GREEN BAY, Wis. – The Atlanta Falcons were just as surprised as most of the fans sitting at home. Until this week, they’d never heard of Green Bay Packers running back James Starks, either.

Before Sunday, Starks was a sixth-round pick out of Buffalo who had struggled to get on the field because of injuries and inconsistent practice habits. Then he rushed for 123 yards in Green Bay’s 21-16 playoff victory at Philadelphia.

“He came out of nowhere,” Falcons middle linebacker Curtis Lofton said. “I’d never heard of Starks. I’d never seen him on film until the past two weeks. But he’s a talented back.”

And after smothering the Packers’ running game when the two teams played back in November, the Falcons certainly don’t plan to allow some rookie to have a big performance in Saturday’s playoff game at the Georgia Dome.

“When you can run the ball and pass the ball, that makes you that much more dangerous,” Lofton said. “They tried to run the ball against us the first time, and we shut it down. So that’s what we’re looking to do again.”

Packers coach Mike McCarthy said Starks has earned a bigger role in the offense.

“He’ll have opportunities in Atlanta,” McCarthy said. “How many, the game will dictate that. He has earned that opportunity based off his performance this past week.”

Starks says he’s ready.

“If you love this game, you love having the ball in your hands,” Starks said. “I would love to have that but I’m grateful for whatever I can get. I’ll take whatever I’m offered.”

But even the Packers concede that Starks’ breakout performance doesn’t necessarily mean they have solved their season-long running game problems.

“I think if we’re being honest, last week was a little bit of an anomaly, if you’re comparing it to the last seven or eight weeks,” Aaron Rodgers said. “Often my own rushing stats have bumped up the average. Our feature back has been averaging in the threes, usually, and we might end up with 33 carries for 120 yards. It was just a matter of the stuff we were calling was working. We blocked better and James was decisive.”

After losing running back Ryan Grant to an ankle injury in Week 1, the Packers spent most of this season struggling to run the ball. The Packers’ running game hit a low point in their Nov. 28 loss at Atlanta. In addition to throwing for 344 yards, Rodgers was the Packers’ leading rusher with 51 yards. And while Rodgers is proud of his underrated athletic ability, it would be just fine with him if he never led the Packers in rushing again.

Could Starks be the difference for the Packers this time around?

“Well, we’ll see about that,” Rodgers said. “Last time, I was the leading rusher. Hopefully that’s not the case again. But you’ve got to give credit to James and the way he prepared last week. He was the hot guy and he got the ball. Every week, you never know who’s going to get the majority of the carries. I’m just hopeful it’s not going to be me this week.”

Even if Starks can’t duplicate last week’s performance, his potential to do so could be enough to keep the Falcons’ defense from loading up to stop Rodgers and set up the Packers’ play-action passing game.

“It’s huge,” Falcons safety William Moore said. “Now they’re good all around. Me, personally, I don’t go off one game. We’ll continue to do our game plan and just do what we’ve been executing. But he’s a great rookie. He carried the load the last game. I’m sure he’s going to show up this game with the momentum he had last game.”

Starks missed his entire senior season at Buffalo because of an injury, then began this season on the physically unable to perform list because of a hamstring injury. He had a strong debut, rushing for 73 yards in a win over San Francisco Dec. 5, but didn’t do much the following week and sat out back-to-back games after coaches became concerned with his practice habits. Rodgers said Starks got the message.

“I don’t know if you’re going to get 123 yards every week out of him. I don’t even know if he’s going to be the hot back this week,” Rodgers said. “But we expect him to prepare to play well and practice the way he expects to play. That’s the reason he got the opportunity, because his practice habits have improved. Coach says it, I’ve said it before, you need to show us in practice what you can do in order for us to have confidence you can do it in a game. That goes for James and any other player on our offense.”

GREEN BAY, Wis. – The Atlanta Falcons were just as surprised as most of the fans sitting at home. Until this week, they’d never heard of Green Bay Packers running back James Starks, either.

Before Sunday, Starks was a sixth-round pick out of Buffalo who had struggled to get on the field because of injuries and inconsistent practice habits. Then he rushed for 123 yards in Green Bay’s 21-16 playoff victory at Philadelphia.

“He came out of nowhere,” Falcons middle linebacker Curtis Lofton said. “I’d never heard of Starks. I’d never seen him on film until the past two weeks. But he’s a talented back.”

And after smothering the Packers’ running game when the two teams played back in November, the Falcons certainly don’t plan to allow some rookie to have a big performance in Saturday’s playoff game at the Georgia Dome.

“When you can run the ball and pass the ball, that makes you that much more dangerous,” Lofton said. “They tried to run the ball against us the first time, and we shut it down. So that’s what we’re looking to do again.”

Packers coach Mike McCarthy said Starks has earned a bigger role in the offense.

“He’ll have opportunities in Atlanta,” McCarthy said. “How many, the game will dictate that. He has earned that opportunity based off his performance this past week.”

Starks says he’s ready.

“If you love this game, you love having the ball in your hands,” Starks said. “I would love to have that but I’m grateful for whatever I can get. I’ll take whatever I’m offered.”

But even the Packers concede that Starks’ breakout performance doesn’t necessarily mean they have solved their season-long running game problems.

“I think if we’re being honest, last week was a little bit of an anomaly, if you’re comparing it to the last seven or eight weeks,” Aaron Rodgers said. “Often my own rushing stats have bumped up the average. Our feature back has been averaging in the threes, usually, and we might end up with 33 carries for 120 yards. It was just a matter of the stuff we were calling was working. We blocked better and James was decisive.”

After losing running back Ryan Grant to an ankle injury in Week 1, the Packers spent most of this season struggling to run the ball. The Packers’ running game hit a low point in their Nov. 28 loss at Atlanta. In addition to throwing for 344 yards, Rodgers was the Packers’ leading rusher with 51 yards. And while Rodgers is proud of his underrated athletic ability, it would be just fine with him if he never led the Packers in rushing again.

Could Starks be the difference for the Packers this time around?

“Well, we’ll see about that,” Rodgers said. “Last time, I was the leading rusher. Hopefully that’s not the case again. But you’ve got to give credit to James and the way he prepared last week. He was the hot guy and he got the ball. Every week, you never know who’s going to get the majority of the carries. I’m just hopeful it’s not going to be me this week.”

Even if Starks can’t duplicate last week’s performance, his potential to do so could be enough to keep the Falcons’ defense from loading up to stop Rodgers and set up the Packers’ play-action passing game.

“It’s huge,” Falcons safety William Moore said. “Now they’re good all around. Me, personally, I don’t go off one game. We’ll continue to do our game plan and just do what we’ve been executing. But he’s a great rookie. He carried the load the last game. I’m sure he’s going to show up this game with the momentum he had last game.”

Starks missed his entire senior season at Buffalo because of an injury, then began this season on the physically unable to perform list because of a hamstring injury. He had a strong debut, rushing for 73 yards in a win over San Francisco Dec. 5, but didn’t do much the following week and sat out back-to-back games after coaches became concerned with his practice habits. Rodgers said Starks got the message.

“I don’t know if you’re going to get 123 yards every week out of him. I don’t even know if he’s going to be the hot back this week,” Rodgers said. “But we expect him to prepare to play well and practice the way he expects to play. That’s the reason he got the opportunity, because his practice habits have improved. Coach says it, I’ve said it before, you need to show us in practice what you can do in order for us to have confidence you can do it in a game. That goes for James and any other player on our offense.”

By David Halprin – Manager of SB Nation Football Blogs

Read More: Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers

Follow , and Like SBNation.com on Facebook.

This post is sponsored by Prilosec

 

This is the last week on SBNation.com that we’ll have the NFL Victory of the Week, presented by Prilosec. The winning team has been decided by conducting a poll on Tuesdays across all of the SB Nation NFL blogs throughout the 2010 season, with you — the readers — voting for the biggest win of each week.

This week’s winner is the Green Bay Packers.

On Sunday, the Green Bay Packers controlled their own fate, a win against the Chicago Bears would punch their ticket to the NFL playoffs. The Bears had nothing to play for, but played their starters anyway, hoping to send a message to their division-rivals, and to stay sharp with a bye-week coming up. If you were looking for an offensive explosion, this wasn’t your game. But the Packers defense held the team in the game until Aaron Rodgers and company were able to do just enough on offense to seal a 10-3 win. And seal an invitation to the NFL tournament.

Here’s what SB Nation’s Packers blog, Acme Packing Company, had to say:

I usually don’t get that emotional during Green Bay Packers football games, though I’m in a bad mood after every loss. But that game against the Bears had me going crazy. All week, I had been supremely confident that the Packers would show up to play, and in the end the Bears would realize they had nothing left to play for. Instead the Bears played them tough, and I was in a foul mood at halftime.

But at the start of the second half, while the Packers were still down 3-0, something made me relax, and I was surprisingly calm. That was about the time WR Greg Jennings caught the first of his two near touchdown passes which set up both of their scores. I should have known they’d have it covered.

Over 7,200 SB Nation readers voted this week, and the final result was pretty close. The Packers/Bears game was the winner with 40% of the vote (2,894 votes). Thanks to all the SB Nation readers who participated this week, and all year long.

Visit Acme Packing Company for more on the Packers.

Follow , and Like SBNation.com on Facebook.

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GREEN BAY — Packers coach Mike McCarthy has had it easy this week: He hasn’t had to remind his players what the season finale against the Bears means to his team.

McCarthy said Friday, “Our football team is very excited to play.”

With a win, the Packers (9-6) are in the playoffs.

Green Bay could gain the final NFC wildcard spot without beating the Bears if the New York Giants and Tampa Bay lose their games.

NFC North champion Chicago (11-4), meanwhile, could lock in as the No. 2 seed in the playoffs if both Atlanta and New Orleans don’t lose their games earlier in the day.

That’s led to some speculation the Bears coach Lovie Smith would be inclined to rest players and lessen the risk of an injury occurring before the postseason.

“At first, initially, I thought it would be in their best interests (to do that),” Packers nose tackle B.J. Raji said. “But then my coach brought it up and I was listening to some of the media and Lovie’s pretty big on beating the Packers. I don’t really see him letting an opportunity squander away.”

Smith this week said he intends to play his regular starters as the Bears look to become the first team in the NFC North since the league’s division realignment in 2002 to go unbeaten against their three division opponents.

Plus, a Chicago win could potentially keep its biggest rival out of the playoffs.

“It’s hard to ever speculate on your opponent’s approach,” said Packers defensive coordinator Dom Capers, a former NFL head coach. “What we’ve got to do is put our total focus and concentration on us going out and playing our best game. I think that our guys understand the magnitude and the importance of it.”

McCarthy after practice Friday reiterated comments he made earlier in the week that it’s “a polluted mindset” for the Packers to get hung up on the possibility of Chicago keeping its top players out of part or all of the game.

“You can’t worry about it,” Raji said. “Especially in my position, you can’t really worry too much about that. If you do, then you get off track and your technique will go and you worry about who you’re playing against. So I’m going to go in with the mindset that everyone is going to play.”

McCarthy didn’t play several starters and also pulled a few more, including quarterback Brett Favre, in the Packers’ meaningless 2007 final regular-season game. Green Bay was locked in as the No. 2 seed and had a first-round bye in the playoffs.

“I’m not really worried about what spot they’re in,” McCarthy said of the Bears. “I’m just looking forward to playing Sunday.”

Green Bay won’t be at full strength with defensive end Cullen Jenkins (calf) and linebacker Frank Zombo (knee) ruled out for another game.

But safety Nick Collins (ribs) and cornerback/kick returner Sam Shields (knee), who missed practice time this week, are probable to play.

GREEN BAY (AP) – Last week’s losses left the New York Giants and Green Bay Packers scrambling to make the playoffs. Their situations are similar, but the mood surrounding each team was dramatically different going into Sunday’s game at Lambeau Field.

The Packers (8-6) found plenty of positives to emphasize after they nearly knocked off New England on the road without starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers. They played pretty good defense against Tom Brady, ran the ball better than they usually do, got good play from backup quarterback Matt Flynn – and now they’re getting Rodgers back from a concussion.

Meanwhile, the Giants (9-5) are coming off a stunning fourth-quarter collapse against Philadelphia and spent the week fending off the perception that they’re falling apart.

Quarterback Eli Manning made a short speech during a team meeting Monday, and expects the Giants to be focused.

“We’re still in a good spot,” Manning said. “And whether the game against Philadelphia went differently and we’d have won, we’re going to play this week and need a win this week. So in our minds, nothing’s changed.”

Charles Woodson doesn’t expect the Giants to crumble.

“We’ll see two teams fighting to keep their playoff hopes alive,” Woodson said. “That’ll be the mindset. We don’t look at it from a standpoint of what happened to them last week and trying to make that happen again. We’ve just got to go out and play good football.”

Despite the crushing loss, the Giants have a clear path to the playoffs: They’re in if they win Sunday.

“If you’re going to dwell on what happened last week and let it affect the way you prepare the following week, you’re not going to be good – win or lose,” guard Rich Seubert said. “So we’ve had some big wins, and we’ve had some big losses. This is my 10th year, and this isn’t the first time this has happened to me. The beautiful thing is destiny is still in our hands. We go win, we’re in the playoffs.”

The Packers still can get in if they win their last two games, both at home.

“Our playoffs started when we got on the plane to come home Sunday,” Packers coach Mike McCarthy said. “That’s the way we’re approaching our preparation, that’s the way we’re approaching this game. It’s going to be a playoff-type atmosphere here at home. We feel very good about that.”

It won’t quite equal the atmosphere when the two teams met at Lambeau Field three years ago.

With the NFC title on the line in below-zero temperatures, the Giants beat the Packers in overtime. It should be somewhat warmer on Sunday, with temperatures expected in the 20s and a chance of snow.

“It was obviously a great moment for the guys that were here, that remember it,” Manning said. “But hey, it’s a new year, new team, new circumstances, and just because we’ve been there and won one game is not going to make any difference.”

Still, Giants coach Tom Coughlin said he might use that game to motivate his team during the week.

“There’s a lot of young guys here that weren’t a part of that team,” Coughlin said. “But the idea of referring to that night in Green Bay, we certainly will use to the best extent that we can.”

Packers defensive lineman Ryan Pickett hasn’t forgotten.

“I’d be lying if I said I didn’t think about that game,” Pickett said. “That was a game that stopped our season, going to the Super Bowl. So I definitely think about that game. And it’ll be nice to get this win on our home field because they came and beat us on our home field and that’s a taste that’s probably going to be in my mouth for the rest of my life.”

Both teams have been hit hard by injuries this season, but Green Bay got some good news this week: Rodgers returned to practice after sitting out last week because of his second concussion of the season. He’s expected to start Sunday.

“I don’t worry about it,” Rodgers said. “I’ve gone through all the testing and I’ve been assured there isn’t anything to be worried about.”

The Packers might be more concerned about their record in close games. All six of Packers’ losses this season have come by four points or fewer. According to STATS LLC, they’re 5-16 in games decided by four points or fewer since McCarthy took over in 2006, the league’s lowest winning percentage in close games during that stretch.

Rodgers said losing tight games isn’t getting in players’ heads.

“I’ve been on teams you have that here-we-go-again feeling,” Rodgers said. “This team doesn’t have that. We have a lot of confidence. It’s just about executing in those situations and the fourth quarter. Like I said, we’ve done some good things in the fourth quarter, put some drives together to come back in games. The problem is that we’ve made mistakes in the first, second, and third quarters and it’s put us in those situations.”

The Packers are allowing 15.7 points per game, tying them with Pittsburgh for No. 1 overall.

Green Bay expects the Giants to run at them, even though Philadelphia held Brandon Jacobs to 34 yards on 12 carries after he rushed for 219 yards and three

touchdowns in the Giants’ previous two games.

Manning has a league-high 20 interceptions, and he’ll be facing a Packers defense that let a few footballs slip out of their hands against Brady last week.

With the playoffs on the line, Woodson knows he can’t let another potential interception get past him.

“If you have an opportunity, you’ve got to go get it,” Woodson said. “If that’s their M.O., that they’re giving the ball up, then it’s our job to go out there and take advantage of it. That’s the way we’ll look at it.”

GREEN BAY (AP) – Last week’s losses left the New York Giants and Green Bay Packers scrambling to make the playoffs. Their situations are similar, but the mood surrounding each team was dramatically different going into Sunday’s game at Lambeau Field.

The Packers (8-6) found plenty of positives to emphasize after they nearly knocked off New England on the road without starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers. They played pretty good defense against Tom Brady, ran the ball better than they usually do, got good play from backup quarterback Matt Flynn – and now they’re getting Rodgers back from a concussion.

Meanwhile, the Giants (9-5) are coming off a stunning fourth-quarter collapse against Philadelphia and spent the week fending off the perception that they’re falling apart.

Quarterback Eli Manning made a short speech during a team meeting Monday, and expects the Giants to be focused.

“We’re still in a good spot,” Manning said. “And whether the game against Philadelphia went differently and we’d have won, we’re going to play this week and need a win this week. So in our minds, nothing’s changed.”

Charles Woodson doesn’t expect the Giants to crumble.

“We’ll see two teams fighting to keep their playoff hopes alive,” Woodson said. “That’ll be the mindset. We don’t look at it from a standpoint of what happened to them last week and trying to make that happen again. We’ve just got to go out and play good football.”

Despite the crushing loss, the Giants have a clear path to the playoffs: They’re in if they win Sunday.

“If you’re going to dwell on what happened last week and let it affect the way you prepare the following week, you’re not going to be good – win or lose,” guard Rich Seubert said. “So we’ve had some big wins, and we’ve had some big losses. This is my 10th year, and this isn’t the first time this has happened to me. The beautiful thing is destiny is still in our hands. We go win, we’re in the playoffs.”

The Packers still can get in if they win their last two games, both at home.

“Our playoffs started when we got on the plane to come home Sunday,” Packers coach Mike McCarthy said. “That’s the way we’re approaching our preparation, that’s the way we’re approaching this game. It’s going to be a playoff-type atmosphere here at home. We feel very good about that.”

It won’t quite equal the atmosphere when the two teams met at Lambeau Field three years ago.

With the NFC title on the line in below-zero temperatures, the Giants beat the Packers in overtime. It should be somewhat warmer on Sunday, with temperatures expected in the 20s and a chance of snow.

“It was obviously a great moment for the guys that were here, that remember it,” Manning said. “But hey, it’s a new year, new team, new circumstances, and just because we’ve been there and won one game is not going to make any difference.”

Still, Giants coach Tom Coughlin said he might use that game to motivate his team during the week.

“There’s a lot of young guys here that weren’t a part of that team,” Coughlin said. “But the idea of referring to that night in Green Bay, we certainly will use to the best extent that we can.”

Packers defensive lineman Ryan Pickett hasn’t forgotten.

“I’d be lying if I said I didn’t think about that game,” Pickett said. “That was a game that stopped our season, going to the Super Bowl. So I definitely think about that game. And it’ll be nice to get this win on our home field because they came and beat us on our home field and that’s a taste that’s probably going to be in my mouth for the rest of my life.”

Both teams have been hit hard by injuries this season, but Green Bay got some good news this week: Rodgers returned to practice after sitting out last week because of his second concussion of the season. He’s expected to start Sunday.

“I don’t worry about it,” Rodgers said. “I’ve gone through all the testing and I’ve been assured there isn’t anything to be worried about.”

The Packers might be more concerned about their record in close games. All six of Packers’ losses this season have come by four points or fewer. According to STATS LLC, they’re 5-16 in games decided by four points or fewer since McCarthy took over in 2006, the league’s lowest winning percentage in close games during that stretch.

Rodgers said losing tight games isn’t getting in players’ heads.

“I’ve been on teams you have that here-we-go-again feeling,” Rodgers said. “This team doesn’t have that. We have a lot of confidence. It’s just about executing in those situations and the fourth quarter. Like I said, we’ve done some good things in the fourth quarter, put some drives together to come back in games. The problem is that we’ve made mistakes in the first, second, and third quarters and it’s put us in those situations.”

The Packers are allowing 15.7 points per game, tying them with Pittsburgh for No. 1 overall.

Green Bay expects the Giants to run at them, even though Philadelphia held Brandon Jacobs to 34 yards on 12 carries after he rushed for 219 yards and three

touchdowns in the Giants’ previous two games.

Manning has a league-high 20 interceptions, and he’ll be facing a Packers defense that let a few footballs slip out of their hands against Brady last week.

With the playoffs on the line, Woodson knows he can’t let another potential interception get past him.

“If you have an opportunity, you’ve got to go get it,” Woodson said. “If that’s their M.O., that they’re giving the ball up, then it’s our job to go out there and take advantage of it. That’s the way we’ll look at it.”

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — Last week’s losses left the New York Giants and Green Bay Packers scrambling to make the playoffs. Their situations are similar, but the mood surrounding each team was dramatically different going into Sunday’s game at Lambeau Field.

The Packers (8-6) found plenty of positives to emphasize after they nearly knocked off New England on the road without starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers. They played pretty good defense against Tom Brady, ran the ball better than they usually do, got good play from backup quarterback Matt Flynn — and now they’re getting Rodgers back from a concussion.

Meanwhile, the Giants (9-5) are coming off a stunning fourth-quarter collapse against Philadelphia and spent the week fending off the perception that they’re falling apart.

Quarterback Eli Manning made a short speech during a team meeting Monday, and expects the Giants to be focused.

“We’re still in a good spot,” Manning said. “And whether the game against Philadelphia went differently and we’d have won, we’re going to play this week and need a win this week. So in our minds, nothing’s changed.”

Charles Woodson doesn’t expect the Giants to crumble.

“We’ll see two teams fighting to keep their playoff hopes alive,” Woodson said. “That’ll be the mindset. We don’t look at it from a standpoint of what happened to them last week and trying to make that happen again. We’ve just got to go out and play good football.”

Despite the crushing loss, the Giants have a clear path to the playoffs: They’re in if they win Sunday.

“If you’re going to dwell on what happened last week and let it affect the way you prepare the following week, you’re not going to be good — win or lose,” guard Rich Seubert said. “So we’ve had some big wins, and we’ve had some big losses. This is my 10th year, and this isn’t the first time this has happened to me. The beautiful thing is destiny is still in our hands. We go win, we’re in the playoffs.”

The Packers still can get in if they win their last two games, both at home.

“Our playoffs started when we got on the plane to come home Sunday,” Packers coach Mike McCarthy said. “That’s the way we’re approaching our preparation, that’s the way we’re approaching this game. It’s going to be a playoff-type atmosphere here at home. We feel very good about that.”

It won’t quite equal the atmosphere when the two teams met at Lambeau Field three years ago.

With the NFC title on the line in below-zero temperatures, the Giants beat the Packers in overtime. It should be somewhat warmer on Sunday, with temperatures expected in the 20s and a chance of snow.

“It was obviously a great moment for the guys that were here, that remember it,” Manning said. “But hey, it’s a new year, new team, new circumstances, and just because we’ve been there and won one game is not going to make any difference.”

Still, Giants coach Tom Coughlin said he might use that game to motivate his team during the week.

“There’s a lot of young guys here that weren’t a part of that team,” Coughlin said. “But the idea of referring to that night in Green Bay, we certainly will use to the best extent that we can.”

Packers defensive lineman Ryan Pickett hasn’t forgotten.

“I’d be lying if I said I didn’t think about that game,” Pickett said. “That was a game that stopped our season, going to the Super Bowl. So I definitely think about that game. And it’ll be nice to get this win on our home field because they came and beat us on our home field and that’s a taste that’s probably going to be in my mouth for the rest of my life.”

Both teams have been hit hard by injuries this season, but Green Bay got some good news this week: Rodgers returned to practice after sitting out last week because of his second concussion of the season. He’s expected to start Sunday.

“I don’t worry about it,” Rodgers said. “I’ve gone through all the testing and I’ve been assured there isn’t anything to be worried about.”

The Packers might be more concerned about their record in close games. All six of Packers’ losses this season have come by four points or fewer. According to STATS LLC, they’re 5-16 in games decided by four points or fewer since McCarthy took over in 2006, the league’s lowest winning percentage in close games during that stretch.

Rodgers said losing tight games isn’t getting in players’ heads.

“I’ve been on teams you have that here-we-go-again feeling,” Rodgers said. “This team doesn’t have that. We have a lot of confidence. It’s just about executing in those situations and the fourth quarter. Like I said, we’ve done some good things in the fourth quarter, put some drives together to come back in games. The problem is that we’ve made mistakes in the first, second, and third quarters and it’s put us in those situations.”

The Packers are allowing 15.7 points per game, tying them with Pittsburgh for No. 1 overall.

Green Bay expects the Giants to run at them, even though Philadelphia held Brandon Jacobs to 34 yards on 12 carries after he rushed for 219 yards and three touchdowns in the Giants’ previous two games.

Manning has a league-high 20 interceptions, and he’ll be facing a Packers defense that let a few footballs slip out of their hands against Brady last week.

With the playoffs on the line, Woodson knows he can’t let another potential interception get past him.

“If you have an opportunity, you’ve got to go get it,” Woodson said. “If that’s their M.O., that they’re giving the ball up, then it’s our job to go out there and take advantage of it. That’s the way we’ll look at it.”

 

 

 

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — Last week’s losses left the New York Giants and Green Bay Packers scrambling to make the playoffs. Their situations are similar, but the mood surrounding each team was dramatically different going into Sunday’s game at Lambeau Field.

The Packers (8-6) found plenty of positives to emphasize after they nearly knocked off New England on the road without starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers. They played pretty good defense against Tom Brady, ran the ball better than they usually do, got good play from backup quarterback Matt Flynn — and now they’re getting Rodgers back from a concussion.

Meanwhile, the Giants (9-5) are coming off a stunning fourth-quarter collapse against Philadelphia and spent the week fending off the perception that they’re falling apart.

Quarterback Eli Manning made a short speech during a team meeting Monday, and expects the Giants to be focused.

“We’re still in a good spot,” Manning said. “And whether the game against Philadelphia went differently and we’d have won, we’re going to play this week and need a win this week. So in our minds, nothing’s changed.”

Charles Woodson doesn’t expect the Giants to crumble.

“We’ll see two teams fighting to keep their playoff hopes alive,” Woodson said. “That’ll be the mindset. We don’t look at it from a standpoint of what happened to them last week and trying to make that happen again. We’ve just got to go out and play good football.”

Despite the crushing loss, the Giants have a clear path to the playoffs: They’re in if they win Sunday.

“If you’re going to dwell on what happened last week and let it affect the way you prepare the following week, you’re not going to be good — win or lose,” guard Rich Seubert said. “So we’ve had some big wins, and we’ve had some big losses. This is my 10th year, and this isn’t the first time this has happened to me. The beautiful thing is destiny is still in our hands. We go win, we’re in the playoffs.”

The Packers still can get in if they win their last two games, both at home.

“Our playoffs started when we got on the plane to come home Sunday,” Packers coach Mike McCarthy said. “That’s the way we’re approaching our preparation, that’s the way we’re approaching this game. It’s going to be a playoff-type atmosphere here at home. We feel very good about that.”

It won’t quite equal the atmosphere when the two teams met at Lambeau Field three years ago.

With the NFC title on the line in below-zero temperatures, the Giants beat the Packers in overtime. It should be somewhat warmer on Sunday, with temperatures expected in the 20s and a chance of snow.

“It was obviously a great moment for the guys that were here, that remember it,” Manning said. “But hey, it’s a new year, new team, new circumstances, and just because we’ve been there and won one game is not going to make any difference.”

Still, Giants coach Tom Coughlin said he might use that game to motivate his team during the week.

“There’s a lot of young guys here that weren’t a part of that team,” Coughlin said. “But the idea of referring to that night in Green Bay, we certainly will use to the best extent that we can.”

Packers defensive lineman Ryan Pickett hasn’t forgotten.

“I’d be lying if I said I didn’t think about that game,” Pickett said. “That was a game that stopped our season, going to the Super Bowl. So I definitely think about that game. And it’ll be nice to get this win on our home field because they came and beat us on our home field and that’s a taste that’s probably going to be in my mouth for the rest of my life.”

Both teams have been hit hard by injuries this season, but Green Bay got some good news this week: Rodgers returned to practice after sitting out last week because of his second concussion of the season. He’s expected to start Sunday.

“I don’t worry about it,” Rodgers said. “I’ve gone through all the testing and I’ve been assured there isn’t anything to be worried about.”

The Packers might be more concerned about their record in close games. All six of Packers’ losses this season have come by four points or fewer. According to STATS LLC, they’re 5-16 in games decided by four points or fewer since McCarthy took over in 2006, the league’s lowest winning percentage in close games during that stretch.

Rodgers said losing tight games isn’t getting in players’ heads.

“I’ve been on teams you have that here-we-go-again feeling,” Rodgers said. “This team doesn’t have that. We have a lot of confidence. It’s just about executing in those situations and the fourth quarter. Like I said, we’ve done some good things in the fourth quarter, put some drives together to come back in games. The problem is that we’ve made mistakes in the first, second, and third quarters and it’s put us in those situations.”

The Packers are allowing 15.7 points per game, tying them with Pittsburgh for No. 1 overall.

Green Bay expects the Giants to run at them, even though Philadelphia held Brandon Jacobs to 34 yards on 12 carries after he rushed for 219 yards and three touchdowns in the Giants’ previous two games.

Manning has a league-high 20 interceptions, and he’ll be facing a Packers defense that let a few footballs slip out of their hands against Brady last week.

With the playoffs on the line, Woodson knows he can’t let another potential interception get past him.

“If you have an opportunity, you’ve got to go get it,” Woodson said. “If that’s their M.O., that they’re giving the ball up, then it’s our job to go out there and take advantage of it. That’s the way we’ll look at it.”

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Big Blue can clinch playoff spot with victory

By The Associated Press

Published: 2:00 AM – 12/26/10

GREEN BAY, Wis. — Last week’s losses left the Giants and Green Bay Packers scrambling to make the playoffs. Their situations are similar, but the mood surrounding each team was dramatically different leading into Sunday’s game at Lambeau Field.

The Packers (8-6) found plenty of positives to emphasize after they nearly knocked off New England on the road without starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers. They played pretty good defense against Tom Brady, ran the ball better than they usually do, got good play from backup quarterback Matt Flynn — and now they’re getting Rodgers back from a concussion.

Meanwhile, the Giants (9-5) are coming off a stunning fourth-quarter collapse against Philadelphia and spent the week fending off the perception that they’re falling apart.

Quarterback Eli Manning made a short speech during a team meeting Monday, and expects the Giants to be focused.

“We’re still in a good spot,” Manning said. “And whether the game against Philadelphia went differently and we’d have won, we’re going to play this week and need a win this week. So in our minds, nothing’s changed.”

Green Bay’s Charles Woodson doesn’t expect the Giants to crumble.

“We’ll see two teams fighting to keep their playoff hopes alive,” Woodson said. “That’ll be the mindset. We don’t look at it from a standpoint of what happened to them last week and trying to make that happen again. We’ve just got to go out and play good football.”

Despite the crushing loss, the Giants have a clear path to the playoffs: They’re in if they win Sunday.

“If you’re going to dwell on what happened last week and let it affect the way you prepare the following week, you’re not going to be good — win or lose,” Giants guard Rich Seubert said. “So we’ve had some big wins, and we’ve had some big losses. This is my 10th year, and this isn’t the first time this has happened to me. The beautiful thing is destiny is still in our hands. We go win, we’re in the playoffs.”

The Packers can get in if they win their last two games, both at home.

“Our playoffs started when we got on the plane to come home Sunday,” Packers coach Mike McCarthy said.

It won’t quite equal the atmosphere when the two teams met at Lambeau Field three years ago.

With the NFC title on the line in below-zero temperatures, the Giants beat the Packers in overtime. It should be somewhat warmer on Sunday, with temperatures expected in the 20s and a chance of snow.

“It was obviously a great moment for the guys that were here, that remember it,” Manning said. “But, hey, it’s a new year, new team, new circumstances, and just because we’ve been there and won one game is not going to make any difference.”

Still, Giants coach Tom Coughlin said he might use that game to motivate his team.

“There’s a lot of young guys here that weren’t a part of that team,” Coughlin said. “But the idea of referring to that night in Green Bay, we certainly will use to the best extent that we can.”

Packers defensive lineman Ryan Pickett hasn’t forgotten.

“I’d be lying if I said I didn’t think about that game,” Pickett said. “That was a game that stopped our season, going to the Super Bowl. So I definitely think about that game. And it’ll be nice to get this win on our home field because they came and beat us on our home field and that’s a taste that’s probably going to be in my mouth for the rest of my life.”

Both teams have been hit hard by injuries this season, but Green Bay got some good news this week: Rodgers returned to practice after sitting out last week because of his second concussion of the season. He’s expected to start.

“I don’t worry about it,” Rodgers said. “I’ve gone through all the testing and I’ve been assured there isn’t anything to be worried about.”

The Packers could make it tough for the Giants’ offense. They are allowing 15.7 points per game, tying them with Pittsburgh for No. 1 overall.

Green Bay expects the Giants to run at them, even though Philadelphia held Brandon Jacobs to 34 yards on 12 carries after he rushed for 219 yards and three touchdowns in the Giants’ previous two games.

Manning has a league-high 20 interceptions, and he’ll be facing a Packers defense that let a few footballs slip out of their hands against Brady last week.

GREEN BAY – Last week’s losses left the New York Giants and Green Bay Packers scrambling to make the playoffs. Their situations are similar, but the mood surrounding each team was dramatically different going into Sunday’s game at Lambeau Field.

The Packers (8-6) found plenty of positives to emphasize after they nearly knocked off New England on the road without starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers. They played pretty good defense against Tom Brady, ran the ball better than they usually do, got good play from backup quarterback Matt Flynn – and now they’re getting Rodgers back from a concussion.

Meanwhile, the Giants (9-5) are coming off a stunning fourth-quarter collapse against Philadelphia and spent the week fending off the perception that they’re falling apart.

Quarterback Eli Manning made a short speech during a team meeting Monday, and expects the Giants to be focused.

“We’re still in a good spot,” Manning said. “And whether the game against Philadelphia went differently and we’d have won, we’re going to play this week and need a win this week. So in our minds, nothing’s changed.”

Charles Woodson doesn’t expect the Giants to crumble.

“We’ll see two teams fighting to keep their playoff hopes alive,” Woodson said. “That’ll be the mindset. We don’t look at it from a standpoint of what happened to them last week and trying to make that happen again. We’ve just got to go out and play good football.”

Despite the crushing loss, the Giants have a clear path to the playoffs: They’re in if they win Sunday.

“If you’re going to dwell on what happened last week and let it affect the way you prepare the following week, you’re not going to be good – win or lose,” guard Rich Seubert said. “So we’ve had some big wins, and we’ve had some big losses. This is my 10th year, and this isn’t the first time this has happened to me. The beautiful thing is destiny is still in our hands. We go win, we’re in the playoffs.”

The Packers still can get in if they win their last two games, both at home.

“Our playoffs started when we got on the plane to come home Sunday,” Packers coach Mike McCarthy said. “That’s the way we’re approaching our preparation, that’s the way we’re approaching this game. It’s going to be a playoff-type atmosphere here at home. We feel very good about that.”

It won’t quite equal the atmosphere when the two teams met at Lambeau Field three years ago.

With the NFC title on the line in below-zero temperatures, the Giants beat the Packers in overtime. It should be somewhat warmer on Sunday, with temperatures expected in the 20s and a chance of snow.

“It was obviously a great moment for the guys that were here, that remember it,” Manning said. “But hey, it’s a new year, new team, new circumstances, and just because we’ve been there and won one game is not going to make any difference.”

Still, Giants coach Tom Coughlin said he might use that game to motivate his team during the week.

“There’s a lot of young guys here that weren’t a part of that team,” Coughlin said. “But the idea of referring to that night in Green Bay, we certainly will use to the best extent that we can.”

Packers defensive lineman Ryan Pickett hasn’t forgotten.

“I’d be lying if I said I didn’t think about that game,” Pickett said. “That was a game that stopped our season, going to the Super Bowl. So I definitely think about that game. And it’ll be nice to get this win on our home field because they came and beat us on our home field and that’s a taste that’s probably going to be in my mouth for the rest of my life.”

Both teams have been hit hard by injuries this season, but Green Bay got some good news this week: Rodgers returned to practice after sitting out last week because of his second concussion of the season. He’s expected to start Sunday.

“I don’t worry about it,” Rodgers said. “I’ve gone through all the testing and I’ve been assured there isn’t anything to be worried about.”

The Packers might be more concerned about their record in close games. All six of Packers’ losses this season have come by four points or fewer. According to STATS LLC, they’re 5-16 in games decided by four points or fewer since McCarthy took over in 2006, the league’s lowest winning percentage in close games during that stretch.

Rodgers said losing tight games isn’t getting in players’ heads.

“I’ve been on teams you have that here-we-go-again feeling,” Rodgers said. “This team doesn’t have that. We have a lot of confidence. It’s just about executing in those situations and the fourth quarter. Like I said, we’ve done some good things in the fourth quarter, put some drives together to come back in games. The problem is that we’ve made mistakes in the first, second, and third quarters and it’s put us in those situations.”

The Packers are allowing 15.7 points per game, tying them with Pittsburgh for No. 1 overall.

Green Bay expects the Giants to run at them, even though Philadelphia held Brandon Jacobs to 34 yards on 12 carries after he rushed for 219 yards and three touchdowns in the Giants’ previous two games.

Manning has a league-high 20 interceptions, and he’ll be facing a Packers defense that let a few footballs slip out of their hands against Brady last week.

With the playoffs on the line, Woodson knows he can’t let another potential interception get past him.

“If you have an opportunity, you’ve got to go get it,” Woodson said. “If that’s their M.O., that they’re giving the ball up, then it’s our job to go out there and take advantage of it. That’s the way we’ll look at it.”

GREEN BAY – Last week’s losses left the New York Giants and Green Bay Packers scrambling to make the playoffs. Their situations are similar, but the mood surrounding each team was dramatically different going into Sunday’s game at Lambeau Field.

The Packers (8-6) found plenty of positives to emphasize after they nearly knocked off New England on the road without starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers. They played pretty good defense against Tom Brady, ran the ball better than they usually do, got good play from backup quarterback Matt Flynn – and now they’re getting Rodgers back from a concussion.

Meanwhile, the Giants (9-5) are coming off a stunning fourth-quarter collapse against Philadelphia and spent the week fending off the perception that they’re falling apart.

Quarterback Eli Manning made a short speech during a team meeting Monday, and expects the Giants to be focused.

“We’re still in a good spot,” Manning said. “And whether the game against Philadelphia went differently and we’d have won, we’re going to play this week and need a win this week. So in our minds, nothing’s changed.”

Charles Woodson doesn’t expect the Giants to crumble.

“We’ll see two teams fighting to keep their playoff hopes alive,” Woodson said. “That’ll be the mindset. We don’t look at it from a standpoint of what happened to them last week and trying to make that happen again. We’ve just got to go out and play good football.”

Despite the crushing loss, the Giants have a clear path to the playoffs: They’re in if they win Sunday.

“If you’re going to dwell on what happened last week and let it affect the way you prepare the following week, you’re not going to be good – win or lose,” guard Rich Seubert said. “So we’ve had some big wins, and we’ve had some big losses. This is my 10th year, and this isn’t the first time this has happened to me. The beautiful thing is destiny is still in our hands. We go win, we’re in the playoffs.”

The Packers still can get in if they win their last two games, both at home.

“Our playoffs started when we got on the plane to come home Sunday,” Packers coach Mike McCarthy said. “That’s the way we’re approaching our preparation, that’s the way we’re approaching this game. It’s going to be a playoff-type atmosphere here at home. We feel very good about that.”

It won’t quite equal the atmosphere when the two teams met at Lambeau Field three years ago.

With the NFC title on the line in below-zero temperatures, the Giants beat the Packers in overtime. It should be somewhat warmer on Sunday, with temperatures expected in the 20s and a chance of snow.

“It was obviously a great moment for the guys that were here, that remember it,” Manning said. “But hey, it’s a new year, new team, new circumstances, and just because we’ve been there and won one game is not going to make any difference.”

Still, Giants coach Tom Coughlin said he might use that game to motivate his team during the week.

“There’s a lot of young guys here that weren’t a part of that team,” Coughlin said. “But the idea of referring to that night in Green Bay, we certainly will use to the best extent that we can.”

Packers defensive lineman Ryan Pickett hasn’t forgotten.

“I’d be lying if I said I didn’t think about that game,” Pickett said. “That was a game that stopped our season, going to the Super Bowl. So I definitely think about that game. And it’ll be nice to get this win on our home field because they came and beat us on our home field and that’s a taste that’s probably going to be in my mouth for the rest of my life.”

Both teams have been hit hard by injuries this season, but Green Bay got some good news this week: Rodgers returned to practice after sitting out last week because of his second concussion of the season. He’s expected to start Sunday.

“I don’t worry about it,” Rodgers said. “I’ve gone through all the testing and I’ve been assured there isn’t anything to be worried about.”

The Packers might be more concerned about their record in close games. All six of Packers’ losses this season have come by four points or fewer. According to STATS LLC, they’re 5-16 in games decided by four points or fewer since McCarthy took over in 2006, the league’s lowest winning percentage in close games during that stretch.

Rodgers said losing tight games isn’t getting in players’ heads.

“I’ve been on teams you have that here-we-go-again feeling,” Rodgers said. “This team doesn’t have that. We have a lot of confidence. It’s just about executing in those situations and the fourth quarter. Like I said, we’ve done some good things in the fourth quarter, put some drives together to come back in games. The problem is that we’ve made mistakes in the first, second, and third quarters and it’s put us in those situations.”

The Packers are allowing 15.7 points per game, tying them with Pittsburgh for No. 1 overall.

Green Bay expects the Giants to run at them, even though Philadelphia held Brandon Jacobs to 34 yards on 12 carries after he rushed for 219 yards and three touchdowns in the Giants’ previous two games.

Manning has a league-high 20 interceptions, and he’ll be facing a Packers defense that let a few footballs slip out of their hands against Brady last week.

With the playoffs on the line, Woodson knows he can’t let another potential interception get past him.

“If you have an opportunity, you’ve got to go get it,” Woodson said. “If that’s their M.O., that they’re giving the ball up, then it’s our job to go out there and take advantage of it. That’s the way we’ll look at it.”