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Inbox: That play speaks to the unselfish nature of this team

It’s those small steps that make the wins just a little sweeter

TE Luke Musgrave, WR Dontayvion Wicks
TE Luke Musgrave, WR Dontayvion Wicks

Thomas from Cedar Rapids, IA

Mike's WWE (F) takedown of Wes is worth two points in real wrestling.

For a guy who doesn't watch wrestling anymore, Spoff sure laid the smacketh down on me Monday.

John from El Dorado Hills, CA

In reading Monday morning's II, it appears many contributors are reluctant to praise the victory vs. the Rams because LA was playing without Matthew Stafford. However, when many of our own starters were out due to injury, many were harsh critics of the Packers' performance without considering our own absences. Human nature. Not a question, just an observation.

When I flew back from Vegas last month, I didn't find any Raiders stationery in our company mailboxes sympathizing with Aaron Jones tweaking his hamstring 48 hours before the game and being unable to play. That's the sport, folks. You play with who's available. On this Sunday, the Packers did a better job of overcoming adversity and got the win.

Richard from Livermore, CA

The fire from the players was apparent once we got the lead in the first half, something we haven't experienced much this season. It is significant to have that psychological advantage of playing with the lead, especially for the youngest team in the league. It is a confidence builder and exemplified the importance of improving on our first problems on offense.

That's how the game is played and why I'm a firm believer in momentum and positive affirmation. If you believe, you perform. The Packers have played from behind so often this season that even something as simple as a second-quarter touchdown off a takeaway can be a galvanizing moment.

Paul from Northglenn, CO

How impressive is the young defensive line's progression?

That entire group should be proud of how it performed Sunday without Kenny Clark for the last three quarters. Devonte Wyatt and T.J. Slaton led the way, but both Karl Brooks and Colby Wooden contributed to the Packers shutting down the Rams' run offense. A tip of the cap to De'Vondre Campbell and Isaiah McDuffie, too. Over the past two weeks, Green Bay has allowed 130 rushing yards on 57 carries (2.3 yards per carry) with a long of 10 yards.

Hans from San Antonio, TX

The Packers' defense is different when De'Vondre Campbell is on the field.

It was a pleasure to watch him work Sunday. Campbell made some plays, but he's also poised when communicating the calls to the defense. I don't think it's a coincidence the Packers have defended the run as well as they have since Campbell's return from the ankle injury.

Craig from Temperance, MI

Isaiah McDuffie played one heck of great game filling in. It's tough to not see the field more, but with the two guys in front of him, he won't see the time he needs to actually see how good he really is.

The Packers are in a fortunate situation right now with their inside linebackers. Campbell and Quay Walker are studs, but McDuffie has really grown as the next linebacker up the past two years. He's an instinctive football player and you see him grow every time he's out there.

Jeff from Indian Lake, NY

Carrington Valentine played a hell of a game Sunday. He certainly showed a lot of passion too. If I could nitpick I would tell him to wait on celebrating his big plays until he's moved away from the other team's players. I swore he was going to negate some of his PBUs with a taunting penalty a few times.

Fortunately, the refs swallowed their whistles when it came to the celebrations. Spoff touched on it last week, but you can tell Valentine was motivated to prove he's capable of stepping in for Douglas, whom he considers a mentor. For everything the Rams were missing, their dangerous receiving corps could've easily taken over that game if given the space to do so. Valentine gave no quarter.

Derek from Eau Claire, WI

Eight players caught a pass, and no one caught more than four passes. Is this a successful formula?

I think so. Throw whatever label you want on it, but it appears that's going to be the way of things in 2023. Two weeks ago in Denver, Jordan Love completed passes to 10 different receivers and only Luke Musgrave had more than three catches. To date, 13 different receivers have caught passes from Love this season. Romeo Doubs has the most receptions (30) and TD catches (five), while Jayden Reed leads the team in receiving yards (333).

Chad from Wisconsin Rapids, WI

Was the touchdown to Musgrave a designed double fake that Jordan Love just sold to perfection? Or was that Jordan going through his progression before finding Musgrave down the middle? In either case, it was very well done!

That play was designed for Musgrave and the Packers executed it to perfection. Green Bay ran it out of the two-RB "Pony" look and Dillon did his best to sell his screen to draw the middle linebacker. After the game, Jones said he loved the play and was even peeking back to see Musgrave score. I think that play speaks to the unselfish nature of this team.

Aaron from Livermore, CA

How many three-and-outs did the Packers' offense have this game? It didn't seem like too many. That really helps the defense also.

I only counted two.

Margeaux from Tallahassee, FL

Wes, I'm not sure if you are getting a preponderance of questions about Jordan Love's issues with accuracy but even Aaron Rodgers didn't throw a perfect ball every time. Anyone who has ever thrown a ball to their child has heard the "You didn't throw it right at me!" whine. Hopefully Sunday's win will kick in a period of more consistent play by everyone and lead to more exuberant locker room scenes. It has to be fun for you as well to interview happier faces.

As Aaron Jones said after the game, "All it takes is one." Daily II readers know how strongly I felt about what one win could do for this football team. That game was a lot like Week 1 in Chicago. It wasn't perfect by any means, but the Packers won in the fashion they should have against that opponent and under those circumstances.

Tom from Iron River, WI

Are we going to see a little more Emanuel Wilson the rest of the season?

Wilson has proven he can run. For a 226-pound running back, Wilson can get to full speed in short order. Mastering the other aspects of the job is his challenge right now. Fortunately, he has one of the best teachers in the game to learn from in Ben Sirmans. I'm excited to see him get more opportunities in the second half.

Chas from Modena, WI

A win after 40 days without one. The next opponent is the Steelers. What is the biggest threat from the Steelers' offense and defense? Do we have the personnel to match up to these threats?

T.J. Watt is always a problem, but Pittsburgh is dealing with some injuries on defense. Cole Holcomb is on IR after sustaining a scary knee injury against Tennessee and Minkah Fitzpatrick is dealing with a hamstring. Offensively, there hasn't been a lot to write home about, but George Pickens Jr. is a home-run hitter Green Bay must respect. Fortunately, it seems Jaire Alexander is getting healthier.

Scott from Noblesville, IN

As a "trying-to-be-patient, in-it-for-the-long-haul older fan," I see this game at Pittsburgh as a tremendous opportunity, win or lose, for this team to prove to itself it can go on the road to one of the toughest environments, against one of the league's most physical teams, and COMPETE. If we "stand up" to this team, I'll be happy. If we play too cautious, or intimidated, much less scared, to me, our baby steps go backwards.

You have to keep pushing on the pedal now. The Packers need to use this win over LA to upend a team that likely will be favored on its home turf Sunday. This will be a tough slate of games coming up, but Green Bay must keep building regardless of individual outcomes. Because this team needs to be its best in December for not only a potential playoff push but also 2024 and beyond.

Ben from West Fargo, ND

I thought I saw Sean Rhyan in for Jon Runyan for a few plays, looked like he played well, your thoughts?

LaFleur confirmed on Monday that Jon Runyan was getting looked at while Rhyan was in the game. But I thought Rhyan played well, which didn't surprise me. I felt he took a big step this summer. He's a big, athletic guy who can move people. Rhyan just needs to stay ready like he was Sunday.

Matthew from Denver, CO

Hi Insiders, I've missed any mention of No. 54 Kristian Welch this season (aside from being on a couple roster transaction reports back in September). He played 13 special-teams snaps vs. the Rams, and is listed as a LB. I'm a roster guy and a little embarrassed I didn't notice him earlier. Can you cure my ignorance and provide some more info on him? Thanks for all you do.

That probably has to do with Welch first signing to the Packers' practice squad before quietly being added to the 53 last month. The 6-foot-3, 240-pound linebacker was a core special-teamer for Baltimore during his first three NFL seasons. He's also a Wisconsinite. Welch hails from Iola, Wis., to which I travel every July for its famous car show. I probably need to write something on him at some point.

The Green Bay Packers celebrated in the locker room after beating the Los Angeles Rams, 20-3.

Nick from Little Rock, AR

I was wondering if you had any intel why we haven't seen the Lambeau Leap after TDs? I was curious if it is young guys not knowing the tradition yet or if players are being directed not to do it. Go Pack Go!

That's a better question for the NFL than me. This is what Jones said on Sunday night when asked about Luke Musgrave not doing the leap after his first touchdown: "They shortened our window to celebrate so you want to celebrate with your guys because they're the ones who helped you in, but then you also want to go celebrate with the fans because they're the ones bringing the energy all game. It's hard. … You gotta be quick with it. You gotta choose pretty fast."

Joe from Las Vegas, NV

Morning to you both on this nice day in Vegas. Great context in your replies. How big is the "neutral zone"? After the two offside calls, it has me wondering. GPG, let's make it two in a row!

It's an imaginary line that runs sideline to sideline from the forward and backward points of the football. The officials determined Jon Runyan's helmet hovered too much in that territory. LaFleur said it's something they'll discuss with the league and make the necessary adjustments.

Tom from Saugus, CA

Wayne and Larry were talking during the game about coming up with a Green Bay name for the "Tush Push" like the Eagles' "Brotherly Shove." How about the "Cheese Roll"? (And when the weather really gets wintery how about the "Snow Plow"?) GO PACK GO!!

"The Love Shove" is right there and you refused to take it.

Darrel from Pueblo, CO

II, With the offside calls against the Pack, just how much room do they have as to not be lined up too far off the line of scrimmage?

Respectfully, whenever the NFL makes a rule emphasis, it typically doesn't end well. Ban the tush-push if you want to ban it but don't insult our intelligence with calls like that.

Check out photos from the Week 9 matchup between the Green Bay Packers and Los Angeles Rams at Lambeau Field on Nov. 5, 2023.

Craig from Sussex, WI

What's up with the neck bands some players are wearing across the league? What do they do for you?

I think you're referring to "Q-Collars," which compress against the jugular veins in the athlete's neck, increasing the volume of blood in their skull's blood vessels. The increased blood volume then "creates a tighter fit of the brain inside the skull."

Erik from Sisters, OR

I was finally able to bring my family from Sisters, OR, to a game for the W against the Rams. What a game! I didn't get to see and do everything but did get to run a 6.4 40 so if the team needs a 42-year-old, 6-foot-4, 240-pound utility player, feel free to pass along my info. Ha ha, in all seriousness, Titletown was amazing!

Hey now, 6.4 for a 42-year-young fella like yourself is nothing at scoff at. I pulled my hamstring doing the 40 there five years ago. I'm glad you had a memorable trip.

TK from Grafton, WI

Biggest heel turn: Hogan to NWO, Favre to Vikes, or Counsell to Cubs? Yikes!

You'll have to wait another day for a proper take on Counsell leaving for Chicago. The only time I saw Counsell's Brewers was when they were getting eliminated in the playoffs. So, my perspective on this topic is hazy at best.

Jeffrey from Eveleth, MN

I wish Wayne and the Rock wouldn't get so excited and loud on their game calls; they scare the deer.

Oh, really? Surprised Spoff didn't say anything about that while running the live blog.

Steven from Bryant, AR

There's a lot to unpack about this team. Yes, there are many mistakes such as a high number of penalties, mental mistakes, thrown balls off-target, etc. However, this is the youngest team in the league with a first-year starter at QB. We're watching them grow up before our eyes. I plan to enjoy watching the journey to success instead of zeroing in on the mistakes.

And it's those small steps that make the wins just a little sweeter. Have a great Tuesday.

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