Tank? HELL NO!

The 2008 season hasn't been one to remember for the Green Bay Packers or their fans. The controversy started in July when Brett Favre decided he wasn't retired anymore, and it hasn't let up since.



Favre's replacement, Aaron Rodgers has played well statistically, but has not been able to pull out a win at the end of any game as of yet. Maybe he will in the future, but to paraphrase Mark McGwire, I'm not here to talk about the future.


That being said, the 5-9 record is obviously not all Rodgers' fault. The defense has been banged up and ineffective. The running game (Ryan Grant) hasn't been as effective as it was a year ago. That's the result of an offensive line that was inconsistent, Grant's injuries, and a holdout that pretty much wiped out his pre-season.



Other factors that have contributed include a tougher schedule than last season's, and just plain luck. The Packers aren't getting the breaks this year that they did a year ago.



The good news is there are two games left in the season. It's what the Packers should do with these two games that is up for debate.



There is one school of thought that says the Packers should play their young players and improve their draft position. The other school of thought says play the game honestly. That's what Mike McCarthy has been preaching this week, and that's what I think he should do as well.



What good would playing the young guys do at this point? They are already playing thanks to injuries. Josh Sitton is playing, Brandon Jackson is getting more carries than at any other point in his career. Desmond Bishop is playing. Jeremy Thompson has had plenty of snaps. Jordy Nelson has been a contributor. Who else would you want to see out there? Rookies Patrick Lee and Breno Giacomini? Please. Alan Barbre? They have given him chances and he hasn't taken advantage.



Would you really want to see Matt Flynn or Brian Brohm get a start down the stretch? They gave Rodgers over $60M a few weeks back. He's their quarterback, and if you really think they want to see what they've got in Flynn and/or Brohm you're kidding yourself. They know because they get reps in practice, and they got a long look in August. Quarterback is not a position that is up for evaluation at this point.



The second reason the Packers need to play it honest is this. They are at Chicago Monday night. The Bears. You know, the best rivalry in the NFL! The players may not feel the rivalry like they used to, but the fans do. Be honest here. Would you really want the Packers to tank against THE HATED CHICAGO BEARS??? I don't think so.



And let's fast forward a week. The Lions could be 0-15 when they come to Green Bay. If the Packers 'play the young guys' they could wind up being the one team Detroit manages to beat this season. How embarrassing would that be?? If there's any team that deserves to go 0-16, it's the Detroit Lions.



And finally, the best reason to play the games honestly is this. 7-9 looks a lot better than 5-11.



In a season that will be remembered for close losses, I'll take 7-9 every day.