Maybe I'm just giddy about exposing the Queens as frauds (so much fun listening to KFAN today), but I see a wide open NFC (Cam can't be that good, can he?) and a Packers team that is 7-3, in first place in the NFC North, and controls its own destiny for a first round bye and home field advantage over every team but the Panthers. That said, here is what I think needs to happen for the dream of a trip to Super Bowl L to become a reality.
1) Keep running the ball, even if behind and even if not initially successful. Whatever has ailed Lacy, the OLine, Clements, etc., going forward the Pack has to be dedicated to running the ball. It softens up the opponent's D and helps the Pack's running game, passing game, OLine, ARod, and receivers. If the Pack can't run effectively then they won't win a Super Bowl this season anyway, so try, try, and try to run some more.
2) Sit Hyde as CB/slot guy and KR returner. I do not hate Micah Hyde. He is a decent backup safety. I like him as a punt returner. But he is way too slow to cover even TEs and has been repeatedly beaten and not just this season by even below average receivers. Rollins, Goodson, or even Gunter, I don't care -- there are 6 more games to play and they can get up to speed (remember Malcolm Butler for NE last season?) Seeing Janis' first return yesterday should end any discussion about returning Hyde as the KR.
3) Get Montgomery integrated into the offense immediately upon his return to the lineup. James Jones is old, slow, and makes spectacular catches while blanketed. I have no idea what is up with Adams, but he is just a very average (at best) WR right now. Janis for whatever reasons is not allowed to see the field very often. Cobb is either more injured than we know or facing more coverage than he's used to without Jordy, because he has not been himself this season. The passing game is just, meh right now.
My hope is that Ty Montgomery can add some much needed athleticism/explosiveness to the passing game. I think he was becoming a weapon when he sprained his ankle five weeks ago. I also think that if he can be at threat it will hugely benefit the passing game generally and Randall and JJ in particular.
4) Dom has to coach the D as if we need the D to win us games. Yesterday was so much fun to watch. An aggressive defense bringing it to the Vikes instead of sitting back on its heels (see B.J.'s quotes on this). Now, Minnesota obviously has a bad offensive line and an inexperienced QB, but Peterson was leading the NFL in rushing and I've seen our D too many times let the other team dictate the action and that did not occur yesterday.
At this point, we need the D to not just not lose the game but actually help win it like it did yesterday. Keep up the blitzing, rotate players to keep them fresh (including Rollins, Ryan, and Elliott) and go for broke.
Would love to hear from others who think the dream remains alive.