Derek from Eau Claire, WI

There's just something about a homecoming. Reunite, reconnect, start something new.

There's no place like home, there's no place like home, there's no place like home…

Roger from Lakewood Ranch, FL

Good morning, Wes. I am submitting this on Veterans Day. I hope that we are all united in being thankful for the service that all veterans have performed for our country. We truly have much to be thankful for, much of which we would not have without their service. That said, on to my question…Problem is I am out of questions that might result in an explanation of what it will take for the Packers to win a game that hasn't already been asked. So, I'll just say "GPG! Beat the Cowboys!"

Echoing Mike's comments, I hope all of our veterans in the Inbox had a wonderful Friday. Here at packers.com, we thank you for your service and sacrifice. Now, let's take a few questions and then win a football game.

Brandon from Pleasant Prairie, WI

People are talking about the record, what the team can do to move forward, etc... Right now, my main concern is Rodgers surviving Sunday with Micah Parsons on the other side.

Dan Quinn has seemingly built his scheme around Parsons and rightfully so. He's one of the NFL's most physically gifted playmakers, regardless of position. Hopefully, the Packers have their preferred starting five available Sunday. They'll need all hands on deck against the NFL's leading pressure defense.

CJ from Cedar Rapids, IA

With our thinning of outside linebacker ranks, do you think having Isaiah McDuffie and Krys Barnes in the middle and Quay Walker at the outside position makes any sense? I like what I've seen from McDuffie, and Walker looks pretty versatile to me.

Honestly, the Packers may be hurting even more there than on the edge. With De'Vondre Campbell (knee) and Barnes both unlikely to play Sunday, Green Bay will need Walker and McDuffie inside vs. Dallas. Without Rashan Gary, Kingsley Enagbare and the other young OLBs have to step up.

Dar from Mansfield, TX

Two words to recall as the Packers face a Mike McCarthy team: pad level. (Ah yes, memories do indeed make us rich.) In all seriousness though, one of the things I took from his Packers' stewardship is the idea that "you get what you emphasize." I use that regularly in my own professional life. Good leader, and I hope Lambeau attendees are liberal with their applause for him.

When McCarthy emphasized something in the offseason, it got fixed. That impressed me at the time but even more so now after covering the NFL for 12 years. This game is a massive dam with leaks abound. You can't close every hole, but the best teams address "the musts" while doing their best to manage the rest.

Karen from South Beloit, IL

So, Micah Parsons is planning to step on the Packers like roaches. What kind of insect do we need to be to defeat the Cowboys?

Mothra. Own the sky.

Hannes from Glendale, WI

In my mind, parity doesn't mean luck becomes a bigger factor, but execution does. The talent gap isn't wide enough to let the superior team get away with sloppiness. Let's hope the Packers find a way to execute better this Sunday!

That's the recipe against a team as talented as the Cowboys, who are tied for third in the NFL with plus-6 turnover differential. Dallas is pretty complete but it's not perfect. And the few weaknesses the Cowboys do have (passing offense, goal-to-go defense), the Packers need to use those to their advantage on Sunday.

Nathan from Manitowoc, WI

Is Johnathan Abram a better fit in the Packers' quarters system than in the Raiders' defensive system?

I'm excited to find out. Abram is a true hard-hitting strong safety. If Abram picks up the scheme quickly, there are some intriguing things Joe Barry could do with him, Darnell Savage and Adrian Amos in the sub-packages. Abram's talent is legit. I think he just needs the right schematic fit.

Anthony from Sturgeon Bay, WI

Morning II dudes, I'm wondering why you believe the NFL should move to all real turf fields if the injury numbers simply don't show a need? Do the players believe the powers to be feeding them false numbers? Putting real turf in domed stadiums sounds like a costly and time-consuming process, or is it simpler than I'm making it sound?

The most quizzical thing I've seen is the Packers and Giants playing on a turf field despite the fact real grass gets rolled in for Tottenham Hotspur matches. I'm not saying I have all the answers on this topic, but players are voicing their dissatisfaction over artificial surfaces, and I believe they should be heard. This is the National Football League. Mountains are moved every day. Can we at least explore the possibilities?

Matt from South Bend, IN

It blows my mind that the NFL can't get grass fields in their stadiums when clearly all players are in favor of it. Yet, they can call for increased flags on plays that don't affect the game, such as removing your helmet when the play is long over and you're out of bounds. When will the NFL learn to be consistent and stop hurting the sport?

I think Matt outdid me with his response on the subject.

TK from Grafton, WI

When did "multiple personnel groupings" become such a thing? It seems to me two receivers, one tight end, and two running backs (21 personnel) is nearly extinct in the NFL.

Sometime over the past 10-12 years. However, I feel like we've actually seen an uptick with "21" personnel the past few years with the proliferation of the Shanahan offense in the NFL.

Edward from Yorba Linda, CA

Why have we heard so little about No. 95? A first-rounder and no news? Does he get any playing time? Is he injured? I would like to know.

I tweeted Jerry Montgomery's comments about Devonte Wyatt on Wednesday. "Definitely getting better, gaining more trust each day. … He's deserving of the reps and he's getting them." Wyatt's playing time I think is a mixture of him being a rookie and playing at perhaps the healthiest position on the entire roster. Aside from Wyatt's quadriceps injury, I don't know if a Packers defensive lineman has been on the injury report all season.

Al from Green Bay, WI

OK, so it won't exactly be "Ice Bowl" weather on Sunday, but we're now in a mid-November weather pattern. Lambeau Field plus chilly weather has to give the Packers a boost, right?

Absolutely, especially with the run game. The Packers haven't had much working in their favor this season, beginning with this schedule. It's going to be cooler this week and Green Bay needs to own those elements.

Joey from Groveland, MI

II, I don't know about you, but I'm excited for playoff football on Sunday.

Win and stay home…for another game four days later.

Brett from Effingham, IL

If we need to "shake" things up, and the definition of insanity is to keep doing the same things and expect different results, maybe it's time for some "creamy fries and golden shakes." I'm sure Cousins would enjoy the unique sponsor attraction until a victory.

Do not mess with the creamy shakes. That's been the best part about "Packers Unscripted" for the past month.

Nathan from Philadelphia, PA

I know we don't deserve a Path to Playoffs column anytime soon, but should we root for the Bucs to beat the Seahawks in Munich? It looks like the NFC South is not gonna produce a wild-card team this year, and if the Seahawks get knocked down a bit, it lowers the chance the NFC West will either. That would open up a bit of a path for us... *if* we can put our own house in order.

It probably doesn't matter that much since the NFC East is standing tall in the conference thus far. However, my hunch would be to cheer for the Bucs. Right now, I don't see the NFC South producing a wild-card team.

David from Owasso, OK

Austin from Manassas doesn't like parity. He obviously wasn't a Packers fan prior to 1992. Ask Pirates, Mariners, Marlins, Diamondbacks, Twins, Tigers and Orioles fans about it. MLB attendance is dropping 5% every year and the 2022 WS was the second "least viewed" in history. The NFL screams parity and we should be proud.

I want NFL players to make as much money as possible. They deserve every penny for how they put their bodies on the line, but I personally feel the league's salary cap is part of the secret sauce. Nearly every team has a chance. Just look at the New York squads this year. You can spend your money knowing your team is only a couple good drafts and free-agent acquisitions away from a turnaround.

David from Oak Hills, CA

The reality is that 10 wins gets a team to the playoffs. Packers currently at 3-6 must go 7-1 down the stretch. They'll either be an extremely hot team heading into the playoffs or a team facing a lot of question marks. Fittingly, the Packers face McCarthy to get the second half of the season started.

San Francisco was 3-5 last year through its first eight games and nobody wanted to play the 49ers by the postseason. Coincidentally, San Francisco currently owns the No. 7 seed in the NFC with a 4-4 record. There's plenty of sand still left in the hourglass. But the Packers can't waste any time.

Tom from Reedsville, WI

I hope everyone at the game gives Mike McCarthy a standing ovation when he's announced as the head coach of the Cowboys and the respect he deserves from his time with the Packers. That would not only show what kind of football fans we are but also the kind of people we and Mike McCarthy are.

McCarthy may be Pittsburgh macho but he's Green Bay through and through. Spoff will have more on his return later this morning.

Miranda from Rochester, NY

Good morning, all. Some random questions … Does your coffee creamer flavor change for the holidays? Are you Christmas music people? If so, when does it start? Thanks for filling my breaks at work!

As the wonderful employees at Not By Bread Alone can attest, I stick with half & half creamer all year long. I don't like sugar or sweetener in my coffee. While I'm not a big Christmas music fella, I do enjoy when it plays outside Lambeau Field throughout the month of December.

Craig from Appleton, WI

Last season we had poetry from Dean at the end of every week in the II and the team went 13-4. This year Dean has been absent, and we have seen the results. I think it is clear what needs to happen to turn this thing around.

I'm not gonna twist Dean's quill but this fact is not lost on me, either.

Dean from Leavenworth, IN

Backs to the wall and time now grows short in Green Bay. Winter and a cold harsh wind knock at the door.

Only your best will keep them at bay.

Let's freaking go! Enjoy the ball game, folks.