EXCLUSIVE: Former Falcons HC Mike Smith hints how Packers moving on from Davante Adams might have been a blessing in disguise
The Green Bay Packers are in with a chance for the playoffs, whereas Davante Adams must spend the postseason at home in Las Vegas. Quite the outcome after it initially looked to the entire world that the Raiders might have a better chance of making the playoffs than the Packers.
Green Bay were 4-8 at one point and there was clamor for them to start Jordan Love and bench Aaron Rodgers. But four wins on the bounce has put them in charge of their own destiny. A win against the Detroit Lions will ensure that the Packers make it to the NFC Wild Card playoffs, irrespective of what happens elsewhere.
Former Falcons head coach Mike Smith was one of many who did not believe that this could be done. Speaking exclusively to Sportskeeda's "The BallFather Podcast," he said:
"On Nov. 5, the Packers were 3-and-6 and they lost five in a row. Everybody including me said they were toast. We even talked about how very few teams have ever made the playoffs with the a five-game losing streak..."
The winningest coach in Atlanta Falcons history also pointed out the reason why they are doing so well. He believes that without the availability of Davante Adams, they are now utilizing other weapons and receivers in the offense. That makes it more of a team effort and makes them one of the best offenses in the NFL. He said:
"Rodgers and his crew of wide receivers, they're starting to play as well as any offense in the NFL. You know, their receiving crew, Allen Lazard, Christian Watson and Romeo Dubbs, they're starting to really play well. They've got six different receivers that have had 30-plus receptions. So it's it's just not a one man show. They're playing good as a group."
His contention is also backed up by how well the running game has been performing for Green Bay. With Davante Adams gone, both passing and rushing have become important on offense, making it more well-balanced. Listen to more from Mike Smith below.
Mike Smith: from doubting the Packers to believing in them without Davante Adams
As he himself mentioned, Mike Smith was among the doubters when the Packers had a losing record and contended they were out of the playoffs.
That they have confounded even a coach as respected as Smith speaks to the belief Green Bay has had in themselves and their new receiving corps even after trading Davante Adams in the offseason.
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