Packers Morning Buzz: Playoffs start this week in Green Bay

Welcome to your Morning Buzz, rounding up news and views regarding the Green Bay Packers and the NFL from around the web and here at PackersNews.com. Grab a strong cup of coffee and get caught up on everything you need to know about the Packers.

We’ll start with Eric Baranczyk and Pete Dougherty’s look at the game film from the loss to the Steelers and how the Packers defense once again came up short.

From the guys:

Capers’ defense gave its all Sunday night at Heinz Field and still came up short. It simply couldn’t overcome a feeble pass rush and the absence of defensive tackle Kenny Clark, who didn’t play because of an ankle injury sustained last week.

Pittsburgh’s talent no doubt presented the Packers with as big a challenge as they’re going to face this season. The Steelers have three premier players on offense (quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, running back Le’Veon Bell and receiver Antonio Brown). That’s why they’re 9-2.

But there also were a couple key plays when the Packers’ weaknesses caught up with them, especially a pass rush that has been spotty at best all season and was AWOL on Sunday night.

The Packers gave this one their best shot. Their defense played about as well as it could against a team with an abundance of offensive weapons. But in what’s been a running theme this season, it just didn’t have the pass rush to finish the job.

Pete has four additional observations from Sunday night’s game:

The playoffs start this week for the Green Bay Packers:

Aaron Rodgers’ health is the primary concern when it comes to the team’s franchise QB:

Michael Cohen highlights the steps taken by the offense:

Remember this guy?

I listened to voicemails from Packers fans after Sunday night’s loss:

Damarious Randall joined Ty Montgomery on Clubhouse Live last night:

Elsewhere, Sporting News says not to count the Packers out just yet:

Yes, the Packers have been hit hard by injuries this season:

Rob Demovsky writes on McCarthy doubling down on his decision to try a 57-yard FG:

Cory Jennerjohn points out there are still bright spots on this Packers team:

Good Morning Football talks Packers-Steelers:

The Packers could get Aaron Jones back this week:

Pittsburgh Dad had a rough go of it Sunday night:

Fantastic old school Packers yearbook from NFL Films: