During the regular season, the Green Bay Packers lost a total of six fumbles. In their playoff game against the New York Giants, they lost three. And that was only part of went wrong for the Packers in their shocking 37-20 loss to the Giants.
Aaron Rodgers was far from efficient and the receiving core dropped a season-high eight balls.
This weekend’s big winners were the San Francisco 49ers who will get another home game when they host the Giants in the NFC Championship game.
Lambeau Field doesn’t hold the lustrous home-field advantage that it used to have. From 1939 to 2001, the Packers were a perfect 13-0 in playoff home games, since then, they are a paltry 2-4, including two losses to the Giants.
Believe it or not, this marked Rodgers first-ever playoff start at home. Perhaps, it would have been better for the Packers to lose more games during the regular season and play on the road the entire way like they did last season as the final wild-card team.
From the start, the Packers really had no shot in this game. It included miscues on both sides of the ball, from missed tackles to devastating fumbles. But, the biggest surprise was the rust displayed by the MVP-candidate, Rodgers. It all started with a missed throw to Greg Jennings in the first quarter which could have possibly changed the entire game.
However, the Packers biggest mistake was a touchdown given up right before halftime. With no time left, Eli Manning heaved up a 37 yard pass that Hakeem Nicks came down with no time left. That gave the Giants a 20-10 lead which in reality spring-boarded their momentum for the rest of the game.
I know it’s harsh, but maybe the Packers should have spent more time studying the Giants than starring in State Farm commercials.
The one positive from the embarrassing finish to the season is that the Packers should definitely know where they need to improve. They won’t have a high draft pick, but need to go defensive line, running back or improve the secondary.
What did you think of the Packers disaster this weekend? Where should they go in the draft? Let me know by commenting below!
Nick Grays is a senior writer at the Sports Bank where he covers the Wisconsin Badgers, Green Bay Packers, and Milwaukee Brewers. He also enjoys to share Fantasy Advice from time-to-time. Follow him on Twitter by clicking here or visit his blog Nick Knows Best.