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– Aaron Rodgers’ still got it. The Packers defense might be peaking at the right time. And Green Bay is knocking on the door of the postseason – a feeling that felt farfetched and ludicrous earlier this season.
Rodgers threw a touchdown and led three scoring drives in the second half, while the Packers defense intercepted Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa three times in the fourth quarter to help Green Bay beat Miami 26-20 on Christmas Day.
Don’t look now, but the Packers have two games left – including their season finale against the Detroit Lions – to get into the seventh and final playoff spot in the NFC. And that’s a Christmas Miracle onto itself after Green Bay’s 4-8 start this season.
“What are we, 7-8? I’d like to be 10-5 or 11-4,” Rodgers said with a smile after the game. “But considering where we were a few weeks ago, a lot has happened in our favor. All the games that needed to go a certain way, went a certain way. Now, there’s obviously much left.
“We played meaningful games in December and we won all three of those,” Rodgers added. “Now, we’re playing meaningful games in January and we have to win those.”
Yes, the Packers have won three in a row, beating the Chicago Bears, Los Angeles Rams and Dolphins.
They have two games left, both in Lambeau Field, against the 12-3 Minnesota Vikings and 7-8 Lions – two NFC North rivals who beat them earlier this season – to get back into the playoffs.
A season that fell flat due to expectation may be on the verge of heating up at the right time and sneaking into the postseason.
And that’s got to be an incredible feeling for Rodgers and the Packers, knowing they have plenty to play for after their disappointing start this season.
“Man, that was a resilient win by our team,” Packers coach Matt LeFleur said. I’m proud of our guys in that locker room, sticking together, no flinch.”
NFL WEEK 16: Scores, recaps and higlights from all the games
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One of Rodgers’ throws Saturday was a gift to the purest of football fans, who love to see artists like him performance on their canvas.
