Al from Green Bay, WI

At the risk of appearing to be "entitled," after two lackluster performances at Lambeau, I think the Packers' offense owes us a breakout performance this week. Of course, there is no better time to break out than now, heading into division-fest! What (or who) do you see driving increased offensive productivity?

I wouldn't chastise anyone for having high expectations of this team. My occasionally humble opinion, true entitlement is when the outcome doesn't match one's pie-in-the-sky dreams and they react in a vitriolic manner. As far as the game is concerned, the job gets more difficult if Josh Jacobs can't go. However, Jordan Love is starting to do late-season Jordan Love things and that bodes well for this offense. Football is more than one player, but a solid quarterback rounding into form elevates everyone around him. What we saw from Love in the second half has made me excited for what's to come.

Mikey from Wisconsin

We better be ready; this is a playoff game for the Vikes!

This is a massive game for Minnesota, which has dropped four of its last five. Meanwhile, Green Bay needs to do better than its 1-5 mark in the NFC North last year. Lambeau is definitely gonna have a big-game feel Sunday.

Dan from Algonquin, IL

Hi Wes, so many interesting aspects going into this game against the Vikings. Aaron Jones coming back to Lambeau, again. The great Vikings WRs. A blitz-happy Vikings defense. Two teams fighting to stay in contention. The key to me is keeping J.J. McCarthy uncomfortable. Should we blitz or contain? Obviously, it is situational. It would be great to see some pressure up the middle and Lukas Van Ness out there on the edge, yes?

I'm unfamiliar with the splits on McCarthy's season, but it's been a rocky road for him so far. He's thrown at least one interception in each of his five starts and hasn't completed more than 56% of his passes since the comeback win over Chicago in the opener. McCarthy is a gamer, though, and has as strong an arm as you'll find in the NFL. The Packers need to contain Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason and get McCarthy in some third-and-uncomfortable situations. When/if the defense has a shot at a takeaway, it needs to secure the football.

Ed from Onalaska, WI

It seems to me that the Pack has had so much trouble stopping the run, do you think Kenny Clark is sorely missed? What can they do to shore this up?

I don't think either Spoff or I are wrong in our assessment of the run defense. He raises a good point about the problem of leaking for too many 4-5-yard gains, but my viewpoint on the Giants game was it was the screens and passes on third down are what hurt the Packers the most. All three of New York's touchdown drives consisted of at least one explosive pass play (oddly they all were exactly 20 yards). The only explosive run (Tyrone Tracy's 17-yarder) came on the series in which Evan Williams picked off Jameis Winston.

Scott from Wausau, WI

If not for Edgerrin Cooper's missed tackle and Keisean Nixon's dropped INT, the Packers' defense gives up six points against New York. Gotta make the play. Operating in that line of thinking, four kicks made and we could be undefeated. Starting at the top, let's get it together for a stretch run.

That's sports and competition. Even in a 45-0 blowout, the victorious team still makes mistakes. The Packers have been in several down-to-the-wire games this year and that win/loss pendulum swings both ways. The defense played well enough to aid a Green Bay win but still can be better. What's encouraging is the Packers have now generated a takeaway in five straight games. They gotta keep 'em coming.

Dennis from Seal Beach, CA

It was my sophomore year at Kettle Moraine. I read the play perfectly. I broke on the ball and stepped in front of the receiver at the goal line with nothing but 100 yards of pure football glory in front of me. I dropped it. End of a very short and completely unfulfilled football career. So yeah…it happens. GPG

It's like Jack King once wrote, "Few players recall big pots they have won, strange as it seems, but every player can remember with remarkable accuracy the outstanding tough beats of his career."

Brian from Charlottesville, VA

The Packers-Vikings recent history seems pretty evenly split, according to the Dope Sheet. The regular-season series was split in four of the last five seasons, and the Packers scored 30-plus points in five of the last 10 meetings. Have the Packers' wins come when they scored 30 or more? Will 27 get it done?

Well, the Packers have won every game they've scored 27 points. By the same token, Brian Flores' defense has only allowed 27 or more points on three occasions this year. The Vikings are 0-3 in those games, all of which happened since their Week 6 bye.

Alan from Fresno, CA

I found it interesting Mike's comment about Edgerrin Cooper going for the ball instead of the tackle for loss. Some of the Insiders have been hollering for better tackling, while others for creating turnovers. Looks like we can't have it both ways. Maybe I'm old school, but I prefer a wrap-up tackle over punching at the ball and allowing 3-plus yards as a result. Is there a balance in there somewhere?

That's why the "getting hats to the ball" piece is important. Cooper can afford to take some chances if he has another defender or two behind him. In that specific instance, however, the Giants had numbers to Cooper's side if he doesn't get him to the turf. Obviously, it's easy enough to dissect afterwards. The actual decision has to be made in a half-second.

Tom from Southfield, MI

II, this part of the game is not my strong suit, but that's why I'm asking. If both sides agreed, would it make sense to sign Malik Willis to a short contract so they might get more in a trade than in a comp pick?

I think that's more of an end-of-year question, but I assume Willis wants another shot at becoming a starter again and deserves that opportunity if one is presented. Green Bay loves him, but he's also backing up one of the league's top quarterbacks who's also only a year older.

David from North Potomac, MD

I understand not risking the backup getting hurt. What do you think of the value of putting a couple plays into a game just so opponents have to plan for it? I think for sure toward the end of the regular season if a path to the playoffs is secure. But maybe sooner?

My stance on this hasn't changed since Tuesday. I agree with you guys, but I'm also not in the game-planning meetings. That decision is entirely up to LaFleur and Co. They've done it before. They easily could do it again.

Craig from Sussex, WI

Don't turn the ball over and you have a decent chance of beating the Bears. Plus-16 turnover ratio is absurd, not sustainable.

Count me curious to see how Chicago's season unfolds, but the Bears deserve credit. Yes, they're giving up a ton of production, but 22 takeaways is a heck of an achievement. Offensively, Caleb Williams protects the ball as well as any young QB I've seen come through the NFL in recent years. That combo will keep Chicago in every game it plays.

Josh from Seattle, WA

I think this team is exciting to watch because they clearly have the horses in the barn to win the race! I remember many of the Patriot seasons when they were dominating, where early in the year they had lackluster performances, but then they fix their deadly issues and make a run going into the playoffs playing their best ball. That's all that matters for this team! Can we play our best ball at the most important time?

And stay healthy while doing it.

John from Oshkosh, WI

Haven't heard a ton about Anthony Belton. Is he still battling injuries or do the coaches just feel he needs some more time?

The Packers have been getting healthier on the offensive line – again, knock on wood – so Belton's number hasn't been called. Also, Darian Kinnard now has three months in this scheme and serving as that next-man-up.

JR from East Moline, IL

Per my fantasy football app, some guy named "Weston Hodkiewicz" claims Jayden Reed won't practice today. I figure whoever he is doesn't know what he's talking about, I'm playing Reed.

I wouldn't trust that hack, either.

Robert from Verona, WI

The prospect of bringing Reed back into this offense is really exciting. He was our leading receiver the past two seasons for a reason, and I'm hoping it will unlock some things for the offense as we go through the stretch run. If we're lucky, we may just get to see what MarShawn Lloyd has to offer, as well, because I think a lot of us believe that he can be a difference maker. For once, maybe reinforcements are on the way.

Reed isn't back quite yet, but the Packers are certainly excited about the prospects of adding him back to this offense for the stretch run.

Matt from Waunakee, WI

Twenty-seven points was enough to win all 13 of the Packers' world championship games.

Charley Brock and the boys perfected it in that 1939 NFL Championship Game win over the New York Giants.

David from Howards Grove, WI

Mike McCarthy's early-season mantra was "First, win 10 games," as that generally secured a playoff spot. Given the current 17-game season and competitiveness of the top teams, it seems the win number is at least 11, if not 12. Making the playoffs again at third in the NFC North appears to be a statistical anomaly. Just beat the Bears!

I can't argue with that, especially after Seattle missed the playoffs last year with 10 wins. Just win, Davey.

Linwood from Travelers Rest, SC

I laughed all the way through Devonte Wyatt's "Mic'd Up" segment. He keeps the players fired up. Is he always talking and cutting up like that?

Credit our broadcast department. That was a great decision to mic Wyatt. Among several humorous moments, Wyatt's pre-game interaction with director of player engagement Grey Ruegamer is an all-timer on this website.

Mark from Greendale, WI

The Jets spend hundreds of millions on players a year to have them play on concrete? Why not add some glass shards and rusty nails? I'd engineer a surface out of marshmallows and feathers if it'd help protect my team. It's always good for morale when the owner leads the charge to not provide safety and improvements from the team. Wait, this sounds like my job, ha!

I don't want to belabor the turf issue, especially since the Packers only play on it four times this regular season. But I was blown away by the job Arizona does A) growing grass in the desert and B) rolling it out on gameday. The Giants and Jets sharing a stadium doesn't make it easy to keep a grass surface in pristine condition, but there's gotta be another way.

Markus from Sea Ranch, CA

I realize players have different shoes/cleats for different type field surfaces and conditions, but are there other equipment variations they use? I thought maybe the hard unforgiving surface at MetLife Stadium might warrant different protective pads, which might afford more protection at the cost of player speed.

Players are encouraged to wear molded cleats on turf, but I'm not aware of any drastic changes when the Packers play on turf other than maybe more guys wearing knee/elbow pads and rash-guard sleeves.

William from Highland Park

Hi guys! First, thank you. You all are a big reason why it's so great to be a Packers fan. My question: Has the league or the NFLPA ever looked at having sensors in the helmet to help with detecting concussions, sort of like how F1 does it? Just thinking that, while it's great there's a review process where a player can be taken out because someone thinks they got hurt, it'd be even better to take the guesswork out of it. Anyway, thanks again!

The NFL tested the in-game use of helmet sensors nearly a decade ago, but the pilot program was suspended after reportedly a disagreement with the players' union over data. The NFL has invested a lot of time, energy and resources into improving helmet technology, though.

Jim from Sioux Falls, SD

Three things I look forward to everyday in II: Mike's grammar corrections, Wes's sneakiness, and the picture of that young lady holding the Packers Everywhere belt bag. Might have to get one of those for my wife.

Appreciate your patronage.

Shawn from Cedarburg, WI

Do you have any idea on when the Week 17 flex schedule games will be announced and any guesses on when the Packers vs. Ravens game will be played? I understand all the NFL cares about is maximizing TV revenue, but boy do they make it hard for fans to go to the game to plan! From what I read it looks like it could be on Thursday, Saturday, Sunday or Monday. Thanks for all you do!

The game will be Saturday or Sunday, but I'm sorry to say an exact date won't be announced anytime soon.

Mark from Ocala, FL

It's not easy passing the screen test to get that nod for publication. I've seen a lot of selected articles voice their question, playing two QBs, play-caller, tackle the player not the ball, commitment and or execution, much in the same manner as I wrote. You both have so many to preview, and to choose from, and there's plenty to comment on. Just looking to keep time of possession and moving the sticks. Beat the Vikings, GPG.

Submissions have been through the roof this month. We're trying our best. But I agree time of possession will be major against this opponent.

Mary from Mesa, AZ

Where is "Packers Unscripted"?

We'll be back this afternoon…I think.

Phillip from Corona, CA

From II yesterday from Mike: "Good, cause we're racing for pinks. Happy Wednesday." That was great, thanks. BTW, I'm setting the over/under at three people asking what that means and taking the over. Great job guys.

Evidently, there are more "Grease" fans in Inbox than "Breaking Bad."

Gary from Davenport, IA

During the Sunday morning game in Madrid, the announcers commented about how many titles have been won by the local soccer team, Real Madrid. They said it was like combining the Yankees, Celtics, Patriots and Montreal Canadiens. Why pick the Patriots in that list instead of the Packers, who have more than twice as many titles as the Patriots? I'll answer my own question. It's another example of people who think the NFL started in the Super Bowl era. NFL announcers should know better.

Thank you for your question, Gary, and taking the time to also answer it. We need more like ya.

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