Message from Packers’ veterans: Playoffs are different, but don’t play the game differently

Cheesehead

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Mar 19, 2019
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Rodgers, of course, learned his lesson quickly and went on to put together one of the greatest postseason performances in team history in that Arizona game a decade ago. He shook off the mistake and settled down early, another worthwhile perspective to share.


Five years ago, Adams made a big playoff debut as well, catching seven passes for 117 yards and a touchdown against the Cowboys, even though he admitted he wasn’t entirely in tune with “how intense it was going to be.”


That’s what he’s trying to get across to fellow receivers Allen Lazard, Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Jake Kumerow, while also stressing the balance needed to stay mentally and emotionally in check.


“I kind of compared it to the preseason-to-regular-season jump, but just times 100, really,” Adams said. “But at the same time, letting them know it’s the same game you’ve been playing. It’s not going to change for you, as long as you’ve been having that type of urgency and attention to detail, I think everybody will be fine.


Head Coach Matt LaFleur’s mantra all season has been for players to embrace their roles, which continues to apply. He also is keeping the preparation schedule as steady and consistent as possible this week.


Every piece to the process helps, and the young players who spoke with reporters after practice Wednesday seem to be in a good spot.


Williams, the third-year running back who’s coming back from a minor late-season shoulder injury, admitted he’s plenty excited and this will be the biggest game he’s ever played in. But he’s focusing on the day-to-day preparation, not the hype.


King, another member of Green Bay’s 2017 draft class, spoke of trusting all the training and reps that have gotten him to this point, and not “try to overcompensate” for something that’s not his responsibility anyway.


“When you try to see too much, you see none,” King said.


Savage, the rookie safety, added the veteran players have emphasized staying in the same routine to get ready to play.


“Don’t get too caught up in the moment in the game because that’s when you start to tense up and make mistakes,” Savage said. “Just play. Really remain focused on the little things and keep doing what got you here.”
 
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