Richard from Yankton, SD
Am I the only one that wants to see Devante Mays play? I don't want to have expectations, but it's hard not to be excited.
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You're not the only one. Fans want to see rookies play. Mays performed well in the preseason. It's only natural to want to see what he can bring to the run game. We'll see what the week brings, but I like his playstyle. He packs a punch when he hits the hole.**
Scott from Janesville, WI
How about these RBs? Every time one is called upon they find a way to produce. I'm excited to see Mays make some plays soon, too.
There's a method to the madness at running back. Running through Eddie Lacy, James Starks and John Crockett showed why it's important to have options. The Packers prepare for these moments at every position but really made it a point of emphasis to have a deep reserve at RB. We'll see whether Montgomery can go Sunday, but Jamaal Williams and Devante Mays know the drill. They have to stay ready.
Mike from Somerset, WI
Hundley had three key plays in the fourth quarter that defined the game. Mike McCarthy's confidence in Brett seems to be warranted. How does Brett string multiple quarters like the fourth quarter in the Bears game?
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Confidence is key. Confidence in your throws. Confidence in your reads. Those are the ultimate momentum-builders. Hundley has seen he can do it. Now, it's about stringing those performances together. **
Darren from Chicago, IL
I've noticed Montravius Adams flashing around the screen but have not been able to see any of his work isolated. He's getting more snaps. How has he looked to you guys?
I thought Adams looked good in the seven snaps he got against the Bears. He has some snap in his hips. He has a good frame and potential. I want to see more.
Jeff from South Grafton, MA
I wanted to congratulate Wisconsin native Matt Kenseth on what will likely be his final NASCAR win. I'm sure he has a lot of fans up that way and he's a HUGE Packers fan. My question is what do the Packers need to do to beat our uncommon opponent this week? The Ravens don't seem to be what they once were. What would be some keys to victory?
Three words: Con. Sist. Ency. The Ravens can play with anyone when they're on their game. It's up to the Packers to protect the football (the Ravens have 13 INTs), generate turnovers (Flacco has thrown 10 INTs) and make plays. Consistency is what will win this game Sunday.
Paul from Milwaukee, WI
Seems to me most of the teams out there with good records have peaked already while we're starting to get to full health and this last win seems to have ignited our team a bit. Could we be peaking at the right time? I mean if Rodgers has the capability of coming back sooner than later, this could get real interesting. Or am I being too optimistic?
I think the Packers are in a good place right now. Does that mean they're peaking? I don't know. When it's all said and done, I think only one team peaks at the right time – the one that wins the Super Bowl. Right now, the Packers need to build on Sunday's win. Again, the more Ws they pick up and longer the season plays out, the better 12's chances are of playing again this year.
Brian from Maple Grove, MN
Brett Hundley played down his hamstring injury but they usually take a few weeks to heal, and if you don't allow for that healing they can linger for a long time. I know he will play but what kind of advantage does that give the Ravens' defense knowing the running element of his game will not be a threat?
Every hamstring injury is different. It just depends on the severity of the strain. Hundley was able to practice in full capacity Wednesday. It appears he should be good to go.
Jim from Hainesville, IL
On the Packers' drive with about 3:30 to play, Williams went wide left. He tried to stay inbounds but allowed himself to get pulled out, stopping the clock. Cameras caught Hundley calmly but emphatically saying to him "stay in bounds." Looked like good leadership to me. On the next play, Williams ran right and was totally bottled up but broke through multiple tacklers for the first down.
Several offensive players said in the postgame locker room Hundley commanded the huddle in practices leading up to the Bears game, so that doesn't surprise me in the slightest. That brand of leadership keeps players accountable and focused.
Sam from Eau Claire, WI
Not a question but a comment. I had the opportunity to meet Brett last night at an epilepsy dinner and Brett told his story. What a humble dude. I can't help but be even more proud to be a Packer fan. All Packer fans should know, we have a great man backing up Rodgers and I hope nothing but the best for him and his family. Not that I didn't want it before but I really hope Brett can put this team in a position for January by the time No. 12 is ready, because he deserves it. Go Pack!
Thanks for sharing that, Sam. I know that's a cause near and dear to Hundley's heart. I believe he'll be representing The Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Los Angeles during My Cleats, My Cause in Week 13 against Tampa Bay.
Jeff from Kenosha, WI
Does the absence of Rodgers expose TT as an average GM, or is it just that the QB position is that important in today's game?
The Packers just beat the Bears with a backup quarterback, third-string running back, a starting right tackle who played in the AFL last year and gave up only 55 yards to the league's sixth-ranked rushing offense. Can we get a one-week reprieve from this narrative? Please?
Aaron from Lawton, OK
I found myself with little confidence entering this week and left with more hope. Has everyone already forgotten the despair of last year's 4-6 start prior to the "run the table" finish and playoff magic? It is hard to believe that this year's team is better on paper than last year's NFC Championship Game participant.
It's another reminder not to get too high or too low because you'll just drive yourself nuts. It's a week-by-week league. The most consistent teams are the ones playing in January.
Ryan from Somerset, WI
Will we get any sort of timeline update on Aaron Rodgers?
He was working with the trainers and rehab group during the portion of Wednesday's practice open to the media inside the Hutson Center. That's as much as we know right now.
Dean from Leavenworth, IN
Ultimately the decision whether Rodgers comes back rests with the doctors. I agree with Mike that 9-7 doesn't make it in the NFC this year. So my question is, if the Packers can get to 8-6 and Rodgers is cleared to play, do you expect to see him against the Vikings on Dec. 23? Right now that would be my dream scenario.
When Rodgers is cleared to play, he'll play if it makes sense for the team. Until then, he's another player trying to get healthy on injured reserve.
Nick from Chicago, IL
Any word on Spriggs? Wondering who's going to be blocking Terrell Suggs. That is a man's man.
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Spriggs is still practicing. McCarthy said Wednesday this will be a big week for him getting back up to speed. I think David Bakhtiari is going to be drawing most of the Suggs assignment. At least, that's how it worked when the teams played in 2013. **
Amanda from Villa Rica, GA
I believe we have played every other year on the odd years since the NFL started playing three games on Thanksgiving in 2006. I'm kind of bummed I won't be seeing the Pack next Thursday. Is this just random scheduling (besides the Lions and Cowboys, of course), or is there a system to who plays on Thanksgiving?
It seemed like the Packers were traveling every other year to Detroit for Thanksgiving, but that got disrupted two years ago when Green Bay requested to host the Bears for Brett Favre's return game. I'm not sure why it's played out that way the past two years, but I'm fine with it. Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. I'm happy to spend it at home with family.
Braden from Aurora, CO
How has Josh Jones looked filling in for Burnett and Brice the past few weeks? Do you see him playing more as the "Nitro" backer when Burnett returns? I'm also curious if you see the Packers using less base packages to get Biegel and Brooks on the field more as the season goes on?
I think Jones has played well, all things considered. That's a lot to ask of a rookie to slide from deep safety to inside linebacker to slot cornerback in the dime. He's had the chance at an INT in each of the Packers' last two games. Those are experiences he'll learn from. His athleticism is through the roof. He just needs some seasoning.
Brad from Clackamas, OR
As winter is fast approaching, I'm wondering if it's legal to wear certain sweatshirts underneath the uniform. Article 6, Item 1 of the NFL rule book states, "Players may not wear undergarments with an exposed hood hanging outside the collar of the jersey." Was this rule added after James Jones, or did he get away with breaking the rules?
No, that is the James Jones rule. It was added after the 2015 NFL season.
Lori from Brookfield, WI
When Davante Adams caught the touchdown pass inside the right pylon, he turned his head to look over his left shoulder and then adjusted to make the catch on his right side. How difficult is it to keep track of the ball when making a 180-degree adjustment?
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Those are the plays that separate Adams and I'm glad you caught it. He has a sixth sense for where the football is and finding the most efficient way to get his body in position to make the play. Adams has really come into his own. He follows in a long line of second-round receivers Green Bay has hit the mark on. **
Jerome from Midland, MI
Some strange transactions in the last two weeks. D. Mathews waived, then re-signed to practice squad; Joe Kerridge released on injury settlement and now on practice squad; Brett Goode, same thing but signed to active roster. Can you explain the context of these moves? In Goode's case, do you think the Packers kept in contact with him since his release? I imagine that Brett passed his physical. I keep track of their transactions year-round but have never seen these type roster moves before.
Spoff already hit on Mathews, so please refer to yesterday's Inbox if you want the answer there. I actually gave Spoff some bad info on Goode. At some point, the NFL changed the rule about players returning after injury settlements. You're now able to bring guys back three weeks after their settlement expires, not six. So that one's on me.
Dave from Saint Peters, MO
Did the Packers just find a way around the IR designated to return limit of two? Seems injury settlements will be more common going forward as a way to get players back from IR.
You have to be willing to give the other 31 teams a three-week head start at signing the player, though.
Jerry from Erie, PA
I would like to know about players who are established starters on a team. Do they get tested in a 40-yard dash to see if they have lost a few steps? Does the team care if a player loses a step or two as long as he is performing to what they think is good enough?
T.J. Lang always used to tweet at rookies after the NFL Scouting Combine, congratulating them on running the last 40-yard dash of their careers. I don't know of any established players running 40s other than the ill-fated veteran combine a few years ago.
Ken from Palm Springs, CA
Has there ever been any studies done on whether artificial turf contributes to more injuries than grass? It seems to me that there are more head, leg/knee, shoulder/arm injuries than grass.
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There are different opinions out there, but I know a lot of players I've spoken with over the years have strong feelings on the subject (they prefer grass).**
Adam from Chicago, IL
With one more designation to return from IR left, do you bring back someone that can help the team now, or do you hold out hope you can bring Aaron back?
There's no one on injured reserve right now who's cleared to return, so I guess I'd say wait for the best player in the game and see what happens. What say you?
Charles from Omaha, NE
I apologize for the basic question, but could you explain how the passer rating is calculated?
I recommend checking out the Wikipedia page on passer rating. It'll be less confusing than me trying to explain it to you.
Andrew from Dayton, OH
How do you feel about this controversy surrounding Greg Olsen being a commentator for a game this weekend?
I honestly wasn't aware until you mentioned it. I can see why the Vikings would have reservations about it. Besides that, I couldn't care less.
Eric from De Pere, WI
What is going to be inside the building at Titletown with the sled ramp? Will it be an event space for group functions?
Bringo.
Doug from Eugene, OR
Love the column. I just realized after doing this several times now that I punch that "submit question" button all full of conviction and verve, and by the time I'm done typing my question, I already know what your reply will be and I know you're right.
Keep bringing that passion. I'll keep throwing a wet blanket on top of it.
Tony from Raleigh, NC
What is the purpose of giving Team A the ball when Team B fumbles it out of the end zone? Possession has to be awarded to somebody, but I can't think of a scenario where giving Team A the ball makes sense.
I liked the "storming the castle" analogy better.
