Inbox: It might be worth a try

Ricky from Temple Hills, MD

OK, I'm ready to bury my Lion-sized chagrin. What are the keys to beating the Panthers? I hear Bryce Young is having a great start to the season.

Run the football and run it well. If Green Bay can gain 100 rushing yards as a team, I feel good about its chances tonight. The Packers must convert red-zone opportunities into points. For everything that went wrong against Detroit, Green Bay still had chances to pull away but 1-of-4 in the red zone isn't going to cut it against good football teams. Carolina has struggled against the run (32nd), third down (tied for 25th) and red zone (28th) this season.

Ethan from Milwaukee, WI

If you could choose one of the following for Thursday's game, which would you choose and why? A) Packers run game breaks 100 yards. B) Packers do not have any personal fouls called against them. C) Trey Smack doesn't miss and doesn't kick any touchbacks.

It's that first one because it's the easiest for the entire offense to build upon. The Packers' rushing offense needs a jolt right now, especially after the injuries to Sean Rhyan and Travis Glover.

Tim from Superior, WI

Savion Williams has looked pretty good and perhaps, better than expected as a downfield receiver, but seemingly hasn't prospered as a gadget type/returner. Coach LaFleur mentioned he has to be a "goon." Referencing his size almost appeared to be a hint that he's expected to run through tacklers, which has seemed not to be the case so far. Was Matt LaFleur intimating Williams needs to be more physical to succeed in this league?

I don't think it was that. I believe what LaFleur was saying is Williams has the size to be a physical presence on the field whether it's as a blocker (like goons of Packers past) or a complementary receiver. I've enjoyed what I've seen from Williams since his return. He's been fearless over the middle and making strong hands catches in must-have situations. Without Jayden Reed, Green Bay needed a third receiver to step up and Williams answered.

Chuck from Green Bay, WI

In the first two games, Lukas Van Ness had a combined 10 tackles and 2½ sacks. In the next five games combined, he's had six tackles and one sack. What gives? Has his play dropped off as dramatically as the stats would indicate?

It's not just Van Ness, who was impactful against Dallas. The Packers struggled to generate pressure against Detroit. Without Edgerrin Cooper or Zaire Franklin tonight, Green Bay must find a way to disrupt Young.

James from Appleton, WI

Just sayin', ever since the NFL made the rule change, I have been waiting for a defender to push a leaping receiver out of bounds. I thought it would happen all the time. THANK YOU, Mr. Cisse. The release of pent-up emotion was like passing your driver's test on the seventh try.

We talked about it on “Unscripted” Tuesday. Brandon Cisse is a stud. He's 21 going on 31 from a maturity and composure standpoint. As Cisse builds up his body more and gains experience, he's going to be a difference-maker in this defense.

Patrick from Paducah, KY

Given the familiarity in playing Bryce Young and the Panthers in 2023 and again last season, what are the biggest points of emphasis for GB on either side of the ball given how both teams are coming off of frustrating performances (albeit in different forms) from this past Sunday?

Spoff summed it up well this week – the Panthers have routinely been one of the NFL's most resilient clubs in Dave Canales' two-plus seasons as head coach. They got thumped by the Bears in Week 1 and bounced back to upend the Falcons 34-3 the following week. I'm expecting a gritty Carolina squad tonight at Lambeau Field.

Clyde from Iron Mountain, MI

Why the delay in getting Kevin Zeitler into games?

We'll have to see what the plan is tonight, but I'm guessing the Packers chose to go with Aaron Banks and Jacob Monk as the backups in Detroit because they were the starters at left and right guard going into the season. Monk also was the primary backup at center.

Jeffrey from Eveleth, MN

It's not like it takes a rocket scientist to play center. Oh wait…

It doesn't hurt and John Williams did a fantastic job given the dire circumstances the Packers were in Sunday. We'll see what direction Green Bay goes tonight at center with Jager Burton, a collegiately trained center, and Donovan Jennings available.

Dave from Milwaukee, WI

After the Lions loss, do you view the Packers' inability to finish games as a personnel problem, an execution problem, or a coaching problem? And which one concerns you most going forward?

Execution, which has been a recurring problem during the first half of the season for Green Bay. It's a combination of like eight different issues that the Packers haven't been able to get ironed out and it's costing them.

Mike from Baraboo, WI

Can we expect a full game from Josh Jacobs on Thursday Night Football?

I don't know if it'll meet the expectation of "full game," but I expect to see even more of Jacobs tonight. He played 35 snaps (52%) in his return. Going against the NFL's last-ranked run defense, the Packers would do well to give the three-time Pro Bowler ample opportunity to test that defensive front.

Adam from Rapid City, SD

I understand it is a different situation but can we all remember when the Packers showed faith in Mason Crosby after a rough year? Trey Smack is only a rookie and I for one still have faith in him! Remember his first-ever field goal was a long one which may have some of us to develop unrealistic expectations! I'm sure he will bounce back like he did after his last tough game! Now he just needs to stack performances! Sorry for more of a rant today! What are your thoughts on the matter?

Half the league is dealing with issues at kicker. If you have a guy and believe in that guy, that's all that matters. The Packers knew what they were signing up for when they drafted a kicker again. There is going to be ups and downs, including missed field goals. The key is progression and that's what Green Bay wants from Smack this season.

Jim from Panama City Beach, FL

Hey guys, the kicking game is a three-man operation! The long snapper was injured all preseason and the brain trust let the long snapper go that did an excellent job during preseason and brought back the veteran, and just like last year, kicks are being missed! I'm not a genius but I did stay at a Holiday Inn! If it's not broken, you don't change it!

Cal Adomitis is a good dude, and I wish him well in his professional career. But Adomitis was signed by New Orleans in September and released a few weeks later after the Saints had problems with their field-goal operation.

Joe from Pittsburgh, PA

After our futile attempts to find a reliable kicker recently, how lucky we were to have the consistent and clutch Mason Crosby holding down the fort all those years. A big shout out to a champion on and off the field.

Mason was that dude and hopefully Trey can be, too. He certainly has the talent.

Mike from Lake Villa, IL

Wes, thanks for the "Return of the Mack" laugh! Also, unrelated to the game, thanks for recommending the Villa Della Pace restaurant in NYC. My family enjoyed the outstanding Italian cuisine there this weekend. We also observed the Packers paraphernalia in the restaurant and "the crazy Italian guy" behind the bar told us how he creatively acquired the Mason Crosby Gatorade water bottle after the Super Bowl XLV victory, which was enshrined in its own special case on the wall! Awesome place!

Ha, great to hear. I still don't know whether Mason knows his Super Bowl water bottle is in the restaurant or not. VDP is the place to be. I'm glad you were able to enjoy it.

Ashley from New Ulm, MN

With it being Week 8, is there a concrete game set that Micah Parsons will be back in action?

LaFleur said as much as he's said all season on Tuesday, saying there's a chance Parsons could return to practice after the mini-bye.

David from Janesville, WI

Gents, ACTMR(WCBW) there is one easy solution to get the refs to allot a bit more protection to Jordan Love.
Step 1: Take his jersey to the sewing room
Step 2: Remove the "Love" name plate
Step 3: Add a "Mahomes" name plate
Step 4: Accept penalties on every drive

Not the worst idea I've heard in the last 15 minutes. It might be worth a try.

Arn from Kenosha, WI

Do you believe in the law of averages? It actually gives us reason for hope in the second half of the season. If it truly is a law, then we will have outstanding running, healthy and effective OL, hardly any injuries, multiple roughing the passer penalties against, and none on GB. Our receivers will catch passes; however they will be short gains, but that will be enough to turn an anemic first half into a surging undefeatable force in the second (think 2010). Oh, and refs make correct calls.

I feel better about the Packers' ability to make corrections to the issues that have plagued them in the second half than the officiating to get straightened out. Given the choice, I would pick the former, too. If you do the little things to widen the margins of victory, officiating shouldn't matter one way or the other.

Bruce from Jackson, WI

Wes, I'm reminded of that oft-quoted Jim Carrey line, "So you're telling me there's a chance." I submit there is after Sunday's loss. The D held up for the most part after losing its field general at the last minute. I was encouraged by Jacobs' contribution in both the passing and running game in his first game back. Finally, the Packers showed they can run the West Coast offense, if only LaFleur would game plan it. The time is now to put it all together and beat the Panthers!

The Packers need to eliminate the negative yardage plays on first down, whether it's the run game getting stuffed or penalties. Jacobs' return helps in that regard, but there's still more Green Bay can do to tidy things up. If successful, the Packers have shown they can run a free-flowing, West Coast-esque offense to wear down a defense. Yards haven't been the issue – it's parlaying production into actual points.

Michael from Elkhorn, WI

Why is it necessary to have a functioning replay system that can cover more situations in the NFL? Look at Game 3 of World Series. Christian Yelich is called out at second, but then a quick and simple review process, correct call is made and game/series is dramatically different as eight runs are scored. That is why getting calls right matters because you don't know the impact of getting a first down, not having to punt, etc. The NFL doesn't care is the problem.

It's either ignorance or incompetence on the NFL's part and that's the last I'm gonna say about it.

Shannon from Ovilla, TX

Every professional league in the U.S. outside of the NFL has professional officials. In the NFL, where guys literally put their future lives on the line weekly, we have guys officiating games as their side hustle. The other leagues use technology and show fans what is being reviewed, and in some cases the conversation, while nobody knows what is being reviewed or discussed. Transparency in the moment and fixing the obvious bad calls would make the NFL better. Not all publicity is good publicity.

Again, I've said my piece on the officiating. We all know the score. Scott Novak's crew is up next. I'm thinking positive thoughts and hoping they do their job well tonight.

Scott from St. Louis, MO

So, how exactly does one go about demonstrating support for one's beloved team while having nothing but contempt for the league in which they play? I think I'm done with the TV broadcasts (and accompanying advertising and streaming issues) and relying on Wayne and Larry full-time from here on...

You sound like a Formula One fan.

Al from Green Bay, WI

The Panthers have beaten some good teams this year, but they are not going to beat the Packers. Reasons to believe: 1) Despite the O-line shuffles, the dropped passes, the penalties, J-Love remains unflappable and is a field-tilter. 2) The Panthers' D is vulnerable, and no match for the Packers' offensive weapons. 3) The run game will have easily its best showing of the year. 4) The officiating can't be THAT BAD again, right? 4) The GB D continues to impress. GPG!

Jaelan Philips won't play tonight, and Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson are on injured reserve. Keep Love clean. Catch passes. Win the game. It might actually be that simple.

Al from Milwaukee, WI

I never thought I'd say this, but the Inbox (Tuesday) was an emotional rollercoaster. I laughed out loud (by myself in public, mind you) at your "Return of the Mack" joke and then got misty eyed while reading about you guys watching baseball with the family. Go Pack and let's bring this (gosh darn) World Series title home!

Heck yeah. Let's go, Brewers/ Packers! Enjoy the game, everybody.

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