Inbox: Welcome home, Packers fans

Kerry from Lakewood Ranch, FL

A famous coach said, "Little things make the difference. Everyone is well prepared in the big things, but only winners perfect the little things." Don't you think that is where the Packers are right now? The little things are their main problem. By the way, the coach was Bear Bryant.

Games – and really life, in general – are won in the margins. In Formula One, sometimes less than one-hundredth of a second separates a driver on the pole from someone in the fourth row. In football, there is a butterfly effect with penalties, turnovers and situational football.

Scott from Green Bay, WI

Next man up must never be looked at as a step down. These guys are NFL players and coaches for a reason. Game plan to the benefit of new players' strengths. Game plan to take advantage of what the other team now thinks they can take advantage of. Some teams in the league do this really well. I think the Packers did it exceptionally well in 2010. Their 2026 season depends on doing it well again.

That's sort of my underlining message in the story I posted Wednesday. When adversity hits, it's on everyone to step up.

Keith from Menasha, WI

How are the Packers going to overcome the offensive line issues for the season and the immediate future?

By growing from within and building cohesiveness with whomever is in that starting five. The situation with Zach Bako-Bewele is what it is. It's up to Anthony Belton to slide in at right tackle and make that position his own – just like Sean Rhyan did in place of Elgton Jenkins last year and Jenkins did in place of Lane Taylor in 2019.

Eric from Green Bay, WI

Now that Bako-Bewele (apologies if I slaughtered the spelling) is out for the year with a career-threatening injury, I think it's worth acknowledging that we have angered the football gods. He is our best linemen since Bakhtiari who had to retire due to a knee injury. Will Anderson said Bako-Bewele was the best he ever faced. We've now lost Nick Collins, David Bakhtiari, Finley, and possibly Bako-Bewele to injury. There's just no replacing players of that caliber when they're suddenly gone.

I just hate it for Zach because he put so much into rehabbing that knee this offseason and now has to do it all over again. I'm keeping positive thoughts for a return to health in 2027. It just sucks there's such a long time between now and then.

Tim from Roscoe, IL

With all the negative surrounding this team, I wanted to point out some positive. Defense looks darn good, special teams has improved, and we have room to grow. While it hasn't been pretty, we are currently 1-1. A lot to clean up but I think everyone needs to R-E-L-A-X. With Jordan Love at the helm, Micah Parsons coming back, and hopefully Josh Jacobs, no doubt we can put it together when it matters. Play your best ball at the end of the season, not the start. I'm still nervous, though.

You have a right to be nervous, but don't let that shake your confidence or expectations in this team. Defensively, it's looking like what it needs to look like without Micah Parsons. Offensively, Green Bay needs to get into a rhythm and figure out what it does best with the players who are healthy and available. But the talent is there and it's a young team structured for improvement.

Dustin from Kansas City, MO

We're two games into the season, but it already feels like we've learned quite a bit about this Packers team. Some is good. Some is concerning. When you take a step back from the individual plays and results, what's the biggest thing you think you've learned about this team that you think will matter the most as the season unfolds?

Jordan Love is really freakin' good, and Jonathan Gannon is a brilliant defensive mind. Great players can make any defense good. A great coordinator with great players can make a defense truly exceptional.

Steve from Ellison Bay, WI

I thought Jonathan Ford had a big part of the fourth-down stop by plugging the hole and getting the initial hit. Am I right and how did he do the rest of the game?

Bill Huber and I have been co-piloting the Ford hype train for a few years now. There's just so much about Ford that reminds me of Lawrence Guy, another former Packers seventh-round pick who toiled for years in the NFL before becoming a cornerstone of those New England defenses in the 2010s. Ford needed seasoning, but he has the size and intangibles you cannot coach in a stout run defender. But he's not just a space-eater. Ford is pushing the line of scrimmage, too. When many of you ask about developing linemen and wanting immediate returns, Jonathan Ford should be lesson to us all that there is no scheduled time of arrival for development.

Evan from Onieda, NY

I just want to say Sean Rhyan is a cool dude. I loved his locker room interview! I'm sure it's not posted on this site but what a down-to-earth, personable guy. Great insight from the mind of an NFL O-lineman, just thought it was pretty cool and well spoken.

And Rhyan has been like that since the day that the Packers drafted him in 2022. He's a very likeable, considerate individual in the locker room who flips a switch on the field. Curses like a sailor in both spaces, though. So, he has that going for him…which is (expletive) nice.

Brian from West Chester, OH

Honestly, it has felt like watching preseason football the last two weeks – for most teams in the NFL. All teams are rostered differently from the beginning of September to December. Is there data as to the percent change GB has had in the 53 roster year over year? Average 30% roster change?

I don't know the percentages, but I didn't fully process how much turnover the Packers had over the past 12 months until researching your question. Only 31 of the players on the current roster were on the initial 53-man roster after final cuts last year. Five, including Christian Watson, started last season on the reserve lists. Whichever way you slice it, that's still anywhere between a 38-42% changeover.

James from South Bend, IN

With the O-line beaten up and it being a short week, do you see the Pack running more two- or three-tight end sets to help block for Love and the running game? Also, I miss seeing Luke Musgrave out on that field. I thought he did a decent job last year stepping up when Tucker Kraft went down.

I want to see the Packers run more multiple tight end sets regardless. It's historically been one of Matt LaFleur's strongest personnel packages going all the way back to the Marcedes Lewis/Robert Tonyan days. With Tucker Kraft's ability to stretch the field, there's a lot Green Bay can do out of that package beyond just running the ball.

Chase from Diamond Springs, CA

I concur with the benefits of taking the ball second in OT. I'd only add that if the other team scored a TD first, you go for the two-point conversion in most scenarios. With 10-minute OTs, it's not often a third possession occurs. Someone accumulated the numbers on Reddit. 15/17 OT games since the beginning of last year ended after the second drive. Only once did the kicking team get the ball a second time. Raiders (00:16 remaining) and Commanders (2:47) lost by going for two, Seahawks won.

Personally, I would elect to kick off if I won the coin toss, especially at home. But that's me…and the last time I checked my phone no NFL team has called for my head-coaching services.

Doug from Eugene, OR

Gentlemen, a submission today asked about Michael Penix. I had a front row seat when he was at Washington beating our beloved Ducks. He is exceptional on sideline throws, particularly deep balls. By virtue of that, he is very proficient running the two-minute offense. I'm as much or more tuned into that skillset than him running a lot, as he's coming off injury. As an extension of that, how do you feel about Atlanta's receiving corps matching up with our defensive backfield?

On paper, the Falcons have a ton of talent. In reality, it's been a grind. Kyle Pitts has one catch in two games and Drake London is the only pass-catcher with more than three catches for 30 yards. But whatever you think of Atlanta's perimeter weapons, Penix has one of the league's most well-rounded talents in Bijan Robinson who can dice up a defense in the blink of an eye.

Jim from Escanaba, MI

Containing Bijan Robinson is certainly job No. 1 vs. Atlanta. Penix had zero training camp or preseason reps so it's likely he will show some "rust" as they say. I know it's common for teams to spy on the QB when he's a considerable dual threat, which Penix is not given his three torn ACL injuries. I do think spying on Robinson with Edgerrin Cooper primarily for run defense and with Javon Bullard primarily for pass defense will be the main approach.

Fair enough, but I take no quarterback for granted in this league. Three years ago, we watched Desmond Ridder lead the Falcons past a much more talented Packers team. Mind you, that game was played in Atlanta, but the scars remain. I expect the best version of both Robinson and Penix tonight.

Tom from Indianapolis, IN

I believe Brian Branch was ejected for a helmet-to-helmet hit a couple seasons ago, but it took a call from New York to do so. And it's likely the only reason why it was a nationally televised game. So, the point remains true on how rare it is.

That was one of the nastiest hits I've seen live and deplorable given the play happened on the feet, not to the ground. Branch made a decision to lead with his helmet into a defenseless receiver and thankfully Bo Melton was OK. Detroit's locker room made a feeble attempt afterward to vouch for Branch's character, but that play spoke for itself.

Ian from Kirkwhelpington, UK

Wes, ahead of this Thursday night game, did Mike and you start work on "Final Thoughts" ahead of the Jets game, like the QC coaches do, or is it all a last-minute scramble?

The interns were required to have a full scouting report on our desk after we flew back in from Newark.

Steve from Stillman Valley, IL

The Packers have a big problem with red-zone offense and third-down conversions! Much of this problem comes from the offensive line issues and Love not having time in the pocket. A possible solution may be to fine tune a short, on-rhythm passing game where the QB only holds the ball for three seconds. The short pass approach requires pinpoint accuracy since the receiver has no time to adjust to the ball like he can on downfield passes. Does Jordan Love have the accuracy needed?

I mean, Love is only holding onto the ball 2.3 seconds right now, so I'm not sure how much dialing up plays for 3-second routes helps matters. Listen, this isn't a brain buster. The Packers need more third-and-short opportunities, even third-and-manageable. They've been in third-and-8-plus far too often. That's not a winning recipe for completions.

Kevin from Indianapolis, IN

I am genuinely curious about what accountability looks like for guys committing so many mental errors on the offensive line. It isn't like we can start benching players because we don't have the depth, and I'm guessing guys aren't running extra in practice like you might do in Pop Warner. I am all for consequences, I just don't have a clue what they could be here.

Benching players is a public punishment, but real accountability and correction rarely happen when the world is watching. It's in the meeting room and on the practice field. We all want to perform well at our jobs. Nobody wants to be told they're underperforming. That should be enough motivation to push an individual to improve, especially at the game's highest level.

Tallon from Castle Rock, CO

Any thoughts or comments on Caleb Williams' injury (reaction)? I've hurt my hamstring much worse than a Grade 1 strain, and it definitely is not that bad compared to what he made it look like. Feels even more laughable considering how many actually serious injuries happened this week.

I'm glad he's OK…but that sure was a spectacle.

Brock from West Lafayette, IN

Good morning! If it generates a positive play I don't care if they call a pass or a run. Just execute, baby! What I DO care about is your thoughts on games around the league, which we didn't get on "Unscripted" this week. So, are there any games you plan on checking out since Sunday is a little more open for you fellas?

I'll be in Chicago this weekend, so I'm not sure how much football I'm going to watch. There are some compelling matches: the L.A. Chargers fighting for their season against the NFL's hottest team in the Buffalo Bills. Houston and Indianapolis looking to get in the win column, Dallas and Baltimore, and the L.A. Rams going up against Denver. I'm also eager to see how Philly fares Monday night against whomever starts at quarterback for the Bears.

Greg from Denver, CO

I'll be at the home opener for my second-ever Packers game at Lambeau (62 years of age). I know this might be a bit nonsensical of a take, but I think this game is a must-win. Gotta stack the Ws against "lesser" teams while we are still figuring stuff out. Tampa Bay isn't as good as most thought so we can really get to 3-1 without playing our best. Worst part about being in-person for the game is not enjoying the live blog but it's a sacrifice I'm willing to make. Thanks for all you do.

Spoff's live blog is good, but nothing compares to a home opener under the Lambeau lights.

Al from Green Bay, WI

It's game day! The Pack will prevail. Reasons to believe: 1) I'll take a healthy J-Love over whomever the Falcons bring to the fray. 2) Special teams are becoming special! Skyy Moore, Trey Smack, Daniel Whelan and company are difference-makers. 3) The defense is disruptive, leading the league in TFLs through Week2. 4) Home sweet home! GPG!

I think this is what the Packers have been missing the past couple weeks. They're feeling around in the dark without "Al's Keys to Victory."

Glen from Leesburg, VA

I'm going to be on plane heading for Venice, Italy, Thursday night, so I won't be able to see the game. Hopefully, when I land, I'll be greeted with a lovely glass of red wine, some fresh pasta and a Packers victory. Just. Beat. Atlanta.

It sure would make the weekend a lot more fun. Welcome home, Packers fans. It's time for some Green Bay football.

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