On the first Saturday of every month, Mark will write about a topic of interest to Packers fans and the organization, and then answer five fan questions. Fans are encouraged to email Mark with their name and hometown at: MurphyTakes5@packers.com.
Mike McCarthy used to break the season down by quarters – like the quarters in a game. It's a little harder now with the 17-game schedule, but it is still a good way to measure how a team is performing over the course of the season.
After four games, we have been inconsistent (with up-and-down play and two wins and two losses). We have also been inconsistent within games, particularly in the Vikings game. We fell behind 28-0 to open the game and played well in the second half to almost come back for a win.
The big story of the first part of the season was obviously Jordan Love's injury at the end of the Eagles game. When Jordan left the field in Sao Paulo, we feared the worst. Fortunately, though, he suffered a sprained MCL and only missed two games. It's a real credit to Matt LaFleur, our offensive coaches and our players (particularly Malik Willis) that we were able to go 2-0 with our backup quarterback. This is especially impressive considering that Malik had only been with us for a few weeks and teams starting backup QBs face greater challenges to win games.
Losing to the Vikings at home was obviously disappointing, and Jordan was understandably rusty. Jordan and the team both started the game slowly, but it was encouraging how we played in the second half. This bodes well for the rest of the season. There is a lot of football to be played, and the next five games before the bye will be crucial for us. We have three home games (Arizona, Houston and Detroit) and road trips in Los Angeles and Jacksonville. It should be exciting.
Now, on to your questions.
Davy from Watertown, WI.
Who would you say has the best seat in the house on game days at Lambeau?
Bill Jartz, our PA announcer. He's at the 50-yard line (on the home side) on the 7th level. No wonder he gets so excited during the games.
Thomas from Niskayuna, NY
You led the NFL in 1983 with nine INTs and made the Pro Bowl. Do you ever talk to current players and compare notes of what they are keying on or what they may have picked up on film just for fun, etc.? Do you stay away so as to not interfere with coaching points, or do you stay away so as to prevent jinxing the player, like Xavier McKinney? What would you give credit to for your remarkable (pun intended) year in 1983? What percent would you say was due to file, teammates, coaching, instinct, bounce of the ball?
Great question, Thomas. I love talking with our players but do try to stay away from any coaching points or strategy. I'm glad you mentioned Xavier McKinney. What a great signing. It has been fun to watch him play. I did talk to him recently, just to say that at this pace, he will have 17 interceptions! In 1983, when I led the league in interceptions, I think the key was the play of our offense (with John Riggins, Joe Theismann, Art Monk and Charlie Brown all at their peaks). We were so explosive, and usually had big leads early in games. The opposing teams had to abandon the run and became one-dimensional. That team still holds the NFL record for turnover margin at plus-43.
A question from Bonnie
I think it was a mistake to play Jordon Love on 9/29. In my opinion he was not ready, reason being HE COULD NOT RUN THE BALL. When his receivers were not available for a pass he chose to throw the ball into some very dangerous territory, thus the interceptions against the Vikings. Whereas, Malik Willis, was able to RUN THE BALL when his receivers were not available. Malik did a great job while Jordan Love was out. Thus, we now have our second loss of the season. Keep Jordan Love out until he is able to RUN THE BALL.
Thanks for raising this issue, Bonnie. One of the toughest decisions that teams have to make is when to bring players back from injuries. Our medical staff was confident that Jordan was healthy enough to return, and that he could protect himself. He was rusty, but he seemed to settle in as the game went on. He said he was sore after the game but did make it through without reinjuring his knee. Bonnie, you do not need to be able to run the ball to be a good QB. I think most people would agree that Tom Brady was the greatest quarterback of all time, and HE COULD NOT RUN THE BALL!
Dominic from Pewaukee, WI
Just got done seeing an excellent effort in a comeback. The outcome was disappointing, but one thought as I watched the final onside kick. Great idea for the drop kick, but what if, knowing Whelan has an uncanny ability to get hangtime, see if he can develop the same ability for drop kicks for an onside? Kick the ball, get enough hang time to allow the kicking team to get more men under it and somewhat even the statistical odds of recovery?
I agree regarding Daniel Whelan's onside kicks. I don't think I've seen the drop kick used very often, so teams are not sure how it will bounce. It's not clear to me what you are asking with regard to hangtime. If Daniel punts the ball on a kickoff, the receiving team will be able to call for a fair catch. However, if he can kick the ball where it hits the ground and then goes up in the air, the fair catch is not allowed. It's hard to get it too high up in the air, though, with that type of kick. Under the new dynamic kickoff rules, teams can only try onside kicks in the fourth quarter, and they have to be behind. So, the surprise onside kick has been taken out of the game.
Randy from Houston.
I see that Commissioner Roger Goodell was in Green Bay this week. Was this just a regular visit that he makes to NFL teams during the season?
Great question, Randy. No, Roger was here as part of Green Bay hosting the draft next April. Specifically, he was here to help promote the Taste of the Draft, a first-ever culinary event that will showcase a blend of Wisconsin cuisine and culinary traditions while raising funds to benefit national nonprofit GENYouth's efforts to tackle student hunger in Wisconsin. It's modeled after the popular Taste of the NFL that has become a regular at the Super Bowl sites. Roger spoke at a press conference at Schreiber Foods' headquarters. Schreiber Foods is the presenting sponsor of the Taste of the Draft. We are looking for many of Wisconsin's well-known supper clubs to participate. The food and drink at the event will include Wisconsin classics such as relish trays, old fashioneds and cheese curds. There is a great need for food security in Wisconsin's schools. Nearly half of Wisconsin students qualify for free or reduced-priced school meals and 1 in 6 Wisconsin children live in food insecurity.
