Breaking:Three exaggerations regarding the Packers’ victory over the Panthers

GREEN BAY, Wis. – The Green Bay Packers were embarrassed by the Giants. They were embarrassed by the Buccaneers. They almost were embarrassed by the Panthers.

Green Bay escaped Carolina with a 33-30 victory on Sunday. It was a huge win – not just for its playoff hopes, but it guarantees one more hugely important game. At some point, Jordan Love and this abundantly talented group of youngsters are going to be in the playoffs. This big-game experience will help get them ready for the moment.

Coach Matt LaFleur had good reason to fire Joe Barry after last week’s loss to the Buccaneers but decided to keep the embattled defensive coordinator. Why? Who knows. LaFleur likes to say this is a results-based business, and it is, and the results on defense have been horrendous.

Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito beat the Packers and was named NFC Offensive Player of the Week. Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield beat the Packers and was named NFC Offensive Player of the Week. Had Panthers quarterback Bryce Young been able to complete the comeback, he might have been named NFC Offensive Player of the Week, as well.

At this point, Kirk Cousins might beg the Vikings’ coaches to let him face the Packers next week, even if he needs a cane. Josh McCown, Cade McNown and the entire list of failed Bears quarterbacks from the past couple decades might get into a fistfight outside Soldier Field for the right to face Green Bay in the finale

After a semi-encouraging first half on Sunday, Green Bay got destroyed over the final 30 minutes. The Packers didn’t win the game so much as they were saved by the bell. After failing to reach 20 points in four consecutive games, the Panthers scored 30. After failing to get in the end zone the last two weeks, they scored four touchdowns.

This isn’t just about Sunday’s defensive collapse. The coin flip, of all things, was a debacle. Cornerback Jaire Alexander, back after a six-game absence, wasn’t one of LaFleur’s three captains. He went out, anyway, for the opening coin flip. “I don’t think Coach knew I was from Charlotte,” Alexander said. Oh, he probably knew and didn’t care