Totally. Honestly, and I know no fan wants to hear this, but with that lead, I think they were doing some evaluating on defense. There were quality reps there for a couple guys. In the NFL, it is trial by fire.

Originally Posted by: DarkaneRules 

I think it easy to try too hard in NFL. On D, you can blitz too much rather then playing a conservative vanilla D or over-commit on run plays leaving gaps in the D.

I think we are in agreement on the game though :)

Originally Posted by: dyeah_gb 

Personally I didn't think the defensive performance in the second half was all that big of a deal. I got the feeling that if they would have really wanted to they could have shut them down. It could be that they were doing some evaluating and if that's the case then I say more power to them. How well can you expect your second and third stringers to be the next man up if needed if they don't get experience in real games when the opportunity presents itself. That and the more stuff you do in this game the more the next teams have to look for.

Originally Posted by: sschind 

If they hadn't been doing this repeatedly for a decade, including missing the SB because of it last year, then MAYBE I would agree they could have pulled out of it.

This teams needs to prove they can put other teams away. Consistently.

Originally Posted by: nerdmann 

They didn't miss the SB because of it. The defense got the turnover the team needed. Offense and St didn't close the deal.

Originally Posted by: PackFanWithTwins 

If they hadn't been doing this repeatedly for a decade, including missing the SB because of it last year, then MAYBE I would agree they could have pulled out of it.

This teams needs to prove they can put other teams away. Consistently.

Originally Posted by: nerdmann