Ray from Clark, NJ

...and now there are only two other teams with just one loss.

One goal. 1-0.

Steve from Dodgeville, WI

Good morning, Wes and II. If on Sunday in Arizona you could be in the huddle on the first play for each of offense, defense and ST for motivation, what would you say to each? Besides GPG.

"What am I doing out here? You guys gotta protect me."

Jacob from Menomonie, WI

What's the key to victory in Arizona?

Start fast and finish strong. I don't feel the Packers are that far away, but they need to tie up the loose ends. Getting a preferred starting five in order on the offensive line is part of it because of how that unit affects both the run and the pass. Defensively, the Packers need to show their teeth and close the door in the fourth quarter.

Sam from Reno, NV

Good morning guys, and thanks for doing a great job. Maybe the Bengals weren't the pushover Jake Browning had us thinking. Others have touched on this, but my perspective is growing. Yes, I've had angst about our mistakes, time management, lack of adjustments, silly penalties, etc. But we've faced the top defense (beat ourselves), top offense (didn't lose) all with numerous injuries, mental lapses, next to nothing for turnovers. If things come together, we could be dangerous.

Joe Flacco is nobody's underdog and the chemistry he developed with Ja'Marr Chase in the second half against Green Bay carried into Thursday night against Pittsburgh and probably won the Bengals the game. From the Packers' perspective, it goes back to the oldest rule in the book…just beat the team in front of you.

Edward from Sioux Falls, SD

I feel much better about the Packers' defense now. I really do.

The Packers did a whale of job against Chase and Tee Higgins if you think about it. Pittsburgh knew what Cincinnati wanted to do with the ball and the Steelers couldn't stop 'em. One thing I noticed in Green Bay, Flacco sure seems to be playing looser than he did in Cleveland. It's like he's rediscovered that "For Love of the Game" mindset he had during his comeback year. That's all in the past now for Green Bay, though. The focus is set on whomever starts for the Cards on Sunday.

Joe from Swansea, IL

Are we overdue for a breakout game by Micah Parsons? He regularly gets held by the neck, chipped and double-teamed. And yet it feels like heisthisclose to dominating a game.

Calling my shot…one sack, two holding penalties and three QB hits on Sunday. Mark it down, dude. If Arizona sells out to try stopping Parsons, others must step up and make either Kyler Murray or Jacoby Brissett uncomfortable.

Dale from Prescott, WI

Regarding the "rip" technique, do you think Parsons might be pushing up the OL's arms/hands to his face area, that's why they aren't calling it? Either way something has to change.

I'm no ref, but you'd think the rear-naked choke a couple linemen have thrown Parsons into this season would be a good enough indication of a possible holding penalty. Again, just one man's opinion.

Mark from Dallas, TX

Has anyone suggested the Reggie White "push the blocker into the QB for a sack" technique to Parsons in order to avoid the holds? (Tongue firmly planted in cheek.) On the other side of side of Parsons' comments, I really hope we get back to football basics next year and eliminate the tush push, and hopefully that will help clean up all the helping advance the runner stuff that happens these days. There are too many yards gained after the ball carrier is, effectively, tackled these days.

Parsons addressed the media for just under 14 minutes on Thursday and I heard not a single lie spoken. I'm gonna leave it at that for now. I assume we'll be talking plenty about it next month when the Eagles come to town.

Jeff from Indian Lake, NY

Last year it seemed that Edgerrin Cooper had an impact play at least once a series. He has been solid and certainly flies around the field, but the splash plays have been missing. If I could pick one player to get the turnover party started it would be him. Who (whom?) would be yours?

You read my mind…more on that later today in "Final Thoughts." Cooper is playing well this year as both an off-ball linebacker and occasional rusher/blitzer. The challenge for Jeff Hafley and Co. is choosing when and where to utilize his talent to best affect the game.

Bill from Clive, IA

In the few times you've had opportunity to watch 11-on-11s in practice, how does our defense deal with Tucker Kraft? I know games are not practice, but still ... it must be good practice in preparation for a guy like Trey McBride this weekend. Have our LBs been able to disrupt opposing TEs? Or is Kraft a problem for our guys as well?

This is a big one for the Packers' linebackers and Javon Bullard with McBride coming up in their bracket. I don't recall the play-by-play of the defense's battles with Kraft during training camp, but he should provide a good scout this week. Kraft and McBride are similar in that they're pass-catching machines and legit red-zone threats. McBride and Marvin Harrison make up more than half of the Cardinals' passing production. The Packers must keep a lid on that.

James from Appleton, WI

I'm in no way saying Bo Melton and Savion Williams are Desmond Howard. I just remember that back then teammates said how knowing Howard might come zipping by really motivated them to block their best. Step 1: Find the returners. Step 2: See above. Can't wait!

Breaking a kickoff for a touchdown is the epitome of an explosive, game-changing play. However, those two second-half returns by Melton and Williams serve as a reminder of how beneficial it can be for an offense to start a drive between its own 35-40. Like Rich Bisaccia often says, the kickoff return is the first offensive play of a drive, and it set the table for some key scoring drives against the Bengals.

Mike from Baraboo, WI

Do you think we will see Jordan Love run more when lanes open up? It seems like he has opportunities to run and keep the chains moving. I realize this can put him at risk for injury but if he uses the slide to avoid hits, that should keep him protected. What's your take?

That's the fine line a QB must walk (or run). It's not something you can really practice, either. It's experience and understanding the situation. As a runner, I think Love's objective is similar to Rodgers' once was in GB – gain yards with your feet when you can but also use them to create scramble-drill opportunities in the passing game.

Jeffery from Monticello, WI

Hello II, I get the feeling this is one of those trap games. They need to take these next few games one at a time and play like it's the postseason!

We can't categorize every game the Packers play against a team below .500 as a "trap game." Green Bay needs to get on a winning streak before the "trap game" talk reignites.

Tim from Olathe, KS

Insiders, no one wants to acknowledge this, but the Bears are legitimate divisional contenders. Their schedule is very soft and they will likely be favored in their next several games. We could wake up to a 7-3 or even 8-2 Bears team. And that builds confidence. Just beat the Bears may really mean something this year besides braggin' rights.

Everyone is above .500 in the NFC North. That makes them all contenders. That said, we are five weeks from the next division game and nearly two months away from the first encounter with the Bears. The Packers need to win a bulk of these next five for those North games to truly matter.

Bob from Rome, NY

Wes: Can we sign Rasul Douglas two a one-game contract for Sunday? Thanks!

It was a legendary performance in my book, capped by Douglas celebrating in front of a sea of dejected Cardinals fans. It's one of my core memories from the Packers COVID era. Miami is having a rough year, but Douglas is playing well down there. It's great to see.

Jeffrey from Eveleth, MN

Does that Steelers player get credited for a tackle after he took Rodgers down in the celebration of the TD?

That sure was something else. Can you imagine if after all that Rodgers wound up hurt because his 300-pound offensive lineman got a little bit too excited? I, too, would've been fired up if I was Rodgers.

Joseph from Sioux Falls, SD

How did Aaron Rodgers even get that ball into the end zone on the Hail Mary?! I still love Rodgers and was so hoping he would connect with someone for another HOF moment.

Because he's one of the very best to ever do it. I still don't think this will be his last year.

John from Ludgershall, UK

I think we might have played Cincinnati at just the right time: They could be hard to beat going forward once Flacco properly settles in. Mike Tomlin must be fuming!

Cleveland reminds me of that dude in your fantasy league who randomly cuts a good player the week before you play the guy who claims him off waivers. Tomlin was right. It's a strange move just to move up one round in the draft.

Jim from Hudsonville, MI

I've read quite a few comments regarding the "bad timing" of Jordan's turnovers this year (albeit he's only had a few). I was thinking what a silly way to describe them, because there really is no GOOD time for a turnover. Just saying.

Turnovers are like dealing with in-laws. There's no good time for them to drop by but plenty of bad.

David from Janesville, WI

This is a Mike question submitted after II came out Friday, and I know Monday will be rightfully dedicated to items from the Cardinal game, but I did want to inquire on the MLB salary cap negotiations he mentioned. Are the owners actually discussing the revenue sharing that will undoubtedly need to go along with it? Without it I don't see how much will change. The big-money teams will hit the cap ceiling, and the smaller clubs will be at levels similar to now.

Spoff is the baseball guy, but what you describe is why I fell out of love with Major League Baseball. It's difficult to be the little engine that could when the big-market teams have bottomless resources to not only pay players in the now but also defer huge sums of money to the future (e.g. Ohtani's contract). That's why I spend my money on other forms of entertainment.

Al from Green Bay, WI

It's a one-loss Packers team facing off with a two-win Cardinals team. Easy on paper, never on the field. The Pack will finally get that road win. Reasons to believe: 1) Jordan Love vs. any AZ QB is a win for us. 2) A healthy and gelling O-line bodes well for pass protection and run blocking. 3) This Packers defense believes it hasn't shown its might yet. It's time. 4) Special teams took a step last week and looks to stack success. 5) The fans will show up in green and gold. GPG!

I expect to see quite a bit of green and gold in the stands Sunday. The Packers gotta give them a reason to take over in Glendale.

Arthur from Eau Claire, WI

Mike and Wes, how in the world do you both still have all your hair? Honestly, unless you both use primal screaming, a whole bunch of throwing objects in your cubicles, really good wine, fallen arches from stomping your feet, and/or growing a massive ulcer, or has Sensei Rock taught the grasshoppers to accept, breathe out and let go? Inquiring minds want to know.

Hands to the side…breathe in, breathe out, and enjoy the game everyone.

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