Ken from Middletown, KY

Greg from Chicago mentioned in Monday's Inbox that the Packers have had more postseason heartbreak than any other team. My immediate thought after reading that was, I agree, however you don't experience postseason heartbreak if you don't make the postseason. The Packers gave us two extra very entertaining games this season than I think anybody thought remotely probable. I'll take that any time. GPG!

The 2023 season was a fun ride you didn't want to see end. While Super Bowls are the standard to which all organizations are measured, the foundation for success is rooted in belief. Nine months after the Packers stepped boldly in the future, I'm happy to report hope still resides within these walls.

Bill from Oswego, NY

Making and winning a game in the playoffs exceeded my expectations for this season. Are we a better team now than in September? Certainly. And with the improvement comes hope and higher expectations for next year. The window has opened; get through before it closes.

The Packers understand the urgency of that moment, as well. That was clear in Matt LaFleur’s season-ending address of the media. This season was loaded with promise and potential. With their 10 victories, the Packers earned the right to have higher expectations in 2024. As LaFleur cautioned, however, there's still plenty of work to do for this team to earn another postseason opportunity. With the surface scratched, we patiently wait to see what comes next.

Scott from Lake Wissota, WI

Another tough playoff pill to swallow. After a dismal performance in Week 16 vs. Carolina, Matt LaFleur promised changes on D. In the next month, they played more aggressively, almost resembling the attacking, aggressive unit we fans have been looking for from all those high draft picks. So, what changed? It wasn't different personnel. Was there a schematic change or someone else calling the plays? Such a noticeable difference that I wonder if either of you can either of you put your finger on it?

There is no one single answer to that. The scheme, itself, wasn't vastly different other than maybe playing a bit more physically. The defense tackled better and also got a little healthier. Getting Jaire Alexander back was key. He contained DJ Moore, nabbed a huge pick in Dallas, and helped control the aerial attack against San Francisco.

Bill from San Antonio, TX

I wanted to see the Monday II before I posted this. There were no comments on the fact that after the missed field goal, we were still up by four points. Forcing a punt or a turnover on downs instead of a 65-yard touchdown drive would have gone a long way toward winning the game. I'm just saying.

The Packers won as a team in Dallas and lost as a team in Santa Clara. It wasn't one phase. It wasn't one player.

Doug from Onalaska, WI

More of an observation than a question. Back around October during the postgame press conferences, ML would say "We're close." I remember at the time thinking that was just "coach-speak" to make us feel better about a loss. Then all of a sudden, we go from futile to fantastic, and seemingly overnight. I guess it wasn't just "coach-speak" after all. I can't wait for next season to see how this all plays out! Thanks for all you do!

You guys have heard me talk about Jordy Nelson's comments about how the response to a loss is putting in the work on the practice field. That never made the lower third on ESPN, but it's as true as any statement I've ever heard uttered in a locker room. This football team trusted in one another – players to coaches and coaches to players – and found its best form down the stretch.

Andrew from Belleville, IL

San Fran was able to really melt the clock down in the final stretch. I can't help but wonder what the final drive looks like with more time on the clock? How much did that tie into "10" trying to force that throw?

The 49ers did what they do…and frankly what the Packers have done during their four-game winning streak. Having a good four-minute offense is one of the more underrated aspects of winning football teams. That said, it's not like there was 35 seconds left and no timeouts. The Packers had time to work the ball down the field. It was just an unfortunate turnover.

Aumed from Moorhead, MN

Tough loss. But I can't stop re-watching the Bo Melton touchdown. The catch was amazing itself, but the play design was even better. Play-action the fake screen with Bo Melton selling the fake block to perfection to get both defenders to bite. I'm almost certain Tom Brady and the Patriots burned us on the same play back in 2018 at Foxborough. I'm excited, Wes. I'm very excited to see how much more advanced LaFleur is going to get with this young team next season.

One of the hardest parts of that loss was not being able to fully appreciate everything Melton did to contribute to the Packers seizing control of that game on those back-to-back plays (the 41-yard defensive pass interference call and 19-yard touchdown). Five years ago, Gutekunst signed a little-known receiver named Allen Lazard off Jacksonville's practice squad and he developed into a core offensive player. Green Bay might have just found another.

Dan from Richmond, VA

Reading Monday's Inbox gave me insight into how our fan base is processing the playoff loss and helped to give me the perspective I needed to cope with my own disappointment. Do you have any similar insight into how our players and coaches are coping as they clean out their lockers and prepare to head home? There's pain and perhaps some regrets, for sure, but have you also detected a healthy dose of pride and "wait until next year" optimism?

The locker room was a mix between optimism and heartbreak, I'd say. I don't know how many of you have seen the end of Jon Runyan's media scrum, but I think it could bring the strongest individual to tears. As strong as the response can be from fans to a loss, it's easy to lose sight of how much winning matters to these players. This is everything to them and the window is so short to capture a Super Bowl ring.

Dan from Catonsville, MD

What can the Packers do to get Tom Clements to return next year?

That decision is ultimately up to Clements. He's not the type of person who wants a parade. Clements knows how the Packers feel about him. It's just a matter of how long he wants to continue coaching. With the promise Love has shown this season, I don't think it's reckless to call Clements one of the most influential assistant coaches in team history.

Jeff from Dauphin, MB, Canada

Hello II, on the failed fourth-down conversion, were a couple of Niners players lined up offside? I only had a quick glimpse of it on the broadcast, but it looked like multiple helmets were in the neutral zone. Just curious if anyone else noticed.

I, too, saw that screenshot from the sideline, but like Football Zebras said, I'd have to see the aerial view. Objects in mirror aren't always what they appear. Angles matter.

Logan from Tribune, KS

While the present is painful, the future looks bright in Green Bay. With the extra picks in Brian Gutekunst's arsenal, we have a great opportunity to add even more young talent. If you're GM for a day, would you take a big swing like the Eagles and 49ers have in recent years if the opportunity presents itself?

It's a fair question, Logan, but I'm not there yet. A lot of that depends on how the roster looks after the initial wave of free agency. Gutekunst certainly has the draft capital to be flexible if he so chooses.

Hannes from Glendale, WI

Not a question but trying to find perspective. A few days removed from it I am coming to terms with this game concluding the story of the 2023 Green Bay Packers, a team that can beat anybody in the league but not (yet?) consistent enough to win the big prize.

I don't think there's anything inaccurate about that statement. The Packers showed flashes but not enough consistency in this journey. Experience and development should help the latter turn more into the former in 2024.

Nathan from Williamstown, MA

Both young QBs played well overall, both put the ball in harm's way at times, but only one defense made him pay. That, more than anything else, swung the outcome of the game.

We talked about it all week. Purdy won't give you many chances. When that time comes, the defense has to capitalize. It's obviously easier said than done but that often is the difference in the game when you're playing a top quarterback and elite football team. Baltimore pushed the pace against San Francisco last month and made Purdy pay for his indiscretion.

Bob from St. Charles, IA

Fred Warner. The difference between Jones' ground attack against SF and DAL was Warner was unblocked most of the time, just couldn't get to him. Is that how you saw it?

That's fair, but the Packers also ran the ball pretty well against the 49ers. I thought Steve Wilks was a bit too aggressive in loading the box against Green Bay, occasionally not even keeping a safety deep. It may have contained a few carries and created a couple pressures but also led to some big plays. Aaron Jones probably needed one extra block to spring him on that 53-yard run and we might be having a different conversation right now.

Phillip from Wonder Lake, IL

Now that we have to wait until next year, what changes are coming to improve the end results for playoff improvements?

Respectfully, Phillip, how am I supposed to know that? It's been a little over 48 hours since the Packers lost in Santa Clara. LaFleur himself doesn't know what changes are in store for 2024.

Gordon from Newport Beach, CA

Is it as simple as championship QBs win games on the last drive? TDs for Patrick Mahomes, Jared Goff, Lamar Jackson, Brock Purdy versus Jordan Love, Matthew Stafford, Joe Flacco, and Josh Allen having interceptions or missed FGs.

Did I miss something, Gordon? You have more "championship QBs" listed in your category for interceptions/missed FGs than the TD one. But yes, touchdowns are preferrable to field goals and turnovers. That's part of the arithmetic for Green Bay advancing as far as it did.

Jerry from Suwanee, GA

Packer fan since the Lombardi era and started reading the II with Vic. Since football is a game of inches and first downs are sometimes decided with the thickness of a credit card, why does the NFL let games be decided by the somewhat arbitrary placement of the ball by the referee who watched the play from 20 feet away? With today's technology, there must be a better way. In the SF game there were three times the Pack came up short. The Pack challenged one and the call was reversed.

I wish the NFL cared as much about accurate ball placement and utilization of 21st century technology as it does footballs bouncing through end zones.

Clipton from Pasadena, CA

I've never understood the narrative that the team would have to be patient with Anders Carlson as he weathers inconsistency (missed kicks) as a rookie. It's not like he's learning a new task. He's probably been kicking since he was 12 years old. NBA players aren't expected to learn to shoot or baseball pitchers to find control during their rookie years so why is it different with kicking accuracy? Your thoughts please.

My thought is we've had some doozies for analogies today. Rather than argue your thesis, I'll just say the Packers made a commitment to Anders Carlson and his development when they drafted him in the sixth round last April. I believe Carlson showed enough promise to get to this point. That's not to say there won't be competition this summer, but you need a plan. Look no further than the situation that unfolded in Minnesota after the Vikings cut Anders' brother in 2018. It took two years until Greg Joseph settled into the job…and that was after Joseph played for five other NFL teams.

John from Byron, MN

Over the past several weeks I got a sense from your collective words of wisdom there was something truly special going on down the stretch with this team. And that certainly was reinforced on the field. As fans we sometimes mistakenly opt to minimize expectations to ease pain or wish away seasons for future glory. Thanks for keeping us, to the best of your abilities, in the moment this year. Of course, it hurts all the more because of it. But I'm glad I didn't dismiss it.

A fan's expectations should always be high, even if it hurts a little more when your team comes up short.

Gary from Sheboygan, WI

Insiders, has the loss identified our position in the draft?

The Packers hold the 25th pick in the first round.

Dean from Leavenworth, IN

The multiple missed opportunities on Saturday were tough to see but the fact that they had those opportunities was a win. That game really was doable. This season was the most enjoyable to watch in at least the last decade for this fan. For most the biggest question last summer was at QB and the WRs/TEs and the answer I was looking for was whether the Packers had the right pieces in place and their development over the next 18 weeks. Asked and answered. You Wes?

That was the hardest part for me. Amidst a jubilant Levi's Stadium press box, I walked to the elevators not feeling as though the 49ers were the better team. Of course, they played better situationally but the gap between those two teams wasn't as vast as the pundits would've led you to believe.

Bruce from Travelers Rest, SC

Sorry Wes, but I am all-in for the Lions this weekend.

The 49ers are not infallible. That's a very winnable football game for Detroit, especially if Deebo Samuel can't go.

Sam from Harlan, IA

Looking at all of the talent on the 49ers' defense and how much it must cost, how many of those assets will they have to part ways with when they pay their quarterback? Even Patrick Mahomes, Rodgers, etc., were/are all much more beatable when their contracts command top dollar. Will the 49ers' window be closing slightly after a QB pay day?

Yeah, winter is coming in Santa Clara. Even before Dallas and Buffalo were eliminated, I'd argue there's no team with more pressure to "win it all" than the 49ers.

John from Mount Vernon, IA

After reflecting on the game, my biggest takeaway turned out to be how the last few weeks my oldest, who will be 6 this summer, started taking an interest in watching the games and trying to understand what was happening. I have a feeling 2024 could be a special season in more ways than one. Reminds me of my first sports memory, which was watching the Packers win Super Bowl XXXI with my dad when I was 6 years old.

This hits me in the feels John because my 6-year-old is actually starting to care what dad does for a living.

Michael from Portland, OR

Now what?

A lot of "Guy's Grocery Games" in Casa de Hod.

Derek from Eau Claire, WI

I will remember this season forever. Are you not entertained?!?!

I was, from beginning to end. Have a great Tuesday.