Brian from Charlottesville, VA
The Packers-Vikings recent history seems pretty evenly split, according to the Dope Sheet. The regular-season series was split in four of the last five seasons, and the Packers scored 30-plus points in five of the last 10 meetings. Have the Packers’ wins come when they scored 30 or more? Will 27 get it done?
Well, the Packers have won every game they’ve scored 27 points. By the same token, Brian Flores’ defense has only allowed 27 or more points on three occasions this year. The Vikings are 0-3 in those games, all of which happened since their Week 6 bye.
I found it interesting Mike’s comment about Edgerrin Cooper going for the ball instead of the tackle for loss. Some of the Insiders have been hollering for better tackling, while others for creating turnovers. Looks like we can’t have it both ways. Maybe I’m old school, but I prefer a wrap-up tackle over punching at the ball and allowing 3-plus yards as a result. Is there a balance in there somewhere?
That’s why the “getting hats to the ball” piece is important. Cooper can afford to take some chances if he has another defender or two behind him. In that specific instance, however, the Giants had numbers to Cooper’s side if he doesn’t get him to the turf. Obviously, it’s easy enough to dissect afterwards. The actual decision has to be made in a half-second.
II, this part of the game is not my strong suit, but that’s why I’m asking. If both sides agreed, would it make sense to sign Malik Willis to a short contract so they might get more in a trade than in a comp pick?
I think that’s more of an end-of-year question, but I assume Willis wants another shot at becoming a starter again and deserves that opportunity if one is presented. Green Bay loves him, but he’s also backing up one of the league’s top quarterbacks who’s also only a year older.
David from North Potomac, MD
I understand not risking the backup getting hurt. What do you think of the value of putting a couple plays into a game just so opponents have to plan for it? I think for sure toward the end of the regular season if a path to the playoffs is secure. But maybe sooner?
My stance on this hasn’t changed since Tuesday. I agree with you guys, but I’m also not in the game-planning meetings. That decision is entirely up to LaFleur and Co. They’ve done it before. They easily could do it again.
Don’t turn the ball over and you have a decent chance of beating the Bears. Plus-16 turnover ratio is absurd, not sustainable.
Count me curious to see how Chicago’s season unfolds, but the Bears deserve credit. Yes, they’re giving up a ton of production, but 22 takeaways is a heck of an achievement. Offensively, Caleb Williams protects the ball as well as any young QB I’ve seen come through the NFL in recent years. That combo will keep Chicago in every game it plays.
I think this team is exciting to watch because they clearly have the horses in the barn to win the race! I remember many of the Patriot seasons when they were dominating, where early in the year they had lackluster performances, but then they fix their deadly issues and make a run going into the playoffs playing their best ball. That’s all that matters for this team! Can we play our best ball at the most important time?
And stay healthy while doing it.
Haven’t heard a ton about Anthony Belton. Is he still battling injuries or do the coaches just feel he needs some more time?
The Packers have been getting healthier on the offensive line – again, knock on wood – so Belton’s number hasn’t been called. Also, Darian Kinnard now has three months in this scheme and serving as that next-man-up.
Per my fantasy football app, some guy named “Weston Hodkiewicz” claims Jayden Reed won’t practice today. I figure whoever he is doesn’t know what he’s talking about, I’m playing Reed.
I wouldn’t trust that hack, either.
The prospect of bringing Reed back into this offense is really exciting. He was our leading receiver the past two seasons for a reason, and I’m hoping it will unlock some things for the offense as we go through the stretch run. If we’re lucky, we may just get to see what MarShawn Lloyd has to offer, as well, because I think a lot of us believe that he can be a difference maker. For once, maybe reinforcements are on the way.
Reed isn’t back quite yet, but the Packers are certainly excited about the prospects of adding him back to this offense for the stretch run.
Twenty-seven points was enough to win all 13 of the Packers’ world championship games.
Charley Brock and the boys perfected it in that 1939 NFL Championship Game win over the New York Giants.
David from Howards Grove, WI
Mike McCarthy’s early-season mantra was “First, win 10 games,” as that generally secured a playoff spot. Given the current 17-game season and competitiveness of the top teams, it seems the win number is at least 11, if not 12. Making the playoffs again at third in the NFC North appears to be a statistical anomaly. Just beat the Bears!
I can’t argue with that, especially after Seattle missed the playoffs last year with 10 wins. Just win, Davey.
