In years past, the Indianapolis Colts have been one of the most elite teams in the NFL. They have had twelve game winning seasons for the past seven years and have been to the Super Bowl twice in the same span. This dynamic teams best player is Peyton Manning, whom is without a doubt one of the top three quarterbacks in the league. His passing power, accuracy, and before the play action are all unmatched in this league of pros, but this year is different.
The Colts are sitting at 6-6 and second in their division. The streak of twelve win seasons is has been broken. Why is everything so different this season? Some like to turn to the one reason the Colts are even successful, Peyton Manning. He has thrown fifteen interceptions, the most since his rookie year. His quarterback rating is down from years past as well. Upon first glance, it would be easy to blame it on Manning, but those who blame him are absolutely ridiculous and must pay no attention to the NFL.
Peyton has been forced to single-handedly lead his team's offense. Joseph Addai, the Colts elite running back, has been sidelined most of the season due to injury and Donald Brown and Mike Hart, the back ups, have also been injured, thus forcing the Colts to put their entire offense on Manning.
The amount of other injuries is also a key factor. Addai, Bracket, Brown, Austin Collie, back up tight end Brody Eldridge, Mike Hart, Charlie Johnson, Bob Sanders, Reggie Wayne, and star tight end Dallas Clark. All of these players have been key to the Colts success in the past and all of them have been missing.
Yes it would be easy to blame everything on Manning. It is true, he hasn't been up to par with his stats this season, but when you are forced to throw the ball almost every play, these things will happen, especially when you are missing so many good players. The Colts will make the playoffs and will be a force to be reckoned with in the years to come. Peyton Manning has not lost his touch either. The Colts will be back.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Monday, November 29, 2010
Why Sports?
Some ask me,"Why do you like sports so much? It means absolutely nothing." This question has come to me and many different occasions. It's not so much that I am looking towards it to help this nation to become something new and amazing. That would be a stupid thing to say. Honestly, when it comes down to it, sports is pointless. Yes at the amateur level, it can be an excellent form of exercise and help build social connections, but at the pro level, it is completely useless. I love pro sports, but it really does not matter.
I would have to say that I love it for some other reason. I have personally played almost every sport, wether its just with friends on a regular basis or in a league, I've tried them all. I've experienced how difficult they can be and how strenuous they can be. I understand how difficult they are. I think that's where the love and appreciation comes in. When I watch sports, I am able to watch the athletes and understand how skilled they are and how they are able to make everything seem so easy. It never ceases to amaze me. A man of ESPN once said that people are able to enjoy sports by vicariously experiencing things through the players, and I would have to say that is right.
People all around the globe love and enjoy sports. It is something interesting, without a doubt. Even in the poorest and darkest corners of the earth have their favorite form of competing athletically. It leaves lots of people wondering, but honestly, its simple to understand. The idea of becoming that guy that people look up to, the idea of being able to pull of that play or move, the idea of becoming something great and new keeps the minds of people captivated. That is why we "love to play the game".
I would have to say that I love it for some other reason. I have personally played almost every sport, wether its just with friends on a regular basis or in a league, I've tried them all. I've experienced how difficult they can be and how strenuous they can be. I understand how difficult they are. I think that's where the love and appreciation comes in. When I watch sports, I am able to watch the athletes and understand how skilled they are and how they are able to make everything seem so easy. It never ceases to amaze me. A man of ESPN once said that people are able to enjoy sports by vicariously experiencing things through the players, and I would have to say that is right.
People all around the globe love and enjoy sports. It is something interesting, without a doubt. Even in the poorest and darkest corners of the earth have their favorite form of competing athletically. It leaves lots of people wondering, but honestly, its simple to understand. The idea of becoming that guy that people look up to, the idea of being able to pull of that play or move, the idea of becoming something great and new keeps the minds of people captivated. That is why we "love to play the game".
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Christmas
Christmas, the beloved celebration of our Savior Christ Jesus, is a cherished and much enjoyed holiday. The famous use of Christmas Trees and boxed presents is a ritual that comes every year as well. As young children, nothing beats tearing off the wrapping paper and seeing what Santa got for them this year. The receiving of gifts was most certainly the best part of this holiday season, but as I grow older, this is not so much true anymore. Of course, I will always cherish the fact that it marks Christ's birth, but I now look forward to giving gifts rather than receiving them.
The fact that my parents and my family are well off is obviously not avoidable. Shortage of money does not come often. Needless to say, I have been able to buy things and receive them throughout the years. This year, Im having the hardest time thinking of what I actually want for Christmas. The list is up to two things and I don't see it increasing any time soon. Honestly, I find this to be an amazingly good thing that I'm proud to speak of. This whole thing has certainly helped me in changing my thought to giving rather than receiving, but I would not say is the main reason.
The main reason, in my opinion, is that with my growing of age, I begin to have closer and closer ties with those I care about the most and I honestly love to see them sincerely happy to receive something from me. The idea of actually getting the perfect gift, the one that means something to them, makes me smile to even think about. I honestly cannot wait for this Christmas season to finally kick-off for me (which will come as soon school is over), because then the excitement of getting the perfect gift will finally begin.
The fact that my parents and my family are well off is obviously not avoidable. Shortage of money does not come often. Needless to say, I have been able to buy things and receive them throughout the years. This year, Im having the hardest time thinking of what I actually want for Christmas. The list is up to two things and I don't see it increasing any time soon. Honestly, I find this to be an amazingly good thing that I'm proud to speak of. This whole thing has certainly helped me in changing my thought to giving rather than receiving, but I would not say is the main reason.
The main reason, in my opinion, is that with my growing of age, I begin to have closer and closer ties with those I care about the most and I honestly love to see them sincerely happy to receive something from me. The idea of actually getting the perfect gift, the one that means something to them, makes me smile to even think about. I honestly cannot wait for this Christmas season to finally kick-off for me (which will come as soon school is over), because then the excitement of getting the perfect gift will finally begin.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Getting a Job
The youth of this age, which most certainly includes myself, is lazy. Plain and simple. The majority of us can easily sit back, do our school work, occasionally help around the house, and rarely ever going out to help our community. We talk big on politics, yet most of us cannot honestly understand it and fully comprehend the different consequences that come with it. A great way to be able to contribute to both of these major problems, we can go out and get a job.
Some may say that the economy is too bad to be able to find a job. That statement is ridiculous. Yes, a man or woman who is trying to support their family may not be able to get a sufficient job, but a teenager can most certainly find a job. That is a lame excuse that some use so that they can continue their lazy and pathetic ways. Fast food places, car washes, restaurants, appliance and grocery stores, and many more options. The choices are virtually endless, you just have to go out and look.
Through this job, an individual can learn about his own community and even more about his country. They can see the conditions of other and stride to help them. It is an excellent way for them to be active in the community and not some lazy couch potato. Also, through the money they earn, they can learn to be much more involved with their politics because it will directly affect them. They will be able to form their own views and opinions, rather than just what Rush Limbaugh says.
Getting a job is an excellent thing for the young people of our age. The advantages and experience that come with it will immensely help them in years to come. Besides, one of the biggest advantages to a job is the fact that they can now have some extra cash of their own, rather than just their parents.
Some may say that the economy is too bad to be able to find a job. That statement is ridiculous. Yes, a man or woman who is trying to support their family may not be able to get a sufficient job, but a teenager can most certainly find a job. That is a lame excuse that some use so that they can continue their lazy and pathetic ways. Fast food places, car washes, restaurants, appliance and grocery stores, and many more options. The choices are virtually endless, you just have to go out and look.
Through this job, an individual can learn about his own community and even more about his country. They can see the conditions of other and stride to help them. It is an excellent way for them to be active in the community and not some lazy couch potato. Also, through the money they earn, they can learn to be much more involved with their politics because it will directly affect them. They will be able to form their own views and opinions, rather than just what Rush Limbaugh says.
Getting a job is an excellent thing for the young people of our age. The advantages and experience that come with it will immensely help them in years to come. Besides, one of the biggest advantages to a job is the fact that they can now have some extra cash of their own, rather than just their parents.
Friday, November 26, 2010
My Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving for me, as most other people, is a time of family and good food. Every year, my family goes to our lake house in Virginia and enjoys an excellent trash can turkey and grandmas excellent cassaroles and mashed potatoes. Needless to say, my Thanksgiving rocks.
This year however, my family went to the mountains. It was freezing cold, the house was small, and there was no tv for football! Even my brother couldnt come! I thought it was going to be a crummy Thanksgiving.
As it turned out, this Thanksgiving was not so horrible. In fact, it was one of my personal favorites. The food seemed even better, the openess of the mountains was great for my large family, and the river in the backyard made for an excellent venue. It will be without a doubt always remember in my family.
This year however, my family went to the mountains. It was freezing cold, the house was small, and there was no tv for football! Even my brother couldnt come! I thought it was going to be a crummy Thanksgiving.
As it turned out, this Thanksgiving was not so horrible. In fact, it was one of my personal favorites. The food seemed even better, the openess of the mountains was great for my large family, and the river in the backyard made for an excellent venue. It will be without a doubt always remember in my family.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
RYC
Raleigh Youth Council(RYC) is a group of high school students who get together and do things throughout the community. Every other Monday, these students and their City Adviser, Daniel Price, get together and discuss what potential community services they could try to attend and accomplish. These particular meetings are run by the students themselves as they have their own elected leaders.
Not only does RYC offer excellent opportunities for students to get community service hours, it also allows one to meet new people and try new experiences. Students come from all different backgrounds and from all different schools, thus making RYC very diverse. During certain community events, one would also be able to work with different professionals and test different fields.
RYC is an excellent program and is highly advised for students who want to be a part of their community. The experiences are memorable and the students are affable human beings. RYC's doors are always open and hope to see you soon.
Not only does RYC offer excellent opportunities for students to get community service hours, it also allows one to meet new people and try new experiences. Students come from all different backgrounds and from all different schools, thus making RYC very diverse. During certain community events, one would also be able to work with different professionals and test different fields.
RYC is an excellent program and is highly advised for students who want to be a part of their community. The experiences are memorable and the students are affable human beings. RYC's doors are always open and hope to see you soon.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Panthers Breakdown 2.0
The Panthers came into this season as the biggest question mark in the NFL. They had a new QB, a very young wide receiving core, and no more Julius Peppers on defensive end. Everyone was giving their input and their predictions on this unusual team. Now, as we are more than half way through the season, those questions have been answered: the Panthers are the worst team in the NFL.
Matt Moore, the expected starter at the quarterback position, has been the biggest disappointment. He played brilliantly in his four appearances last season, something that fans were hoping would continue for years to come. Unfortunately, he has twice as many interceptions(10) as he does touchdowns and a quarterback rating of 55.6. Needless to say, his career as a starter with the Panthers is more than likely over. The era of Jimmy Clausen, the Panthers second round QB pick, has gotten an early start.
The wide receivers have been horrible. Steve Smith, arguably the Panthers best player on the offensive side, has not had any success with the two new QBs. "Double Trouble"-Deangelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart-have also played poorly. This running tandem posted record highs in yards last season, but once again this also has not carried through. Williams is out for the season with a foot injury and Stewart has also struggled with injuries. All of these issues will have to be fixed in the future as the Panthers are the worst rated offense in yards per game.
The defense has been better then expected, which is somewhat shocking, but still not as good as it was with Julius Peppers. The D-line has been continuously pushed around by offenses from around the league and the secondary has not lived up to expectations. They too have had injury problems, but they still need to work on things. They are twenty-fifth in running yards allowed per game and tied for seventh fewest yards allowed in passing. Although the passing defense statistic is impressive, it is large in part that most teams run against the Panthers throughout the game. The defense will also have to improve if they want to have a chance in the playoffs in the seasons to come.
The Panthers season can easily be said as inefficient and undaunting. Both sides of the ball must look towards the future for any success. Hopefully, the coaching staff will be let go after this season and the much anticipated arrival of former Super Bowl coach Bill Cowher will take place immediately. I hate to say, but even a new coach of Bill Cowher's capabilities will not be able to change the Panthers immediately. A team as bad as Carolina will take years to improve and lots of changes, which I do not see happening under the current general manager and coaching staff. Sorry Panther fans, but we will just have to wait.
Matt Moore, the expected starter at the quarterback position, has been the biggest disappointment. He played brilliantly in his four appearances last season, something that fans were hoping would continue for years to come. Unfortunately, he has twice as many interceptions(10) as he does touchdowns and a quarterback rating of 55.6. Needless to say, his career as a starter with the Panthers is more than likely over. The era of Jimmy Clausen, the Panthers second round QB pick, has gotten an early start.
The wide receivers have been horrible. Steve Smith, arguably the Panthers best player on the offensive side, has not had any success with the two new QBs. "Double Trouble"-Deangelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart-have also played poorly. This running tandem posted record highs in yards last season, but once again this also has not carried through. Williams is out for the season with a foot injury and Stewart has also struggled with injuries. All of these issues will have to be fixed in the future as the Panthers are the worst rated offense in yards per game.
The defense has been better then expected, which is somewhat shocking, but still not as good as it was with Julius Peppers. The D-line has been continuously pushed around by offenses from around the league and the secondary has not lived up to expectations. They too have had injury problems, but they still need to work on things. They are twenty-fifth in running yards allowed per game and tied for seventh fewest yards allowed in passing. Although the passing defense statistic is impressive, it is large in part that most teams run against the Panthers throughout the game. The defense will also have to improve if they want to have a chance in the playoffs in the seasons to come.
The Panthers season can easily be said as inefficient and undaunting. Both sides of the ball must look towards the future for any success. Hopefully, the coaching staff will be let go after this season and the much anticipated arrival of former Super Bowl coach Bill Cowher will take place immediately. I hate to say, but even a new coach of Bill Cowher's capabilities will not be able to change the Panthers immediately. A team as bad as Carolina will take years to improve and lots of changes, which I do not see happening under the current general manager and coaching staff. Sorry Panther fans, but we will just have to wait.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Hurricanes Breakdown 2.0
The Carolina Hurricanes are sitting at ninth place in the Eastern Conference, a place that not many teams would like to be in. They have lost three of their last five games in a shootout, one against the much hated Washington Capitals. They are no longer sitting at .500 and it will require lots of work to get back to it, but amid all of these problems, the Hurricanes are having a surprisingly good season.
The Canes came into this season with very little expectations as they are having a rebuilding season. The amount of aging players on the roster last year was staggering and forced the Canes to finally go with youth. Being one of the worst teams in the NHL did not seam like an unlikely future for them coming into the season, but as things have turned out, they are sitting right on the edge of the playoffs.
Eric Staal has continued his dominance in the offensive zone with the patched "C" on his jersey. For some reason, this title of captain has been a driving force for the Hurricanes star and has made him one of the better players in the NHL. Jeff Skinner, the Canes first round draft pick, has been a rookie sensation as he leads all first year players in points and in assists and is second in goals. If he continues to grow and mature at such a fast rate, we may be looking at a future scoring leader in the NHL. Cam Ward, the Canes goalie, has indeed had some let downs, but has also seemingly won several games with almost no defensive help. All though statistics don't show it, Cam has been one of the best goalies in the league this season.
No the Hurricanes have not stolen the show in the NHL and no they have not won every game with glamor. They have not been a top-notched team at every single point of the year, but they have the potential to be there, if not now then in years to come. The Canes will most likely not make it into the playoffs, but their future is looking bright. The youth will continue to grow and learn with one another. In all honesty, this could be the next big team in years to come.
The Canes came into this season with very little expectations as they are having a rebuilding season. The amount of aging players on the roster last year was staggering and forced the Canes to finally go with youth. Being one of the worst teams in the NHL did not seam like an unlikely future for them coming into the season, but as things have turned out, they are sitting right on the edge of the playoffs.
Eric Staal has continued his dominance in the offensive zone with the patched "C" on his jersey. For some reason, this title of captain has been a driving force for the Hurricanes star and has made him one of the better players in the NHL. Jeff Skinner, the Canes first round draft pick, has been a rookie sensation as he leads all first year players in points and in assists and is second in goals. If he continues to grow and mature at such a fast rate, we may be looking at a future scoring leader in the NHL. Cam Ward, the Canes goalie, has indeed had some let downs, but has also seemingly won several games with almost no defensive help. All though statistics don't show it, Cam has been one of the best goalies in the league this season.
No the Hurricanes have not stolen the show in the NHL and no they have not won every game with glamor. They have not been a top-notched team at every single point of the year, but they have the potential to be there, if not now then in years to come. The Canes will most likely not make it into the playoffs, but their future is looking bright. The youth will continue to grow and learn with one another. In all honesty, this could be the next big team in years to come.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Packers Breakdown 3.0
The Green Bay Packers came into this season expecting nothing less than a trip to the NFC Title game, but as it turned out, these ideas may turn out to be nothing but a fantasy. The Packers are sitting at 7-4 after losing to the NFC South leading Falcons. Losing to the Falcons, on the road, on a last second field goal is nothing to be disappointed with, but the fact that the Bears, the Packers divisional rival, won this week gives a horrible tint to the loss.
In this season, the Bears and Packers have been the only two teams that have been competing for the NFC North. The Vikings, who also had huge expectations, have been one of the most disappointing teams this year as they sit at 4-7 and have absolutely no hope of getting into the playoffs. The Bears have the tiebreaker with the Packers, as they beat them earlier this season, and have a one game lead in the standings. The Bears and Packers have one more meeting this season that comes on the very last game of the season. If things stay this tight through the games leading up to this final match, we may be able to see one of the most significant games in the past decade.
The Packers have had a disappointing year. There's no getting around it. They have had key players go down to injury and their insane amount of penalties has cost them dearly, but not all is lost. They are still sitting in a good spot in the NFC and could easily make it into the playoffs as the NFC North winner. They can still salvage this season, but hard work and a little bit of luck will have to push them along the way.
In this season, the Bears and Packers have been the only two teams that have been competing for the NFC North. The Vikings, who also had huge expectations, have been one of the most disappointing teams this year as they sit at 4-7 and have absolutely no hope of getting into the playoffs. The Bears have the tiebreaker with the Packers, as they beat them earlier this season, and have a one game lead in the standings. The Bears and Packers have one more meeting this season that comes on the very last game of the season. If things stay this tight through the games leading up to this final match, we may be able to see one of the most significant games in the past decade.
The Packers have had a disappointing year. There's no getting around it. They have had key players go down to injury and their insane amount of penalties has cost them dearly, but not all is lost. They are still sitting in a good spot in the NFC and could easily make it into the playoffs as the NFC North winner. They can still salvage this season, but hard work and a little bit of luck will have to push them along the way.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
College Football
This season has been one of the most interesting college football seasons that we've seen in the past decade. Last years champions, the Alabama Crimson Tide, have lost three games this season and Ohio State, who was ranked number two at the beginning of this, may not even win their conference. Oregon, Auburn, and TCU are the only teams that are undefeated, with Auburn and Oregon as the front-runners for the chance to play in the BCS Title Game.
One of the biggest surprises this season is Auburn quarterback, Cam Newton. Newton is leading his team to a BCS Championship in his first season with them, something that rarely occurs. He is currently the front-runner for the Heisman trophy with the other three candidates being Andrew Luck of Stanford, LaMichael James of Oregon, and Kellen Moore of Boise State. All of these players have been fantastic thus far, but for sure Cam Newton has been the most outstanding.
Boise State, who also had a fantastic opportunity to get to the Championship, lost in overtime against conference rival Nevada. They were hoping for either Oregon or Auburn to lose, which is looking like it wont happen now. Their hopes for Championship is absolutely destroyed. Maybe in years to come, they will have a chance but will more than likely never happen.
Yes, college football has been very different this season. The expected match up of Auburn and Oregon will be one to remember, as the two teams have never played one another. Only time will tell if things will stay the same in the standings and we as the football fans are going to be able to witness such an amazing game.
One of the biggest surprises this season is Auburn quarterback, Cam Newton. Newton is leading his team to a BCS Championship in his first season with them, something that rarely occurs. He is currently the front-runner for the Heisman trophy with the other three candidates being Andrew Luck of Stanford, LaMichael James of Oregon, and Kellen Moore of Boise State. All of these players have been fantastic thus far, but for sure Cam Newton has been the most outstanding.
Boise State, who also had a fantastic opportunity to get to the Championship, lost in overtime against conference rival Nevada. They were hoping for either Oregon or Auburn to lose, which is looking like it wont happen now. Their hopes for Championship is absolutely destroyed. Maybe in years to come, they will have a chance but will more than likely never happen.
Yes, college football has been very different this season. The expected match up of Auburn and Oregon will be one to remember, as the two teams have never played one another. Only time will tell if things will stay the same in the standings and we as the football fans are going to be able to witness such an amazing game.
Friday, November 12, 2010
NHL All-Star Game
The NHL has been known as the joke of all professional sports leagues in the US, other than soccer. Americans have been unable to connect with the sport as our northern friends in Canada have, but fortunately, this trend of being a joke is changing. In order to bring some attention and change, the NHL announced that it would be changing the format of its All-Star Game, which is to be held in Raleigh this year.
In years past, the All-Star Game has had two sides, Western verses Eastern. Fans voted on the players that they wanted from each conference and the players with the most votes made the roster. This year, in an attempt to bring in more viewers, the NHL is drastically changing this traditional format. In this edition of the All-Star Game, fans will vote for all the different players, regardless of conference, and thus make a pool of players that are set to be participating. Then, the two players with the most votes will be declared captains and these two players will draft their teams from the pool of players. No more Eastern verses Western. Now, it will be just a head-on-head with all the greatest hockey players in the world.
In its own way, this idea is somewhat of a throwback. Brandon Shanahan, the man who is responsible for this change, says that the All-Star Game is just taking hockey players back to their beginning. It will be just like the days back when kids gathered together in the neighborhood and picked teams. The idea is to allow the players to have fun and enjoy the process and that this will translate to fun and thrilling moments for the fans.
This new Fantasy Draft idea is brilliant and will hopefully show to be successful come January 28 of next year, the official beginning of the All-Star Weekend. This format should bring in lots of new fans and peak the interest for people who have always been somewhat skeptical of the NHL. It makes for lots of hype, which the NHL can always use. It will be interesting to see if other leagues take on this draft style as well in years to come and hopefully bring forth success for this very under appreciated sport.
In years past, the All-Star Game has had two sides, Western verses Eastern. Fans voted on the players that they wanted from each conference and the players with the most votes made the roster. This year, in an attempt to bring in more viewers, the NHL is drastically changing this traditional format. In this edition of the All-Star Game, fans will vote for all the different players, regardless of conference, and thus make a pool of players that are set to be participating. Then, the two players with the most votes will be declared captains and these two players will draft their teams from the pool of players. No more Eastern verses Western. Now, it will be just a head-on-head with all the greatest hockey players in the world.
In its own way, this idea is somewhat of a throwback. Brandon Shanahan, the man who is responsible for this change, says that the All-Star Game is just taking hockey players back to their beginning. It will be just like the days back when kids gathered together in the neighborhood and picked teams. The idea is to allow the players to have fun and enjoy the process and that this will translate to fun and thrilling moments for the fans.
This new Fantasy Draft idea is brilliant and will hopefully show to be successful come January 28 of next year, the official beginning of the All-Star Weekend. This format should bring in lots of new fans and peak the interest for people who have always been somewhat skeptical of the NHL. It makes for lots of hype, which the NHL can always use. It will be interesting to see if other leagues take on this draft style as well in years to come and hopefully bring forth success for this very under appreciated sport.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Packers Breakdown 2.0
This season has had many surprising story lines thus far. The Super Bowl hopeful Dallas Cowboys have fallen to a 1-7 record and have fired their coach, Wade Philips. The Kansas City Chiefs were the last undefeated team in the league, something nobody saw coming. Another surprising story is that the Green Bay Packers, who were hoping to be the best team in the league, have not reached their preseason expectations.
The Packers have a 6-3 record, which is good enough to make them a part of the elite teams, but this is in now way what they had hoped for. In their defense, they have been plagued with numerous injuries. They lost their sack leading player in Clay Matthews for two weeks, in which they lost both of those games. They also lost Nick Barnett, a key linebacker, for the entire season. The list goes on, but the most impacting injury without a doubt came when Ryan Grant, the Packers 1,200 yard rusher from a season before, went out for a run and injured his leg, ending his season only after it had just begun.
The Packers have been buried by a last second field goal in regulation and by two over time field goals. Needless to say, those games could have gone either way and we could honestly be looking at an undefeated Packers squad. Hopefully, they can still recapture some glory and make a run in the playoffs. Unless they get to the Super Bowl, this season will be somewhat of a let down for this growing team despite having a depleted roster. It is still possible to have a good season, but in Lambeau, expectations will be getting higher and it will be interesting to see if this young team can meet them.
The Packers have a 6-3 record, which is good enough to make them a part of the elite teams, but this is in now way what they had hoped for. In their defense, they have been plagued with numerous injuries. They lost their sack leading player in Clay Matthews for two weeks, in which they lost both of those games. They also lost Nick Barnett, a key linebacker, for the entire season. The list goes on, but the most impacting injury without a doubt came when Ryan Grant, the Packers 1,200 yard rusher from a season before, went out for a run and injured his leg, ending his season only after it had just begun.
The Packers have been buried by a last second field goal in regulation and by two over time field goals. Needless to say, those games could have gone either way and we could honestly be looking at an undefeated Packers squad. Hopefully, they can still recapture some glory and make a run in the playoffs. Unless they get to the Super Bowl, this season will be somewhat of a let down for this growing team despite having a depleted roster. It is still possible to have a good season, but in Lambeau, expectations will be getting higher and it will be interesting to see if this young team can meet them.
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