Tom from Lisbon, WI

Deeply saddened to learn of Mike Ditka's passing. He may have been our rival, but he's one of the icons of the game that makes rivalries like this one so meaningful and entertaining. I'll most remember Ditka for his role in "Kicking & Screaming," one of my all-time favorite movies. "Coffee is the lifeblood that fuels the dreams of champions," indeed. May the Packers send da Bears back to Chicago with a loss on Sunday as a tribute.

I was too young to remember Mike Ditka's Bears, only heard the stories. To me, Ditka was the brash old coach offering his commentary on the NFL. As I grew older, I began to realize the scale of his accomplishments – how Ditka revolutionized the tight end position, brought pride back to the Bears in the 1980s and generally just what he meant to the game of football. His big personality only added to that mystique. Football lost a legend on Friday, but Ditka's long list of accomplishments has made him immortal.

Jacob from Superior, WI

If Green Bay is looking for motivation, they are the underdogs at home to a Bears team with a backup QB. I have to imagine that lights even a small fire under them.

The Packers are nobody's underdog. They weren't in 2010. They aren't today.

Don from Indianapolis, IN

I realize it is Bears week. Important game for our guys because they need to figure out if they are contenders or pretenders!

The Packers have no shortage of rivals, particularly in the NFC North. But when you really break it down, this is the game. This has always been the game. With Chicago's recent surge, I feel like the temperature of this rivalry is the highest it's been in the past 35 years.

Steve from Rockford, IL

No math, but in general the very brief answers to the first handful of inquiries yesterday by Spoff was possibly a record low and certainly outstanding. Reasons for optimism this week is all schedule timing. Bears have had three of four games at home and bring a D-II backup quarterback into Lambeau. Pack have only had one game at home, which was a short-cycle commercial Thursday event. The crowd will consume Tyson Bagent, and our offense will finally roll.

As we discussed on "Unscripted," the Bears have had the polar opposite schedule compared to the Packers. They played three of their first four at Soldier Field, including a hyper-rare three-game homestand. Going on the road is a different beast and Tyson Bagent has had mixed results. In seven away games, he's completed 48 of 73 passes for 510 yards, two touchdowns and five interceptions (66.6 passer rating). Additionally, the Bears won't have Kyle Monangai because of the turf toe. Whatever the circumstances are, the Packers must play with purpose Sunday. Because none of these NFC North wins will be easy to come by.

Bil from Stateline, NV

I watched the entire Bears/Jets game. The score belies the game. The Bears did not look indomitable. Bagent threw some tight passes, but he also put up some ducks. NYJ had three interceptions overturned. Jets' offense managed a paltry 32 plays. Bears RB Kyle Monangai is expected to be out with turf toe. If the Packers can stop the run for a change, the opportunity for some picks are there. Stay out of penalty mode, get some QB pressure and this is a very winnable game.

For the first time, in a very long time, I think we found some common ground here, Bil. I agree this is a very winnable game, and the Packers must treat it as such.

Bil from Stateline, NV

If I never hear the phrase "stem the tide until Micah Parsons' return," it will be too soon. You guys keep emphasizing that this is a TEAM sport yet keep hanging the team's hat on Parsons' return. Expecting one player to turn the tide seems to be contrary to that ethos. This team needs to learn to win, with or without him. Every single player needs to step up their game to fill the void and play better team ball. New injuries add to the urgency. The need to play clean ball is greater than ever.

And we're back to square one.

Richard from Telford, TN

As an electrical engineer (years of calculus) with 82 trips around the sun I got a laugh from Rue from Waukesha's post. More simply put where do the Packers rank in the NFL regarding average player age? Coincidently I'm also from Waukesha, class of '62.

Rosters change daily, but the average age of the Packers' Week 1 roster was 26.11 years. Despite adding Tyrod Taylor, Javon Hargrave and Jonnu Smith, Green Bay was remarkably still the youngest NFC team and seventh-youngest overall, according to the NFL. Obviously, the roster has gotten a tad older now with the signings of Kevin Zeitler and Laken Tomlinson.

Jim from Hudsonville, MI

With penalty flags flying at a record rate across the entire league, should we really be THAT concerned about all of ours? Granted, there's always a few we could eliminate each game by simple concentration, but a majority of them are just the refs being, well…you know…

NFL officials need to chill. No question about it (See: Christian Watson's OPI last week). But you still have to minimize the miscues and have fewer penalties than your opponent. Green Bay has plenty to clean up regardless of how NFL games are being officiated this season.

James from Appleton, WI

When the Packers beat the Bears, both teams will be 3-2. Which one will feel better about the season at that point?

I don't really care about how Chicago feels about its season, but 3-2 would be a great start for the Packers without Micah Parsons and all the other injuries that have occurred.

Mike from Geneva, IL

Thursday night's game was another example of the importance of the running game. Tampa Bay had 39 carries to Dallas' 13. That resulted in almost a 2-to-1 discrepancy in time of possession. You can't be one-dimensional in this league. Let's hope the Packers figure out a way to effectively run the ball soon.

That's why the Packers must stop the run Sunday and win on third downs. Chicago leads the NFL in time of possession, averaging more than 36 minutes per game. The Bears look to wear down the opposition in the first half and strike to the head when teams begin lowering their hands in the final two quarters. Conversely, Green Bay must build on what it did well on the ground in Tampa. That means more explosives, more 4- and 5-yard runs on first down and more all-around production.

Larry from Green Valley, AZ

Aren't you the least bit curious about how long it is taking Parsons to recover and play again? He and Mahomes were injured on the same day. Both had very similar injuries. Mahomes surgery was two weeks before Parsons. Both chose prominent docs with a long list of five-star athletes as clients. Yet Mahomes is playing at a high level again and Parsons is still MIA. We natives are getting restless. Inquisitive minds....

Some of you hear "ACL" and expect everyone to return on the same timeline. It doesn't work like that. Parsons plays a different position than Mahomes and also tore his meniscus. If I'm curious about anything, it's the fact we're getting these questions after everything that happened with Zach Bako-Bewele.

Jeff from Indian Lake, NY

Do you think there is a chance Aaron Banks goes on IR at this point? I can't remember the last time he practiced.

Both Banks and Jacob Monk returned to practice on Friday. While both are doubtful for Sunday, those two guards are edging closer to a return. Green Bay hasn't been hurting for roster spots, either. Pierre Strong Jr. was signed directly to the 53 on Thursday because Warren Brinson's spot sat vacant for a week.

Monty from Velva, ND

I firmly believe that football is the sport that relies most heavily on the team concept versus the individual concept. Basketball in particular has become less reliant on the team with all the isolation plays and one-on-ones. With that said, does the, hopefully soon, return of Micah Parsons make the huge difference for this team that I think it will?

There's a reason the natives are restless, right?

Bob from Jensen Beach, FL

Wes, Bucs take down the Cowboys in Jerry Land only four days after we beat them in the heat of Tampa. Maybe we're really not that far off? I know…Just beat 'da Bears!

One week after the Robinsons ran all over the New Orleans Saints' defense. Just win games.

Steve from Seven Devils, NC

Any given Thursday. Bucs beat the Cowboys on the road in primetime. Makes the Packs showing on the road last Sunday, despite the faults, a bit more palatable. Maybe things are not as bad as they seem. Just beat the Bears! GPG!

Jalon Daniels didn't win the No. 2 job in Tampa for no reason. Watch the Kansas film. The guy can play. He's fearless, too. More broadly, my biggest takeaway from that game is the job the Packers did against Bucky Irving and the Buccaneers. He finished with 7.9 yards per carry on Thursday night. Green Bay didn't allow Irving an individual carry longer than seven yards four days earlier. Hopefully, that's a strong indicator this run defense is more like the unit we saw in Minnesota, New York and Tampa than at home against the Falcons.

Dave from Lakewood Ranch, FL

On the plus side, at least neither of you have to answer questions from Cowboys fans for the next 10 days.

That's a tough way to lose a football game. I'm curious – since that's the buzz word today – how the Cowboys respond.

Shannon from Ovilla, TX

How about the Brewers take four of the first five vs. the Dodgers and we don't have to worry about a Game 6 next Sunday night up against the Packers game?

That would be simply lovely.

Jim from Naples, FL

Good morning boys. We beat Tampa, Tampa beats Dallas, Dallas beat Washington, and Washington took out the reigning Super Bowl champs, so we are set to hoist the trophy, right?

Like math in Inbox, there is no transitive property in the NFL.

Jeff from Thornton, CO

For those that are complaining about us being 2-2, let's remember back to the NFL schedule release. Knowing we'd be missing Parsons for at least four games – we said that we'd need to go 2-2 during his absence to stay in it. Well, we are 2-2 without Parsons AND Josh Jacobs. Let's stick together, focus and Beat Da Bears! And no more injuries … GPG.

I'm just really tired of this whole "the Packers must win every game or blow the whole thing up" narrative. It's as much an indictment on modern society as it is the fanbase.

Mark from Harrisburg, PA

With the struggles we have been having with our running backs, I just saw Washington dropped Kaytron Allen, is that someone we might look to bring in? He had a great career at Penn State and can run inside and the edge.

I see we've reached the "Team A cut Player X and now the Packers should sign him" portion of the NFL calendar.

Martin from Orlando, FL

Please settle this. Cam Newton is a Hall of Famer: Yes or no? I say no. My 92-year-old father says yes...

Who am I to disagree with your 92-year-old father?

Mike from Verona, WI

I know many rely on the game live chat as their primary game update but isn't the Packers organization somehow affiliated with the Packers Radio Network? With satellite radio you can listen to the incomparable Wayne and Larry for around $5 a month. (And still follow Mike's live chat.)

You can also listen to the games via desktop on packers.com, as well.

Rex from Larami, WY

I know there's lots more to think about this weekend (and I will be at the game) but check out the "Good Morning America" feature on the Packers' sewing team. Just one more thing to love about the Packers organization. Oh yes, GPG.

That was really cool to see. A close friend of mine even had her forehead pictured in the shot.

Derek from Eau Claire, WI

Rivalry Renewed.
Will a corner be turned?
Poetry can't hurt.
GO PACK GO!

We'll take it.

Al from Green Bay, WI

There's lots of hand wringing in Packerland. But take heart! It's Bears week, and the Packers are going to get it done. Reasons to believe: 1) It starts with Jordan Love, better than the Bears' No. 2 or 3 QB. 2) The O-line is coming around, coming off its best game of the season. 3) The D will be swarming, even without Super Cooper. 4) Despite the home opener, Lambeau Field is a difference-maker. 5) Trey Smack. . . for the game-winner? GPG?

It would be great to see special teams – and a kicker, more specifically – win a game for the Packers after everything that happened in the two losses to the Bears last season.

Doug from Wausau, WI

Wes, the little shoulder punch was well-deserved. The bigger question is whether your elephant lamp works? As fans, we see this team as we want to see it. In the simplest terms, in the most convenient definitions. Thanks for the stories that break those views. What's the one simple take fans have so far this season that you think misses the mark? Sincerely yours…

The Inbox Club…enjoy the game everybody.

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