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Ever since NFL divisions realigned in 2002, the Green Bay Packers have won the NFC North 12 times. The Minnesota Viking and Chicago Bears have each won the division just four times. The Detroit Lions are still looking for their first NFC North crown. The Packers have owned this division for the majority of its existence. They have also made a total of 15 playoff appearances in this 20-year stretch, including a streak of eight that spanned from 2009 to 2016. Why has the team from Titletown been so tough to beat these last two decades?
It starts with how the franchise operates. Green Bay’s strategy is all about drafting and developing its talent. It is the reason why the quarterback position has never been a problem. Brett Favre was one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history. At the time of his retirement, the former Super Bowl champion held every single major statistical passing record of all time. When it was time, the team drafted Aaron Rodgers in 2005. The rest is history.
The franchise also makes it a point to be the best at getting the most out of certain positions. The Packers are one of the premiere destinations for offensive linemen because of the way they coach the line. Just ask franchise legend and two-time All-Pro left tackle David Bakhtiari, who has played a decade in Green Bay. Or just go back to Green Bay’s Super Bowl victory in February 2011. The youngest player in NFL history to ever start in a Super Bowl was then-Packers right tackle Bryan Bulaga, who was a rookie at the time and would go on to play a decade in Green Bay. The Packers know how to draft, develop and get their players the best experience they can. That makes the team tougher and much more seasoned.
Yes, the quarterback position has never been a question. But in certain years, the Packers found success against their divisional opponents because of other positions. From 2009 to 2016, the Rodgers’ pass-catchers were incredible. Donald Driver, James Jones, Greg Jennings, Jermichael Finley, Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb and Davante Adams are just a few of the receivers who have made the game come easier for the Green Bay offense. On defense, it’s key plays like the B.J. Raji interception against the Chicago Bears in the 2010 NFC Championship Game that are the difference between wins and losses. Having Charles Woodson, Clay Matthews, Nick Collins, A.J. Hawk, Julius Peppers, Tramon Williams, Kenny Clark, Jaire Alexander, etc. on any defense helps out a lot.
But at the end of the day, it always goes back to the quarterback. Rodgers has thrown 36 touchdown passes and zero interceptions against the NFC North over the last two seasons. In his 78 career games played against the NFC North, he has a rating of 109.5 and a TD/INT ratio of 6.76 to 1. That is ridiculous. In games started by Rodgers, the Packers are 22-5 against the Chicago Bears, 16-10-1 versus the Minnesota Vikings and 18-6 against the Detroit Lions. Utter dominance.
To become a perennial Super Bowl contender, teams have to take care of their division first. The Green Bay Packers appear to be better than almost every team at doing so, especially with who they have had at quarterback, their cutch players on defense and the overall way the organization is run.
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