Inbox: Christian Watson is becoming synonymous with big plays in big moments

Jeff from Champlin, MN

Bambi's Bombers, Harvey's Wallbangers and now Murphy's Magnificent "Gamers." Couldn't be prouder of these guys.

Spoff's 34th(ish) birthday 'twas a memorable one.

Paul from West Allis, WI

Wes, now that Mike is happy as a clam for THE Milwaukee Brewers going to the World Series a year after being swept (only to repay the favor)! Can we consider the state of Wisconsin as lucky as anyone to have the Packers, Bucks, and Brewers all win on the big stage as small-market underdogs?! Here's to/for underdogs EVERYWHERE!

My good friend Tyler Herrick tweeted out an image of the last four conference titles that the three major professional teams in Wisconsin have won, and I was immediately hit with a wave of appreciation and nostalgia. What a ride this has been for a small-market state over the past 30 years.

Edward from Sioux Falls, SD

Hello! I predict that if the Packers win the turnover battle on Sunday night that they will win the game, as well. Just beat the Cowboys! Go Brewers in a week!

Green Bay is plus-three in turnover margin this season and Dallas is minus-three. The Packers are third in takeaways with nine and the Cowboys are 30th with two. Yes, it starts on the ground Sunday night, but this game will be won in the takeaway department. The Packers need to keep the takeaways coming and generate points off them like they did against the Bears.

Paul from Ledgeview, WI

As you look at this Packers squad, and what opportunity has revealed, do you believe this team can be significantly better than the team was in Week 12 or 13 last year?

If the season-ending injuries finally subside, I feel good about this team's chances to reach its best form down the stretch. I base that off Matt LaFleur's track record when it comes to developing a young roster and all these new guys getting comfortable in their roles.

Ryan from Ripon, WI

Through five games, what has been the biggest surprise of this team?

Well, I provided five of them on Friday. But I think Travis Glover probably is the biggest of all because of A) He missed last season. B) He originally played tackle. C) He's helped calm the sea on the right side of the O-line. Glover is a gentle giant who flips a switch on the field. It's been neat to see his growth, especially after tearing his lat muscle last year.

James from Appleton, WI

James Lofton. Big, fast, you could make a case that he was the best Packers receiver. I saw him once run along the sideline, reach up and catch a long pass with one hand, run into the end zone and spike the ball, having never touched the ball with his other hand. Hutson, Sharpe, Adams, all of them are just gifts for us fans.

Through the ups and the downs, there is a lineage there among Packers receivers. It seems like every generation has had a marquee guy whether it was Lofton, Sterling Sharpe, Robert Brooks, Antonio Freeman, Donald Driver, Greg Jennings, Jordy Nelson, Davante Adams, etc. When you think of this era, Christian Watson is becoming synonymous with big plays in big moments. Speed, size, ball skills, leadership – the guy has it all.

Larry from Chubbuck, ID

The schedule makers didn't do the Packers any favors with these next two games, with Dallas and Detroit coming in with extra rest. We are going to find out how good our defense is. They have been good against non-elite quarterbacks. Two big tests in Dak Prescott and Jared Goff are coming to town. Where does the defense need to improve against these two?

You have to stop the run and not allow Prescott to get comfortable in the pocket. Then, if the Packers are successful Sunday night, they gotta do it again with Goff. Bye or no bye, these are the teams you must beat to state your case in the conference/division. Just execute, baby.

Brian from Charlottesville, VA

I still have a Brewers stadium seat cushion from the World Series, so it's exciting to see them finally get back. I see similarity between Prescott and Jordan Love in the sense that both can hit quick, high-precision throws, both can sling the ball downfield, and both can extend plays with their legs. What do you see as key differences that will tip the balance offensively in Sunday's game?

Everything around those two star quarterbacks – the run game, the offensive line, downfield passing game, and how each defense handles those three areas. Prescott and Love have the talent and moxie to rally from any deficit. Green Bay had to send Love back into the 2023 NFC Wild Card playoff game because Prescott refused to go quietly. These may be the two most underrated quarterbacks in the NFL, and each side is preparing for their best.

Jason from Austin, TX

Let's say you have a couple of guards that are really good at pass blocking, but not as good at run blocking. At the same time, you have other guards that are the opposite and are good at run blocking. I know this is blasphemy, but why wouldn't you sub them in-out based on the situation? Because you don't want to tip off what you're about to do? If it's third-and-10, they know you're throwing anyway. But on third-and-1, wouldn't you want your better run blockers regardless if the defense knows?

I don't believe the drop-off is that severe between an NFL O-lineman's pass- and run-blocking ability, especially at this level. Obviously, a guy may be better in one area than another, but it's never that drastic to the point you need to take him off the field in order to run the ball on third-and-1. It could cause a lot of sideline communication issues, as well.

Caleb from Salt Lake City, UT

What is the expected timeline of Micah Parsons' return and the expected plan to ease him back into play?

We'll see next week whether Parsons returns to practice. Whenever Parsons does, his 21-day practice window will open, and we'll move onto the next stage of this process.

Richard from Livermore, CA

Regarding this answer: "If a defender doesn't look back for the ball, I fail to comprehend how an offensive player can ever be flagged for OPI. Plain and simple." Really? So, if the two players were hand-fighting while running downfield (happens all the time) and as the pass approaches the offensive player shoves the defender to the ground it is not penalized if the defender did not look up for the ball? I think that is a bit of an over-reaction to Sunday's poor call on the field.

But what if the shove – or in this case a hand to the face – is in response to a defender grabbing/making uncalled illegal contact past the 5-yard window? I don't care to rehash a game from six days ago when there's another to be played tomorrow, but I would say that's the same as an official flagging a player for unsportsmanlike conduct after he retaliates for an unseen action/gesture from the opposition. I'm not saying it's right, but it's not unprovoked.

Matthew from Racine, WI

Can they please wear these rivalry jerseys every time we play a divisional opponent at home? These jerseys are by far the best alternative jerseys that the Packers have ever released.

I'm new to the rivalry uniforms and a bit unfamiliar with the rules but wouldn't argue with that at all. They're cool, modern and still respectful of the Packers' rich history.

Josh from Napoleon, OH

Did Keith from Fisher, IN, just make II history? Getting the same question answered on back-to-back days by both Spoff and Wes. Good for him!

It's like a four-leaf clover. Doesn't mean a whole lot, but something cool to show your mom.

Matt from Waunakee, WI

Until last week it had been a few years since I attended a game at Lambeau. Is the players' tunnel in the opposite corner now?

Yes. It moved to the southeast corner of the stadium during the 2002 renovation. I hope you enjoyed your first game back. We hope to see you again!

Sandy from Green Bay, WI

In all the excitement of the Brewers advancing to the World Series, it is easy to lose sight of the Packers vs. Cowboys game Sunday night. Do you think there is even a slight residual energy/motivation that carry over from the Brewers' accomplishment to the Packers? Wisconsin is bursting with hope, confidence, and happiness at the moment!

It was a cool gesture from LaFleur to wear a Brewers cap to his Friday morning news conference. The Packers, Brewers, Bucks and the Division I college schools do a great job of supporting one another. LaFleur hasn't been shy about using other in-state teams' accomplishments to motivate his own squad, so it wouldn't surprise me in the least for the Packers to channel some of that energy into Sunday night's game at Lambeau Field. I certainly hope the fans do.

James from Chicago, IL

Spoff, a morning of my random thoughts. What do you suppose is the over-under on the Ricketts' spending this morning looking at the exact date the Cubs can try to poach Murph from Milwaukee without a tampering accusation? On another note, we get to see the Crew play in the World Series again! And the good lord willing, if they win, I think Robin Yount deserves a ring too.

Nah, that's Counsell's gig. Craig was born here, but Murphy was made for Milwaukee. That's a conversation for a different Inbox, though. Today, it's about the World Series, and the Brewers need four more wins to become legendary.

Eric from Westerville, OH

Oh, we had a good Thursday night! How about a great one thanks to the Brew Crew?! This 43-year-old is extremely excited to watch the Brewers play in the World Series with my 10-year-old son. The way the team talks about playing for each other, lifting each other up. It's inspiring! What do you think makes this Brewers team able to win it all?

The aggressiveness. Whether Milwaukee is stealing a base or attacking a fly ball, the team just doesn't quit. The Brewers have had good squads in my lifetime, but nothing like this. They are a team in every sense of the word.

Pat from United States

In 1982, a group of us from Ellsworth, WI, drove to Milwaukee for the World Series against the Cards. We didn't have tickets, so we paid to park in the County Stadium lot to tailgate and watched Game 3 on a tiny little black-and-white TV that was plugged into the cigarette lighter. And even though the Brewers lost that game, it was super cool just to be in the parking lot to experience the excitement. The following night we watched Game 4 from a variety of establishments downtown. GO BREWERS!

It's been a lot of fun reading all these memories and having conversations with my dad, Spoff and other friends who were alive when the Brewers last made it in 1982. Hopefully, I can do the same with my son, friends and coworkers someday.

Fritz from York, ME

Mike and Wes, just a word from an 86-year-old. Been a Packer fan since the '40s, then a big Braves fan during their time in Milwaukee. Swore off baseball after they broke my heart. This Brewer team has brought me back to love the game! They all play like Pete Rose, plus they have a Polish-American pitcher. GPG, GBG

You love to hear it. Enjoy the World Series, Fritz.

Al from Green Bay, WI

For the first time this season, we can say the Packers' arrow is pointing up! With the rival Cowboys coming to town, I don't see that changing. Reasons to believe: 1) Gotta start with J-Love, coming off his career-best QBR. 2) The running game is coming around. This will be a 100-plus yard Packers rushing performance. 3) Xavier McKinney, Evan Williams, Javon Bullard, Lukas Van Ness and the swarming D is superior to the Dallas D. 4) The Lambeau fans brought the energy last week. It will happen again Sunday night! GPG!

The Packers' defensive front against a sturdy Cowboys offensive line is a key matchup that's received very little attention this week. Dallas has allowed only six sacks on Prescott this season. The Packers must contain the run, and Jonathan Gannon needs to find innovative ways to generate pressure on Prescott.

Derek from Eau Claire, WI

I tried to retire,
But the poetry helps.
Just beat the Cowboys!

An Inbox reader on a streak has to respect the streak. You know why? Because they don't happen very often. If you believe the Packers are winning because you're reciting poetry or you're not reciting poetry or because you wear…uh…a Cheesehead?...then you are, AND YOU SHOULD KNOW THAT!

John from Stevens Point, WI

WOW! A blowout Packer win over the Bears in fancy unis on a beautiful early fall day at Lambeau, and a Brewers sweep of the Dodgers, winners of the last two World Series and the posterchild for the large-market, big-money teams. "Is this heaven?"

No…it's Wisconsin. Have a great weekend and enjoy the game, everyone.

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