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Published by the Impeccables since 1975 / Rebooted in 2022 / Volume IV - 7th Issue
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
December 1966
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas! We've had snow, cold weather, and lot's of holiday cheer the past few weeks, so it's only fitting that as we head in to the Christmas season that a tilt vs the Bears is on tap yet again in December.
For our Christmas edition, we'll cover all kinds of holiday football fun. In our 7th edition, we'll start with a look at what has proven to be our most competitive picking season on the rebooted era. Coach V provides a look at the possible playoff scenarios that may play out in the weeks to come. One of our Hall of Famer's provides a few thoughts on Christmas Past. Santa's elves deliver a list of gifts that Packers fans can use as cause for joy. In our Buboltz Kids Update, Molly Horn provides a little holiday entertainment with a mash-up we never knew we needed! To close things out, the Vault takes us back to Week 15 of the 1981 season for some nostalgic content.
Photo believed to be September 30th, 1962 vs the Bears...Green Bay won 49-0.
And Down The Stretch They Come!
And Down The Stretch They Come!
Ok, maybe a horse racing reference isn't EXACTLY Christmas themed...but it sure does summarize the intensity of our compeittion! Through Week 15, and with only 3 weeks left, we have one heck of a contest. We have a group of 4 pickers tied at the top (did you know a group of Flamingos is called a "flamboyance"?) including our Mystery Picker, Casey Buboltz, Steve "Simba" Simmons, and a SURGING Bryce Buboltz. With weeks of 12, 11, and 12 correct picks in the past 3 weeks Bryce has been our hottest picker down the stretch. Shelley and Rick are only 1 pick behind the leaders, while Willis Horn, Brittney Horn, BJ Vanderhoof, and Nick Simmons are 2 picks back. Brittney picked a bad time to produce her worst effort the season in Week 14, going 6-8. Given Bryce's strong performance, and looking at our list of pickers, it's still possible that close to 20 of our pickers could still possibly win the title.
Good luck to all of our pickers as they chase the coveted Al's Pal's trophy...this should be fun!
While it is indisputably the worst of all the holiday songs, Packer fans may have found themselves humming the Mariah Carey tune this week as they mourn the loss of Micah Parsons for the season. Parsons, who tore his ACL in Denver last week via the dreaded "non-contact" route, will miss the remainder of the season, and possibly longer. Packer fans might fear their fate will be that of Shirley Temple, in "I'm Gettin Nuttin for Christmas",
This is why you read the Post Pattern. We're here to bring not only some holiday cheer, give you reasons for hope as we head into the final games of the season. Instead of feeling like Elvis in "Blue Christmas", you'll be "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" by the end of this article. WIth that, we present to you, the Top 10 Reasons the Packers Will STILL Win the Super Bowl.
Top 10 Reasons Why Green Bay STILL Can Win the Super Bowl
Top 10 Reasons Why Green Bay STILL Can Win the Super Bowl
10. Luke Musgrave is stepping up...he's no Tucker Kraft but he's delivered several big plays stretching the field lately.
9. Jayden Reed is back and making plays. My spidey-sense is telling me he's due to a big few games.
8. Green Bay's running game is rounding in to shape (OL is blocking better, Jacobs will be healthy by the playoffs, and Wilson looks good!)
7. Speaking of the OL...Banks and Rhyan are playing better, Belton looks to be our RG of the future (today), and Tom will return soon.
6. The Bears Still Suck.
5. Anyone remember the 2010 Pack? They were 8-6 at this point and very injured. For you youngsters...they won the Super Bowl that year.
4. Christian Watson. Avoiding a serious injury could be the Christmas gift we needed. This offense hits different with him in it.
3. Chef Hafley can COOK! Losing Parsons hurts, but our DC knows how to deal up pressure via the blitz.
2. Matt LaFluer. He's heard all the naysayers. He doesn't have a contract extension yet. This man is out to prove something.
1. Jordan Love. People are still sleeping on this man's abilities. As long as #10 is out there, GB can win every game.
Packers Playoff Picture
Packers Playoff Picture
Where does Green Bay sit with three weeks to go?
Where does Green Bay sit with three weeks to go?
Parity in the NFL has become so tight, that almost any game comes down to only a handful of plays. That is certainly true this year, with there being no single dominant team running away with the best record in football. Currently, twelve teams have nine or more wins and only 10 teams no longer have a chance of finishing at or above .500. Atlanta, who is currently at 5-9, could force a three team tie for 1st place in the NFC South. It is also still mathematically possible for all NFC North teams to finish with winning records. The NFC West will likely have three teams with at least 10 wins. The AFC South could also have three teams with 10 or more victories if things play out correctly. Here are some likely outcomes for the playoff picture, as well as my predictions, and a look at who to root for in hopes that the outcomes favor Green Bay.
AFC East:
Most Likley Scenario:
Division Winner: New England - 2nd Seed in Playoffs
Wild Card: Buffalo: 5th Seed in Playoffs
No likely surprises
What would need to happen to flip those results:
New England wins three remaining games (Baltimore, NY Jets, Miami
Denver loses two out of three (Jacksonville, Kansas City, San Diego)
AFC North:
Most Likely Scenario:
Division Winner: Pittsburgh - 4th Seed in Playoffs
No Wild Card
What would need to happen to flip those results:
Baltimore needs to win all three remaining games (New England, Green Bay, Pittsburgh) If Baltimore loses to Pittsburgh, they cannot win the division based on tie breakers as that would be their 2nd loss to Pittsburgh.
If Pittsburgh loses to Baltimore, the Steelers would need to win one more game then Baltimore in Week 16 and 17. The Steelers play Detroit and Cleveland.
The AFC South and West are trickier to figure out, and the outcome you would bet on is predicated on if you believe in Phillip Rivers and the Colts.
AFC South:
I am not sure there is “Most Likely Scenario” for this division, as it is very much up for grabs. Houston has the best chance of winning Week 16, with their game against the Raiders, while Jacksonville has to play Denver, and Indianapolis plays the 49ers. If the Colts can defeat San Francisco at home, and the Jaguars lose, Houston and Jacksonville would be tied at the top, with Indianapolis only a game behind.
My Prediction:
Division Winner: Houston - 3rd seed in the playoffs
Wild Card: Jacksonville - 6th seed in the playoffs
What would need to happen to flip those results:
There are so many possible scenarios, it is hard to spell out all other potential outcomes. Key games:
Week 16: San Francisco @ Indianapolis, Jacksonville @ Denver
Week 17: Jacksonville @ Indianapolis, Houston @ Los Angeles Chargers
Week 18: Indianapolis @ Houston
AFC West:
Most Likely Scenario:
Division Winner: Denver - 1st seed in playoffs
Wild Card: Los Angeles Chargers (still feels weird to type that) - 7th seed in playoffs
What would need to happen to flip those results:
Los Angeles Chargers needs to win one fewer game (Dallas, Houston, Denver) than Indianapolis in order to secure the Wild Card.
NFC East:
Most Likely Scenario:
Division Winner: Philadelphia - 3rd Seed in Playoffs
Wild Card: None
What would need to happen to flip those results:
Philadelphia would have to lose all three games (Washington, Buffalo, Washington) and Dallas would have to win all three (Los Angeles Chargers, Washington, NY Giants) - For those who like to wager on long shots, Dallas currently has a less than 1 but not zero percent chance of making the playoffs. A win this Sunday raises it to 2%.
NFC West:
Most Likely Scenario:
Division Winner: LA Rams - 1st Seed in the Playoffs
Wild Card: Seattle Seahawks - 5th Seed in the Playoffs
San Francisco - 7th Seed in Playoffs
What would need to happen to flip those results:
Thursday night’s game between the Rams and the Seahawks shook things up a little bit, but I still think the Rams will win the division. Their final two games are against the Falcons and Chargers. The Seahawks need to win their final two games (Carolina, San Francisco) or win one and have the Rams lose one, to win the division. I am predicting Seattle will lose one of those two. If both teams win out, their spots would just flip flop. San Francisco is almost assuredly in the playoffs, with a 98% chance of advancing. They could lose all three games and still get in, as long as Detroit doesn’t win its three remaining games. (Pittsburgh, Minnesota, Chicago).
NFC South:
Most Likely Scenario:
Division Winner: Tampa Bay - 4th Seed in Playoffs
Wild Card: None
What would need to happen to flip those results:
While it is certainly doable for Carolina to win the division and get into the playoffs, that likely would require them to beat Tampa Bay
twice in the next three weeks. Despite their tied records of 7-7, Tampa Bay has a much easier path ahead, as their other game is against Miami while the Panthers have to play Seattle in Week 17. If the teams split against each other in Week 16 and 18, Carolina manages to upset Seattle, AND Tampa Bay loses to Miami, then the Panthers would win the division.
NFC North:
Most Likely Scenario:
Division Winner: Green Bay - 2nd Seed in Playoffs
Wild Card: Chicago - 6th Seed in Playoffs
What would need to happen to flip those results:
The division outcome rests on Saturday night. Mathematically, there are other ways in which either team could still secure the #2 seed, but all are highly unlikely. A Packers win against the Bears would put Green Bay in control and they would be able to clinch the division with two final wins, regardless of what the Bears can do. The wild card spot could live up to its name, as there are a variety of possibilities and win/loss combinations that can still effect the 7th playoff spot and the seeding of the wild card teams. Detroit can still get into the playoffs, but a loss against Pittsburgh on Sunday would significantly harm their chances. The Lions best chance is to win their final three, and for either the Bears or 49ers to both lose in Weeks 16 and 18. Detroit has a little more control over the Bears, as they play each other Week 18. A loss to the Bears would render any other scenarios moot. Chicago could theoretically still miss the playoffs. If they lose all three (Green Bay, San Francisco, Detroit), Detroit would just need to win two of their last three, provided one of those wins is over the Bears. While this seems highly unlikely, it is the Bears. It would not be the first time we have seen Chicago’s season implode.
Thursday:
Seattle vs. Los Angeles Rams:
This Seahawks win kept the Packers' slim hopes of the #1 seed still alive. For the rest of the season, cheer for Seattle to lose both remaining games, for the Rams to win only one, and for San Francisco to win two of their final three. (One of those two wins has to be the 49ers over the Seahawks) If all three of those things happen, and Green Bay wins its final three games, the Packers would secure the #1 seed in the playoffs.
Saturday:
Green Bay vs. Chicago:
Obviously, cheer for our beloved Green and Gold.
Sunday:
Pittsburgh vs. Detroit: If the Packers win Saturday night and Detroit loses on Sunday, Green Bay would secure at least a wild-card playoff spot, so cheer on Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers to tame the Lions. (Unless you would rather have Detroit in the playoffs over Chicago - see below)
Philadelphia vs. Washington: This one is pretty obvious. As long as GB wins out, the Eagles games don’t matter, but a loss from the Eagles in any of the final three games would give GB a little breathing room for the #2 seed.
Tampa Bay vs. Carolina: This game has no impact on the Packers' playoffs, other than which team you would rather face in the playoffs. As long as the Packers take care of business, neither team can surpass GB in seeding as a division winner.
L.A. Chargers vs Dallas: Again, this game will likely not impact the Packers, but a Cowboys loss would effectively end their playoff chances.
San Francisco vs. Indianapolis: Obviously, a San Francisco loss is better for potential playoff seeding. Cheer for Grandpa Rivers! San Francisco could still lose this game and win their other two for the miracle to happen, giving the Packers the #1 seed.
Rest of the Season:
Bears and Lions: If Green Bay wins tonight, pay attention to the Bears and Lions' remaining games. The last wild card team could very well come down to who wins the Week 18 tilt between the NFC North rivals. If Chicago loses to GB (which of course will happen) and the 49ers Week 17, Detroit would need to win against either Pittsburgh OR Minnesota for the final showdown to matter. If Chicago beats San Francisco, Detroit would need to win both their Week 16 and 17 games leading up to their matchup with the Bears. Who to cheer for depends on which team you would prefer to see coming to Lambeau.
My Predictions:
AFC Championship:
Denver vs. Buffalo
NFC Championship:
Green Bay vs. Rams
Super Bowl:
Buffalo vs. Green Bay
Super Bowl Champs:
Green Bay Packers
Christmas Past
Christmas Past
by Kim Simmons
As I finish hanging tinsel on our tree (with Laney's help), I can't help but think of Grandpa and his love of Christmas. For many, many year he would hang tinsel, one strand at a time. He would not appove of the tinsel that I am using, it's not the "good stuff", the leaded kind.
We are also making grasshoppers for Christmas Day...another one of Grandpa's traditions. You guys remember, being to their house by 10 AM to find the pickle ornament, Grandpa's love of Christmas music. I am fortunate to have some of his old Christmas albums. I will be bringing a record player on Christmas Day so we can all enjoy his love of Christmas music. I have so many memories of Grandpa and his love of Christmas traditions. Things change over time, but those memories live on ♥️.
Looking forward to seeing some of you on Christmas Day at Grandma's...but today it's GO PACK GO!
Merry Christmas To ALL!
Back to the '80s - Uniform Edition: Part 5
Back to the '80s - Uniform Edition: Part 5
For our 5th and final entry in the series, we dive in to two incredible entries in the contest of NFL's best uniforms. Most lists include them in their "favorites", and many would say they are without peer in the league (Green Bay excluded of course). This week, we take a look at the Houston Oilers (Tennessee Titans) and Miami Dolphins.
Miami has been a franchise since 1966. The team name was selected after a local competition received nearly 20,000 submissions, on which 622 had the name "Dolphins". Putting their mascot, officially known as TD for "The Dolphin" (also a play on "touchdown") on the helmet was a good call. Adding the helmet on the dolphin? Genius. was From the beginning, the aqua, orange, and white has been one of the most well received color combinations in the league. As a kid, I still remember Dan Miller was the coolest kid in school b/c he rocked the Dan Marino aqua jersey (probably also helped that he was the star QB and shooting guard in school). The uniform included the dolphin logo on the sleeves along with aqua and orange stripes on the pants.
The Dolphins won two Super Bowls under legendary coach Don Shula while rocking the jerseys on the left (and made it to 1 with Marino at QB). In the Post-Marino era the team predictably struggled, and like most struggling franchises, the Miami brass thought the way out of their trouble was...to change the logo. Miami flattened out the dolphin and ditched Flipper's helmet. Since then, Tua Tagovailoa has dealt with a series of concussions. It might help if they added the helmet back.
J.R. Ewing was the most successful (fictional) businessman of my impressionable youth. The tool that Texan used to build his wealth? The oil derrick. What better way to tell the NFL you're #1, than slap a symbol of wealth and power on your helmet? Throw in a blend of Columbia Blue, Scarlett Red, and White and you have the makings of a masterpiece. Warren Moon threw nearly 10 million touchdowns (if you include my Tecmo Super Bowl stats) in large part because he felt so confident rocking these threads. Like every good jersey of it's era. the striped sleeves, pants, and socks make today's uniforms jealous. The red outline on the numbers is gorgeous.
In one word, this jersey is perfect.
Divorce can be an ugly, nasty experience. Look no further than the city of Houston and it's franchise formerly known as the Oilers. When owner Bud Adams selfishly decided to to move the team to Nashville, it no longer made sense to refer to the team as the Oilers so sadly one of the NFL's best logos was retired.
Since that fateful day in 1997, the Titans have floundered as a franchise. They fell 1 yard short of a Super Bowl win, but they might have been miles away for all that matters. Dumping the oil derrick for supposedly a Greek inspired "T" the team continued to make poor decisions. Adding a dark navy blue color to the scheme helps make the Titans new jerseys some of the worst in the league.
I have a simple proposal to fix this mess. The Houston Texans and Tennesse Titans play 1 exhibition contest. Winner gets the rights to the Oilers name and color scheme. Loser (clearly the Titans) has to come up with a new scheme.
Heard in the Crowd
Heard in the Crowd
"Oh No", "Well that was a fun year", and this (NSFW), at 5:48 PM on Sunday
"Okayy I guess I'm still a packer fan!" - Caleb Williams on Twitter (from March of 2022)
"Whew" - every Packer fan upon hearing the news that Christian Watson would be ok
"There is always hope" - Aragorn, to Haleth son of Hama (and Packers fans probably)
Editor Prediction: GB 31 - CHI 17
Letters to the Editor
Letters to the Editor
The Post Pattern made a Christmas list this year. Guess what we asked for? If you said "Letters to the editor" you are absolutely right!
(Letters can be sent to alspals1977@gmail.com, nicksimmons21@gmail.com, or texted to 608-335-8088.)
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