The Green Bay Packers showed how hard it is to complete a grueling NFL season undefeated, losing Sunday to a 5-8 Kansas City Chiefs team with a new coach and new starting quarterback. It’s not uncommon for a team flirting with perfection to have its first blunder against an unexpected opponent late in the season.
It was a 5-8 New York Giants team led by quarterback Kent Graham that ruined the Denver Broncos’ chance at going undefeated in 1998.
And the Indianapolis Colts have had two recent chances at perfection end in the last few weeks of the regular season.
It first happened in 2005 when the Colts fell to the Chargers after starting the year 13-0. And after starting 14-0 in 2009, the Colts pulled their starters with a five-point lead in the third quarter and ended up losing to the New York Jets.
One belief is that losing can be a good thing. No more pressure of completing an undefeated season. No more questions from the media about whether to rest starters. No more distractions.
But the circus has not just up and left Green Bay because of one loss. The reigning Super Bowl champions are still the favorites to repeat. And after losing leading receiver Greg Jennings and two offensive tackles to injuries, questions still loom about whether Green Bay should rest its starters or try to regain some momentum heading into the postseason.
It’s a dilemma with no right answer that will be scrutinized if the Packers are unable to win in the postseason.
Teams have responded differently after suffering a first loss late in the season. In 1998, the Broncos kept playing John Elway and lost the following week to the Dolphins before winning the regular-season finale and going on to win the Super Bowl.
The Colts limited their starters’ minutes both seasons. In 2005, they lost to the Steelers in their first playoff game. In 2009, they went to the Super Bowl.
How the Packers decide to proceed with the remainder of the regular season will be examined closely. They may have lost a game, but they won’t be losing that pressure to win any time soon.
– Jeffrey Tomik
