Unlike previous years, quarterback Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers won’t be entering the postseason with a big group of players that have playoff experience.
The Packers haven’t been to the postseason since 2016. Since then, new GM Brian Gutekunst has overturned the majority of the roster. Now, well over half of the team has never played in the postseason.
So, what should the playoff rookies know as the Packers prepare to face the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday night at Lambeau Field?
Keep calm and don’t try and do too much.
“Poise,” Rodgers told Packers.com when asked for his best piece of playoff advice. “I think it’s important to find that calm in your mind in these games because it seems so much bigger. Obviously, it’s more important, because it’s win or go home. The first 16 of the season aren’t like that. It’s a great opportunity to learn how to keep your poise and stay calm and find that relaxed-flow state in the game. The team that does it quicker and sustains it is usually the team that wins.”
The intensity cranks up for the postseason, creating a temptation to do more than what’s required. As Rodgers explains it, the young players must match the new level of intensity physically while staying relaxed mentally and avoiding the urge to do more than their own job.
It’s a delicate balancing act, especially for a team without a bunch of playoff veterans.
More often than not, big games in the NFL are lost instead of won, with a big mistake – or a string of mistakes – paving the way to victory for the opponent. And when the intensity increases and the stakes are high, players without experience can attempt to do too much – the easiest way for big mistakes to happen.
Rodgers isn’t worried because his team has already proven its resolve during the regular season. The Packers won eight games by eight points or fewer, instilling confidence in how the team operates late in big games.
In fact, Rodgers believes “character” will be what drives any potential run to the Super Bowl.
“I’ve been saying it for a while, but it’s character,” Rodgers said. “We’re a high character group. We know how to win. We’ve made great plays in clutch situations in important games to win. If we’re lifting that Lombardi Trophy in less than a month, it’s because of character wins in the fourth quarter, and it starts this week.”