Although the Packers entered the NFL Divisional round as huge underdogs against the San Francisco 49ers, history shows that Green Bay was able to come from behind and even win the Super Bowl.
The 2023 Packers look a lot like the 2010 team that beat the Pittsburgh Steelers 31-25 in Super Bowl XLV. In 2010, Green Bay was looking to build a new dynasty after recent success. QB Aaron Rodgers, the 24th pick in the 2005 NFL Draft, is in his fifth year leading HC Mike McCarthy’s offense. Two years ago, the team traded future Hall of Fame QB Brett Favre to the New York Jets.
Just like in 2010, the 2023 Packers traded away their franchise quarterback last offseason to make way for a new QB. After speaking with Rodgers (Jets), Jordan Love was given the starting role in the first round and fifth-year HC Matt LaFleur was asked to lead the offense.The 10-6 Packers entered the 2010 playoffs as the #6 seed, the lowest seed in the conference.
Green Bay fell short to the Eagles in the wild card round, 21-16.With a stunning 48-32 victory over the Cowboys in the wild-card round this season, the Packers became the first No. 7 seed to win a postseason game since the NFL playoffs expanded to 14 teams in 2020. If the current Packers want to emulate the success of the 2010 team, they will need great play from their quarterback.
According to StatMuse, Rodgers played a key role in Green Bay’s Super Bowl run, throwing for 1,094 yards, nine touchdowns and two interceptions in four playoff games. He was also named Super Bowl MVP after completing 24 of 39 passes for 304 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions against Pittsburgh.Â
Fortunately for Green Bay, Love survived Rodgers in 2010. Through the final eight games of the regular season and the wild-card round, the 25-year-old posted a better completion percentage (70.7), passing yards per game (269.1), pass:interception ratio (21:1), and passes per match. The four-time MVP had a better rating (116.6) than the two-time MVP.
The Packers were once able to defy all odds and win the Super Bowl as underdogs. But it remains to be seen if they can achieve this feat again.As of Friday, Green Bay scored 9.5 points against the 49ers on Saturday, according to FanDuel.
