As painful as it was, there's something almost therapeutic about getting put in your place with such force. There can be no "a play here or there" nonsense or "what if?" soul-searching. The Packers were outclassed, plain and simple.
Even before he left with an injury, Brett Favre was wildly inaccurate. It was a complete reversal from his controlled and effective performance just a week ago in Minnesota. The injury and Favre's condition will now be under the microscope for the next week as the Packers prepare to go to Seattle. Like the Patriots, the Packers will be catching the Seahawks in an angry mood after coach Mike Holmgren's team lost to the 49ers.
The Patriots defense was playing with a depleted secondary. It never became a factor as New England's front seven dominated the Packers young offensive line, which featured three rookies. Meanwhile, New England receivers found plenty of room in the middle of the field against the Green Bay defense.
After such a lopsided loss, there will be great temptation to dismiss the 4-6 Packers as pretenders and declare their season over. But in this year's NFC, only the Bears truly stand out. Nonetheless, it was a sobering day for the Packers and their fans. This road back to playoff contention is rougher than you think.
Dennis Krause joined OnMilwaukee.com as a contributor on June 16, 2006. He is a two-time Wisconsin Sportscaster of the Year and a regional Emmy-award winner. Dennis has been the color analyst on home games for the Milwaukee Bucks Radio Network for the last 10 years. He has also been involved with the Green Bay Packers Radio Network for 16 years and is currently the host of the "Packers Game Day" pre-game show.
Dennis started his broadcasting career as a radio air personality in the Fox Valley and Milwaukee.
He spent three years as a sportscaster at WMBD radio and television in Peoria, Illinois before joining WTMJ-TV in Milwaukee in 1987 as a weekend sports anchor. Dennis spent 16 years at Channel 4, serving as its Sports Director and 5 and 6 pm sports anchor from 1994-2003.
Dennis grew up in Hartford, Wisconsin and attended UW-Oshkosh. He lives in Thiensville with his wife and two children. He serves as the Community Resource Director for the Mequon-Thiensville School District.
