Mike from Charlotte, NC

A few weeks ago, I asked you to compare and contrast TOs today with 2011: Mike, thank you for putting that out there. Now, after some weeks of good football we see what differentiates this defense from prior years; especially from 2011. Jeff Hafley does have a lot of talent available to him, but now that we have a larger sample, what do you see about him that is truly different than in the past that players are strongly buying into?

He puts players in a position to succeed and empowers them to play fast and free. The Packers have always had playmakers on the defensive side of the ball, but this particular group plays well together – and they're doing all this during the first half of Hafley's first season in Green Bay.

Doug from Eugene, OR

Gentlemen, I haven't seen a mention of this but was wondering if you are struck by the visible frustration of the opposing quarterbacks? Shaking heads, staring at the sky, throwing helmets, chin drops, et al. Looks to this fan like the confluence of personnel and scheme are coming together big time.

It's what you want to see. For a defensive coordinator, that's a picture as beautiful as a Door County sunset – your guys playing in concert and the opposition wearing its frustration.

Dean from Leavenworth, IN

Matt LaFleur said that Jordan Love's superpower is his ability "to move on from mistakes and not dwell on them." History shows we also need to learn from mistakes, or we are destined to repeat them. GPG! Eyes on the prize, Green and Gold.

The comment is more about Love's ability to bounce back from adversity, not just an interception. Certainly, Love has to protect the ball better, but the NFL is going through another shift. The best QBs aren't scared to throw a potential INT under the right circumstances. Josh Allen (18 INTs), Jalen Hurts (15), Patrick Mahomes (14) and Tua Tagovailoa (14) all ranked top five in interceptions last year.

Andrew from Pittsburg, KS

I believe I recall Jonathan Owens tackling Mahomes before he stepped out of bounds and picked up a 15-yard penalty for it. I think defenders simply need to tackle him, eventually he will stop skirting the line and just go out.

If a QB isn't making a "football movement" to leave the field of play, I think it should be fair game to hit him. Otherwise, it's a copycat league and QBs will start abusing the protections they're given on the boundary. I still maintain Owens did nothing wrong last year vs. Mahomes. If you mess with the bull…

Stephan from Green Bay, WI

Curious, what was the average starting field position for the Texans? Between fantastic punts and turnovers, the Texans managed to find points on a rough day.

Houston's average starting field position was its 41 compared to Green Bay's 22.

Nate from Blue Springs, MO

Piggybacking on the question from Kevin in Tinton Falls, NJ, regarding Mahomes and the fake slide, we were benefactors of a similar play that all the talking heads and fans of other teams hated us for: Aaron Rodgers' hard-count offsides for a free play. It took a few years, but they seem to have curbed some of that today. To Mike's credit, they didn't do it while Rodgers was the "face of the NFL." Perspective.

I'd argue the two things couldn't be more dissimilar. Rodgers manipulates the defense with his cadence. It's an art. He's not using player-safety provisions granted to the QB to his advantage. But as you said, the league adjusted and no longer allows for nearly as many "free plays." Let's see how they handle the Mahomes situation.

Steve from Ellison Bay, WI

Anyone else notice the similarity of the Tucker Kraft TD last weekend to the Richard Rodgers TD against Dallas in the 2014 playoff game? We were in the north end zone for that one and saw how tight that fit was. Looked very similar on TV, two amazing throws.

There are some parallels with how the secondary is configured, but Kraft's catch was infinitely more impressive to me because Love threw that pass with all his being. Rodgers made a great throw across his body to Richard Rodgers on that TD, but the ball wasn't thrown with the same kind of velocity. Love's pass to Kraft might have taken one of my fingers off. Impressive bang-bang play.

Rob from Spring Lake, NJ

Mason Crosby kicked his first Lambeau Field FG for the Packers in September of 2007...but had to wait a full 12-plus years later to get his first Lambeau Leap. Unfortunately, there was no (easy) way to calculate how many FGs he kicked in Lambeau in between, but hopefully Brandon McManus appreciates the fact that he was able to achieve something that took the leading scorer in Green Bay history 12 years to accomplish...on his first kick for the team!

McManus definitely does. That was clear enough after the game. His desire to perform the Lambeau Leap was rooted in an appreciation for the franchise's history.

John from Sussex, WI

Really appreciate Mike's response to Phil from Carlsbad, MA, in the Wednesday II. We the fans, the press and team are all aware of what games are coming up. But as you stated the matchups are changed week to week – just look at the 49ers and Bucs after this past weekend. It is not always about who you play but when you play them. Looks like the Packers are facing this scenario with a Jaguars team this week which should have more confidence than the prior week from their win in London. Agree?

Under no circumstances can Green Bay take the Jaguars for granted, especially after the win over New England. Wins are valuable currency in the NFL and it's early enough in the season to still turn things around. I'm reminded of the 2012 game between the 4-3 Packers and 1-5 Jaguars at Lambeau, with Jacksonville entering as more than a two-TD underdog. That game went down to the wire because the Packers allowed the Jags to stay close. My message to this locker room would be you've beaten 3/4 of the AFC South. Sunday you gotta look at Jacksonville as the division leader and complete the sweep.

Randy from Westminster, CO

Oh no! Not the dreaded trap game in Jacksonville. Those schedule makers are evil I tell you! Evil!

It's no trap. It's just another opportunity for the Packers to show they're as good as we think they can be.

Scott from Tukwila, WA

Greetings Inbox. Alright, Wes, short and sweet. The Packers win if they...

Get two takeaways and convert them into at least 10 points.

Jason from Mt. Prospect, IL

This Jaguars team is tough to watch. They have great pieces, both offensively and defensively, yet nothing seems to be going right for them. Receivers are dropping passes like crazy, especially in the end zone. Every time you think Trevor Lawrence is going to get into a groove, the offense stalls completely. The run game has simply not been enough. How does Matt LaFleur keep this Packers team on their toes against a team like the Jaguars? We have to keep our piss hot!

I'm sure we heard part of the message at his Wednesday presser when LaFleur talked about all of Jacksonville's close losses this year. Lawrence, too, has been better as of late. Over his last three games, Lawrence actually has a higher passer rating (110.6) than Love on 66-of-89 passing (74.2%) for 798 yards, five TDs and two INTs.

Dan from Algonquin, IL

Hi Wes, our defensive front has done a superb job against numerous multi-threat QBs this season. These types of QBs used to torch us in the past. I credit Hafley's scheme almost as much as the players on the field. Do you see this defense having particular success against Trevor Lawrence, who is averaging only 218 yards passing and 14 yards rushing?

The Packers have had good plans for QBs this year. If you want a good example of the threat Kyler Murray poses and why you must be careful rushing him, turn on the tape of Murray's scramble for a 44-yard touchdown against the Chargers after the edge rusher gets washed inside and loses containment. Defending QBs like Murray is as much mental as it is physical. Lawrence has navigational speed but nothing like these 4.4-4.5 QBs Green Bay has faced this year. Keeping steady pressure on him will be key.

Jerry from Grantsburg, WI

What are the strengths of this Jaguars team and what can you see the Packers exploiting? Their record says they're improving throughout the season, but other than that I don't know much about them.

For whatever reason, it seems Lawerence has been the punching bag for pundits, but Jacksonville has some real issues outside of the quarterback. The Jaguars are 30th in points per game, 27th in yards per game, last in passing TDs and last in explosive plays. Jacksonville also is second-to-last in passing defense, last in goal-to-go and 30th in scoring defense. The Jaguars' run defense has been all right, though, and I think they've found something in Tank Bigsby to hang its offensive hat on.

Taylor from Fargo, ND

Right before the big kick, the broadcast showed Romeo Doubs, Lukas Van Ness, and Eric Wilson holding hands in support. As the camera pans out, Wilson reaches for the hand of the ballboy. Who is this mysterious ballboy? How did he find himself standing side-by-side with the league's best? I knew in that moment that the very fate of the game rested in his small, yet resolute grip.

That's no random ballboy. That's Aaron Parker of the Packers' world-class equipment staff. You may have seen him pictured previously in our Packers Travel Essay story last year.

Brannon from Greenville, SC

I appreciated Mike's answer to Phil from Carlsbad. I've read the Inbox since the beginning and the answers of Vic, Mike, and Wes have changed many of my perspectives of football. One important one? The season is a journey, so enjoy each game as it comes, win or lose. It's a privilege to watch Packer football with friends and family. Keep up the great answers!

Fans can fan however they wish to fan. You don't have to listen to what I'm saying, but I'm also under no obligation to christen your fandom. Recognize what you don't know but fear not what doesn't presently exist – especially when it's still weeks into the future.

Thomas from Drummond, WI

I'm perplexed as to how Jeff Hafley can timely make defensive adjustments as the offensive configuration only develops as the offense comes out of its huddle and lines up. There doesn't seem to be time to communicate that to the defensive headset wearer and then have him communicate that to the players. How actually do defensive coordinators make it work?

You obviously can't reinvent the wheel in 13 minutes, but there's eight months of scheme development and application invested into these calls. The Packers wouldn't ask their defenders to do something they haven't done in practice. Sometimes it's just reacting to what the opponent is giving you and executing the proper counter.

Shannon from Ovilla, TX

I like that we go to Jacksonville this time of year. It seems like most Florida games are either scheduled early in the year when the humidity and heat are terrible or late in the year when the temperature difference between GB and Florida is 60 degrees.

Still gonna be a balmy 83 on Sunday…but I guess it beats that 2016 game.

Kyle from Pittsburgh, PA

In response to Phil's rant about II somehow inhibiting fandom by refusing to get into long-term speculation...I have completely given up on ALL "analysis" and don't consume any pre-game, post-game, or in-week media from ESPN or other outlets. I watch the games I can, listen to the rest, and pore over the box score and highlights. I come to II for my lone Packers fandom outlet because of your measured perspectives. Thank you for being practical talkers in a world of over-certain yellers.

I'm gonna ask the Packers to print "Weston Hodkiewicz, practical talker" on my next business card.

Matthew from Madison, WI

Hi Insiders, WYMM play No. 7, what stood out to me is at the snap Edgerrin Cooper has a clear path to Stroud. He's five yards away and the blocking RB is still in his stance. But instead of charging forward, he executes the stunt with Wilson. Talk about discipline!

Doing your 1/11th is more than just a fun catchphrase for T-shirts. It's a way life in Green Bay. It's not 11 guitar solos out there. Every instrument has a part to play in this opus. Cooper fulfilled his responsibilities to help his teammate make a play; the same with Kenny Clark's rush on Wilson's other sack.

Marteen from Reno, NV

Mike and Wes, I was able to watch the replay of the game last night. I really think the organization is on to something with the "Winter Warning" theme. The stadium seemed electric, the fans showed up with white and it looked really cool on the televised screen. Do you think they will do this again this season? It would be so neat to do this in December under the Lambeau lights especially if we are in the hunt. GPG!

I hope so. It was a lot of fun.

Erik from Anchorage, AK

Eric Wilson balled out. Period. He deserves to be on the Packers' 2024 unsung hero reserve role starting five: Malik Willis, Eric … who will be next?

Daniel Whelan, Bo Melton and Karl Brooks.

Dale from Downes Grove, IL

Did you notice that the final score of the Lions-Vikings game was the same final score as Vikings-Packers 31-29? Buckle up indeed!

I may have been the last person to realize this. Not sure what it means but it's something.

Chipper from Garner, IA

Hi Mike and Wes, I'm seeing a lot of clickbait articles about the trade deadline and who every team should trade for or trade away. A waste of time to read, but now I'm curious. What's the reasoning for having a trade deadline? Why not let teams in need trade all throughout the season?

It would be against the spirit of the game if playoff teams just started building "super teams" during the final few weeks of the regular season – especially if teams out of contention just started unloading their roster.

Gary from Sheboygan, WI

Insiders, Kansas City is reportedly in the process of trading for WR DeAndre Hopkins. I wonder if Brian Gutekunst received a call from KC asking if the Packers were willing to trade one of our young wideouts?

I would've sent that one right to voicemail.

Nathan from Laramie, WY

The internet is rife with speculation and talking heads purporting greater insights and wisdom than the coaches, players and GMs involved. Help yourself, there's plenty! Personally, this is exhausting. I frequent the Inbox BECAUSE of its freedom from supposition. I prefer allowing the tapestry of a season to stitch itself together play by play, game by game, revealing itself at the end and, meanwhile, enjoying the ride with all its sights and sounds. Expectation is the thief of appreciation.

"Allowing the tapestry of a season to stitch itself together." Hell of a damn line. Wish it were mine.

Bill from Fort Walton Beach, FL

Mike's answer to Phil's question about being the coach was Spoff on (l'll show myself out). It reminded me of my 27 years in Air Force Special Operations where we focused on successfully completing the current mission above all else. I was truly blessed and privileged to serve this great nation. I grew up in Milwaukee with my dad yelling and cheering at the TV during the Lombardi era and raised my son the same way. The three of us now chat during every game we can. Thanks for all you do.

What you did is infinitely more important than what Spoff and I write but thank you for the kind words.

Steve from Scranton, PA

Wes…Mike's little rant yesterday is precisely why I choose packers.com for my team's info, rather than some clickbait site that's proposing a far-fetched trade or stirring up a non-existent controversy. You guys are earnest reporters, and I believe your readers understand your limitations as employees…which most of us have to some degree in our chosen field of work. Just to know, you're much appreciated!

Thank you very little. Have a good Thursday.