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It ended as most Green Bay Packers seasons do under coach Mike McCarthy, with a playoff loss on the final play of the game.

In fact, of Green Bay’s seven playoff losses during McCarthy’s 10 seasons, five have come on the game’s final play, including each of the past three years.

As much as history repeated itself with the Packers’ 26-20 overtime loss to the Arizona Cardinals on Saturday, there was one major difference between this season and previous ones since McCarthy and quarterback Aaron Rodgers became a team in 2008: For the first time, Rodgers showed some vulnerability.

As great as he is, the two-time NFL most valuable player wasn’t able to cover for an offense that had injuries on the line, a suspect receiving corps and a shortage of playmakers. Rodgers even played tentatively at times, as if he didn’t trust the people around him.

If that subtle reminder that Rodgers isn’t getting any younger didn’t send shivers through the Packers organization, nothing will. He is 32 and the team’s window of opportunity for winning another Super Bowl with him at quarterback, while still a good distance away, is starting to close.