Inbox: Jars on the shelf, right?

Grant from Janesville, WI

Regarding seven teams being eliminated with four games left to play: "That's a lotta running with no carrot in front of you." Bless you, Wes. That was a good one.

I'm sure Trish was annoyed.

Dean from Leavenworth, IN

It feels like from 2012-18 the Packers played the Seahawks at least once every year. How many times did they actually play during that period?

Green Bay and Seattle played seven times over that span. Since the infamous 2014 NFC title game, the Packers have won five of the team's last six meetings. The lone loss came in Seattle in 2018, making Green Bay's last win there during Rodgers' first year as a starting quarterback in 2008.

Scott from Noblesville, IN

I get the "make them go the length of the field and hope for a mistake" philosophy. When it works, we hear "complementary" football was played. We have, however, suffered at times when our opponents seemed to be in "send everyone mode" early forcing us off the field, and then either built insurmountable leads (Minnesota) or then killed us playing keep away with the "slow death by a thousand cuts." Tempting to "send everyone" early and often? Even if they score on a big play, at least we get the ball back.

The idea isn't to wait for the offense to make a mistake. Ask any defensive coordinator in the NFL and they'll tell you the goal is to eliminate explosive plays. Why? Because the easiest way to the end zone isn't the red zone – it's running through the red zone en route to a touchdown. If you play all-or-nothing ball, you will wind up with nothing. Can the Packers' defense play better? Absolutely. Did they fail to get off the field in the fourth quarter last Thursday? Yes. Is Green Bay also the No. 9 scoring defense and 13th total defense in Jeff Hafley's first year as coordinator? Yep. So, we can stop acting like Green Bay is getting run out of these stadiums anytime you guys wish. Going for broke every down isn't a strategy. It's asking for trouble.

Brian from Urbana, IL

In my humble opinion, Geno Smith is in a comeback league of his own. Dude got punched in the face by a teammate in the locker room in 2015 and squad-hopped for what felt like an eternity. Three years ago, I would have NEVER believed he'd get a chance at a starting job. Now look at him. Truly kept his chin up.

Smith is like a modern-day Rich Gannon, though he obviously had more hype earlier in his career than Gannon did. After the New York Jets, it looked like Smith would finish out his career as a backup (ala Chase Daniels or Blaine Gabbert). Instead, Smith lands in Seattle during the COVID year and resurrects his career a year later at 31 years young. There are few better stories in the NFL over the past decade than Smith, but the Packers must contain him Sunday.

Chase from Carmichael, CA

Any insight into how long it takes to decipher what an offense or defense is doing differently? I imagine if there's something a team is consistently doing it will take at least a drive to establish it, and then from there it's the chess match of adjustments on both sides. Then, of course, fatigue also plays a factor.

The first two series of a game are a good indication of what the opponent is doing (or trying to do). Teams have access to the upstairs pictures between drives, so adjustments can happen on the sideline. Sometimes it may take until halftime to implement some of those adjustments. Because it's a 60-minute chess match. Not a 12-minute midgame shuffle.

Anthony from Southington, CT

I wasn't looking ahead to the playoffs, but it was mentioned recently. As the sixth seed, we might end up playing the NFC West champ which could be a hot and healthy Rams team. Just saying, be careful what you wish for.

You gotta play someone, Anthony. Before we can start jabbering about whom the Packers will play, they still gotta punch their ticket to the postseason. A win Sunday helps accomplish that goal.

Michael from Winfield, IL

I ran some scenarios, and it looks like if Green Bay wins out and Detroit beats Minnesota, Green Bay gets the five seed. I know, just beat Seattle.

Beat Seattle, secure a playoff spot and then figure out the rest…in that order. Nine wins guarantees the Packers nothing but a winning season. While a winning season is nice, the Packers still have plenty of work to do.

Ivan from Little Chicago, WI

Hey boys, what's the latest on TE Luke Musgrave's return? Sure would love to see him play in front of some of his family and friends out in Seattle. And we could surely use him! I heard rain is in the forecast. GPG!

Musgrave returned to practice Wednesday, opening his 21-day window to be activated from injured reserve. It would be a good story, but that's not the goal for Musgrave after a three-month absence. Green Bay needs a healthy Musgrave for a potential playoff run. That's the goal both team and player are aiming for.

Wade from Billings, MT

Will Romeo Doubs and Jaire Alexander be ready to play against the Seahawks this Sunday and do you feel that Jayden Reed is getting better?

Both were full participants on Wednesday. Doubs remains in the concussion protocol but is making progress. Reed is fine. Personally, I hope he gets 10 targets Sunday to put this non-story to bed.

James from Appleton, WI

Zayne Anderson knocking David Montgomery's legs out from underneath him got overshadowed by the Lions converting fourth down afterwards, but, man, what a play. I used to wonder how coaches developed game plans without knowing the injury status of their players, but I guess they just do and expect the next guy up to get the job done. Maybe give an assisted tackle to Brian Gutekunst.

Jars on the shelf, right? That's how you navigate a long season. Anderson reminds me so much of Chris Banjo and Sean Richardson as former undrafted free agents who cut their teeth on special teams but are a safety by defensive trade. Green Bay could've slid Javon Bullard back after Evan Williams exited but trusted Anderson in that spot and he showed why. That was a heads-up play, and Anderson could be counted on again Sunday if Bullard and Williams aren't cleared for Seattle.

Caleb from Knoxville, TN

Who is your favorite Seahawks player historically?

I don't know if I have a favorite, but Ricky Watters is the first name to come to mind for me. Well, the first name was actually Rick Mirer but that would've been a silly answer to your question.

Grant from Janesville, WI

Two thoughts: We're so blessed with offensive weapons right now. People are enthusiastic for Chris Brooks and Emanuel Wilson to get their touches, not because of any lack from RB1 but because we know these men are talented, too. We look forward to having Luke Musgrave back, while bemoaning how Jayden Reed or Christian Watson aren't getting enough touches as is. There aren't enough touches to go around. We're lucky! Secondly, I know we're coming off a loss, but I'm so proud of these men quickly matching last year's win total.

Still a lot of work left to do and hopefully all the QB's men available to do it.

Patrick from East Dubuque, IL

Will the kickoff time for the final game against the Bears be announced soon?

Probably not in all honesty. Last year, the Week 18 date/time was announced on New Year's Eve.

Dustin from Kansas City, MO

Was happy to read in the II yesterday that Kenneth Odumegwu caught on with the Seahawks. He was the first IPP player I remember hearing about, so I've always rooted for his success. Hoping one day to turn on a random game and hear his name called by the announcer for making a big play. I love a good underdog story.

Kenneth is an awesome dude, too. I hope our paths cross in Seattle.

Ron from Riverview, FL

Wes, thanks to you and Mike for taking the time to entertain and enlighten us. Your response to Charles from Boyle, MS, took me back to the mid-'90s when the Cowboys kept knocking the Packers out of the playoffs. Then came the Super Bowl year. I was cheering for the Cowboys to beat the Panthers and come to Lambeau for the championship game. But alas, the 'Boys laid an egg in Carolina.

Anthony Johnson rushed for more yards (104) than Kerry Collins threw for (100) in that 26-17 win over Dallas. Dom Capers' defense picked off Troy Aikman three times. The Cowboys' window closed while the Packers' opened wide.

Scott from Sauk City, WI

With NYJ (officially) and DAL (essentially) missing the playoffs this season, it's another great time to remind ourselves how amazing Ted Thompson, Mark Murphy and Brian Gutekunst have been for this franchise in recent history. Having the courage of your convictions to move on from a Super Bowl-champion coach and two back-to-back first-ballot HOF QBs and still have your arrow pointing up? With all due respect to Coach McCarthy and Aaron Rodgers, this team is in a better place now.

I think it's understanding where your team is heading and setting the sails in that direction. I'd argue Jerry Jones did McCarthy a disservice with A) dragging his feet to extend Dak Prescott and B) not adding a year to McCarthy's contract. I understand the financial ramifications of those two moves, but how are you going to foster belief among your football team when you're unwilling to commit past this season on two of your most important employees? If it didn't work out, then fire Mike. But I don't believe the right course of action is to have a lame duck head coach at football's highest level.

Corey from Seattle, WA

This Sunday my best friend and I will see our first Packers game in person. He flies out here from NY today. I am excited to go to the pep rally as well Saturday. My question is this, where was your favorite Packers Everywhere event and why?

My very first one in Jacksonville was hard to top. It was in a parking lot at a now-closed restaurant, and I swear there were 2,000 people there. It was wild. I had a great time at last year's pep rally in Dallas, too. There's nothing better than a playoff pep rally. Here's to a couple more in 2025.

Kenton from Rochester, MN

Lots of chatter in II lately about officiating. Consider that it's entirely possible within a few years that AI takes over the bulk of the officiating. With numerous camera angles, a chip in the ball and maybe some embedded sensors in the players' clothing, all calls will be made immediately, fairly and indisputably. No more human error or controversy. The only question is: Will that be what we want?

Maybe we will or maybe we won't, but the future is inevitable.

Ron from Mitchell, SD

What was Tampa's recipe for success in beating Detroit in Week 2? It looks like the Lions dominated the stat sheet.

The Lions had six trips into the red zone without a touchdown. There also was a gaffe at the end of the first half where Detroit was called for too many men on the field while attempting a spike at Tampa's 9 with four seconds left, requiring a 10-second runoff.

Jeffery from Brooklyn, WI

Hi, at this time last year we were all amazed at how well this young team is playing. Why don't we get that same vibe this year?

At this time last year, the Packers lost to the Tommy DeVito-led New York Giants and Tampa Bay in consecutive weeks. I would say your vibe-checker needs recalibration, Jeff.

Tim from Kennewick, WA

GB is only 1-5 against teams with a winning record, and a big goose egg and four against NFC teams. If they lose to both Seattle and Minnesota, it doesn't bode well for the playoffs, does it?

Before Kansas City won it all, you sure would've struggled to be a Chiefs fan last year around this time. Careful drawing foregone conclusions from hypotheticals.

Bill from Brooklyn Park, MN

"The league has the option to excuse poorly performing officials once the season is over." That statement begs numerous questions: Why do they need to wait for the season to be over? If players and coaches can be released midseason for poor performance, why can't officials? And if the league has the option to release poor performers, why do they do it so infrequently, when poor performance is so rampant? Policies like these sow and reinforce fan distrust in the process.

Need I remind you what happened the last time the NFL tried to use replacement officials? And before you say "Well, just hire some NCAA officials then," they're already scheduled for the college season.

Jennifer from Middleton, WI

Sorry I'm a day late but I wish we could get your mic-drop epic discussion of officiating from “Unscripted” in front of Roge on a livestream and get HIS unscripted response and justification. I'd reheat yesterday's coffee for it.

Pa Hod was a big fan of that one.

Joseph from Sioux Falls, SD

I don't know Mike, the two calls you took issue with on "Packers Unscripted" appeared quite consistent; they both favored the offense, they both favored the Lions, and they were both like asparagus on brats.

Case closed. Have a good Thursday.