Hey everybody, welcome to a new season of mid-week chats. Go ahead and start sending in your questions and I'll get going shortly.
Hi Mike, stoked this is back and I'm now off on Wednesdays to participate!
Giddy-up
We're Finally Here! GO PACK GO !!!
Can't believe week one is already upon us.
No kidding, huh? And before we know it, it'll be Week 16 or something.
Sunday's game is more important than a typical first game of the season because it's against a division opponent, yes?
Absolutely. Division games are always big. I'm not a huge fan of having them in Week 1, but it's the hand that's been dealt so the Packers have to play it.
Having covered a couple international games now, thoughts on the differing travel strategies of SF vs LA to AUS?
It's curious. The Niners are footing a massive travel bill to get as acclimated to the time change as possible, while the Rams are basically not going to acclimate at all and are treating it like any other road game, just with a long flight. I guess we'll find out if it matters.
Who do you think has the best chance to make that second year leap on the Packers roster?
It's definitely Matthew Golden. Everything we've seen this summer tells us he's ready to step forward in a big way.
Are the practice squad RB's in the game planning, or do they have to focus on scout team? I saw that Pierre Strong Jr. has a good chance of getting the call-up this week as Kaleb Johnson learns the play book. Is he getting reps? Or just going on training camp rhythm?
Couldn't tell you. We don't get to watch any 11-on-11 in practice once the regular season starts. That's only in training camp. So how the RB reps are being divided up, only the players and coaches know.
For those that haven't caught a practice or a preseason game, which player and their improvement do you think we'll be the most surprised by?
The top candidate there is probably Jacob Monk. He's the starter at RG as far as I know and I don't think anybody had that penciled in a month ago.
I am so looking forward to seeing Golden, Christian Watson and Jayden Reed on the field at the same time. If they can all stay healthy I see it as a very dangerous combo!
Indubitably. Add Tucker Kraft as the fourth perimeter weapon, too.
Any idea who we can expect to be the starting OL Sunday?
My best guess is it'll be L to R Jordan Morgan, Aaron Banks, Sean Rhyan, Monk, Zach Bako-Bewele. The health status of Banks and Bako-Bewele remains in question, but I would think that's how the Packers will line up to start Sunday.
Just found out, we're stuck with Cardinals-Chargers on Sunday here in Vegas. Gonna be following the live blog for the game.
I'll do my best to keep you in the loop.
How are we feeling coming into the new season?
I like this roster the Packers have. There are questions along the O-line with a lot of change and health concerns, and a lot of young pass rushers who have to get it done before Micah Parsons comes back. But this team has a lot more positives than questions and it should be right in the mix.
With week one kicking off, who is one player on this roster that hasn't really been covered by any media outlets that we should keep an eye on?
I don't know about "not being covered," but Javon Bullard missed the back half of training camp with a foot injury, and I think he's poised for a breakout year. He was back on the practice field last week.
What stands out the most/improvement from last year. Both sides of the ball.
Hard to speak to that before the games begin. If the O-line comes together as planned, I think this offense has a chance to really take off. So many weapons.
Is it out of the realm being an Iowa fan to think that Johnson has so much more to offer as a running back. Will LaFluer get the best out of him in this scheme?
We shall see. Hopefully a fresh start/clean slate is what Johnson needs after things didn't go well in Pittsburgh.
The offensive line sounds like it's still a work in progress. How do you think it'll hold up against Minnesota's defense?
This is a massive challenge for Week 1, being on the road in a dome against a defense that tests your protection and communication start to finish. It won't be flawless Sunday, but if the unit can hold its own it'll bode well moving forward.
Mike, will Keisean Nixon stick to Jefferson the entire game?
I'm not anticipating that. We'll see how Gannon wants to do things, but I can see Nixon and Brandon Cisse both getting time vs. Jefferson.
What strategies can Jordan Love and the offense use to mitigate the "loud home crowd noise" of US Bank Stadium (besides getting ahead 21-0 in the first half).
If they're on point with the silent count and communicating the protections, that's all you can ask for. It's hard to make a ton of adjustments at the line, especially on third down when that crowd is roaring, so having hot reads and answers for free runners is imperative.
What is the key to slowing Justin Jefferson?
He's going to get his catches, but if those catches are for 12 yards and not 24, that's a start. Limit his big plays and that's a win for the defense.
I'm so looking forward not only to watching the game but hearing the sounds of real football again!
I'm not exactly looking forward to the sounds of U.S. Bank Stadium, but I get what you mean.
Cornerback seems to be less of an issue this year for the Pack. Is it because the cornerback room is much stronger or is it because the issues at OL, edge rush, and running back are more serious. Thanks!
The Packers have better depth at corner with the group of four (Nixon, Cisse, Carrington Valentine, Benjamin St-Juste) than they had last year. Throw in Kamal Hadden as another nickel option, too, behind Bullard. They have more options and are better positioned to withstand injuries.
What is your typing speed? Between honing your skills on this chat and the game blog, it must be astronomical!
I've always been pretty fast, but nature of the job.
BRENTON COX DO not fall asleep on him Hugely talented GPG
I'm very curious to see who emerges as the most reliable edge rusher amongst Lukas Van Ness, Barryn Sorrell, Brenton Cox Jr. and Dani Dennis-Sutton in the early stages of the season. Their play will be watched closely.
What time will the first injury report be posted today?
Probably around 3 p.m. Practice ends at 2.
Hi Mike. Other than the obvious answer of Parsons, who would you say are the Packers' true field-filters at this point in time?
Love, Kraft, Watson and Xavier McKinney are the first four who come to mind.
Off topic, but I feel like Green Bay should make an "away" jersey for their rivalry uniforms. Alabaster is seriously a great color.
I wouldn't object necessarily, but those decisions are above my pay grade.
Several years of being the youngest team in the NFL, but this year we've got some additional age and experience on our side. How do you think that age and experience will translate to success on the field?
I think this roster has an intriguing blend of veterans, players hitting their prime, and youth. Hopefully it's the right combination to handle the long season and the gauntlet to come.
I am sure this has been asked and answered several times. What is your favorite part of this job?
Gameday. It's what all the other days are for. Being there to see the live action, communicate it to fans and analyze it afterward is the best part of this gig.
Do we need a lot of pressure to keep Jefferson and Addison from having time to get open mid to deep range or are we better off playing zone as Murray can really scramble?
I leave the X's and O's questions to Gannon. All I know is keeping Murray in the pocket and having to throw from there, as opposed to on the run when he has the option to take off, is going to be key for the defense. Man or zone behind that strategy? Whatever works.
If I get the chat will I get your in-game blog? Had issues for pre-season games….
It's on this same platform, so hopefully.
Do you have a new strategy this season for enduring that annoying Viking horn?
Honestly, I've covered so many games there I can sort of block it out. My focus is on the field and on my keyboard/screen.
I don't follow and teams other than the packers so pleas excuse my ignorance. I havent heard of the young man named Mark Redman or the veteran Jonnu Smith. Which one do you seeing paired up more with Kraft on two tight end sets?
Interesting question. Smith is the longtime veteran, so I would think him at first, but Redman was brought here for his blocking prowess so he'll get his chances too.
Just have to ask one Brewers question.....do you keep the faith even as Yelich was down to his final strike last night? What an unreal ending.
As soon as that game ended I called it the most ridiculous win of the year. To do so many things wrong from the 5th thru the top of the 9th to give the game away, and then somehow still find a way down to their last strike, was crazy.
Do you ever leave a stadium with a headache due to crowd noise?
All the time. New Orleans has been the worst for me in that way. Haven't covered a game there since 2014 but it's on the schedule this year.
Do IR/PUP players get to travel with the team?
Sometimes. Depends on the player's individual situation at times.
It seemed that during the back half of last year, teams, especially the Bears, were able to make half time adjustments that the Packers couldn't counter. How does that get fixed this year?
Stuff is going to go wrong in games. The other guys get paid, too. The key is not letting the bad stuff snowball. Stop it before it swings the game. Those moments will come up, perhaps as soon as this Sunday, and we'll just have to see how the Packers respond.
The team seems more like a "speed" type team vs. "smash mouth" type team. You think they have the strength to endure the full season without running out of gas?
I think there's plenty of physicality in this bunch. Yes, the Packers have more speed, and that's been an emphasis in recent years. But the big guys know how to get after it, too.
Think we get a lot of DDS on Sunday? How rotational at Edge will GB be?
Good question. LVN and Sorrell will be the starters, but I don't think the plan is to play either guy 60 snaps in the first game. I would expect a decent amount of rotating. Maybe not equal shares, but sharing snaps throughout.
Hey Mike, given the questions surrounding the O-line and RB groups, I'm anticipating the defense needing to keep this a low-scoring outing to get the dub. Fair?
I wouldn't say that. I don't think the Packers want to get into a track meet on the road against Murray, Jefferson & Co., but I expect this GB offense to be able to score its share of points.
If you were building an NFL roster (not a fantasy football roster) and had to choose between only Watson and Golden as your top WR, who do you pick and why?
That's a tough one. There's so much to like about both guys. But Watson is the guy who changes the way defenses play, because of his size and long-stride speed. He's tougher to match up against.
Any thoughts on the passing of Matt Suhey?
I remember getting his autograph as a kid when the Bears trained in Platteville in the summers. Always seemed like a nice guy. Everything I've read about how close he stayed with the Payton family after Walter's death didn't surprise me.
What about the game tonight are you most excited to watch?
I'm hoping the Brewers get the sweep. That's the game I'll be watching.
Daniel Whelan is a field flipper.
Indeed. Hopefully the Packers don't need him to do that too often.
What first year veteran player additional are you most excited to see play in Packers uniform on Sunday? For me it is Zaire Franklin.
I would agree. He's got a presence about him. A vet who's been there, done that. Javon Hargrave is another.
Could you please remind us when inactive's and any possible PS call ups are announced?
PS call-ups would have to be announced by Saturday. Gameday inactives will be 90 minutes before kickoff (1:55 p.m. CT).
I'm anxious to see what kind of pressure Gannon dials up on Defense.
I expect a little bit of a feeling-out process, whether the Packers can generate the pressure needed with four, or if Gannon will have to get more creative. That said, this is not a typical pressure game with a QB like Murray.
What would your advice be for students/younger media members just starting their career?
I know I'm old-school, but connect with local papers that are looking for high school sports coverage. Learn how to cover games and conduct interviews at that level before getting thrown into these ranks. You'll be glad to make your mistakes with teenagers and high school coaches first.
So seeing that the Vikings got rid of Hargrave, Greenard, Jonathan Allen, and lost Jamal Adams, how do they see this defense as unchanged from last year. Lot of experience there.
Losing Greenard feels like the biggest change to me. Never felt those other guys were full-time players necessarily. But Flores has a bunch of vets on defense: Cashman, Murphy, Metellus, Smith, etc. There's still a ton of experience on that side of the ball.
For all the concern about the DE position, I can't wait to see how the interior of the defensive line performs. From a complimentary football perspective, those interior guys could lessen the burden on the edge players.
Absolutely. The Packers kept seven DTs because they feel all those guys can have an impact. I doubt all seven will be active on gameday, but Gannon is going to find out what they can do.
Been waiting 7 long months for the Packers opening week 1 game, and it's finally here. Any spoilers you can give for keys to victory this Sunday?
Stay in sync on offense with the communication, cadence, etc., and contain Murray.
You could always put a colored sock in it.
Ha. Good one.
I know gambling is illegal at Bushwood but who do you have winning the game tonight?
Seattle at home feels pretty safe to me.
What is your "real opinion" on the Vikings fans Skol chant? I personally believe they should adopt the Scottish "row".
I honestly don't care. Whatever they do, that building always has a great atmosphere. They did it right when they built it and they've put together a great gameday for their fans.
Mike. To mix in an NCAA FB controversy. Does the NFL use the field clock for booth replay reviews or is there a "special" clock they keep in the replay room?
I have to believe they use the field clock, but it's honestly never come up.
If you could name one thing you are looking for as an area of growth and development for JL, what would it be?
I think it's just to keep the offense moving and in rhythm when the explosive plays aren't there. He's a dangerous QB who can gash a defense at any moment, but the Packers also have to be able to control the ball and move the chains when defenses are selling out to take away the explosives. That felt like it came and went last year.
Anything insight on Kraft being held to a snap count? Seems like he doesn't have many restrictions so far. Is it more of wait and see how his body is responding?
Everyone's been asking Kraft about a snap count and I wish people would understand there's zero reason for the Packers to reveal that to the Vikings in advance, whether there is one or not.
Would Coach Spofford call a run or pass for the opening offensive play?
I'd probably go RPO and give Love the choice.
What are you looking for on special teams?
No penalties. Made kicks. If those two things are accomplished, the rest is gravy.
I think this game will come down to the 4th quarter. Which team do you think has the better chance at the big play ? Packers receivers or Vikings receivers ? Or will it be Love vs. Murray precision passing vs. YAC ?
Both of these teams have plenty of weapons for their QBs. Tackling will be at a premium to prevent short passes from rupturing. But yes, I expect every game to come down to the fourth quarter because the vast majority do.
I wonder if MN's veteran defense will be able to handle GB's perimeter speed. They will have to dial up lots of pressure.
And the Packers will need answers and solid execution. Flores is never shy.
Every season I dream of Watson getting another opening play shot at a deep ball like he had in his first game as a rookie. He doesn't need it for "redemption", as he's already proven what he's capable of, but what a fun way it would be to start the season.
I'd rather take 15 plays and 9 minutes off the clock to score first, actually.
My prediction for this year is the Packers ST will rank higher than they did last year. And have at least one return for TD. Am I nuts?
A return TD would be a bonus. I do expect Skyy Moore to help with field position for sure. GB's coverage units were solid last year and hopefully they don't lose that.
If no one has asked....what's your opinion on the Michigan game ending with 1 second remaining?
Total breakdown in procedure and protocol from the way it sounded. Somebody needed to tell the replay guys that the actual TV footage showed the clock at zero before the ball was touched. But apparently nobody did.
I hope we get to see Trey Smack put one through the uprights from 60-plus yards at the close of a half this year.
I would think he'll get a shot at that at some point.
Kyler running some RPO?
Oh I expect plenty of it.
Hope to see a LARGE contingent of Packer fans in MN Sunday! Go Pack Go!
I would think it would be tougher for GB fans to get their hands on tickets in Week 1, but we'll find out soon enough.
All right folks, practice is about to end and I'll have to get to the locker room for interviews, so I'll sign off now. Thanks for all the questions and I'll be back here for Sunday's game as well as next Wednesday. Take care and enjoy the start of the season. Best, Spoff
