Inbox: It doesn't change anything

Bryan from Edgerton, WI

What is up with San Fran this year?

A lot of injuries. A lot of missed opportunities. A lot of tough losses. And still a heckuva lotta talent. Don't get too comfy after all the injury updates Friday because this has the makings of a four-quarter slobberknocker.

Lori from Brookfield, WI

It looks like Brock Purdy will not play on Sunday. How does this affect the defensive game plan?

It doesn't change anything. No different than San Francisco's defense without Nick Bosa. The Packers must be prepared for the 49ers' best punch. Kyle Shanahan will have his guys ready and the Packers' defense still must deal with Christian McCaffrey, Jauan Jennings, Deebo Samuel and George Kittle. With Brandon Allen geting the call, he's a veteran who knows the offense. Coincidentally, Matt LaFleur knows him, too, after the two worked together in Los Angeles in 2017.

Stan from Pensacola, FL

The 49ers won't go down easy. To me, they have the best running back duo in the league, and for a team that doesn't stop the run and lately haven't applied much pressure to the QB and not creating turnovers, this is going to be a tough one. I expect Purdy to play and with no pressure he's a high-completion passer. With the over-under 47½, I'm taking the over since I don't think the Pack can stop SF. I expect Pack's offense to have their best showing of the season regardless of who plays for SF.

LaFleur sent the right message to his team earlier this week when he said the Packers fully anticipate Purdy playing. Whether Purdy was to be out there or not, the Packers' focus needs to be centered on correcting their mistakes from last week and channeling it towards playing a more complete game.

Al from Green Bay, WI

For two teams with realistic Super Bowl aspirations, this game will be close and could go either way. But the Packers should prevail. Reasons to believe: 1) Health. While both teams have injury issues, the Niners have Purdy, Bosa and Williams as potentially out. Yikes. 2) November football at Lambeau. 'Nuff said. 3) Winning the close ones has become a thing for this team. As this young team continues to gel, they are learning how to perform during crunch time. 4) Christian Watson. GPG!

This will be a massive undertaking for the 49ers. It's always going to be tough sledding when you rule out six players and wait on whether two of your starting offensive linemen will be available. That's San Fran's problem, though. Green Bay needs to play its game with its roster.

Dominic from Chesapeake, VA

Wes, I'm posting today one day after having my right hip replaced. They had me walking as soon as I could wiggle my toes – amazing! A Packers victory on Sunday will certainly aid in my healing process. I really want to see Christian Watson continue his stellar play. Your comment about him and Jordy earlier in the week made me envision Jordan Love behind center, faking the run to Josh Jacobs and hitting Christian at full speed on a post. Along with a win on Sunday, wouldn't that make your day?

First, Spoff and I both wish you a full recovery. Watson is not only a locker-room leader but also a centerpiece of this offense. Getting No. 9 going with the downfield passing may be the key that fully unlocks this offense in the second half. Watson won't have 150 receiving yards every week, but the threat he poses enhances possibilities for himself and this offense.

Mike from Niles, IL

Just wondering why a WR with the abilities of Christian Watson has been targeted so rarely. With the season more than half over, he has only 20 receptions on 31 targets. And he has zero drops. I realize Love has been injured and out several games, and the Pack has a good stable of receivers, and CW can block well, but still feel his outstanding strengths have been underutilized. We need his home-run abilities.

It's a fair question I haven't quite figured out myself. Watson can run the route tree. We saw last year against Kansas City he can win as a possession receiver. Jason Vrable said the same when addressing the media Thursday. Vrable discussed how there have been a few instances this year where Watson has been open by three or four yards, but the ball didn't go his way. That's football. Just gotta stay patient and keep winning your one-on-ones. Watson will.

Kenton from Rochester, MN

Educate me here, please. I've noticed that in the first 3/4 of the game, facing a third-and-"forever," most offenses just surrender and dial up an easy play like a quick slant or bubble screen that's probably going to gain 5-10 yards, but no way is going to make the line to gain. Why not at least try to throw something downfield that has at least a chance? Even if it doesn't connect maybe you get a PI or some other defensive foul. To just give up seems pointless. Is it analytics?

It depends on the game situation. The checkdowns to which you're referring are when an offense is trying to gain yards back to help flip field position. Converting on third-and-10-plus isn't a high-percentage proposition. While it's possible to draw a defensive penalty, it's more likely you take a negative yardage play on long, developing routes or turn the ball over.

Steve from Rockford, IL

"This season will have plenty of time and downs left after Sunday, regardless of the outcome." And based upon the fact that the calendar reads Nov. 22, I think it's safe to say the coming of our collective December friend is highly likely. Here's hoping just some level of the environmental conditions seen on Thursday night make their way to Lambeau for the two games this week.

The Packers must own whatever the conditions are, but one undisputed factor working in the Packers' favor is both San Francisco and Miami are making long road trips – and on a short week in the Dolphins' case. That ain't nothing.

Edward from Chandler, AZ

Great format guys, just a quick question. With so many fans questioning Quay Walker and his failure to be in the right place to make plays, might he be more valuable simply rushing more? We could sure use more QB pressure.

Every week is different, but I'd expect Walker to be more involved in the pressure plan without Edgerrin Cooper. The pressure Green Bay has generated off linebacker blitzes has been a defensive strength this season. It also was Walker's calling card when playing the "Will" in the 3-4 the past two years.

Ivan from Little Chicago, WI

Mornin' boys, I'm with Pete from Hillsborough, NC, on why aren't the Packers throwing more quick slants, or crossing routes in general? What am I missing? Seems to me we've got the right personnel in spades to move the ball. I'm prepared to be embarrassed. Go Pack Go!

I mean, it feels like the Packers run plenty of slants and crossing patterns. Spoff raised a great point in his response to Pete that you gotta set all these things up. The better you run the ball in the red zone (while avoiding penalties), the more it opens up the quick passing game. Look no further than the 2020 team.

Alan from Butternut, WI

Why do readers assume it is not possible to catch the Lions? We have a head-to-head game with them, and they could easily lose another game or two besides that. Packers just need to pile up the wins and play their best football in the postseason.

I mean, the Packers have chased down the Lions before, right? But you couldn't be more correct, Alan. The Packers still have everything ahead of them and it starts Sunday.

Adam from Fox River Grove, IL

Jeff Hafley's weekly press conference with the beat reporters is my favorite 10-15 minutes of sports news each week. The honesty and detail with which he answers questions is the best of any coach in any sport in my opinion. He exudes leadership and I will cherish each week I am able to watch him lead our defense.

As I've said before, I learn so much from Hafley's pressers every week and this was no exception. I also enjoy how the feel is more like guys sitting around a bar than an actual news conference. Hafley isn't gonna tell you everything but keeps it real.

Monty from Velva, ND

Once again, the Browns proved that there are no slam dunks in the NFL. Wouldn't you agree that this is the reason the NFL is so popular?

Any given Sunday...I mean, Thursday. Either way, the Browns winning didn't surprise me. I would've been ready to run through the Cuyahoga River after hearing Jameis Winston's pregame interview.

Dan from Waupun, WI

As a fan that enjoys the Packer/Bear rivalry I enjoy the win more. Why is an ugly win so darn beautiful when it's against the Bears? Onto the Niners.

Victory is sweeter when it comes at the cost of a rival.

Scott from Norwalk, CT

Good morning, Wes and Mike. Thanks for all you do, especially warding off the naysayers. This question has bugged me for a while. When people refer to a "back shoulder" throw, which shoulder are they talking about? If the receiver is running downfield, aren't both shoulders "back"? My guess is that it's usually the shoulder closest to the sideline, as that's more likely to avoid the defender. But then why isn't it called an "outside shoulder" throw?

Because it isn't just throwing the ball to the outside shoulder. The pass is intended to intersect with the receiver's route while the cornerback isn't looking. I'm not sure how "back shoulder" became popularized, but the pass has numerous names (bullet pass, fade stop, etc.). To your point, however, the pass is targeted to the outside shoulder shaded to the sideline.

Bil from Stateline, NV

Call me crazy, but I kind of want to see the 49ers make the playoffs (not at the Packers' expense, obviously.) I was looking forward to booting them out of the playoffs this year. It would be somehow, satisfying.

I see San Francisco as a sleeping giant. I don't think any NFC team would complain if the 49ers were a non-participant in this year's postseason.

Subhadeep from Middletown, CT

In debating Eli Manning's non-greatness, we always forget to mention that both his SB rings came against the Patriots dynasty led by the GOAT QB and who many consider the GOAT head coach. Our most recent first-ballot HOF QB did not even get to a second SB!

I concede Eli Manning will go into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. I don't necessarily agree with it but appreciate that's how this story will end. However, I would strenuously object to Manning entering on first ballot. There's levels to this and he isn't on the same plane as some of those who have been waiting in my opinion.

Nate from Hartford, WI

What a fun snow game for Browns vs. Steelers! Maybe I'm just remembering the backyard as a kid, but it made me sad to hear the announcement this week that Cleveland's new stadium will be a dome.

Yeah, it's disappointing to hear. I get it, but Cleveland is one of the NFL's great cities for cold-weather football.

Kathryn from Greenville, WI

A Thanksgiving Day game at Lambeau is great, but who's bringing the turkey?

Spoff brings the turkey. I bring the baloney.

JD from Cedar Rapids, IA

Gulp … Go … Bears!

Say it with a little gusto, man. Bear down (if you must)! The Packers need the Vikings to come back down to earth and take a few Ls.

Craig from Sussex, WI

Do players get meals on flights home from away games? I think Vic once said that Steeler players received two cans of beer for the flight home back in the day.

That was then, this is now. While alcohol is a thing of the past, postgame meals are provided for players and team personnel at the stadium after the game and when boarding the plane.

Liam from Newcastle upon Tyne, UK

Morning Insiders, at the time this contribution is published, I will be 30,000 feet over the Atlantic Ocean as I embark on a 7,400-mile round trip to Green Bay. Football weather is forecast, and a win could put us three games ahead in the wild-card race if the Rams and Seahawks both lose. Things are starting to get interesting! Go Pack!

Safe travels, my friend.

Mike from Keshena, WI

Just win (preferably by an impressive margin set up by an efficient offense, a dominant defense and standout special teams) baby!

That's the spirit. Enjoy the game.