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Inbox: It's not a bad thing for a team to hang its hat on

Matthew Stafford is perhaps the craftiest QB in the league

QB Jordan Love
QB Jordan Love

Bob from Covington, KY

The primary issue in the Vikings game was the injuries at cornerback. When No. 1 is out, the level of play drops off at each CB position. When No. 3 or 4 is also out, the drop-off is steep. That allows open receivers. And it also prevents blitzing because safeties and LBs are required in coverage. Add in the front four being unable to penetrate and the opposing QB has plenty of time to hit those open receivers. The Vikings' 11 guys were better than the 11 the Packers put on the field that day.

The Packers were undermanned, but not outclassed. They had what they needed to win that game. What Green Bay lacked was the time and firepower to work its way back from a 28-0 deficit. You can't do that against any NFL team, let alone an undefeated one. The Packers will be better for what they experienced Sunday.

Andrew from Eau Claire, WI

Do you think this is the week we finally get to see Josh Jacobs find the end zone? And when he does score his first Packers touchdown, will it finally be the passing touchdown he has been missing for so long? 204 and counting...

I don't get too hung up on the passing TD thing. It's an oddity but I don't believe it reflects the player. Either way, the Packers need to get Jacobs going in the red zone. He can carry piles when the opportunity is available.

Jeffery from Brooklyn, WI

What will be the key to beating LA this week?

Jumping on them early, protecting the ball and eliminating penalties. If the Packers do those three things, the wins will come. This team is too talented for them not to.

Paul from Ledgeview, WI

Wes, Mike was talking about the explosive plays, sacks, and takeaways during his chat. Is it too soon to assume those into the Packers' identity? When will we know if the Packers are who we thought they were?

Big plays are a major part of the Packers' identity on both sides of the ball. It's not a bad thing for a team to hang its hat on, but it also can't be all or nothing. Green Bay is trying to find a balance right now between doing the spectacular while remaining dialed into the smaller details.

Nate from Jackson, WI

I'm a big fan of Devonte Wyatt and hope he makes a speedy recovery. How have Colby Wooden and Karl Brooks played up to this point this season in terms of pass rush?

Brooks should see the biggest spike in playing time if Wyatt can't go Sunday. Brooks has played 98 snaps through the first four games (38%), which is on par with last year. I thought Wooden had a good camp. He's wearing the added weight well. There just hasn't been room for him on the gameday roster the past three weeks. This could be his opening.

Dennis from Parrish, FL

My favorite player last year was Dontayvion Wicks. Can we say his start to 2024 has been clunky at best? It all seems incredibly fixable. So, we got that going for us...

…and I'll have more on that later this morning.

Jason from Austin, TX

As beat up as the Rams are on offense, Matthew Stafford always seems to play us hard for 60 minutes, and I would never count him out regardless of what the score is. I hope Jaire Alexander and Carrington Valentine are back in the lineup. Any injury updates?

Valentine was practicing Wednesday, but Alexander was not. The silver lining continues to be the fact Alexander's quad/groin issue doesn't appear to be a long-term concern.

Craig from Sussex, WI

Packers need to run more to set up play-action. Obviously, last week was an exception. I'm looking forward to a more efficient offense in the upcoming weeks.

That's another reason a fast start would help the Packers' cause. They generated a ton of offense against Minnesota but didn't really get to run their offense. Sunday is another opportunity.

Matt from Burlington, WI

Were there any CB blitzes against the Vikings? Can we expect our defensive coordinator to start dialing those up soon?

Keisean Nixon made one of the biggest plays of the entire game coming on a corner blitz. Jeff Hafley hasn't been shy about using his slot corners and ILBs to help generate pressure. Quay Walker, Isaiah McDuffie and Edgerrin Cooper have combined for 2½ sacks so far.

The Green Bay Packers held practice at Clarke Hinkle Field on Wednesday, Oct. 2, ahead of their Week 5 contest against the Los Angeles Rams.

Mark from Ada, OK

Regarding the talk about pass rush vs. the Vikings, Aaron Jones. Thankfully, there are 30 other possible opponents in the league that don't have a guy like that.

Jones is like that pesky fly you can't splatter. He's not the world's biggest running back but is so technically proficient in pass protection to get the job done.

Al from Green Bay, WI

It's been said, it's not just who you play, but when you play them. Are the Packers travelling to LA at a good time based on the Rams' early struggles?

Yeah, because it's not just the struggles. The Rams are hurting. Cooper Kupp has already been ruled out. Puka Nacua, Darious Williams and John Johnson III are all on injured reserve. The Rams can still sling a punch. Matthew Stafford is perhaps the craftiest QB in the league. Green Bay can't overlook LA by any means but needs to impose its will.

Maximilian from Whittier, CA

Insiders, I'm fortunate enough to be headed to the game on Sunday with my wife and parents. I expect a heavy Packer fan advantage at SoFi, but that hasn't necessarily translated into wins (see Brazil, London, vs. the Chargers). What are your keys to victory such that the Pack leave LA above .500?

Kyren Williams is off to a slow start but picked up some steam against the Bears. The Rams have four explosive runs in four games with a long of just 14. The Packers need to keep LA's run game in check.

Tim from Olathe, KS

There is nothing more frustrating in any sport than a .500 team. We are 20-20 since 2022 with 8-9, 9-8, and 2-2 records. .500 teams typically have tremendous potential riddled with inconsistency which is us the past three seasons. How do we break out and take a leap forward?

I hear ya, though the 2022 and 2023 seasons were vastly different situations. I came away from the 2022 campaign feeling it was time to reshuffle the deck whereas last year felt like the Packers were building towards something again. The Packers have to smooth out this ride and starting a win streak in LA would be a good way to start.

Paul from Dubuque, IA

In response to TR, you ended your answer with, "I think it's time to get back to winning one-on-ones." What a concept! We are constantly told that the defense is loaded with talent, however, Xavier McKinney is the only player winning one-on-ones consistently. I would change your answer to, "It's way past time for this defense to win one-on-ones!"

Again, it's about consistency. Guys are gonna get doubled and chipped. That's life in the trenches. But when defenders get one-on-ones, they have to capitalize. It's the only way to eat the elephant.

Chuck from Richfield, WI

My wife and I stayed until the final onside attempt vs. the Vikings. Forgive me if the question has been asked, but can you explain why our punter vs. our kicker was executing the kick? I saw Dallas convert an onside kick with a "watermelon" style kick and wondered what the advantage is in having our punter try the style he did vs. on a tee? Thank you for all your insights!

Matt LaFleur said it's something the Packers repped in practice with both Daniel Whelan and Brayden Narveson.

Samuel from Skokie, IL

Mike slammed the door pretty hard on the placekicker discussion. The top five players in points, and seven out of the top 10 are PK. Games are decided by points. It is a key part of winning teams. I think it deserves to be part of the team discussion. Care to reconsider?

Not now. The placekicking pile isn't exactly at its deep point with the top 32 currently on NFL rosters. We'll see where things go, but the Packers have a kicker they believe in. It's Brayden Narveson's job to prove them right.

Jeb from Brownsville, TX

What's wrong with saying that even the best teams don't always make the right decision, and the Packers have failed in finding a kicker? I think it's because you can't say that as a member of the organization. So, I will. Then again, posting this would not be a good look for you, so I'm not expecting to see this letter in the column. Perfect example of biased journalism. It's not your fault, you're just protecting your job.

You were doing fine until the last sentence. I'm not protecting my job. If my employment here was dependent on my thoughts on the Packers' kicking competition, then I'm evidently falling short in many other areas. I don't condemn Narveson or the Packers because I lived through Mason Crosby's 2012 season. I've seen firsthand how rapidly the wind blows in this league. As much forecasting goes into a player's career trajectory, you don't truly know until that individual goes out there and performs. The Packers are trying to figure out what they have in Narveson right now.

Michael from Tyler, TX

Would you trade Christian Watson, or any of our young receivers, plus a second- or third-round pick to have Davante Adams back? He'd bring a veteran presence and could really open up the field.

I would not.

Jordan from San Antonio, TX

Please, please, no Adams trade submissions. Even with Watson and his injuries, I take this receiver room over most in the NFL. We have who we need, just have to stay the course. Go Pack Go.

Davante's the man and I cannot wait to be there when he goes into the Packers Hall of Fame someday. But I don't believe now is time for No. 17 to return. Green Bay has what it needs. Also, Derek Carr and Keith Williams are both in New Orleans. That's where I'd have him pegged to land.

Robert from Elgin, IL

I still think we can win the division. Do you?

Absolutely, but the Packers need to start racking up wins now – not tomorrow, not after breakfast. Now. It's gonna take double-digit wins to claim the NFC North.

Dan from Richmond, VA

Touchy topic, I realize. But do either of you have thoughts on the legacy of Pete Rose, or the pros and cons of inducting him into the Hall of Fame now that he has passed? So many lowlights and highlights from his time both on and off the field that make it all so complicated. And please don't ban me for this, but "Let's Go Mets!"

Pete Rose was a Hall of a Fame player who made inexcusable mistakes once his playing career was over. I'd put Rose in. He paid the price. It's over.

Rick from Caledonia, WI

Good morning, any clarification as to why the refs would not allow the timeout that resulted in an unsportsmanlike penalty? No explanation was made at stadium. Thanks!

There's nothing to be said, Rick. They just missed it.

Michelle from Ringgold, GA

What does the loss to the Titans say about Love's injury return?

The Dolphins should've started Boyle?

Matt from Emerson, PA

Fishing from the same boat. Playing on the same beat. Are you interested in good journalism or just trying to constantly impress us with the next T-shirt metaphor?

I just wanna go golfing, bro.

Dyson from Austin, TX

Hey y'all – instead of practicing patience, claiming confidence, or fantasizing about FAs, do you know if a jersey number change has been discussed with our kicker? Without doing any math, seems to me, as an owner, that if he simply doubled his jersey number he'd automatically be twice as good. Problem solved. Super Bowl here we come!

I think we're done here.

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