#342 Packers Unscripted: Holding their own

Mike and Wes wrap up the season discussing GM Brian Gutekunst's final press conference, including the importance of DL Kenny Clark (6:16), the gap between the Packers and 49ers (9:00), and upcoming decisions on pending free agents (17:52).

Mike and Wes preview the upcoming Super Bowl between the 49ers and Chiefs, discussing San Francisco's run game against Kansas City's defense (3:21), the top tight ends in the league in Travis Kelce and George Kittle (8:21), and the coaching storylines involving Andy Reid and Kyle Shanahan (14:06).

Mike and Wes discuss Head Coach Matt LaFleur's season-ending press conference, including his thoughts on the team's opportunities to improve (4:19), the evolution of the offense (7:01), his self-reflections (9:10), and the potential new obstacles the Packers may encounter that they didn't this past year (12:51).

Mike and Wes discuss the three Packers selected to the Pro Bowl as replacements, including WR Davante Adams and the place he's earned in team history (1:59). They also review locker clean-out day (8:14) and discuss several pending free agents (13:17).

Mike and Wes recap the Packers' loss in the NFC title game, beginning with the inability to stop the run on defense and the turnovers on offense (2:33). They also discuss QB Aaron Rodgers' forward-thinking comments after the game (9:09) and the closeness of Green Bay's locker room throughout the season (11:42).

Mike and Wes discuss the Packers' keys to victory against the 49ers, starting with WR Davante Adams (1:35), the defensive effort needed against TE George Kittle and San Francisco's run game (3:33), and the value of turnovers and red-zone play (5:47) as well as the fourth quarter (8:19). They also pick one thing that has to happen for Green Bay to win (12:01) and give their thoughts on the AFC Championship Game as well (17:21).

Mike and Wes discuss the next-level chemistry WR Davante Adams currently has with QB Aaron Rodgers (:38), the evolution of RB Tyler Ervin's role on the team (11:11), and how the defense worked to shore up the big-play issue (19:13).

Mike and Wes take a closer look at how the 49ers finished their season after playing the Packers the first time (:49) and how both teams have played a lot of close games (4:41) and shown resiliency all season long (8:28). They also discuss the selection of Bobby Dillon to the Pro Football Hall of Fame (15:35) and how the Centennial class process played out (20:13).

Mike and Wes discuss the comments regarding the Week 12 Packers-49ers result from both head coaches, Matt LaFleur (1:12) and Kyle Shanahan (5:25). They also look at how Green Bay has improved since that first meeting (8:55) and they review the officiating issues from the win over the Seahawks (11:49).

Mike and Wes review the Packers' dramatic playoff win, beginning with the play of QBs Aaron Rodgers and Russell Wilson (:54), the record-setting performance by WR Davante Adams (7:40), the tale of two halves for Green Bay's defense (11:18), and the outstanding work by fill-in RT Jared Veldheer (15:50). They also recap the other playoff games from divisional weekend (20:05).

Mike and Wes discuss the perspective of the Packers' veterans who are back in the postseason (1:01), particularly how QB Aaron Rodgers views it (3:51). The also discuss Mike McCarthy's hiring by the Dallas Cowboys (8:33), list their keys to victory on both sides of the ball for Green Bay against Seattle (13:17), and preview the other three playoff games this weekend (20:48).

Mike and Wes discuss how veterans like QB Aaron Rodgers (4:17) and WR Davante Adams (7:40) have wisdom to impart to the young players who haven't been in the postseason before. They also discuss the work of the Packers' secondary (10:24) and how the unit has benefited from steady pressure up front (17:18).

Mike and Wes discuss how different the Seahawks are from the team the Packers have seen in recent years (3:08), how both teams have done what it takes to win (8:31), and the potential impact of Seattle RB Marshawn Lynch (15:11).

Mike and Wes explore various Packers-Seahawks matchups on tap, including Mike Pettine vs. Russell Wilson (6:36), DK Metcalf vs. Jaire Alexander and Kevin King (8:13), Bobby Wagner and K.J. Wright vs. Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams (11:15), Jadeveon Clowney vs. Bryan Bulaga (14:01), and Seattle's offensive line vs. Kenny Clark and Za'Darius Smith (16:51).

Mike and Wes recap the four wild-card playoff games, including how the Vikings upset the Saints (2:59) and the controversy over the final play (7:26), and how the Seahawks earned their trip to Lambeau Field (14:21) and the impact of DE Jadeveon Clowney (17:30).

Mike and Wes discuss LT David Bakhtiari's fourth straight All-Pro selection and former S LeRoy Butler advancing to the finalist stage for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. They also preview both AFC Wild Card games this weekend (10:46) as well as both NFC contests (14:58).

Mike and Wes discuss several Packers who will be key to the team's playoff fortunes on both offense (1:02) and defense (16:44).

On podcast No. 500, Mike and Wes revisit how the offensive line got through the game in Detroit (:54) and how the defense came on strong at the end of the regular season (9:06). They also discuss what may lie ahead in postseason officiating (20:35).

Mike and Wes discuss the pieces to the comeback in Detroit, including K Mason Crosby (2:33), the 95-yard TD drive in the third quarter (4:16), the key play on the final drive (6:22), and the subs stepping in on the offensive line (13:50). They also recap the NFC playoff picture (15:30) and the final moments of the San Francisco-Seattle showdown (19:44).

Mike and Wes discuss various keys to victory vs. the Lions (1:10), individual milestones that could be reached as the regular season wraps up (10:17), the role the team's chemistry has played (14:24), and other Week 17 games impacting the playoff picture (18:05).

Mike and Wes discuss the tough turn the Lions' season has taken at quarterback (5:46) and on defense (7:00). They also look at how the Packers avoid any kind of letdown (9:09), where the playoff picture stands (12:05) and the latest on Green Bay's injuries (17:33).

Mike and Wes discuss how the Packers took down the Vikings to win the NFC North, highlighting the play of LB Za'Darius Smith (5:55) and the way the Packers controlled the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball (9:14). They also recap where the NFC playoff picture stands (13:51) and look at the impact GM Brian Gutekunst had on the roster (14:37).

Mike and Wes discuss the Packers' keys to victory against the Vikings, which include stopping the run (:54), taking the crowd out (4:01) and winning the turnover battle (5:48). They also discuss the stakes involved (8:31) and the type of statement the Packers could make with a victory (12:41).

Mike and Wes review a handful of key matchups in the upcoming Packers-Vikings showdown, starting with Kenny Clark vs. Garrett Bradbury (:56), Stefon Diggs vs. the Packers CBs (2:13), Danielle Hunter and Everson Griffen vs. Bryan Bulaga and David Bakhtiari (5:23), Aaron Jones vs. Eric Kendricks (10:02), Davante Adams vs. the Vikings DBs (12:52), Aaron Rodgers vs. Mike Zimmer (15:20), and Tyler Ervin vs. the Vikings special teams (19:26).

Mike and Wes take a closer look at the Vikings, from the play of QB Kirk Cousins (3:54), to his offensive weapons (7:05), to pass-rushing standout Danielle Hunter (13:19). They also review the Pro Bowl announcements (17:47).