R-E-L-A-X, Packers fans.
Yes, you had to watch Brandon Bostick jump for the onside kick when you had Mr. Reliable, Jordy Nelson, waiting right behind him. Yes, you had to watch Jermaine Kearse haul in a 35-yard game-winning touchdown (his only reception of the game). And yes, you blew a 16-point lead to the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Championship Game.
But things aren't so bad! OK, that game was pretty bad, and it probably still stings thinking about what might have been had the Packers faced the Patriots in Super Bowl XLIX. (Here's a hint: you would've run it in at the goal line.)
But as disappointing as the championship game was, it doesn't negate the season the Packers had. And, if anything, that loss sets up the perfect narrative for next season as you make a run at Super Bowl 50. The Green Bay Packers overcome that devastating loss to Seattle and win the Super Bowl! I mean, how fitting would it be if the Packers won Super Bowl I andSuper Bowl 50? I get chills just thinking about it.
So shake off that loss, Packers fans, because next season is going to be even better for you. Here's why.
Rodgers' Road Trip
Aaron Rodgers is great. You already know that. The guy plays at another level. Rodgers is the only player in NFL history with a 100-plus passer rating in six consecutive seasons. And, when your quarterback throws 38 touchdowns and just five interceptions and wins his second MVP award, you know you have a chance to win the Super Bowl every year he's under center.
So while watching Rodgers is something to look forward to in and of itself, fans should be excited to watch how he and the Packers do on the road in 2015. Why? Well, Rodgers recently came out and said the Packers' goal next season needs to be securing the No. 1 seed, and the best way to ensure that is to start winning on the road again, something the Packers have struggled to do in recent years.
Since 2012, Rodgers is 18-2 at home with 50 touchdown passes and just five interceptions. On the road in that same timeframe the Packers are just 11-10 with Rodgers throwing 44 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. Statistically, his numbers aren't bad on the road, but they don't come close to what he's done at Lambeau, especially in terms of wins and losses. As Rodgers said, the Packers need to recapture that road mojo that has helped them in the past. Remember, the Packers' trip to Super Bowl XLV wouldn't have been possible without those three road wins in the postseason.
If Rodgers has his sights set on the No. 1 seed and winning on the road, chances are that's going to happen. It should be fun to watch.
Farewell Favre
It's official: Brett Favre is retiring ... again.
Well, his jersey is anyway. Favre announced the other day that he is finally returning to Green Bay next season for induction into the PackersHall of Fame and will have his No. 4 jersey retired. It's been a long time coming, too. The 2008 divorce between Favre and the Pack was messy and awkward. I'm talking The-Bachelor's-two-on-one-date-with-Ashley-and-Kelsey awkward.
After all, this is a guy who helped Green Bay win its first Super Bowl in 30 years and bring respectability back to Lambeau Field. Favre became an NFL legend in Green Bay, so to see him shown the door in 2008 in favor of an unproven quarterback in Aaron Rodgers left a lot of people scratching their heads.
To make matters worse, Favre eventually joined the division rival Minnesota Vikings and came within a game of making it to the Super Bowl. Can you imagine if Favre had won a Super Bowl with the Vikings? That'd be like Yankees fans watching Derek Jeter leave and win a World Series with the Red Sox. It's just not right.
Fortunately, time heals all wounds, and the Packers and their fans can finally welcome the prodigal son home next season and give him the celebration and recognition he so rightfully deserves.
Young Man's Game
While Randall Cobb's return remains a question mark for this team, there's no denying the amount of talent Rodgers has to work with on offense. What makes this offense even scarier is how young they are.
Eddie Lacy will be just 25 next year, and at 22, wide receiver Davante Adams appears poised for a breakout year in 2015. Plus, you still have Jordy Nelson as your number one receiver, and the Packers make a living on throwing the ball.
Last year they became the first team in NFL history to have two players with 1,200-plus receiving yards and 12 or more touchdown catches in the same season (Nelson with 1,519 yards and 13 touchdowns; Cobb with 1,287 yards and 12 touchdowns). Imagine if they keep Cobb and Adams continues to develop. This offense could be historically great.
So, forget about how 2014 ended, Cheeseheads, because 2015 is going to be your year. Buckle up, enjoy the ride and be sure to keep your hands to yourself. I'm talking to you, Bostick.
Colin J. Liotta is a Digital Features Editor at NFL.com. He's also a lover of comic books and abides by Dr. Egon Spengler's warning not to cross the streams. You can follow him on Twitter @TheSportsHero.
