Are the Packers really this good, or did the shaky Saints have more to do with it than anything? - Justin, Marinette, WI
Justin, it's a combination of both. Finally, the Packers put together four quarters of nearly error-free football by limiting their penalties and creating turnovers. When that happens, you have a good chance to win any game. On Sunday it also looked like the ill effects of Hurricane Katrina were catching up to the Saints. They really did look flat and disheartened by the end of the game.
Majik: Props to the offensive line in the New Orleans game. The lopsided victory brought promise to the land and displayed how important an offensive line is. Trading the line away from Green and Favre has been devastating. I am an advocate of creating the pass through the run. With Davenport down and Green set to return, is Fisher ready to step up to 2 or even 1 if needed? And if Davenport's injury is one that takes him away from the game for serious time should the Packers add to that position? Ricky Williams? It's not like the Dolphins need him. - E, Boulder, Colo.
As you know, any offense is only as good as the play of the offensive line. Sunday's win saw the offensive line really dominant, and as a result we had a very positive running game. At the same time, the threat of the run makes the play action much more effective. With the injury to Najeh, I'm really looking forward to Ahman Green's return. The bye week comes at a perfect time to get some of these guys all healed up. As far as Tony, he's got no choice but to play as the number two. Ricky Williams in the Packers backfield would be interesting, but he's likely to be a hot commodity right now with the rash of injuries to running backs.
What fun it was watching Sunday's game against New Orleans and it appeared the Packer players were having just as much fun in the game! After a win like this, what approach do the coaches take heading into the bye week? Do they keep it serious and remind the players this is only one win or do they focus more on the positive to sustain the feeling? It's great having an opportunity to ask questions about the game of football, especially from a former Packer player. Thanks Majik! -Peggy, Bloomer, WI
Peggy, you've got great instincts. The coaches do both things you suggest. They remind the players that sure, it's only one win, but in so doing they also try to teach them how they did it in this game. They reinforce all the positives -- especially error-free football -- but keep the pressure on them to get more results just like this one against the Saints.
Don "Majik" Majkowski was inducted into the Green Bay Packer Hall of Fame earlier this year. His career for the Packers spanned six seasons (1987-92), including being named to the Pro Bowl in 1989 when he led the NFL in passing yards. In addition to his duties with Packers.com, Majik provides football analysis for WSSP-AM, SportsRadio 1250 in Milwaukee, WDUZ SportsRadio 107.5 & 1400 The Fan in Green Bay, WTSO - ESPN 1070 in Madison, WDEZ in Wausau, and WIZD in Stevens Point. Visit Majik's Web site, www.majiknetwork.net, for more information.
