Hey there, hope everybody's Christmas was merry. Thanks for logging on today. Go ahead and start sending in your questions and I'll get started shortly.
Do you think Packer fans will travel well in Minnesota? We've done it all this year.
I'm certainly curious to find out. It will probably depend on how many Vikings fans have decided to sell their tickets, unless Packers fans got their hands on them early in the year before anyone knew Minnesota would be this good. We'll find out Sunday.
Mike, I hope you enjoyed a great Christmas. I just watched Larry's segment on the success with over routes. The Honey Badger was on the wrong side of Josh Jacobs's stiff-arm and the Jayden Reed over route. Larry didn't finish Kraft's over route play. When I saw it live, it looked like the Honey Badger made a business decision not to take on Kraft. Is that how you saw it? Is Tucker Kraft earning the rep of being a violent runner after the catch in the league?
I'm not going to get into anybody's business decisions, but the Packers had the upper hand physically on the Saints from the get-go Monday night and it carried throughout. Guys like Jacobs and Kraft are at the top of the list in terms of setting that tone. The whole O-line for that matter, too. It's not just one guy here or there, it's a collective approach with the physicality, and LaFleur has mentioned multiple times this season how the receivers have blocked hard, and when perimeter players are embodying physicality, that means the whole team is.
Why do the Packers use two planes on road trips?
I'm not entirely sure. It could be that Delta (with whom the team charters all domestic flights) said it would be easier to get two planes here rather than one big one that wouldn't normally fly in and out of Green Bay. The team has taken just one plane for the two international trips in recent years, to London and Brazil.
Good morning, Mr. Spofford. Thanks for all your work on the busiest time of year. I hope you got to spend some time enjoying your family, and that you were good enough all year to stay on Santa's good boy list. Excluding Alexander-Jefferson, what are your favorite match-ups this week?
The Packers run the ball well and the Vikings stop the run well, so that's at the crux of this game for me. Green Bay's offense is at its best when balanced, and it'll be difficult to establish that balance against a really good run defense. Minnesota likes to get opponents behind the sticks and do all sorts of exotic things on third down. A top run game vs. a top run defense is a huge clash Sunday.
What's the press box like at U.S. Bank Stadium?
It's quite nice. Way better than the old Metrodome. The Metrodome gave us a great view, between the lower and upper decks near midfield, but it was super crowded and uncomfortable. The press box in the new stadium gives everyone more room. It's open air, so we hear all the crowd noise like before. It's not as good a view for us, being high up on the corner of the end zone, but I'll trade that for being more comfortable for 3-plus hours.
When are we going to get a Malik Willis package in the red zone?
I don't know. Either LaFleur has decided he's not going to incorporate something like that and spend practice time on it, or he's saving it for a specific time/opponent.
Merry Christmas! All I want for Christmas is a good game, another Packer shut out would be great as well. Go Pack
Of course another shutout would be great, but I don't think that's even moderately realistic against an offense like Minnesota's.
I saw the picture last week of Eric Wilson biking in the snow to practice at the Hutson Center. Do the players typically drive their own cars over from Lambeau? Or is there a shuttle bus? Do they bring their own shoulder pads along? Seems like a unqiue process...
Players take their own cars mostly, and guys carpool with one another, with 3 or 4 guys jumping in one car, because there isn't room across the street for everyone to park. Some guys just walk over. I've seen that this year, too, or bike like Wilson does.
mike merry Christmas to you and your family! Any updates on #9? Need him 100%. Do you think the packers rest him if any risk of further injury?
All we heard from LaFleur is it's a knee bruise and nothing serious, and he wasn't ruling out Christian Watson could play this week. But if there's any question, I'm sure they'll be cautious with him.
In parts of games where Jacobs is getting stuffed up the gut, why doesn't coach throw in some sweeps?
I think that's exactly what the Packers did last week. The Saints had a hard time with the outside runs. But it's never as simple as "middle is clogged, so run outside." It's about the execution of the plays that are called.
Mike, do you agree with the choice to take the ball instead of deferring if the Packers win the opening coin flip? Most teams defer these days and Matt has been going against the grain with that. I'm sure it's just because he believes in getting a fast start, but still seems like the "incorrect" choice by today's standards. You also don't get the chance to double up scores before and after halftime.
I've always been in the defer camp because then you never have to worry about your opponent doubling up. Only you will get that chance. But when the Packers have taken the ball and scored, it has definitely set a tone, so I can see the appeal. All I say is, whatever choice you make, make it count. If you do that, there's no arguing or regrets.
Any time we gonna see Luke Musgrave on the field soon?
He played 8 snaps Monday night vs. the Saints but did not have any passes thrown his way.
We need JA for this week. Any updates?
He's been practicing for a few weeks now but has not played in a game. Maybe this is the week, but I honestly don't know.
Almost had another shutout yesterday. Texans defense garnered the only two points for the team.
Yeah, and they were at home no less. Houston's offense just looked out of sorts from the jump in that game, and their defense was getting run over by Henry early on, a bad way to start. Right now, Houston looks nothing like the team that beat Buffalo earlier this season and should've beaten Detroit.
Mike - was in the stadium on Monday with my three boys. What an atmosphere! It looked like Jordan Love missed three of his deeper throws to receivers. Did you see the same thing? Is this a concern this late in the season?
I thought a couple of his downfield throws were just a tad off, but those are not as easy as they look. He also wasn't putting the ball in harm's way. Either his guy was going to get it or nobody would. That's not a bad way to play when you've got a big lead.
Those snaps for Musgrave were the most inconspicuous I've ever seen. Totally missed them
The network obviously wasn't concerned with letting anybody know he was back out there for the first time in like three months.
Where are the packers most vulnerable at this point?
They're most vulnerable to really accurate quarterbacks who know when/how to get rid of the ball quickly when necessary and when they can hold it and look for the big play. Namely, like any team, they're vulnerable against really good, high-level QBs. The biggest help to GB's defense is to play with the lead. It's much easier to be aggressive and make something happen when playing from in front.
Does it really matter if we are the 5 seed vs 6 seed? Should we be risking our starters to injury to determine if we go to Tampa Bay or Los Angeles?
I say you try to get the best possible position, because you never know. That said, I don't think it's going to be a discussion. Because if the Packers beat the Vikings, the 5 seed will be out there, which is worth going for. If they lose, they're in danger of falling to the 7, which is not desirable. If you're going to play to beat the Vikings, which they will, then you're playing your guys next week, too.
I'd like to see a 2 te look with Jacobs and throw outta it. Run heavy play action
They do that plenty.
Mike, Actually, the network broadcasters did comment Tha first time that Musgrave entered the game. But the important question is how will they use him this week?
I would think his workload would ramp up a little bit. He was out for a long time, so you're not going to suddenly ask him to play 40 snaps. This week the target was probably around 10, and he wound up with 8. This week maybe it's 15-20. The more snaps he gets, the more different ways he might be used.
Mike, what's your take on NFL streaming games on multiple platforms? I know it's a fact of life but it just a $ grab in my opinion. Bad enough I pay 350 for Sunday ticket but to pay Amazon , Netflix peacock ain't gonna happen.
It's where the league is going, so if you want to watch all the games, it's a fact of life. For those who don't want to accept it, I get it, but complaining won't do any good. This is where things are headed.
At least with a 5 seed there's an outside chance of getting a home plgame.
That's what I mean by you never know what might happen. And I think truly anything goes in the NFC this year. 1 through 7 it's going to be a really tough field.
Mike- Packers' first drive in past few weeks has essentially been the Josh Jacobs show. Gotta think Minny will load up on him early, so it will be interesting to see how MLF approaches it. Do they pound the rock right away, or come out slinging? That's where early play-action may be valuable.
That's what they tried against Detroit and they got sacked on the first play and went 3 and out. There's danger in overthinking it. I would expect the Vikings to be geared up to stop the run, but they're also a really good run defense because they don't have to sell out to stop it, so it might be best to find out if they can stop Jacobs early or not.
Sean Rhyan has been playing some good football. Don't you think he's come a long way?
Absolutely, from taking basically a redshirt year as a rookie to where he is now in his third season has been impressive. He's still an ascending player, but he definitely is one of those guys who adds a physical presence to the offense the way he plays.
Mike did i see the Saints have to go up stairs to get to their locker room? I always thought locker rooms were in the lower part of the stadiums.
No, the visiting locker room here is not at field level. It's one flight up.
Lukas Van Ness? Seems like other guys are passing him?
He's flashed some good plays pretty much every week, but as with any young player, it's a matter of consistency. The Packers are doling out those snaps to the guys who earn them with their play, and LVN has been a valuable part of the rotation. The workloads not being too heavy on anybody have worked to the defense's advantage, for the most part.
Mike, I love the victory locker room video. Why don't we see it in defeat?
The last thing the players and coaches want is cameras around right after a loss. I think everyone should be able to respect that.
I feel the oline is really starting to gel. Early on I think some of the struggle was due to that?
I think it took some time for the line to come together, which wasn't unexpected. But the last two months it's been a really solid unit. Penalties are down and the run game with Jacobs has really put pressure on defenses.
What's your take on the Lamar vs Josh MVP race?
It's a tough call. Statistically, Lamar has had the better season and that's hard to ignore. But Allen has put up a better record and is the only QB to beat the Chiefs this season. Feels like a coin flip to me. I wouldn't have a problem with either choice, and I'm not ruling out Barkley, either. Though it's most likely the voters will give MVP to a QB and Barkley will get offensive player of the year, like McCaffrey got last year.
I think moving on from P. Smith was a great decision. He never seemed comfortable in this scheme. And give more opportunities for the young up and comers. I like where we're going at this position would you agree?
It's proven to be a prudent move. More snaps for Brenton Cox Jr., Arron Mosby and Kingsley Enagbare have paid dividends, and Smith hasn't done much since his first game with Pittsburgh.
Mike, the Packers will be the team nobody wants to see in the playoffs. Do you agree?
I feel that way about the entire NFC playoff field, even possibly the NFC South winner. If the Falcons take it, everyone will be talking about them as a true wild card with the rookie QB Penix. And Mayfield with the Bucs is a QB who can get hot at any time. Everyone knows that. Buckle up.
Will it be full tilt action, or will it be kinda because of clinching already? Why risk Jaire as an example.
I think if Alexander is ready to play, it would be beneficial to play him some before the playoffs, just because of how long he's been out.
Mike, did Santa bring you anything good this year?
It was a nice Christmas day at home with the family. I appreciated not having to come into the office. I didn't even need to open a gift and it would've been a great day.
Mike, how do you feel about the scheduling of us playing our 2 rivals playing at there place this late in season, we should be outside last couple years it's been this way ,do they alternate, from year to year?
The league is definitely trending toward scheduling more and more division games late in the season, not just the final week. It keeps a lot more up in the air and creates more scenarios for how the playoff picture might shape up.
JJ is getting major props as he should but I'm impressed by both RB2 and RB3. Depth there will be critical in the playoffs
Both Emanuel Wilson and Chris Brooks have been running hard when they've gotten the ball. I think Jacobs has set an example in that regard. They've all shown they can break tackles.
I agree with your comment on LVN but also is a first round pick..
True, and I understand the higher expectations. But I've been around this long enough to know not everyone develops at the same rate. Patience could be a virtue here.
Mike- many fans have been down on GBs pass rush this season, but saw an interesting stat this week. Gary is ranked 2nd of all edge rushers ( behind only Maxx Crosby) on defending rushing plays, and T.J. Slaton is 2nd of all DTs. Stop the run and run the ball is always a solid foundation!
This is the best run defense the Packers have played in ... years. I don't even know how long. But it's been a while. The foundation of this defense is solid when you can stop the run. If they keep that up, good things can happen.
Regarding the solidification of the O-line throughout the season, I wonder if crayon coaching staffs are just better at planning for the whole season while executing weekly game plans? Are there certain long-term concepts that coaches must be patient enough to allow to grow over many weeks?
I don't know if it's the concepts so much as guys just playing together, week after week. One of the biggest plusses with the O-line this year is it's had the preferred starting 5 for all but one game. That's rare, and it has mattered. Unfortunately, that one they didn't was the first game vs. Detroit, and things didn't go smoothly. But that happens.
I keep waiting for Darnold to have a bad game. It seems he's exceeded expectations all years. He seems due to struggle sometime.
He hit a lull around midseason where he was turning the ball over too much and that offense was not clicking. But Minnesota's defense was strong enough to win a couple of games, and lately the offense has been rolling again. The Vikings have a very strong complementary team, but they're not invincible. Nobody is.
Thankful to cheer for a team playing their best football, with an arrow pointing up. Love your's and Wes's insights. Slightly afraid the loss of #8 would leave an unfillable hole. Hoping for a quality, competitive game against the Purple ones.
I think it should be a whale of a game. And with that I'll call it a chat. Thanks for all the participation, and hope everyone enjoys the rest of the holiday week.
Take care,
Mike
