They aren’t locks but the 7 seed is almost a lock given our schedule and the fact that we have no pass rush, no #1 WR or TE, and beat up RBs. Again, I understand that we have stuff to celebrate this year but I just can’t see a scenario where we are successful in the playoffs unless we get very lucky

Yeah I can look at the rest of the league and say “wow we have been quite successful over my lifetime”, you are exactly right. But winning 11+ games and making the playoffs is baseline. Thats status quo. So being disappointed with a 2nd place NFC North finish and a 1st rd playoff exit is warranted

Well lets hope so. Pessimism is my default and with the Packers it’s hard to find anything to be optimistic about this year especially but even moving forward given our lack of NFC North championships and playoff longevity since 2022

Coming back strong, sure. Coming back at the same level, while being confident on his leg, without risk of re-injury? No.
And yes, I am absolutely crushed after yesterday. I still think our offense can score points but our defense is absolutely cooked.

Re-injury risk is extremely high in ACL tears (partial or full re-tears). Obviously I am not saying that Gute has a crystal ball but in retrospect, the trade is a disaster. Especially given Wyatt is out for the year too, where having Kenny Clark would be ideal.

Isn’t it usually a 12 month injury? Especially with him being an important player, we will likely be extremely conservative with his rehab timeline

But this how it always is with the Packers. We get right there and lose out due to factors beyond our control. It makes you wonder why anyone cares about sports at all

Don’t worry. We play to our strengths against good teams but play like shit against bad teams