Eric from Kenosha, WI
Gameday again, already?
Life moves pretty fast, doesn't it?
Ken from New York, NY
After tonight's game, one of these teams will be 2-0, with two NFC wins, plus a mini-bye. That's a good place to be.
It's up to the Packers to make sure it's them. If they're successful, I can think of no better way to start a season than turning back two of the conference's final four teams from a year ago.
Aaron from Tucson, AZ
I'm sure others have chimed in on this today, but I love the Christian Watson extension. It reflects three things, in my mind: 1) His speed and talent. 2) His effort to become a well-rounded receiver, not just a deep threat. 3) His unwavering dedication to getting his body right (I believe a massive part of the Packers' thinking)! The guy went to great lengths to fix his soft-tissue injury issues last offseason, and it paid off. The knee was just so unfortunate. But he's all-dedication, all-team!
Aaron, that's such a good line I'm stealing it for the headline. It made all sense in the world for both sides to add a year to Watson's contract. This extension gives Watson financial security and allows him to keep his focus on football once he gets the green light. Meanwhile, the Packers lock up one of their biggest pending unrestricted free agents. In addition to being a world-class athlete who gives you everything, Watson also is a leader in this young locker room.
Joe from Swansea, IL
Glad to see Brian Gutekunst has extended Christian Watson. Can't wait to see a "Big Four" of Romeo Doubs, Jayden Reed, Matthew Golden and him. Lordy, Lordy. How close are we?
Hopefully not too far away.
Arthur from De Pere, WI
I loved seeing Tucker Kraft get involved early vs. the Lions. Do we think he's the next George Kittle or Kelce?
I think the Packers have the next guy everyone will compare the next guy to.
Brian from Charlottesville, VA
I agree getting Josh Jacobs moving early is key on Thursday. It would also use up clock. How important will TOP be to the defense for limiting Jayden Daniels' opportunities?
It's important, but Sunday's win over Detroit was a good example of how explosive plays and protecting the football supersede everything. The Lions inched the ball down the field like they do, but the Packers' defense didn't rupture. When Jared Goff finally had to take a risk with the ball, Green Bay (and Micah Parsons) made him pay for it with Evan Williams' INT. Meanwhile, the offense controlled the tempo early while producing 17 points on its first three drives. The Packers need another helping of that.
Joel from Show Low, AZ
What impressed me most about the Lions game was the stamina the team showed. Mid-way in the third quarter my son mentioned the time of possession differential the Lions had over us. Being the first game of the season, my thought was the possibility of the defense running out of steam. However, by late in the fourth quarter they still showed the same speed and intensity. Hats off to them. Hopefully, they come out with the same energy level against the Commanders. Just beat Washington!
That was the most impressive part of the defensive performance in my estimation. That unit had every right to wear down based on how long it'd been on the field in the first half and refused back down. That speaks to the defense's mental toughness as much as its conditioning.
The Green Bay Packers grounds crew prepares the field ahead of Thursday Night Football against the Washington Commanders.





























Tyler from Vadnais Heights, MN
Hello II. Do you think another benefit of having the youngest team might be a quicker recovery on a short week? Enough to be a tangible advantage?
Youth is an advantage on a short week, but it's not enough to completely tilt the complexion of this game. Both teams are sore, but who wants it more?
Ross from Summerville, SC
Gents, other than the mobile QB for Washington, what are the other things the Pack will see from the Commanders vs. what the Lions did?
Everything starts with Daniels. He's the playmaker that's unlocked the true potential of Terry McLaurin and this passing game. Defensively, Green Bay needs to contain Daniels while staying alert for all the varied backfield looks. I believe the Packers' offense has the right pieces to challenge Washington's defense, though. If Jacobs can get going early and protection holds up for Jordan Love, the rest takes care of itself.
Jeff from Indian Lake, NY
Would you rather see Josh Jacobs go over 100 yards rushing or Love throw for more than 300 yards against the Commanders? Which would give us the better chance of victory in your opinion?
Jacobs rushing for more than 100 yards demonstrates offensive efficiency and the more stable path to victory.
Jessi from Sterling, KS
"Tongue's out, and he's bouncing in the pocket. Good things are going to happen for the offense." Here is looking forward to good things on TNF. Thanks for the one-liner, Wes. That's going to make me smile in a new way when I see it happening.
It's the little things in life.
Richard from Ireland
I have a sneaky feeling that we may be talking Friday about Thursday being the Edgerrin Cooper game. The national audience finally gets to see the next All-Pro linebacker.
What Cooper and Quay Walker accomplished in the win over the Lions was extraordinary. As I've said before, the focus is always on the defensive line when it comes to defending the run, but linebackers play a pivotal role, too. When Walker and Cooper are roaming out there, it doesn't take long for that ball-carrier to wind up on the ground.
Shawn from Kissimmee, FL
This is the type of defense we've been missing in GB for quite a while. Fast, tough, gang-tackling. Adding a superstar pass rusher we've been missing since Clay Matthews was in his prime. X in the back end like Nick Collins, but Evan Williams and Javon Bullard look fast and tough, too. Linebackers flying around. Best defense I've seen. Colby Wooden has been meeting the eye test for me also. With all those stars mentioned, I think our cornerbacks will be fine due to disruption made by all the others.
It is a deep, diverse unit. The Packers have Pro Bowl-caliber players at every level of the defense. It's not like it's a couple playmakers here and there.
Jeff from Flemington, NJ
How would you rank Carrington Valentine's performance on Sunday? PPF gave him the fourth-highest grade on defense and credited him with only giving up one "sick" catch while playing every snap. With all the attention going to the D-line and LBs (rightfully so), not much talk about how our CBs performed. Although if they're not being talked about it's probably a good thing, and I'm excited to see what Nate Hobbs can do, I feel just fine continuing to roll with him each week. What say you?
Valentine and the corners were the unsung heroes of that defensive performance. Your guess is as good as mine how the secondary shuffles out once Nate Hobbs returns, but Valentine is a starting-caliber cornerback in this league. What he accomplished in 36 games with 23 starts prior to his 24th birthday is impressive…then you add in the fact he's a former seventh-round pick. His arrow is pointing up.
Jerry from Fort Wayne, IN
Hey II, so exciting to be talking full-entree football! What did you make of Jayden Reed's game with his foot? Most in targets and catches – and a glorious TD – make you forget he has a fracture. Almost as silent an injury as Micah's back. Is 11's team-leading play sustainable? Cheers, and GPG!
Reed was feeling it afterwards, but he doesn't appear to be any worse for wear. Reed doesn't have a game status on the injury report and will play tonight against the Commanders.
Sam from Odenton, MD
J.J. McCarthy as NFC Offensive Player of the Week? I know it doesn't mean anything and that more deserving players (Jordan Love, Jayden Daniels, etc.) aren't going to lose any sleep over it, but it just seems ridiculous to give it to a QB who just took advantage of his opponent collapsing at the end of the game.
I'm not gonna rip on McCarthy's selection…even though Love had the NFC's highest passer rating against a juggernaut in Week 1. McCarthy showed a lot of grit during the Vikings' fourth-quarter comeback. It's just too bad Love didn't get the same voting panel when he had a monumental comeback against New Orleans two home openers ago.
Jef from Verona, WI
We know that Detroit has a pretty good front seven, how does its front compare to the Commanders' front seven? It's a week-to-week league and I like how the Packers did in Week 1, time to find out how they do in Week 2. GPG!
Detroit gets the edge for me because of how formidable it is at every level of the defense, but Washington is no pushover. I'm a huge fan of Frankie Luvu. He's a great story as a former college free agent on a six-year odyssey to become an All-Pro linebacker. Meanwhile, Bobby Wagner is still getting it done at 35 years young. The Packers must bring their best because the Commanders can tear you up.
Dave from Lake Zurich, IL
If I'm computing correctly, Jordan Morgan took 15 snaps at right guard. Was the plan going into the game to alternate with Sean Rhyan at that position?
Yes, but it had more to do with keeping Morgan involved than anything related to Rhyan. The Packers have full confidence in Rhyan to man that right guard spot, but they're going to need Morgan at some point – quite possibly as early as tonight – and want to keep the rust off.
Jeffrey from Eveleth, MN
I fear the Lions have hit on another gem in the draft. That Isaac TeSlaa kid looks electric.
It was a very nice catch and high-effort play but let's wait more than three snaps before crowning him the next big thing?
David from Janesville, WI
Gents, does anyone else find it odd that the NFL image police wants to crack down on taunting, but would welcome a sponsor of prop bets for which team or player gets called for said taunt? Heading to my first game in a while tomorrow, save me some asparagus, so I can try this brat thing.
Don't get me started. The fact Xavier McKinney's "infraction" carried the same in-game discipline as Brian Branch removing/throwing Kraft's helmet tells you everything you need to know about the NFL's latest "emphasis."
Samuel from Skokie, IL
We all keep a watchful eye on the injury list. One concern that nobody has addressed is our punter was listed as having a right knee injury. While I note he was a full practice participant, a knee seems pretty important as it could get worse. Do you have any information regarding this?
It's unique to see a punter listed on the injury report, but don't lose sleep over it. If a player receives treatment outside of the typical rest and recovery, he's supposed to be listed on the injury report. Daniel Whelan was estimated as full all week and did not receive a game status. He's fine.
Bill from Sheboygan, WI
I understand Matt LaFleur's comments about selling tickets to opposing team, but you have to remember it kind of goes both ways when we go on the road it sounds like there are high number of Packers fans there, so sometimes ya got to take the good with the bad.
Most of those teams don't have a season-ticket waiting list the size of Green Bay metro.
Greg from Denver, CO
Well, tonight's the night. Sixty-one years old and my first Lambeau Field visit. (Yes, I'm wearing white.) I remember reading a while ago about getting a "My First Game" certificate at the stadium...do you know where one can get that receipt of bucket-list cross-off? GPG!
That's so great to hear, Greg. I hope you have the best time. Just stop by the guest services desk in the Lambeau Field Atrium and fill out the form.
Al from Green Bay, WI
Washington is an ascending, dangerous team, and they dispatched the Giants Sunday. But they won't stroll out of Lambeau with a W. Reasons to believe: 1) Love. Healthy, confident, dangerous. 2) The Packers' D dominated a potent Lions offense for four quarters. Washington has weapons, but it will be no match. 3) Daniel Whelan and Brandon McManus. Really solid! 4) Offensive balance. GB can run or pass with equal efficiency. Pick your poison Washington D. 5) Lambeau under the lights. Epic. GPG!
And in the all-white unis, too. Football doesn't get much better than that.
A.I. from Leavenworth, IN
With opportunity and a chance to stake their claim.
A shining start to a new era
The opportunity continues with a new challenge and an MVP candidate visiting
Keep eyes on the prize and meet that challenge Packers
I couldn't have said it better myself. Enjoy the game, folks.

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