The Packers got some help from a former Bears player in their march to the playoffs
The Green Bay Packers were able to keep their playoff hopes alive in Week 17 after a win over the Minnesota Vikings at Lambeau Field. But they also got some help.
The Washington Commanders lost to Cleveland in Week 17, due in large part to Carson Wentz’s poor play in the game. The loss eliminated the Commanders and the decision to go to Wentz over Taylor Heinicke was a confusing one. And now, after that game, the Commanders are going to rookie Sam Howell for the Week 18 finale against Dallas.
“I know I made a little bit of a gaffe yesterday, not realizing that we could get knocked out of the playoffs, but to be honest with you, I never thought that we would lose. I was anticipating winning. I was anticipating our game getting flexed to Sunday at 8:30,” Rivera said.
But did former Bears player Ron Rivera do the Packers a favor?
The Commanders needed to win that game. However, Rivera apparently didn’t know about that and was shocked to find out. So why go to Wentz? The quarterback has struggled throughout the year before suffering an injury that forced Heinicke into action. It was probably clear that Heinicke was the better option.
Rivera didn’t do it on purpose, obviously, but it was funny seeing the reaction from fans on Twitter:
Ron Rivera is a Packers fan
— Daire Carragher (@DaireCarragher) January 1, 2023
Ron Rivera did what he had to do to get the Packers in and went back to the better QB. Respect fr https://t.co/Vfszzy4Eg6
— zach jacobson (@itszacharyj) January 4, 2023
Put Ron Rivera in the Packers ring of honor https://t.co/DgeqhSs2kM
— Stephen B Kranking (@SteveKranking) January 4, 2023
Ron Rivera is on the Packers’ payroll wtf is this https://t.co/mjhhXrOrNV
— theorist (@pff_host) January 1, 2023
Ron Rivera is a Packers fan
— Daire Carragher (@DaireCarragher) January 1, 2023
The Packers still have work to do to get into the playoffs, needing a win in primetime over Detroit in Week 18 at Lambeau Field. But this possibility probably doesn’t exist without some luck and other teams mistakes.
However, the Packers won’t apologize to anyone for it and are probably thankful for a former Bears player helping them out.
