Inbox: Every phase has a pivotal part to play

Nick from Plainwell, MI

Good morning, Insiders! How has the play of our O-line been this year for the most part? I feel like I haven't heard much, which I'm guessing is a good thing.

I think the Packers' offensive line has been pretty darn good. Green Bay's quarterbacks have been sacked the fourth-fewest times in the NFL (12) and the running game is ranked fifth. That unit also has fought through numerous injuries to stay on the field and likely will be without Josh Myers (wrist/doubtful) Sunday. Fortunately, the Packers have versatile guys up front, and Zach Tom is playing at an All-Pro level. The O-line has set the stage for a thriving Packers offense and will need to do so again vs. Detroit.

Al from Green Bay, WI

Yes, the Lions are good. Really good. But have faith, Packers Nation. The Pack can prevail. Reasons to believe: 1) Lambeau Field is always an advantage. 2) This will be the Lions' first outdoor game of the year, and inclement weather looms. 3) Ball control. The Packers run the ball well, and in doing so, they will limit Detroit possessions. 4) The Detroit defense is solid, but more vulnerable without Hutchinson. 5) Remember the Thanksgiving game? Again, please! GPG!

Emblematic of the Shanahan tree, Matt LaFleur's offense is at its best when maximizing possessions and controlling the clock. There's a lot of fire within this Detroit team. Ice must suffice on Sunday.

Aaron from Miami, FL

I absolutely love Xavier McKinney. I have no idea how the Giants let him out of the building. I saw his comment about the Lions trying to embarrass people. With the way they were bounced from the tournament last year, I don't blame them for trying to run up the score because you just never know. I wouldn't mind embarrassing some teams in the near future.

I love what McKinney had to say on the topic – the Packers can only worry about themselves and making sure the Lions don't do that to them. Just win baby. That's it.

Chad from Germantown Hills, IL

Just saw that this will be the first game the Lions have played outdoors this year, which seems amazing. How much of a factor might that be especially if it rains?

Oh, this baby loves the slop. Loves it. Eats it up. Eats the slop. Born to slop.

Nick from Richmond, VA

I saw someone say this was the first outdoors game the Lions have played this year. I didn't fact check, but if this is true, does that offer a little homefield advantage for the Packers?

"Seinfeld" jokes aside, this is one of only three outdoor games Detroit will play this season. The Packers have to defend their (possibly soggy) turf and use the elements to their advantage.

Jordan from San Antonio, TX

The Lions have not played an outdoor game since the preseason. Our only indoor game was at the Rams. I know both teams have to deal with the elements, but could the rain in the forecast be an advantage for us considering the Lions haven't even played on dry grass this year?

A team's home venue is part of its identity. The Packers can play on a fast track with the best of them, but their DNA is the outdoors. This team was born in this weather, molded by it. For that reason, I feel as though Sunday's forecast plays to Green Bay's strengths but you still gotta earn it.

Jeff from Littlefork, MN

How much can we glean from the Thanksgiving game last year? I know we found changes to make to beat them. Didn't they learn something from the game as well? I feel like this is a "I know you. You know I know you. I know you know I know you" kinda situation.

All I know is that game proved the Lions are mortal and the Packers can play with anyone anywhere when on top of their game. Sunday won't be easy, but it's possible.

Steve from Ankeny, IA

One of the strangest stats from last weekend's Lions game is that they put up 52 points, and Jared Goff only threw for 85 yards. How do you design your defense against that? It's a strange game.

Goff will gladly throw for 85 yards if it means the rest of the Lions' roster is putting points on the board. Green Bay needs to protect the football, limit big plays (especially on special teams) and not allow Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery to run all over it. Every phase has a part to play in this one.

Dan from Algonquin, IL

Hi Wes, we need our running game to be a big factor on Sunday, not only to eat up minutes, but to wear out the Lions' defense, and open up big-play opportunities. It's often said that you run at speed and away from power. Our offense can do both. What is a weakness we can exploit when attacking the Lions' front seven on Sunday?

The Lions are hurting on the defensive line, with Josh Paschal (illness) also out for this one. Still, the second and third level of Detroit's defense is stout. As I've said, Alex Anzalone is one of the league's most underrated stars and Jack Campbell looks like a good pro, as well. With the uncertainty surrounding Jordan Love and dangers lurking in the secondary, this would be an ideal game to get Josh Jacobs and the run game going.

Jim from Eau Claire, WI

Westradamus, what is your outside-the-box player prediction for this week's game?

It may not be that far outside the box, but I'll say Christian Watson has 100 receiving yards and a touchdown. He went for 94 yards and a TD last November in Detroit. I say he's six yards better Sunday.

Bill from Burbank, CA

Guys, I'm completely confused by the Garrett Wilson circus TD catch on Thursday. I thought no matter what, you had to get two feet down in bounds. But one knee is sufficient? He got the one foot down, then the knee of the same leg. And that knee may or may not have been in bounds. Two feet no longer required for a catch.

I'll be honest with you guys. I don't know if that was a catch or not a catch. I heard what the officials said and appreciate it was a spectacular display of athleticism. Your guess is as good as mine on the rest.

Bob from Rome, NY

Wes, we always see stats on points scored off of takeaways. What about points prevented? I look at as if a takeaway happens when the other team's offense is inside the opponent's 20 that seven points were potentially saved. Between the 20 and 35, three points were prevented. Your expert opinion? Thank you!

Dom Capers used to call it "Adversity defense." LaFleur refers to it as "Sudden change." Either way, it's a critical stat and often the decider between wins and losses. The name of the game is keeping points off the board regardless of where the defense is starting. Also, teams can derive momentum from defenses getting stops in those situations.

Nathan from Waconia, MN

Wes, in your insightful story about Chris Brooks, you mentioned he was signed to the GB practice squad "after reaching an injury settlement with Miami." What does that mean in the context of NFL football and is it commonplace in the league?

I'm a bit hazy on the specifics of the rule, but it starts with Brooks going on injured reserve to open up a spot on Miami's roster. By doing so, the player either needs to pass a physical in order to be waived or reach an injury settlement to come off IR. The latter happened with him.

TK from Grafton, WI

Who was Quay Walker's replacement on Sunday? Or did it depend on the package?

Eric Wilson played all 57 defensive snaps as the "Mike," with Isaiah McDuffie (38) and Edgerrin Cooper (34) sharing the rest. It's rare for a team not to put the communication helmet on a LB. Only time it happened during my time on the beat was when Morgan Burnett was playing a hybrid role late in the Capers era.

Mark from New York, NY

Regarding the average NFL player, "an amateur practices until they get it right, a professional practices until they never get it wrong." All of those guys are professionals...and then there are the field-tilters.

Good on good. Your best vs. my best. The way it should be.

Marcus from Plover, WI

What difference do you think Brandon McManus will make in the playoffs?

It always helps to have a kicker who's postseason'ed there and playoff'ed that, but there's still a lotta of football left to be played.

Craig from Green Bay, WI

If a player goes on injured reserve, does his salary continue or is there a downward adjustment?

It depends on whether there's split-salary language written into the deal that reduces a player's salary if he lands on injured reserve. That applies more towards bottom-of-the-roster players, though. Top draft picks and top vested veterans get their full base salary if on IR.

Edward from Sioux Falls, SD

How many years has it been since Milwaukee season-ticket holders have had the chance to witness, and possibly influence, a "Battle for first place!" in Lambeau Field? Hoping to see very little Honolulu blue in the Lambeau stands on my TV on Sunday. This game is too important to sell your tickets to the enemy.

The last time I made a comment about this, it struck a nerve with some who may or may not have bolstered their checking account with contributions from the secondary market. All I'll say is I hope both fanbases have fun.

Jason from Austin, TX

This is all I'm going to say on the FG at the end of the Jags game. It was nice that the offense effectively got to close out the game for a change. Too often, we're left with the defense having to do the dirty work and defending the lead. I'd love nothing more than for the Packers to have the ball and the lead against the Lions with about six minutes left, and for them to close out the game. A six-minute drive that ends with a kneel.

Amen. Now I call "dagger" on discussions relating to the Jacksonville field goal. The Packers were extraordinary with their four-minute offense last year and have shown signs of that run-it-down-their-throat dominance this season. I can think of no better way to put a stamp on a victory Sunday.

Thomas from Cedar Rapids, IA

Hi Wes, I hope you were able to enjoy some trick-or-treating with your mini-me. Care to divulge your costumes? Just remember; Thursday evening was the last time until Oct. 31, 2025, when a vampire on your porch can be sent away with a bite-size Snickers. Until then you need garlic and a crucifix. You've been warned. GPG!

Lil Hod was a chameleon. I went in my usual costume – disheveled sports reporter. Hey, quick shoutout to the family near Moose Creek Trail in Suamico who was kind enough to pour all their candy into a grocery bag for my son because it was getting late and they were cold. You the real MVPs.

Breandan from Howards Grove, WI

Happy birthday, Jordan Love. Make a lot of touchdowns.

May No. 26 mark his best year yet, personally and professionally.

Dean from Leavenworth, IN

They all matter. This one matters more.
A cloud of adversity descends over your house.
That adversity present new opportunities for many.
Eyes on the prize Green and Gold. Stay the course

A huge matchup calls for a Dean poem. And before I go, I want to quickly mention any fans experiencing issues with the Packers Radio Network broadcast via packers.com, please email screenshots to wardj@packers.com. That's one bug we're working through right now. All right, folks. One more until the bye. Let's make it count. Enjoy the game, everyone.