OH NOOO...SAY IT AIN'T SO....HOW WOULD YOU REACT ???????

[RashanGary]

Finley is a "Pro Bowler" caliber player. Actually, he's beyond that. He's an All-Pro caliber TE.

One player can make a huge difference. Look at how Chicago (and their defense) does with a healthy Brian Urlacher compared to when he's out or playing injured. Makes a huge difference.

Urlacher and Peppers both. Big difference in that team.

[Noodle]

First, I agree that losing Finley was a huge deal, you really can't underestimate how important a field-stretching TE is. You think Chicago would be cool with losing Olsen? And even though our youngsters have played well, it is hard to imagine the strain this has put on the coaching staff, who have to focus not just on scehme but also on whether the latest noob knows what the heck he's supposed to do.

I also agree that I will have a hard time seeing the good in this season if the Pack lose to the Bears. In part, because it's the friggin' Bears, but in larger part because I don't see the Bears as worthy. They just haven't earned it.

So if the Pack makes it and loses to either the Steelers or the Jets in the SB, I'm bummed but cool, because those are two very worthy opponents who have fought and beaten some tough hombres to get there (The Pats had to endure 3 games against the Ravens D!The Jets did 3 games against Hoodie!).

The Bears, as others have noted, have pretty much lucked out their whole season. So I don't care what happens in the SB, but I DO NOT WANT TO LOSE TO THE BEARS!

[MadScientist]

If this nightmare plays out, I will be sick for two weeks. I doubt I could even stomach watching the Superbowl. Loosing to the Bears in this situation is worse than loosing to any of the other playoff teams this year.

Win or lose I think the rivalry kicks up a notch or two for the next couple of years.

[mmmdk]

Losing Finley was a big, big deal. First of all, we had to rejigger (that's a technical term) our entire offense in his absence, and second of all a big fast TE is the ultimate cover 2 beater. With Finley, there would be no chance we'd lose to the Bears on Sunday without a series of epic gaffes.

No doubt - I agree 100% but we'll beat the Bears regardless.

[mmmdk]

I think I've learned an important lesson this season; that one guy doesn't necessarily make or break a season. I, hohum, said McCarthy wasn't the man to get us over the hump but he's not that important to the success of the Packers but nonetheless important. Yet with that said, I couldn't possibly imagine Packers winning the Lombardi Trophy without Aaron Rodgers or maybe even Clay Matthews.

[Joemailman]

Well, it would be somewhere in the middle. On the positive side, I would see this as a season where the Packers showed a lot of resiliency and saw the emergence of some young players (Shields, Williams, Starks, Bishop). A lot of young guys would have gained some valuable playoff experience. This team would certainly be positioned to be a major Super Bowl contender for the foreseeable future.

On the other hand, it would be a lost opportunity, as for the 2nd time in 4 years, The Packers would have lost in an NFC Title Game. Great older players like Driver, Woodson and Clifton would be edging ever closer to retirement. Worst of all, the Bears would be in the Super Bowl.

I would be seriously bummed out but still optimistic about the future.

[PaCkFan_n_MD]

I really hope the Bears don't make it to the Superbowl. I honestly believe they would be the luckiest team to ever make it to the Superbowl. The difference might be them getting a free win week one against the Lions which resulted in a first round bye. Then they draw the worst playoff team ever. They basically start the playoffs in the NFC championship game. And then when they get there are playing us, the one team that they don't even have to be good to beat basically because its us. They get all the luck........dropped INTs we they need it, fumbles when they need it, everything goes right for them.

Now look at our season. All of our losses have been close heart breaking losses. I believe we are the better team, but we have completely not luck this season. We get Vick and Eagles on the road, then Matty ice on the road, and then the luckiest team who seem to do no wrong of late on the road with the ref who cheated us out of a victory against this very team. Does it get any worse then that??? We always have the shit luck............The only way this season turns around and is successful is this team WINS the Superbowl. One step at a time though and we have a really hard step this weekend.

I really hope we finally get lucky brakes and win......Hoping for fumbles, easy INTs,, and maybe even a sp. teams score. I hope for a really good all around game!

[RashanGary]

First, the Bears are good and could win. They have the leagues best special teams and a top tier defense. On top of that, they have a solid running game and a decent overall offense. And to top it off, if they need a 2 minute drive, they have an extremely talented QB who could have one amazing drive. He's done it before.

So there is a very real possibility that we lose to one of the best teams in the NFL. If it happens, well, we're probably going fly off the F'in hook. Someone will have made a mistake, be it MM, JJ or anyone else. There is no way we sit here and talk about how wonderful the season was. Some Bear player is going to cheap shot one of our guys. Some ref is going to make a bogus call. If we lose, it's not going to be pretty. And I don't much care if it's overreaction. This place is starting to suck because people are afraid to go out on limbs and express themselves. Screw that. I'll start by being the biggest idiot in the room and if time proves me wrong, oh well. Sports is about being in the moment and that's what i'm going to do for good or for bad.

[pbmax]

I am with the Mailman. It would stink that for the second time, with a wide open field, the Packers failed to capitalize on a chance to go to the Super Bowl.

But even more than 2007, McCarthy, despite his flaws and penchant for long FGs, demonstrated that he can command a locker room and keep his team focused during a season of significant turmoil. That is further confirmation that he is the correct coach.

But a group only gets so many shots, so a loss would also have me calculating how many more legit years are left and then counting down. I don't want to do that. First of all, many of the better players are very young, but losing a few vets could change the dynamic. I am not sure that would happen, and think this year might demonstrate that the Packers Org has the wherewithal to carry on and replace the pieces like the Steelers.

But I would prefer to take advantage of the opportunity that presents itself.

[denverYooper]

The Packers won't lose.

[Lurker64]

The Packers won't lose.

I'm not sure which is more a jinx: "how would you feel if they lose" or "there's no way they can lose". Either way, this thread is bad mojo.

[Bossman641]

83 starter games lost, 2nd most in the leage, according to FO.

Notice that the Bears are tied for least starter games lost, with 11.

I saw the same article and think the article is wrong. They only count 5 starters lost, leaving out Brad Jones. Everywhere else I have seen the number quoted at 91 I believe.

And yes, this thread is BAD mojo.

[PaCkFan_n_MD]

Rodgers talked about before games he sees himself making throws and then goes out and does it. Lets think positive the whole game and God willing we will win!

[denverYooper]

I'm not sure which is more a jinx: "how would you feel if they lose" or "there's no way they can lose". Either way, this thread is bad mojo.

Not saying there is no way they can lose, just saying they won't.

Besides, Bretsky starting a "what if they lose?" thread can't be that bad.

[MadtownPacker]

First, the Bears are good and could win. They have the leagues best special teams and a top tier defense. On top of that, they have a solid running game and a decent overall offense. And to top it off, if they need a 2 minute drive, they have an extremely talented QB who could have one amazing drive. He's done it before.

So there is a very real possibility that we lose to one of the best teams in the NFL. If it happens, well, we're probably going fly off the F'in hook. Someone will have made a mistake, be it MM, JJ or anyone else. There is no way we sit here and talk about how wonderful the season was. Some Bear player is going to cheap shot one of our guys. Some ref is going to make a bogus call. If we lose, it's not going to be pretty. And I don't much care if it's overreaction. This place is starting to suck because people are afraid to go out on limbs and express themselves. Screw that. I'll start by being the biggest idiot in the room and if time proves me wrong, oh well. Sports is about being in the moment and that's what i'm going to do for good or for bad.

Dont be a dumbass. There is greatness to be missed in losing this game, I agree. That's only because of what it is. PACKERS vs BEAR for a chance at the SB. One of the NFL's elite dream matchups. Goodell probably piss himself with joy at the thought of the ratings. The impressive victories over PHI and ATL have removed any stress I had about this season. It has been a great run and if is meant to end at Chicago Sunday I can say that they got further than expected. I just wanted to see a playoff win. I got to see two. I will be greatly disappointed but I wont be mad. No reason for us to riot.

As long as JJ doesnt fumble at the end.