Historically speaking, things “ain’t very good”

By Os Davis  |   Tuesday, September 12, 2006  |  Comments( 2 )

Green Bay Packers
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With a such an ingrained love of football along with a storied past, it's no wonder the Green Bay Packers' faithful are so fond of the team's history. And after Sunday's crushing loss in Lambeau against the Chicago Bears, you'd think Packer backers would find solace in history for the 26-0 drubbing.

In Favre's first game of (what might be) his final season, the superlatives and stats were destined to flow like water no matter the outcome. Unfortunately, comparisons to the past told a tragic tale.

History tells us that Green Bay's loss on Sunday marked:

--The first time in his 16-year career Favre has ever been shut out.

--The third time that Rex Grossman has won at Lambeau, making him a perfect 3-0.

--The first time the Packers have been shut out since 1991, the year before Favre joined the team.

--The first shutout the Bears have recorded since 2001.

--The worst shutout at Lambeau since 1977, when the Bears won 26-0.

--The second-biggest shutout at Lambeau ever.

--The first time the Packers have lost the opening game in consecutive seasons since 1991-1992, years in which Green Bay's opening-day starter was Dan Majkowski.

There are times when it's fun to say "I told you so," but no one would be so cruel on this Monday, not even those who turned against Favre after his offseason posturing regarding his retirement. (Anyone remember the classic "What are they going to do? Cut me?")

Heck, Favre can't even be blamed for much of the Packers' Sunday woes. He had a perfect first half, going 5-for-5 for 70 yards. The Bears' D was just as daunting as advertised, holding all runners besides Ahman Green to a laughable minus-seven yards. Chicago also notched two interceptions and one fumble.

The Bears' offense was adequate, as expected, with Grossman keeping his cool throughout while the unit recorded a possession time of over 34 minutes. One big pass play, a whole bunch of field goals and one special teams TD is usually enough to win, and it was here.

The Packers, outside of old steadies Green and Donald Driver, were far worse than most were willing to guess before the game, but in this case history doesn't lie.

As for the quotable Favre, his postgame commentary produced a quote that is certain to make all the rounds before next Sunday: "Maybe we just ain't very good."

Maybe not, but the Packers can't possibly be this bad, can they? With a present rapidly filling with cries for general manager Ted Thompson's head and what appears to be a long rebuilding period ahead, Green Bay fans may have to camp out by the warm glow of history in the cold, cold days ahead.

Follow Brett Favre and the Green Bay Packers throughout the long season ahead on RealFootball365.com.
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About Os Davis

Os Davis has taken a twisted route to get to RealFootball365.com in his nearly 17 years in professional writing, working in any number of capacities in the sportswriting, news reporting and film criticism worlds. In print media, Os has served as editor at a few publications, including Albuquerque's...
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