Richard from Woodruff, WI

Hello II, thanks for the great coverage of our favorite professional sports team, the Green Bay Packers. You are good writers. You write like your hair is on fire. I thought I smelled something burning. Is your "hair on fire"?

No, that's just Spoff revving the tires in anticipation for the postseason.

Steve from Middletown, KY

Good morning. I know we're a solid defense but seem to wear down late in games. While I like explosive plays as much as anyone, I believe methodical drives may be more suited to control time of possession. Philly has also had a lot of explosives this year. Since Jalen Hurts has been out a couple of games, he may be a little rusty. Wouldn't it be wise to try to limit his touches so he can't find a rhythm? That could then be an early advantage. To me, that makes stopping Saquon Barkley the key. Regardless GPG!

All these "What should the Packers do" submissions this week got me thinking the solution is out there somewhere. But yes, containing Barkley would be preferable.

Josh from Playa Majagual, Nicaragua

Well, it's "chip and a chair" season and we still have a seat at the table. Let's just hope we get to witness our first "all-in" performance of the year, let the chips fall where they may. GPG!

Start fast, protect the football and let's see what happens.

Markus from Aurora, CO

Insiders, I'm glad we play in Philadelphia. I don't envy the Broncos traveling to Buffalo (Lake Eire snow incoming), nor the Vikings traveling to Arizona (instead of LA; venue change due to fires). Sure, Lincoln Financial will be hostile, but the weather forecast doesn't have any potential interruptions. What say you?

As Larry outlined so eloquently on "Three Things," the Packers have done it before. The 2010 team's run to Super Bowl XLV began with a 21-16 win at the Linc in the wild-card round. That obviously has no bearing on how Sunday goes, but it's proof it can be done. I say bring it on…again.

Jay from Altoona, WI

A common occurrence in the Packers' losses was an early mistake such as a turnover or drive-killing penalty. Being a playoff game, there must be a temptation to the players to try to do more, but often doing more is what leads to such mistakes. How can the coaches drive home a point to "just do your job" to players who will understandably be amped up?

Consider that car driven. Matt LaFleur's message all week has been doing your job over trying to do too much. Phase 1 of the offseason program began nearly nine months ago. The process got you this far. There's no point in going back now.

Herbert from Palm Desert, CA

Good morning, Wes. This game seems like it will be a throwback to an era where the running game dominated. I expect both teams to pound the rock as much as possible. But even in those types of games, the quarterback play, more often than not, determines the winner. I think the Packers have the better quarterback. How much impact do you think the quarterbacks will have in this game?

Oh, they're critical. The performance of Jalen Hurts and Jordan Love will directly correlate to which team prevails. Even if it is run-heavy at the start, what adjustments will the defenses make to counter that? If a safety starts dropping more into the box, it's up to the QBs to take advantage of what the defense is giving them.

Al from Green Bay, WI

Tough matchup of two good teams. Appropriately, the Eagles are the favorites. But the underdog Packers can prevail. Reasons to believe: 1) As Spoff noted yesterday, the Packers are battle-tested. As iron sharpens iron, the Packers are ready. 2) The Packers' D has been stout against the run. Saquon Barkley will get carries and yards but will not dominate this game. 3) Coming off the concussion, Hurts could be rusty, and hesitant to run. 4) Love, Josh Jacobs, Romeo Doubs, Jayden Reed, Tucker Kraft, Dontayvion Wicks and Luke Musgrave. GPG!

I'm glad you mentioned Kraft and Musgrave. Few are talking about those two guys, but they could have a significant impact on the Packers reversing their fortunes from the opener. Green Bay has run plenty of packages with two tight ends this year but having a receiving threat like Musgrave could really open up the options for Kraft. We've talked for two years about getting those two tight ends on the field together. This could be a fun game to feature them.

Jay from Land O Lakes, FL

Guys, do you agree that we must first endeavor to slow down Barkley? Let's make the Eagles beat us through the air.

That's fine, but A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith are no cakewalk outside, either. Philly is loaded all over, so for me, it's about maximizing your explosive plays and minimizing theirs regardless of who has the football in their hands.

Michael from Alameda, CA

With Hurts recently coming out of concussion protocol, do you think the Eagles still plan to use the "Tush Push"? Seems a bit risky to me...

The Eagles announced Thursday Hurts has cleared the concussion protocol, so I'd imagine the "Tush Push" is in play. But ask me again on the first third/fourth-and-1.

Bill from Menominee, MI

One of the more consistent and most pleasing aspects of this Packers team is the defensive consistency with contributions from all levels of the depth chart. The key to stopping Philly is not stopping Hurts, Brown, and Barkley with defense, it's stopping them with offense. As simple as it sounds, the offense needs to score their points. Don't put this on the defense's shoulders on the final drive. Armchair coaching at its finest right there.

Spoff remarked to me during last month's game in Detroit that the first team to 30 would likely win and that's how it played out. I feel the same about this one. The Packers are 6-1 this year when they score at least 30, by the way. The only loss came – you guessed it – when the Lions beat 'em to it.

Lori from Brookfield, WI

Wes, which player(s) will step up for this big game?

I've covered this league long enough to appreciate the who doesn't matter in the playoffs as long as someone does. Anyone can win this game for the Packers from Love to a practice-squad player elevated to the gameday roster.

Aidan from Suwanee, GA

We have seen Matt LaFleur take the ball first multiple times this year to start to set the tone. What are your thoughts on deferring to the half this week if the option is there? With Jalen coming back from a concussion, it may be a boost to get the defense out there flying around to set the tone and have Love and crew come drop the hammer after a big three-and-out!

If it's me, I'm taking the ball based on the importance of a fast start in the Packers building early leads on the road. But whatever LaFleur decides to do is fine with me. I don't think there's a wrong answer here. It's all about execution.

Bob from Mahtomedi, MN

Spoff/Wes: What are the criteria for a player to be credited with a "pass defensed"? I know if Kenny Clark bats down forward pass he is credited with a PD. But is Keisean Nixon credited with the same if he tackles a receiver the moment the ball arrives (incomplete pass) even if he never touches the ball? It seems a passer throws 12 incompletions, and the defense is credited with three passes defensed.

A pass defensed is any pass that falls incomplete because of the on-the-ball efforts of the defensive player, including interception.

Steve from Kansas City, MO

With Christian Watson out and Jordan Love's full recovery not tested, I would expect Philly to load the box against Jacobs and not respect the deep ball until Love demonstrates he has the grip strength to go deep accurately. What do you think is Green Bay's biggest worry going into this one?

Philadelphia can do whatever it wants. But like I said – if the Eagles want to sell out to stop Jacobs, then Green Bay must adjust and take advantage. That's it. Conversely, the Packers have to contain Barkley to the best of their ability. You can't let him win this game for the Eagles.

Michael from Novato, CA

Morning, II. Who's responsible for verifying the alignments/assignments on defense? From what I've read about Edgerrin Cooper's development, his only real mistakes come when he doesn't take the right gap, trail the right receiver, etc. In other words, rookie-type mistakes. Assuming Quay Walker plays, is he going to be directing him (in addition wearing the green dot), is "X" supposed to adjust things, or what?

The "Mike" linebacker gets the defense set, but he's not the only defender allowed to speak. What's more, it's also up to defenders to diagnose and make the right decisions when the ball is snapped, as well.

Bob from Rome, NY

With Evan Williams' return that just might be the domino the Packers needed to hit to reset the secondary and put everyone else back to natural positions. Your thoughts? Thank you!

The Packers have a deep safety room, but Williams feels like he's been the best running mate with Xavier McKinney on the backend this year. I feel like Williams' ranginess and ability to play free safety allowed McKinney to roam a bit more rather than playing strictly deep. Based on reps, Javon Bullard also has practically played more as the nickel than true safety this year.

John from Beloit, OH

Who is considered the best tight end in Packers history?

Ron Kramer, I'd say. He earned both All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors in 1962 and is considered a trailblazer at the position, especially here in Green Bay.

Jason from Austin, TX

Speaking of long, sustained drives that have no penalties on offense, do we know who is officiating this game and do we know if they have a propensity to throw a lot of flags? Obviously, the goal is to not commit a penalty, but if there's a block that would receive a hold from one crew and not another, give me the crew that'll hold the penalty flag in their pocket.

The Packers and Eagles have Brad Allen. His crew threw the third-fewest flags this season, but in the postseason crews are assembled based on the officials' grades at each position.

Ken from Arvada, CO

I have long thought that each team should be allowed to lose two replay challenges per half, with no limit to the number of challenges that are won. Why? Because if the officials are doing their job that poorly they are instantly held accountable. Yes, the crews could still not reverse calls and drain the challenges, but that behavior would be obvious too. It would change what could be challenged and would not alter the flow of the game any more than botched calls currently do. Thoughts?

I feel like the NFL finally got it right with coaches now granted a third challenge if the second is correct. I don't see a need for two misses per half. I'd rather the NFL invest that time to getting calls right in the first place with replay assist or whatever.

Brock from West Lafayette, IN

Good morning! Besides the Packers game, which other matchup this weekend do you find the most intriguing or "can't miss"?

I won't get to probably watch it, but Washington and Tampa Bay should be a lot of fun.

Josh from Philadelphia, PA

Hi Wes and Mike. I'm hoping to be able to attend the pep rally on Saturday afternoon and perhaps meet you both in person for a quick moment. Anyway, are children allowed at the pep rally? I'd love to bring my 8-year-old daughter, but I don't want to show up only to be sadly turned away. Thanks, and hope to see you then!

Children are absolutely welcome. I'm told the Craft Hall is a family-friendly venue.

Ian from Los Angeles, CA

Hello from a besieged and weary Angeleno. There's a lot to worry about and consider right now but I wanted to thank you for providing a space to get some news that is not a new fire alert. The Packers playing meaningful football is maybe not super important these days but it's nice to look forward to something at the moment. Even if the game does not go the way we all hope, I have my home, my family, and a football team that has provided a lot of reason for hope and entertainment over the years.

And that's what matters most. Thinking of you and all our friends in the LA area. I hope you can enjoy the game tomorrow.

Terry from Winfield, IL

Mike, with your revelation of Wes's frequent bathroom use in flight, why isn't he sitting in the aisle seat or is he drinking too much root beer?

Speaking of children, the responses to Spoff's retort reminded me Inbox handles potty references about as well as my 7-year-old.

Derek from Eau Claire, WI

Tradition gets a chance to write a new chapter tomorrow.
Clear eyes, full hearts, can't lose.
You've earned the right to win.

Like I put on my Instagram story Thursday night, the playoffs are never promised but always appreciated. The Packers earned the right to be here after sweeping two NFL divisions. From here, the opportunity is what you make it.

Mike from Algoma, WI

"Pack up. It's time to go!" (Nicely done)

Our broadcast team did a great job on that package. Made me wanna run down to Lombardi Avenue and shout, "I want you to put the word out that we 'Pack' up." Shoot, I may screw around and make that the headline.

Dean from Leavenworth, IN

Not the best way to enter your playoff journey
The stakes are high, but the expectations are not
Fourteen teams get a new opportunity and all start 0-0
Your redemption tour begins in Philadelphia Green Bay
A chance to exceed expectations, Green and Gold

Time to make it happen. Enjoy the game everybody.