Inbox: The Packers must find a way to do it again

Doug from Woodington, OH

I get the sense this will be a pivotal game for GB this season. Do you agree?

It's pivotal because it's the next game and I think it would do wonders for the Packers to get two games above .500. Green Bay hasn't been two games north of .500 since Week 4 of the 2022 season.

Julian from Gastonia, NC

Although it's not Coach LaFleur's usual approach, I think the best way to limit Kyler Murray is to run the ball well and focus on their time of possession by moving the chains. I hope to see a few long-sustained Packers drives ending in points, of course.

During the LaFleur era, the Packers' most tried-and-true blueprint to winning football games has been keeping possessions to a premium. It not only allows your offense to stay in rhythm but also keeps the defense fresh. Those are my two biggest keys to victory Sunday, especially if the forecast hits and this game is played on a soggy 50-degree afternoon.

Jeff from New Franken, WI

I'm late to the party, but thoroughly impressed by the combo of Xavier McKinney and Javon Bullard. "X" is playing centerfield like the some of the best in history right now and Javon is fast to the ball in almost all spots on the field and it's paying big dividends in the turnover category. Where does Evan Williams fit in this puzzle? Is it more in the slot corner role, or are there times when a third safety over a third LB makes more sense for this defense? He really is flashing to me in limited opportunity.

Matt LaFleur has talked about how he's never seen anything like what McKinney has done through his first five games, but the entire safety room has blown me away with how they've performed over the first month of the year. Williams showed Sunday it's going to be difficult to keep him off the field. He's rangy and complemented McKinney well over the top. Green Bay went from having questions in the secondary to an abundance of answers.

Steve from Scranton, PA

Wes, since Jordan Love has returned, we haven't seen much in the way of play-action, which is normally a big part of the Packers' offense. Obviously, taking the snap from shotgun formation puts much less strain on his knee than being under center, turning to fake a handoff and then sprinting backward 5-7 steps before throwing. I'll be very interested to see how many snaps Love takes under center in the first few series on Sunday…if he's more comfortable doing so, it should really open up the offense.

Love is off the injury report entirely, so I'd expect the entire playbook to be open to him at this point. Like you said, the play-action game is a big part of this offense. Tucker Kraft thrives off it and many of the underneath receiver routes depend on getting linebackers on their toes. Green Bay picked off Murray twice while limiting him to 21 rushing yards in that 24-21 win over Arizona in 2021. The Packers must find a way to do it again.

Steve from Dodgeville, WI

Good morning II and Wes, As a lifelong (I have "a few" years on Pa Hod) Packer fan, it appears to me that many of the (few) mistakes that JL is making are out of panic. It seems like often the game situation is not as dire as the decision. Do you think Coach Clements can be the Pa Hod to JL and teach maturity and awareness to help him with maybe his greatest challenge?

I agree with more of the latter than the former. I never sense panic with Love. I could be wrong there, but it seems he throws into pressure more than because of it. I think that's as simple as a young QB trying to make a play. To your second point, I definitely think understanding the game situation is something Clements can work with Love on cleaning up. Checkdowns and throwing the ball away can be a QB's best friend when used in moderation.

Ivan from Little Chicago, WI

Boys, Kyler Murray scares me. What have you seen teams do to control his run game?

Don't get distracted by the offensive window dressing and follow your rules.

Al from Green Bay, WI

The Cards are coming to Lambeau riding the high of a thrilling comeback win. Green Bay can pour some water on their momentum. Reasons to believe: 1) Both teams have offensive weapons. The Packers have more. 2) "X." Even if he doesn't get another pick, how can he not be in Kyler Murray's head? 3) Lambeau Field. 4) Another week for J-Love to heal bodes well for this offense. GPG!

In my opinion, Green Bay has more playmakers on each side of the ball, but the Cardinals are battle-tested. Besides the blowout loss at the hands of Washington and Kliff Kingsbury, Arizona has been in every game it's played this year.

Nick from Plainwell, MI

Good Morning Insiders! The recovery on the muffed punt really got me excited. I feel like we're on the edge with special teams this year. Keisean Nixon hasn't had any chances to return yet, but he looks ready to fly, and Daniel Whelan is proving he is the man for the job. What do you want to see from our teams play to keep trending upwards?

I just want to see Nixon get some opps. That time could be coming, as the temperatures begin to drop.

Jeff from Royse City, TX

On Wes's response about folks not being happy with No. 8, I think it is more about the comparison to AJ33. I think the only way Josh Jacobs doesn't have a large number of negative views is if he clearly outproduced Jones' numbers. Everyone needs to look at why the Packers made the change in the first place. Unfortunately for Aaron Jones with his injury this past week, we see one very definitive reason for the move. Talk among yourselves, I am feeling a little verklempt.

What's strange to me is Jacobs is doing that on the ground. He has 90 carries for 402 yards and a TD (4.5 yards per carry) compared to Jones' 71 for 350 and a TD (4.9 ypc). Jacobs is just 26 years old, historically durable and an all-around playmaker. I guess I just don't get what the issue could be.

Jeff from Mequon, WI

While the Cardinals certainly are not one of our more storied rivals, the two franchises have created some incredible football moments against one another over the years. 51-45 in the playoffs, Jeff Janis Hail Mary game, and of course the dreaded MM firing day. The one that comes to mind for me is when the Cardinals beat the Vikings back in 2003 that got the Packers into the playoffs on a last-second touchdown pass. I was 8 or 9 at the time. My uncle almost tipped over his recliner.

It's funny how I don't think of the Cardinals as a storied rival of the Packers, but Green Bay has played that franchise 74 times – the second-most games against a non-NFC North opponent. A lot of history has been cultivated in this series.

Clay from Council Bluffs, ME

Hi Wes, was watching a highlight and it was talking about GB needing points to get into the playoffs. They scored something like 49. I believe they were needing the points to nudge the Panthers out of the playoffs. Do you know when this was and the story behind it?

That was the 1999 finale when points scored was a longshot tiebreaker for the 8-8 Packers to make the playoffs, which led to them running up the score on the Cardinals in a 49-24 victory. However, Dallas, at 8-8, earned the No. 5 seed because of a better conference record than Carolina and Green Bay (7-5 vs. 6-6), and was seeded ahead of Detroit based on common opponents (4-2 vs. 3-3). The Lions got the No. 6 seed because of a better conference record than Green Bay (7-5 vs. 6-6) and a head-to-head win over Carolina.

Preston from Tallahassee, FL

Good morning, Insiders! I just want to suggest folks take the time to listen to Jeff Hafley's weekly presser. He offers great insight into, not only his defensive philosophy but, defense in general and insights into so many things, including why specific players are on the field. It's so easy to see why Matt hired the guy and why players have always loved the guy.

Win or lose, Hafley's news conferences are educational. I feel like I learn something new about his coaching philosophy and defensive strategies every Thursday.

Robert from Burke, VA

While Ken in Honolulu's question wasn't unreasonable, I'm tired of the comparisons of Jordan Love. Appreciate your answer. "10" is neither quarterback. Both were maddening to me at times – "4" for trying to gunsling too late in his career and the season (when there was tape) and "12" not for being too conservative but for thinking he could always pass his way out (pass three times and punt). "10" needs a little more maturity to avoid the throws mentioned but he's damn good and a cool cat under pressure. I like it all.

Comparison is the theft of joy. My advice is to enjoy Love for everything he is as a football player. In my opinion, he's one of the most entertaining quarterbacks to watch in today's NFL. He's also darn good.

Josh from Seattle, WA

Do you think getting Rashan Gary down playing on the edge of the guard in pass situations could help him generate some sacks? Since he's power, power then speed, it seems like a good way to scheme him some opportunities. It would also create opps for Quay Walker or Edgerrin Cooper outside of him with their speed.

That's what I was hinting at last week when I talked about moving Gary around more. Again, Gary can go off for three sacks at any time. Like a receiver catching passes or a running back breaking a big run, I think Gary just needs one big game to get back into a dominating rhythm.

Dave from Glenview, IL

Good morning gentlemen, excellent work as always! We can all agree that Brock Purdy is grossly underpaid, and that SF has not been allowed to renegotiate his contract as of yet. However, is there anything they can do to provide some sort of compensation outside of the contract to show its appreciation for his performance?

The 2020 CBA created the proven-performance escalator, which bumps up the fourth-year salary for individuals drafted in Rounds 2-7 who play a certain percentage of snaps on their respective side of the ball. Late-round picks and undrafted free agents also can get additional money via performance-based pay bumps. Brock Purdy led the NFL last year, earning an additional $739,795 on top of his $889,253 salary.

John from Jordan, MN

Evan's got to get that picture for the Meltons, right? If he needs a jetpack, a parachute, or a floating platform, he should request it, and the Packers and Cardinals need to make that happen.

Oh, I'm sure they'll get it done. Evan and Emma Pravecek are two of the best in the business.

Zak from Huntington Beach, CA

Bob from Grand Rapids had some well-deserved kind words for Weston's story about the Melton brothers, but I hope I never again have to read the words "moist with pride" in the Inbox. I guess that means I hope you don't post this submission, which is a strange feeling!

Too late.

Robert from Saginaw, MI

Wes, Johnny Cash wrote with a double-story "a", so you have that going for you. My question, are all questions submitted from foreign countries submitted in English, or do you get some in a foreign language that you have to be translate?

Most submissions are in English…except for the few whose French must be excused.

Tim from Macon, MO

Good morning to you two and the crew. I still say Tucker Kraft runs like Jim Taylor with the ball and his blocking is even better yet. The guy is definitely old school! A heartfelt message to all my fellow Packer Backers out there; My bride of 31 years and I just celebrated my 30th and final radiation treatment with a stop at Culver's for ice cream. This cancer is bad stuff and for real guys and ladies! So please keep up to date with your checkups and screenings! I want to keep you all around to help me Back the Pack!

Congratulations and hopefully good news soon to follow! Praying for you both. Yes, Kraft is a definite throwback. He would've easily fit in with the '60s Packers.

Jan from Flat Rock, NC

Hi! We're finally back! 14 days minus power and water here in western NC. Connectivity is sketchy so I hope this gets through. Trying to catch up from the past two weeks. Seems I missed a bunch! A big shout out to all the power and recovery workers/volunteers everywhere. There's a place in heaven for all of you! God willing, I'll be able to catch the Cards game via Sirius this weekend. In the meantime, GPG!

Happy to hear that, Jan. All the best to you in the cleanup and recovery.

Derek from Eau Claire, WI

Momentum mounts,
Meltons merge,
Manifest mastery.

Back-to-back at Lambeau with three of the next four in front of a home crowd. You couldn't ask for a friendlier way to forge through the second quarter of the season. Enjoy the game, folks.