Exceeded My Expectations

There was a lot of clapping, yelling and dog barking at my house Sunday afternoon. Mike and I were stunned and ecstatic when the Packers defied all the experts and tromped the Cowboys in fine fashion.

I started the 2023 football season with a lofty guess of an eight-win season for the Packers. Given the youth of the team, and the number of changes, I knew we were just as likely to have a four- or five-win season. I think I am usually more optimistic than pessimistic.

I am even more optimistic now. I have been amazed at how fast Jordan Love has progressed. I am a fan of the Packer method of letting the young guys sit and learn, conserving their health and developing their football smarts. It takes patience, a quality in short supply almost everywhere these days, to do it; and football is a business, driven by money. I saw an interview with Troy Aikman, a legendary Dallas player and my least favorite TV commentator before the game.

Troy was asked if he thought the fact that the Packers have apparently gotten a third franchise quarterback in the role in a row was due to their method of drafting and sitting the young guys. Troy said, “I think its luck.” Troy: That isn’t it.

The young team has also progressed quickly. They still make some basic mistakes, but the talent is there. I hope we can hang on to most of this group. Football is a young man’s game, and newcomers haven’t yet had years of brutality take their toll on their bodies. They should be in prime form next fall no matter what happens in San Francisco Saturday.

When there were injuries, there was usually a good replacement available. Overall, I’d give the entire organization an A, and I’ll look forward to next year even more optimistically than I did this year.

I am also enjoying a little less drama, with Jordan’s style being decidedly much lower-key than his predecessor. I am really sorry Aaron Rogers got injured; that said, Packer media coverage seems a bit less wacky now. Jordan seems to have all of the arm talent but is still rather media shy. I like it. I hear that Aaron Rogers has stayed in touch to offer him some praise and advice; I am glad to hear it.

Jordan has succeeded in all the most critical things this year. Bear fans: it might be a while before the jokes about Green Bay owning the Bears get retired. Go Pack, Go!

I welcome commentary, alternative viewpoints or ideas at this e-mail address: JanieTMartin@gmail.com