Mark from UK

I understand from your comment that the "throwback" uniforms have been getting some stick! Personally, I like this latest version, but I wonder if the brown leather-look helmets, as cool as they are, just add a split-second or two to the visual clues of where players are on the field? I know watching on TV I found it harder to pick people out, so maybe the quarterback does, too?

*Stares blankly at computer screen*

Mike from Baraboo, WI

Still waiting on that complete game. Can the Packers bring their A-game versus the Eagles?

They're gonna need it. One of the NFL's best teams strolls into town on Monday. You gotta defend Lambeau with the same ferocity the Packers did earlier this year.

Jeremy from Rendon, TX

I sent in a question about a month ago and made the statement, this team's motto is, "We just make it hard on ourselves." Seems to be holding up so far. My second observation, which I thought immediately after the injury occurred, is the loss of Jayden Reed is going to be monumental. His ability to get open always created a safety blanket and gave opportunities to other receivers. Here's hoping someone finally breaks out. Looking your way Matthew Golden and Luke Musgrave!

Reed was a huge loss, but that's how it goes in the NFL. It's rare for a team to go bell to bell with the same five or six skill-position players. Some get hurt, some return, and others step up. The Packers lost one of the top five players on their entire roster this week with Tucker Kraft going on injured reserve. As much as that hurts, the question becomes who will take up his post and become a reliable, productive target for Jordan Love and this offense.

Tim from Elmhurst, IL

Love the "Dodgeball" reference by Spoff. Writing today about the whiners on injuries…it's football. Injuries are part of the game. Anyone remember 2010 season? Sixteen players on IR including Finley, Tauscher, Barnett, Grant. It's time for this team to step up and play like they are capable. Plenty of leaders on this team despite losing Kenny Clark and Kraft. Who are the most likely candidates to step up and lead this team to the promised land this year?

It's whoever steps up and grabs the brass ring. The beautiful thing about that mystic Super Bowl XLV season is everyone had a hand in it whether it was Jordy Nelson developing into a go-to offensive weapon, Tramon Williams' emergence at cornerback, Jarrett Bush stepping up in a pinch or Howard Green and Erik Walden adding an in-season spark. The opportunity is now for anyone on this roster to make their impact felt. That's how Packers legends are made.

Mike from Aurora, IL

As you often say, the biggest factor in the playoffs is who is playing their best ball and impact of injuries. We have plenty of time to "re-find' our dominance. Other than stopping the run, what do you think is the biggest factor Monday night? I'd suggest patience and winning the turnover battle. (Also, I have an Airbnb in Hilton Head that Spoff can rent out at the green and gold discount, of course).

Any takeaway Green Bay generates in this one would a plus. The Packers are 31st in takeaways (five) while the Eagles lead the league with just three giveaways. Outside of pure Xs and Os, Green Bay needs to get a lid on the penalties. Teams only control so much in the game of football, but cutting down the pre-snap penalties tops the list of "musts." It's one small thing that can go a long way. In the three non-wins, the Packers averaged 9.3 penalties for 57.0 lost yards.

Kyle from St. Charles, MO

I recall a plethora of coverage throughout training camp about Matthew Golden looking like he belongs, being uncoverable, seeing amazing highlights. I'm assuming at some point that will translate to the games that count on a consistent basis. Do you see anything in particular currently preventing that from happening?

Not really. Golden has been close to several big plays during the first half of the year. He comes as advertised. Golden catches the ball naturally and has a knack for getting open. Perhaps it's just being intentional about getting Golden touches and allowing him to take the rest from there.

Mike from Tama, IA

Not really a question, but an agreement with something Mike S. said yesterday: "My take is this is a very talented team that isn't polished enough yet to play with the consistency (however fleeting) expected of an elite team." We have the youngest team in the league, playing as the youngest team in the league. Things will be rocky at times, but they will get it together. Time is fleeting but so is inexperience.

Not to put a timer on anything, but I'd look for the Packers to collect as many wins as possible during this five-game November stretch and be prepared to play their best football once December hits. That was the recipe when Green Bay arrived ahead of schedule during the final stretch in 2023. One way or another, however, it's those five NFC North games that'll define the Packers' 2025 season.

Tom from Draper, UT

Hi Wes. The first game of the season was filled with Micah Parsons hype and an electric stadium atmosphere. The defense also seemed faster, more focused, and every player wanted in on the tackle. How much does emotion and hype play into soundly executed football? What could produce that type of emotion mid to late season?

There's certainly things Matt LaFleur, his coaches and the organization can do to keep the message fresh and motivate the locker room, but it's also the responsibility of each individual to do whatever's necessary to keep their edge. Because at the end of the day, you're out there competing against someone who wants it just as bad.

Tommy from Washburn, WI

What do coaches and players do on Sunday when they play Monday? Extra practice? Or extra rest? Sit back and watch the competition on TV?

It's a football Saturday, so they do their usual meetings and walkthroughs.

Bob from Ocean View, DE

Given that the Eagles OL > the Panthers OL and Saquon Barkley > Rico Dowdle, will the Pack need to score a TON of points to get the victory on Monday night?

If there is no math in Inbox, then there clearly is no transitive property in the NFL.

Tim from Olathe, KS

Wes, in preseason, I asked you if the Packers would be more physical on the OL this year. You replied signing Aaron Banks and having Jordan Morgan back would add an edge to the OL. Yet we seem to get pushed around a lot and Josh Jacobs gets a lot of 2-yard runs. Where's our edge? Where's the ground and pound we were counting on this year?

It's undoubtedly been a struggle. Whether it's been guys going in and out of the lineup with injuries or just an overall lack of execution, the ground game has been a work in progress. I believe we've seen signs of improvement, specifically between the 20s, but the step forward I expected hasn't quite yet surfaced.

Alondo from Greensboro, NC

Y'all did it again, why did you let the defensive line at the Jets slip right by your fingers to go to Dallas? We needed a line, and you let it slip right through your fingers again, it's crazy.

The Packers already traded their next two first-rounders to the Cowboys, who leveraged one of those to get Quinnen Williams. What did you suggest the Packers do? Offer the Jets the 2028 first-rounder, a second-round pick and a Ma Hod-packed cheese tray from Kugel's?

Ray from Phoenix, AZ

Are there any free agent defensive backs out there? Too late to trade a kicker but can we try to move one to ST if there is a FA DB out there that can play. I am no coach but even I can tell we need help in the secondary and not two kickers.

I don't manage the roster, but there are a few intriguing names on the free agent market – more than usual during the course of an NFL season. Maybe there is a Jared Veldheer-type acquisition who can propel the Packers down the stretch. Only time will tell.

Randy from Lebanon, KY

Hi Mike and Wes, I am sure the decision to go for it on fourth-an-8 will be criticized by fans. But I believe the decision would have been scrutinized either way. My question is, was the decision to go because of a lack of trust in the kicker, or situational? I feel Lucas Havrisik is still on the roster because a concern over Brandon McManus, either health or performance.

There's not much for me to add to this one. LaFleur gave his reasons for going for it on fourth-and-8. The Packers have faith in McManus, but Havrisik most likely will get swiped up if Green Bay lets him go. Just look at what's happening in Atlanta right now. So, Green Bay wants to be 100% certain McManus is healthy before doing anything. Simple as that.

Joe from Pittsburgh, PA

At the halfway point, who is your choice for league MVP? Crazy as it sounds, I say Baker Mayfield. Also, how about the Colts and the Commanders as biggest surprises and disappointments respectively.

I can't say I saw either coming, though Jayden Daniels' injuries have a lot to do with Washington's recent misfortune. Josh Allen is my MVP pick right now.

Aidan from Suwanee, GA

Throughout the season, I've enjoyed watching Rashan Gary become the game wrecker we thought he would be. With some of Gary's sacks though, I cross my fingers each time praying for no flag. It seems RG could be called for a hip-drop tackle on a few of hits on the QB. With Luvu being handed a healthy, yearly salary-sized fine, I hope RG and company are taking notice to make any adjustments. Do you think there will be more attention on this type of play moving forward?

I'm not worried about it. First, Luvu wasn't just fined (originally suspended) out of the blue. There was a track record there and most of his offenses came while chasing ball carriers downfield, which is in the spirit of the rule. Even compared to what was called on Micah Parsons, you'll notice a difference on Luvu's sack of Michael Penix. Luvu doesn't just go weightless – he falls flat on his back while pulling Penix down. That's a no-no.

Trevor from Seattle, WA

You could also argue Badgers football was close to at least competing for a championship in 2011. We were a special teams blunder (MSU) and a couple Hail Marys (MSU and OSU) away from an undefeated season. Wins over both those highly touted squads likely land us a matchup with LSU in the BCS Championship. Tormenting, for sure. It really tugs at the heartstrings if you play out the hypothetical of J.J. Watt sticking around for his senior year. Good memories, though. That was a fun team to watch.

David from Athens clearly didn't watch that year or he would've seen Russell Wilson trying to spike the ball before time expired in the 2012 Rose Bowl.

Dan from Algonquin, IL

Hi Wes, have you already forgotten that the Bucks won the most recent championship for a Wisconsin-based team, in 2021? They were never "inches away" in any other year in recent memory. Go back to 1974 to see their previous appearance in the NBA Finals. What's the best way to attack the Eagles' D with our current offense?

You're right, the Bucks won it all in 2020-21, so fans should be content with plenty, right? Deal. No more complaining. The best way to attack the Eagles? Protect the ball, go directly right at 'em, and finish drives. This game Monday night will be won inside the red zone.

Steve from Rockford, IL

Have been watching the Packers since the Lombardi days, and do not recall seeing a game in which a team that never punted lost. Admittedly, my memory is not what it used to be. How many times has this happened (to the Packers and in the NFL generally)?

It happens across the league at least a couple times each NFL season. It's a first for LaFleur but twice occurred during the Mike McCarthy era – a 31-23 loss to Detroit in 2018 and the infamous 44-23 loss to New Orleans in 2014.

Dennis from Parrish, FL

The Jets are going to Jet! Seven high picks in the next two drafts, and in a great year, they might get two correct!

It's wild watching New York systematically deconstruct what's been its only strength over the past four seasons. For all the Jets' flaws – and there are plenty – you could always count on them fielding a top 3-5 defense.

Dustin from Kansas City, MO

I really messed up at the game on Sunday. I was walking along near the Kwik Trip entrance an hour or so before the game, when I saw a fella, all dressed up and walking in the opposite direction of me. We made eye contact for a moment, and I gave him a little nod and a smile as the rolodex in my brain tried to place where I knew him from. By the time it dawned on me it was Wes, he was already gone. Talk about a missed opportunity.

Dustin! Nooooooooooooooooooo. Next time!

Kent from Homosassa, FL

Would you please consider including the expected "Packers Unscripted" schedule for the coming week as part of the II sign-off on Mondays?

Yeah, we can do that. Outside of Thanksgiving week, I think it should be pretty much every Tuesday and Thursday unless I run into another contract dispute.

David from Sheridan, WY

As last season progressed the Packers showed they were a good team needing to "put it all together" in order to make a deep playoff run. Last year they ran out of time. This season feels similar but heightened due to more talent on the roster. Only halfway through the season, they aren't playing their best ball, and we are all asking the same question as last year: Will the Packers "put it all together" at the right time? I'm excited to find out.

The journey continues Monday night.

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