Are the Packers simply unlucky or are the players not as conditioned as well as they should be? It seems we have more injuries to players than other teams. - Jeannie, Albany, WI
Jeannie, injuries are simply bad luck most of the time. Take it from me, I know. It has nothing to do with how tough you are or how much pain you can tolerate.
Don, are we going to see Aaron Rodgers if the Packer lose a few more games? - Blake, Kingsville, Canada
Blake, no you will not see Aaron Rogers if the Packers lose a few more games. Brett has been playing extremely well. You can't put a guy like Brett on the bench just because the team is losing. He's their only chance for winning.
Hi Majik! The Packers offense looked pretty good in their loss to the Vikings. The receivers looked like they were really going after the ball! But then the defense gave up all those points in the second half. What happened? The defense looked tired. Is the Packers defense thin as far as backups go? I didn't see too many defensive players going out for a play or two for a breather. Are there too many injuries on the defensive side as well? Just wondering. Thanks. - Jod, Jacksonville, FL
Jod, the second half of the Vikings game was a case where a struggling team with a lot of talent finally found a way to put it all together. I'm convinced it wasn't so much "us" as it was "them". Minnesota somehow found a way to play like they were expected to play all year long. Led by their Pro Bowl Quarterback Daunte Culpepper, they looked very impressive. You have to give them a lot of credit.
Majik: I enjoy your weekly column very much. It's nice to have your "insider input." My question is regarding the hit on Terrence Murphy. I know the hit was legal and much different than the one Robert Ferguson sustained last year, but both were extremely serious. Is the NFL reviewing their rules regarding such hits to the head or neck? Thanks. - Robin, Tetonia, Idaho
Robin, the NFL is really cracking down on the way players are allowed to use their helmets when making contact. A player cannot use the top of his helmet when making a hit. A player also cannot make helmet-to-helmet contact when tackling. This will prevent players from using their helmets as weapons. The league has handed out plenty of fines thus far for such hits.
What do you think of the play of David Martin the last few weeks? Is he the future at tight end for the Packers? Can he be a consistent starter in the NFL? - John, Virginia Beach
John, I think David Martin has really come into his own the past few weeks. With the injury to Bubba Franks, he certainly has taken advantage of his playing opportunity. I like David's speed and ability to run after the catch. I hope he continues to improve on his blocking and consistently proves himself as a viable receiver in the Packers' West Coast Offense. I think he has a great deal of potential. His confidence should be growing with the noticeable increase of productivity.
Hi Majik! It is great to have you back. Have you ever considered getting into coaching? - Terri, Wind Lake, Wis.
Terri, I have considered a career in coaching. I know I would enjoy teaching young talented players who want to learn from a former player. I work with some high school kids in my area in Atlanta from time to time and really enjoy it. Coaching at the NFL level would be exciting but way too time consuming. NFL coaches work 11 to 15 hours a day. I have to spend more family time than that would allow. In fact, when talking about coaches, that's what NFL stands for -- NO FAMILY LIFE! It's a tough life style for a family.
How come everyone assumes this is Brett Favre's last year? What do you think Majik? - Bert, Ellsworth, Wis.
Bert, I think the way everything is heading from an organizational standpoint, it's going to be difficult for Brett to come back for another year. I personally don't see Brett returning after this year. Not that he doesn't have the physical tools to do so, but will he want to be a part of team that is not going to be a dominating force in the NFC like years past? Let's see how this year ends up. A lot can still happen with ten games remaining. Maybe with a strong finish this year and a few creative offseason personnel moves to strengthen the teams needs, Brett might reconsider. The team will have to make some kind of moves to make him excited for 2006 season.
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.
