There are so many variables that must click for a team to win in this league. What variable do you think the Packers should focus on trying to control?
Just playing sound football. Assignments like noted before. Fundamentals like tackling. Play good football and the other guys will probably make more mistakes.
Do coaches still have to take questions from beat writers from their upcoming opponent? I lost track of what happened to those media sessions when everything shifted to Zoom.
No, those have gone away now and I’m not sure they’re ever coming back.
Offense has had fewest penalties in the NFL, defense 4th fewest
Fans and media are enthusiastic about Packers coming off of injuries and being available for Saturday’s game. What type of expectations should we have for players returning from long layoffs, like Jaire Alexander, Z Smith and Billy Turner?
I think all expectations have to be tempered. Some guys can jump back in and play like they never left. But not everybody. There’s no one-size-fits-all prescription here.
Mike, your thoughts on the comments from McCarthy after the game regarding the officials? It was odd to me because I don’t recall him ever laying blame at the officials during his time with the Packers, including the Fail Mary game.
I can appreciate him being upset, but running a QB draw with 14 seconds on the clock is a huge risk. Huge. Could it have worked out? Sure. But 16 or 17 seconds it’s a different story. They obviously didn’t think it was that big a gamble, but anyone else around the league would tell you it is. It takes a lot longer for someone to run 15 yards than complete a 15-yard pass. In SF, Rodgers had 16 seconds, hit that last pass to Davante and spiked it with 3 seconds left. But he’s also the best at it and you could see everyone knew exactly what to do.
I’m looking for confidence that we can limit their run game. Can you give me some?
These guys know what it takes, and this defense often responds in future games when things go awry, such as the Browns running all over them on Christmas. I think they’ve learned their lesson is what I’m saying.
What can you say to Packers fans to calm their nerves and make them more confident heading into this game?
The Packers are a good team and just have to play like it. If the Packers play their game, they’ll win.
How will the Packers control Arik Armstead? The guy’s a monster!
That whole 49ers front is really tough. When Bosa left the Dallas game, they were still pretty stout. Armstead is an underrated player because Bosa gets so much attention. They’re an active group and in Week 18 they were absolutely swarming Matthew Stafford with that pass rush.
Hey Mike if Smith and Alexander are able to play on Sat have you heard any discussion related to how much they will play??
No, the Packers aren’t going to reveal that sort of thing.
Taking a peek at the AFC… it feels like the Chiefs/Bills winner will represent the AFC… thoughts on slowing down explosive offenses like those two? Not sure we have a comparable offense left on the NFC side…
I wouldn’t count out the Titans or Bengals. The Titans might be getting Derrick Henry back, and the Bengals are a very well-rounded, balanced team. I could see any of those 4 representing the AFC in the Super Bowl. Same with the NFC.
Mike, With Jimmy G having the Right Thumb, and Shoulder injuries, IF he isn’t able to play this Saturday, what can we expect from T. Lance? Has he had much action this year?
There’s no indication Garoppolo isn’t going to play.
Football is theater. On the field we get to witness some of the most timeless human characteristics play out. Joy, sorrow, perseverance, success, failure, fear, hope, etc. Sometimes it’s comedy, sometimes it’s tragedy. I think our response to that theater largely says more about us as individuals and our outlook on life than anything. Here’s hoping we like what we see in ourselves when the clock hits 00:00.
Absolutely. No matter the emotions running through everyone’s veins come Saturday night, it’s better to experience that than not have a horse in the race at this stage.
I know the answer is technically “more than SF”, but how many points do you feel the Packers need to score to (likely) win?
30 has been a pretty good number for this team, and they’ve shown they’re capable of that in the cold. Get there and I like GB’s chances. And maybe they could win with 27.
All right folks, I’ve gotta run. Thanks for all the questions today. You kept them coming fast and furious and I’m sorry for all the ones I didn’t get to. I have to set up for LaFleur’s Zoom presser coming up in a few minutes. Take care and enjoy the game. Best, Mike.
