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Packers say bye to the bye

Team returns for stretch run

by Mark Daniels

The Pack is back….at work. The team returned from it’s bye week break and put in a light workout today inside the Don Hutson Center. Staring at them in week 12 is a showdown with the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium with the winner moving into the driver’s seat for the number one playoff seed in the NFC with five more weeks to play.

The Packers had the latest bye since it returned to the NFL schedule in 1990 and more often than not, teams say the bye comes at a good time (whenever it falls) to get them healthy for the sprint to the finish line. In the Packers’ case, their medical report was pretty good going in and even more solid coming out. Every rostered player was on the practice field today.

Davante Adams is two games removed from his month away from a turf toe injury. Bryan Bulaga has weathered the storm of an injured hand. Kevin King has been able to play each week despite a lingering groin strain. Head Coach Matt LaFleur will take a healthy and rested team out west for the Sunday night showdown in Santa Clara.

The 49ers rallied from a 16-0 deficit to the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday with a 36-26 victory, taking the lead in the final minute on Jimmy Garappolo’s 4 th touchdown pass of the day. A fumble return for a score in the closing seconds gave the now 9-1 Niners the final margin. They continue to pace the NFC but there are four more teams in the conference with at least 8 victories.

The Minnesota Vikings got there with an even more improbable comeback at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikes were down 20-0 at halftime to the Denver Broncos before Kirk Cousins fired three second half touchdown passes, the last two were long ones to Stefon Diggs and Kyle Rudolph to win 27-23 and reach 8-3, just a half game behind the Packers in the NFC North race.

The New Orleans Saints rebounded from a loss at home to Atlanta by winning comfortably in Tampa Bay and the Saints are 8-2 along with the idle Seattle Seahawks.

The Dallas Cowboys beat Detroit 35-27 to reach 6-4, good enough for a one game lead over Philadelphia, a 17-10 loser to New England in the NFC East race.

If the season ended today, San Francisco and the Packers would earn first round byes. New Orleans would be the three seed, Dallas 4 th with Seattle and Minnesota the two Wild Card teams.

The Packers have bid the bye adieu and now can brace for the final month and a half of what should be pretty exciting football.

Mark Daniels

I’ve got Green and Gold in my blood having grown up in Titletown and it’s been a treat watching and covering sports from the Packers to the preps for you in Green Bay for Midwest Communications.
As a kid, I chased Packer players for autographs, I’m still chasing ‘em now for quotes on the big play or big game. I’ve had the opportunity to cover Super Bowls, the World Series, Stanley Cup Finals, NBA playoffs and major championship golf over the years but I get just as much enjoyment following the college scene at UWGB or St. Norbert, the Green Bay Gamblers and high school sports.
Our prep coverage was honored as the best of 2007 reinforcing our commitment to give these hard working boys and girls their due.
My work has also been recognized by the Associated Press and Wisconsin Broadcasters Association with several achievement awards.
Outside of the studio, off the field or away from the gym, I’ve had the pleasure of helping dozens of organizations over the years. I’ve served as race announcer and master of ceremonies at the Bellin Run almost from it’s beginning, spoken to various service clubs and hosted charity golf events or team banquets.
My wife Kari and I have raised two active children which has kept us involved in both school and club athletics for nearly 15 years. Chances are you’ll see me on a golf course when the weather’s nice. My roots are deep and that’s why I’m so enthusiastic about this area’s sporting scene, and as I often say, “Watching kids play games helps keep me young!”
Thanks for listening and see you at the game.