i remember a Packer fan continuously saying….”Rodgers didn’t just forget how to play QB”..and/or….”I’ll ride with Rodgers to the very end.”
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Other HOF NFL players (including Tom Brady), past and present…saying that Rodgers is one of the most skilled QB’s to ever play this game….isn’t just a coincidence.
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Know…and appreciate…. what you have!!
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http://www.nfl.com/news/qb-index-week-15-aaron-rodgers-overtakes-patrick-mahomes-at-no-1
Right on about #12! Here are a few questions to consider. #1 – How many winning seasons would we have had without Rodgers? #2 – How much anxiety will the brass have when it is time to make the transition over to Love? #3- Do you think the brass was counting on Rodgers having an MVP season? #4- Don’t you think that we take for granted that we’ve been blessed to have a HOF Q-back for almost 3 decades? He’s not perfect, but, not many have been better for so long. Two things to also consider—— #1- he loves GB, the history and tradition, and his teammates. #2- which is the ultimate compliment; is that I know 3 other teams in this division that can’t wait for this guy to retire!
Easy Peasy my Packer brethren……
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1) Rodgers has carried this team ….and people’s job security on his back for the better part of a decade. That’s how many.
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2) Anxiety is sometimes another word for stress. prayer, and “Honey, call the moving Company”.
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3) Absolutely not. Maybe even the opposite as an easier means to an end to implement Love.
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4) I think that most new fans since 91 or 96 take it for granted, those under 45. The rest of us know the score, so to speak.
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When you wrote…..” He’s not perfect”…i smiled. Why?
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Some of this fan base is so G D spoiled…..that they think if Rodgers has an off year….he’s washed up. Because they are stupid, they don’t know any better. If that statement offended anyone in here, then i’ll say this……………………………………IDC.
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Picture this…if you will……
Rodgers has played 13 almost full seasons seasons. In 8 of those he had a passer rating of over 100. He has had 5 seasons of passer ratings in the 90’s, with a low of 92.7.
I’ll repeat that…a low of 92.7. Ya’ll hear that right? 92pointfcking7
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Since when the fuck is 92.7 considered being a failure as a QB in this league? For a lot of QB’s…that’s a career season, For Brett Hundley, it would be his life’s dream coming true.
Let me expand….Rodgers WORST rated season is when he threw 31 TD’s and 8 interceptions.
BENCH HIM?…..SMFH…WTF is wrong with you son?
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Now please…..FEEL FREE go look up passer ratings of any QB you wish who has been in this league for at least ten years, then compare it to Rodgers, then come back in here and post what you’ve found.
The only names you could even dare bring up, are future HOF’s
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WHAT?…Rodgers isn’t allowed a passer rating of less than 100? Really?
That’s not fucking acceptable to you?
Speaking for Rodgers…..GFY.
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Sorry for being a little rough with ya’ll. But when we discuss a Green Bay Packer legend, regarded as one of the best…ever. Stupidity doesn’t live here.
The people who this is directed at know who they are…but if they forgot, i can remind them at any time.
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DON’T….BE DISRESPECTFUL!!
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Thanks Mick!!….I feel better now:)nxiety is sometimes another word for stress. prayer, and “Honey, call the moving Company”.
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