Did Aaron Rodgers’ Comments, “Can’t Lose to that Team” motivate Lions

 It’s no secret that defamatory comments made about a particular opponent can serve as an instrument to ensure that team performs at a higher level in the future.  In fact, the “Can’t Lose to that Team” comments made by Aaron Rodgers after the Green Bay Packers loss to the Detroit Lions may have been a catalyst to the Lions becoming a great team.  Since that time, the Lions have gone 2-1, only losing in a close game to the Buffalo Bills.  Furthermore, this team has continued to exhibit continuity, confidence, and consistency.

There is no doubt that no organization appreciates being disparaged in any way, and as a consequence, an unstoppable camaraderie can emerge amongst the players.  It is quite possible that this is what has taken place to contribute to the Detroit Lions current streak of success.  Moreover, the words of Rodgers, got under the team’s collective skin.  Therefore, the effort of the Lions’ has gone to another level.  The offense  has become markedly consistent, and the defense has improved astronomically over its anemic performances earlier this season.  This squad is now beating good teams by double digits, and holding opposing offenses at bay.  All of the improved play seemed to begin with the Rodgers comments.   Though the comments and play may be unrelated, it the play the team has displayed since that occurrence is unmistakable.

Potential provocative statements, either unintentional or intentional, can fuel even bad teams to victory over good teams.  It can cause teams to have more focus, discipline, and motivation toward the task at hand, which is victory.  Furthermore, struggling teams want to prove the offending party wrong and eradicate the perception that they are a bad team.  By the same token, derogatory comments regarding an opponent, can act as a distraction to your own team, and diminish the effectiveness of their performance.  As a result, comments such as Aaron Rodgers should be avoided at all costs to avoid impacting your team in a negative fashion, as exhibited by the Packers 5-8 record, and pouring fuel on an opponent’s motivation to beat you.