The Green Bay Packers season had some life breathed into it after they defeated the Dallas Cowboys in an incredible comeback in Week 10. The Packers handed the Cowboys their first loss in franchise history in a game in which they led by at least 14 heading into the fourth quarter.
That win snapped their five-game losing streak and started their climb out of the hole they dug for themselves. Unfortunately, they fell right back down into that hole as all of the positive momentum they built was stalled by the Tennessee Titans on Thursday Night Football.
The Titans went into Lambeau Field and played as if they were the team that thrived in wintry conditions, not the Packers. Tennessee scored on the opening drive of the game and never looked back, holding onto the lead for the remainder of the evening.
It was certainly a disappointing performance as the Packers had no answer for Ryan Tannehill, who completed 22-of-27 passes for 333 yards and two touchdowns with one interception. He outplayed Aaron Rodgers, something not many people would have predicted to occur heading into the contest.
Rodgers took full responsibility for the loss as he was not as pinpoint with his passes as he was against the Cowboys. There were a few golden opportunities for him to help get Green Bay back into the game but he was unable to capitalize.
While this was a demoralizing loss for the Packers, their confidence is not broken. Rodgers still believes this team is capable of making a run as long as they play up to their potential as they showed against Dallas.
“If we play up to our potential, we can win our last six games,” Rodgers said. “I’m confident in that. Obviously, I’ve got to play up to my potential. Tonight wasn’t it.”
If the Packers reeled off six wins in a row, they would very likely earn one of the Wild Card spots in the NFC. However, that will not be an easy task given how they have performed thus far this season.
But, there are certainly some things to get excited about that keep the hope alive. Rookie wide receiver Christian Watson has emerged in the last two games catching five touchdown passes and Randall Cobb has returned from injury as well. The running back duo of Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillon is among the best in the NFL and there is still a lot of talent on the defense despite some injuries.
“I think last week showed us a lot, the possibilities,” Rodgers said referring to the Cowboys game. “This week we just didn’t play as complementary in all three phases. You’ve got to be excited about the way Christian’s played the last two weeks. Cobby coming back today I think led us in receiving yards. That was a big jolt for us.”
That confidence will be tested next week as the Packers have another prime-time game against the Philadelphia Eagles. To start a streak and build the momentum you need to win the first one and it doesn’t get much tougher than facing off with the Eagles at The Linc.
