It’s crunch time in the N.F.L. with most teams fighting for their playoff and home field hopes. With two games remaining the Packers have a solid chance of finishing with a 13-3 record, the same as their last Super Bowl Champs. The only problem with that is they still might be the third seed come playoff time. That basically means they will not have a week off to heal their wounded players. Most importantly the road to the Super Bowl will go through Philadelphia or Tampa Bay, which could spell doom for the Pack. They went to Tampa a month ago and basically got beat up and lost 21-7. I don’t see that changing in a playoff game in Tampa, especially with a conservative game plan. The Eagles haven’t missed a beat without Donovan McNabb; in fact they have played better! So traveling to a very hostile environment like Philly might be worse than going to Tampa Bay. If the Packers had Joe Johnson and their starting tackles healthy, I’d give them a good chance of winning on the road. With Vonnie Holliday, Gilbert Brown, Ahman Green and Earl Dotson banged up; they might not make it past the first round. I am not trying to knock the Packers; I am just trying to be realistic about their chances. I do think it’s a credit to the players, coaches, and trainers that they are even in the playoffs. I don’t think Mike Sherman gets enough credit for his job as a head coach or as general manager. I really believe Sherman and his scouts have built a strong future for the Packers. The rookies like Anderson, Kampman, Walker, and Tony Fisher have stepped up and played their hearts out! Not to mention what value Mike Flanagan has brought to the offensive line. Where would they be without Flanagan’s versatility? I will be rooting for these players as much as teams of the past, maybe even a little more due to their injuries. As Packer fans it’s hard not to think about going to the Super Bowl, but injuries are part of the game. So please realize the Packers have the cards against them, to me this has been a positive year already. I want to wish everyone in Packerland the best of health and happiness during the Holidays. I also want to wish a special “MERRY CHRISTMAS” to Kelly Fogas. 15 year old Kelly is just one of many members of the green and gold family in the U.S.A.  Until next time, stay safe!