The Green Bay Packers have had their share of ups and downs, just like any NFL team this season.
To go from discussing wildcard playoff possibilities to getting shut out 35-0 at home is almost as extreme as those ups and downs can get, but Head Coach Mike McCarthy isn't going to let his players ride that emotional roller coaster.
"We're not getting on it," McCarthy said.
Staying emotionally somewhere near the middle will be needed this week to focus on preparing for Monday night's game at Seattle. As much as the team was hoping a win and 5-5 record would get them seriously into the NFC playoff picture, the players can't feel as though all is now lost after a humbling defeat that leaves them 4-6.
"I'm disappointed and we need to learn from it," McCarthy said. "No one ever wants to go through this, especially this late in the season, but this is something that we can learn from, this is something that we can build off of, and I think anytime you encounter situations like that, a lot of good things will come out of it."
The Packers certainly have shown their resiliency this season, coming back from a 1-4 start to get within a game of .500 two times.
McCarthy said the team was deservedly upbeat after last week's big win over Minnesota at the Metrodome, and if that led to a possible emotional letdown against New England, he said they have to make sure that doesn't happen again. He also said he will be preaching accountability to his team this week, much like he's holding himself accountable for Sunday's disappointment.
"I hope we weren't fat and happy because we were 4-5 last week," McCarthy said. "We felt pretty good about ourselves coming out of that win, and rightfully so. That was a big game. To win up there in that environment, that's a tough place to play.
"But this league is one week at a time. This past week was New England and we did not take care of business, and that starts with me. I need to do a better job."
Other injuries
Linebacker Nick Barnett broke his hand in the fourth quarter on Sunday. McCarthy said the training staff will look into wrapping Barnett's hand so that he can play with what's often referred to as a "club."
Defensive tackle Cullen Jenkins re-aggravated the ankle injury that has been bothering him off and on the past several weeks. Tight end David Martin has quadriceps and rib injuries, linebacker Ben Taylor hurt his hamstring, and cornerback Charles Woodson injured his shoulder.
{sportsad300}The severity of the injuries would be known in the next day or so and the players' chances of playing Monday night at Seattle will be outlined on the injury report, which is released on Wednesday.
McCarthy said he's also hoping to learn more about tackle Mark Tauscher's groin injury this week.
Almost clinched
With six games left in the season, the Chicago Bears at 9-1 are just one win away from clinching no worse than a tie for first place in the NFC North. The Packers and Vikings are in second place at 4-6.
One more win by the Bears plus a loss or tie by the Packers and a loss or tie by the Vikings and the division will be clinched outright.
