Bob from Bement, IL

For K from A-Dub: the abbrs of JL10 etal assts many of us to get in under the 500 char lmt.

LOL.

Chuck from Green Bay, WI

With the huge Bears game on tap, the biggest question has yet to be asked or answered: With Micah Parsons out for this game, who will the Bears hold every play?

It's whom, but still nicely done.

Brandon from Imperial, MO

Good morning, I appreciate what was said about moving forward either being devastated or motivated. I try to teach this to my teen athletes. Also, appreciate either clean it up or the rest won't matter. Spoff was on one Wednesday! It is time for the O to step up and win some games starting Saturday. The team did a very good job against the Bears at home, what is the plan for Chicago, because "Nobody's leaving. Nobody's walking out on this fun, old-fashioned family Christmas."

I've been waiting all week for this "Christmas Vacation" reference (and if someone sent in a good one I missed, my bad). I had passed on various hints at Blutarski's "Animal House" monologue because of the time of year, and I'm glad the week didn't vanish without this.

Gary from Cross Plains, WI

And here I thought chances of converting a two-pointer go down each time you run one. Seattle converts three in a row (and how bizarre was that one.) What a game. Wow.

Sometimes all you can do is shake your head at the crazy (stuff) that happens in this league, and the implications of that particular result could be monumental.

Basil from Nags Head, NC

Not a question, but this week's Rock Report "All 11" was outstanding! Rock pointing out how Romeo Doubs and Bo Melton worked together to keep the lane open for Josh Jacobs long TD run was the level of detail that show us how complicated each play is. Even after the snap, Doubs was directing traffic! Great stuff, thanks II and Larry.

I love all the Rock Reports, but that one ranks up there for me. Seeing how Jacobs set up the 'backer before his cut and how Doubs communicated blocking assignments is the little stuff about football you don't see unless you study the film.

Matt from Walford, IA

Not a question, just a response to something in the Mid-Week Chat: Someone asked if Packers games have the least number of total turnovers this year. Yes, tied with the Jets. We have 13 takeaways and 10 giveaways for 23 total in our games. Jets have 23 total, but only three takeaways and 20 giveaways. A few more for comparison: Chiefs are 11 and 13 for 24. Giants also 24 with 9 and 15. Lions are 17 and 8 for 25. At the other end, Seattle is 22 and 23, for 45 total.

Thanks for the knowledge.

Scott from La Crosse, WI

I know we haven't been successful this year playing the dink-and-dunk game, but I don't think we would be "reinventing" ourselves by switching to that playstyle moving forward. The reason being that Jayden Reed has been most successful catching those quick passes and making people miss. I think getting defenses worried about Reed's YAC opens up the deep balls more to Bo and Matthew Golden as they become secondary thoughts. I'm excited to see what our offense schemes up with the end arounds and quick slants.

That's fair, but end arounds and quick slants are more dictated by the opponent and the situational looks they present, and aren't necessarily foundational pieces to the offense.

James from Appleton, WI

My daydreaming, teenage-football-fan mind says, when you are playing a team twice in three weeks, you hold back a twist or two for the rematch, but my world-weary, busted-in-all-my-fantasy-leagues adult mind says you use every arrow in the quill in every game. Who's right?

The reality is you go into the first game with everything but inevitably don't use it all, because game plans always have more than required. So some stuff is naturally held back, and then you come up with a few wrinkles for the rematch based on how the first game went.

Jack from Moweaqua, IL

These last three weeks are going to be insane as far as playoff jockeying! I know that coaches have to look at the "big picture," but I can't remember a game this important to the hopes of a postseason bid since the season finale in 2013 (coincidentally the same venue for this week with a tie on our record playing into the mix). My question is how does ML and the staff keep everyone locked in on this game and not what's potentially ahead, W or L?

The finales in 2014, '16, '19, '22 and '23 have already escaped you, eh? Players and coaches are masters at tunnel vision. It's how they must live their lives every day, every week, every season.

Ray from Phoenix, AZ

I feel really good about the Packers' chances to win this game. I see the keys are limit Bears' run game so they have third-and-long. Contain Caleb in the pocket. Packers score TDs not FG when they get in the red zone. Is that about it?

Plus protect the football. This Chicago defense still thrives on turnovers. Got three more INTs last week. The Packers can't forget about the basics and importance of ball security just because they won the first matchup.

Scott from East Helena, MT

I think the upcoming games will be the biggest test of Matt LaFleur. Would you agree?

I can see where you're coming from, but I dunno. He's dealt with plenty of tests. The tough spot with a backup QB last September was brought up yesterday. Just two years ago this team was 3-6, hadn't scored more than 20 points in a game since Week 2, and was staring at back-to-back first-place opponents in the Lions and Chiefs to keep the season afloat. There's never any shortage of adversity in this league.

Detlef from Breitenstein, Germany

To continue on Jason's question regarding doomed ACLs: What drove me crazy after the injury was that during the same drive (if I remember correctly) we had Denver at a third-and-13, fourth-and-inches and two potential picks by Xavier McKinney, meaning four chances to get off the field before Micah got hurt. And the topic this week could be to all but secure the NFC North this week with our healthy otherworldly pass rusher. The margin for winning vs. losing or health vs. injury is so small in this league.

I hear you, but playing the "what if" game is no way to stay sane.

TK from Grafton, WI

Last spring I heard a radio interview with one of the doctors who does the physical exams at the combine. He was asked, "Based on these exams, can you predict which players are going to get injured?" His reply: "Absolutely not."

Yeah, they aren't trying to predict anything new or unforeseen with those medical checks at the combine. They're looking at past injuries, how effectively they've healed, and any risks therein.

Kenneth from Lakeland, FL

Follow-up comment for the time frame for ACL recovery. I believe Rod Woodson from the Steelers had the same injury in the first game of the season and made it back for the Super Bowl in 1995 or so. So five months is probably the record.

Woodson is the only player ever to tear an ACL and return to play in the same season. His recovery from Week 1 to Super Bowl XXX was 19 weeks, but even he admitted he wasn't all the way back, if I recall.

Jeff from Thornton, CO

The NFL is an amazing week-to-week league. Not long ago we were remarking about the Cowboys beating BOTH Super Bowl teams in four days. Now the Chargers just copied them in seven days! Time for our Pack to do the incredibly hard and beat Da Bears again... despite our tough week. GPG!

The team that reached seven consecutive AFC title games and the last three Super Bowls has been eliminated with three games remaining, QB injury notwithstanding. That's all anyone needs to know about how thoroughly unpredictable this league is.

Tom from Bend, OR

I sure hope other coaching staffs are not reading our coaching coordinator column. The leadership, knowledge and passion that Coach Hafley exudes cannot be hidden, and screams "Head coach" material.

He was a head coach for four years at Boston College, and that level of leadership shines through every time he's at the podium.

Jim from Hudsonville, MI

Of all the recent injuries, the one least talked about seems to be Evan Williams. He's been playing outstanding, and if he misses even one game, it'll be one game too many. Here's hoping for a speedy recovery! Oh, and his story about how he was waiting for the trainers to come out on the field to assist him was an absolute classic!

Williams is a real treat, both on and off the field. He's really come into his own this second season.

Ethan from Fort Collins, CO

We've all been waiting for the "breakout game" for Golden, but I'm confused why that wait has been so long. The guy shows a lot of talent when he's targeted, so what gives? Is it a lack of separation that we don't see in the games, a lack of targets/low snap count, or is it some grand plan from MLF to ease him into the role?

Last week was his first game at full health since probably October. Before he started dealing with shoulder and wrist injuries, he had a run of 16 catches for 233 yards over four games. In Denver, he had three catches for 55 yards and drew a big DPI downfield. It's coming, folks, but I believe the wait has been more health-related than anything else.

Aaron from Tucson, AZ

Good morning, Mike! Why do you believe Rashan Gary has been so quiet the last several games? Does it seem like given the new circumstances that he's ripe to surge these last three games? He's not MP1, but he has been productive for GB, so curious as to your thoughts on forecasting his impact along with the other edge personnel, both active and imminently returning players.

I also addressed this in the mid-week chat. I don't know where Gary's statistical production went after a strong start to the year, though I did see pressures from him helping others along the way, including the INT at the end of the Vikings game when he got a piece of the ball. But moving forward Gary just needs to do his job, and in this game that's setting edges against both the run and the QB, which also goes for Lukas Van Ness, Kingsley Enagbare, Barryn Sorrell, Brenton Cox Jr., etc. The Packers cannot afford to lose contain on the edges against this offense.

Bill from Fort Worth, TX

Thinking about Paul from Manitowoc's comment about officials and postgame explanations, I'm not seeing it the same. We've discussed so many other ways to get the calls better, but I'm not sure public shaming and scorn help the matter. Putting my blinders on to the level gambling has embedded itself, I believe these people are doing their best, and mistakes and misses happen, so let's help them rather than beat them.

Couldn't agree more, and the ability for the league to help them is readily available.

Ron from Mitchell, SD

Are the on-field officials under the same gambling restrictions as the players?

Indubitably.

Joey from Knoxville, TN

Hey Insiders, and happy early Christmas to you all. I noticed during the Broncos game that Rasheed Walker was responsible for (if I remember right), four of 10 penalties on the Packers. How does Luke Butkus and the other offensive coaches help him recoup and gain some more discipline on the line ahead of a big road game at Chicago?

Walker had a rough game with the flags, but he's bounced back before and I don't think it's a matter of anyone saying anything or coaching him any differently. We hadn't talked about Walker for a long stretch this season and that's to his credit.

Adam from Long Branch, NJ

Now that Sunday's emotions have worn off, a division title is still clearly within reach. The No. 2 or No. 3 seed, even with some key injuries, would give a team like Green Bay a shot to make a run. Just beat the Bears is a statement you guys will probably type out 100 times. But this really feels like our regular-season Super Bowl. I have a feeling the guys will be especially fired up at the opportunity to take some frustration out on the Bears in their house. GPG.

They'll be as fired up, with as much frustration, on the other side, too. They left Lambeau feeling/knowing they should've beaten Green Bay. That's why we watch.

Matt from Allouez, WI

The more I watch the NFL, the more convinced I am that winning the Super Bowl is 50% luck. Lucky with injuries, lucky with tipped passes, lucky with onside kicks … whatever it might be. Making the playoffs consistently is the true measure of how good a team and a franchise is. I think I might be saying that just to feel better about the Packers.

A LOT has to go right to get to a Super Bowl and win it, a fair amount of it beyond anyone's control, so it's hard. Winning consistently in this league is also difficult, partly for different reasons.

Troy from Ninety Six, SC

Lotta playoff chatter, but for me it's Just beat the Chicago/Arlington Heights/Gary Indiana Bears.

Nothing like some holiday-time political posturing. Wow.

Chuck from Whitewater, WI

Just a housekeeping question, do we get Inbox columns on the next two gameday Saturdays? No Sunday columns?

Correct. Wes will have Saturday morning columns as usual, but the first "postgame" Inbox won't be until Monday.

John from Byron, MN

Please let Albert from Hayward know that likely everyone from Packer Nation just put him in their thoughts and prayers. Hug your loved ones this holiday season as you watch these games together.

Amen.

Scotty from Lombard, IL

Micah Parsons, or no Micah Parsons, these are the games as a player we dream of playing in.

And they're all that fans can ask for this time of year. Happy Friday.

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