Green Bay Packers: Chokes in 2008 Serve As Lessons Learned for 2009

"We rate men by what they finish, not by what they attempt." - Anonymous quote   Twenty-eight points kept the Green Bay Packers from finishing 13-3 in 2008. Instead they went 6-10. The Packers were 0-7 in games decided by four points or less. Those deficits totaled 21 points, meaning if the Packers had been able to erase those deficits and score another point in each game for a win, those 28 points could have made a seven game swing in their season. What made the difference in the Packers' lack of ability in closing out games? And what can be done to ensure this won't happen again? First we'll look at those seven games and exactly what made the difference in the outcome of those games.   1. Oct. 5, 2008 vs. Atlanta Falcons (24-27) Tied 17-17 with 10:08 left in the fourth quarter. Gave up a field goal and threw and interception on their own end of the field. Unsuccessful onside kick at 2:00 when down 24-27. Gave up a first down on 3rd-and-1 on a third ...