Hey everybody, welcome to our Week 3 chat. Thanks for logging on. Go ahead and start sending in your questions and I'll get rolling shortly.
Afternoon Mike, How are you doing on your first short turnariund week of the season?
It's always weird, man. You come to work on a Wednesday and all the news around the league is about teams getting back on the practice field for the first practice of the week and we're in "game tomorrow" mode.
Mike, is Travis Glover the only backup tackle, or did John Williams play there in preseason? Or, would they call up Dalton Cooper?
Williams played a lot of tackle in the preseason. Glover got a lot of work at guard.
Hey Mike! Thoroughly enjoyed Packer Playback. Will that be a weekly feature moving forward?
The video crew started doing those either last year or the year before. They're pretty cool.
What will be the starting O - line?
Jordan Morgan and Anthony Belton at tackles, Sean Rhyan at center and most likely Jacob Monk at right guard. Left guard is wait and see. Could be any one of three guys at this point -- Aaron Banks if healthy, or Donovan Jennings or Jager Burton.
Mike….who gets the most touches at RB tomorrow night?
Interesting question. Wouldn't shock me if it's Kaleb Johnson.
Is there a light and the end of the tunnel for the offensive line or are we just going to patch it in for the season do you think?
Hopefully they can settle in on a starting 5 soon and have a group that practices and plays together every week. But they're not there yet.
Splitting on the road and winning at home has always been a winning formula. So far we lost a road game we should've won and won one we probably should've lost. Win tomorrow and we're in good shape in spite of our issues.
Agreed.
Besides Bijan, who else on the ATL offense warrants attention? Who on defense?
Drake London and Kyle Pitts are big weapons in the passing game, and they'll have Penix throwing them the ball now. Defensively, putting Terrell on IR yesterday is a big blow to their secondary. But Jessie Bates at safety is a guy to watch, and Z'Darius Smith is their best pass rusher right now.
Any news on when NFL will decide on Josh Jacobs?
Nope. Haven't heard anything.
Assume the PS call-up day is today?
No, for weekday night games those decisions can be made on game day.
Did Monk play the whole game last week?
Yes. At one point he was getting looked at for a possible stinger, but he didn't come out of the game.
Any update on the Jayden Reed long term outlook?
No. LaFleur said there's still a lot of testing going on. Prayers up for Bird.
Do the players practice at all during these short weeks or is it strictly walkthroughs?
It's walk-through stuff on the field and a lot of classroom stuff to go over the game plan, etc.
What is this team's insistence with Monk/Jennings? The OL looks to perform so much better with Burton.
The coaches said Jennings was ahead of Burton at the end of the preseason. But the situation remains competitive. We'll see.
WIth Skyy Moore's value on returns, will Bo Melton or J. Michael Sturdivant see more action at WR?
We could see Moore get additional snaps at WR, too. JMS was a factor on special teams last week, both on punt coverage and blocking on kickoffs.
How we feel about tomorrow?
I just want to get enough sleep tonight because I'll be up really late. That's what I focus on the older I get. After a home night game, I don't expect to get home before 3 a.m.
How much focus do you think the run game will be this week knowing that the team is dead last in yards/game?
They have to keep working on the run game. They can't just forget it. Become totally one-dimensional and then offense gets really hard.
Felt like Johnson was the best producer at running back.
I thought he gave them a spark. He gets up a head of steam and has some power.
Mike do you know when Micah Parsons can start practicing?
I don't know his medical situation, but based on the PUP rules, he could start practicing at any point now once he's cleared.
Do you feel the OL is the reason for GB being last in rushing so far this year or are the RB's missing some holes? I would think it's the OL's fault.
It's both. There aren't holes often enough, but there are also plays where there's been on and the backs have missed it.
Any update on Jordan Love's hand?
He's not on the injury report at all. Said he's fine.
Wow I forgot Z is in ATL! This is going to be a good get back game for the offense followed by a ten day "reset". Can't imagine it coming at a better time.
The offense needs to look sharper and smoother. Lots of big plays vs. the Vikings but not enough point production. Tough slog for 3 quarters last week before coming to life a little bit. Been a bumpy ride so far and that unit is capable of better, regardless of the OL issues.
What'd you think of Steno's "Undertaker" pull?
That was classic.
Mike, Lambeau Field will soon have hosted the most NFL games of all time. Do the Packers have anything planned for that milestone? Thanks.
Haven't heard anything. But that's interesting.
Was glad that things worked out in this last win, but still concerned around an inability to play 4 quarters of solid football. Also really concerned with the immaturity and lack of accountability with younger players and the associated unsportsmanlike and unnecessary penalties. Anything being addressed culturally regarding stricter coaching around this type of garbage on the field?
I can't speak to what goes on behind closed doors. I know those types of penalties are not ignored.
Mike, how do you prepare for in-game live chat on a short week? Film study, finger stretches, or just typing "I'd like to see the replay" 50 times to warm up?
Ha, I guess this counts as my warmup since I'll be back on this platform in about 30 hours.
2 games are hardly a trend, but could Love's completion rate be a problem goin forward?
They need to be in better third-down situations, for starters. Steno also noted there are checkdowns available he hasn't taken in certain instances.
For what it's worth, Mark Redman received a high PFF grade for his blocking on Sunday. Do you see more 2 and 3-TE sets with Reed out?
I think LaFleur wants to use 2 and 3 TE sets plenty regardless. With Tucker Kraft and Jonnu Smith, those formations give defenses a lot to think about.
Appreciate the response, but the coaches saying that just doesn't make sense to me. Burton took the vast majority of snaps with the 1s over Jennings in camp/practice. Don't understand where the change came from. Appreciate the insight, as always!
It sounded like it came from the film study of practices and preseason games. Regardless of who was taking which reps with which unit, they felt Jennings was playing better at the end of August.
Any word on who will be starting at RT?
That's Belton's position going forward now.
Should we expect IR designations for Zach Bako-Bewele and possibily Jayden today?
I would imagine today or tomorrow, but if they don't need the roster spots for the game they could wait as well.
The RBs who get the most touches won't matter if they don't take care of the ball. On top of the yardage and lack of success they have to stop fumbling.
No doubt. The Packers put the ball on the ground four times last week, luckily only losing one. Johnson, MarShawn Lloyd, Love and Kraft all coughed it up. That's not good.
Do you think Lukas Van Ness will be double teamed tomorrow night?
His performance vs. the Jets could warrant that kind of attention. If so, other guys have to win their single matchups.
Hi Mike. Thanks for hosting the chat. Do you get a sense of relief from the players now that the losing streak dating back to LY is over and they don't have to hear anymore about it?
I don't think that was really on their minds. Once a new season starts, last year is ancient history to players.
Won't Penix be rusty? How good was he last year?
It's certainly been a while since he played, but he's definitely their best QB option. Very live arm. He can really sling it.
So many injuries. Glad Gutey kept a bunch of big jars on shelf.
There are 4 OL on the practice squad in addition to other reserves on the 53. That doesn't mean they aren't still looking for more reinforcements, though.
With having off on Sunday, are there any games you plan on watching?
I haven't even looked at the schedule, to be honest. But yeah, I'm sure I'll settle in on the couch for a good portion of the day.
Do you see a larger live chat audience on a game that is streamed?
I haven't looked at numbers specifically but it's entirely possible. Last week had a pretty good audience too because the Jets game was only shown in small areas of the country.
I hope Bird is going to be alright. Maybe I'm the minority but I'm glad he got paid before this injury. His back story is unfortunately similar to Jordan's in that they both lost their fathers as teenagers and I've always rooted for the Midwest kid extra.
I've enjoyed getting to know Bird in his time here. He's a really good guy and easy to root for.
Crazy the amount of injuries around the league. Starting QBs alone. Daniels, Dart, Williams, Murray, etc. It's a physical game but wow. Here's to hoping the injury bug doesn't bite the Packers any more.
It's cliche to say it's part of the game, but it's true. Injuries hit everybody. They have a major impact on the season as it unfolds. Nature of the beast.
Your thoughts on Kraft as a pulling tackle on some specific running plays…
The Packers will pull their TEs on some runs along with a G, and they'll do it to both sides. It's a staple of their run package, along with the inside and outside zone stuff.
Thanks for the chat, Mike. Haven't you gotten many criticisms of MLF play calling and/or decision making this year?
Par for the course as far as I'm concerned. Those criticisms always ramp up with any loss or game where things go wrong. Long way to go.
Love to see Jordan get involved in some keepers and run elements. Feel like stronger teams are leveraging those dual threat options (CHI,BUF) - will GB every look at Love in that way or too concerned about injury?
Did you see the hit he took on the goal line last week? That's the risk, and it's real. There's a balance to find. He can run more than he has, but he has to pick his spots. Designed runs for Love? No thanks.
I understand the need to still try and run the ball, but this Atlanta defense has given up a ton of passing yards too. Outside of the rain game with some drops, wouldn't we expect to throw the ball a vast majority again this week to make them force us to try and run more?
It depends how the Falcons want to play things. Yes, they've given up a bunch of big plays in the passing game, but will they make an adjustment coming into this game? Nothing ever stays the same.
This team's identity is being forged and I think when done it's going to be a stifling defense. This D looks like it can be special. Too much hype too soon?
I'm optimistic and there's a lot of promise, but they're also going to face much better offenses than they've seen thus far.
Can't wait to see Van Ness this week after his dominant performance last week. Do you think Gannon will try to get after Penix in his first game back since his injury?
I think Gannon wants to keep Bijan Robinson from controlling the game, and if the Packers do that, they'll feel good about how they can defend Penix.
These Thursday games are such a crap shoot when it comes the teams playing. Atlanta got blown out at home and now have to travel on a short week. But with Penix returning they might surprise people and put up a strong showing.
Right. Their offense has turned the ball over 7 times in 2 games with those backup QBs. It all could change now. Kyle Pitts has caught one pass so far. That's going to change.
Will Tucker be implemented more in the gameplan?
He hardly comes off the field. If he's needed to do a lot of blocking, the his targets might be a bit limited. Everything is game-plan based, depending on the opponent.
Every time we get a 3rd down stop I find myself looking for a flag. I'm not sure if that will go away anytime soon.
Nature of the league in some ways, but yeah, I hear you. That one drive in Minnesota has provided us all some PTSD in that regard.
Why do you think teams are going under center more? Seems we're doing it too.
Because it makes play-action more effective and allows for a greater array of running plays. Play-action is a tremendous pass protection device.
Enjoyed your discussion with Wes on Unscripted re: LVN yesterday. Patience is hard to find in most fan bases, but the kid just turned 25 and is now coming into his own. Can't wait for Micah to return!
Likewise, but the Packers need to focus on chalking up more wins until Parsons comes back.
Can you think of a team who made a big playoff run with major O-line issues? I'd imagine we would need a MVP season out of Love and defense to keep us in all games (especially December and January).
Who's to say this O-line won't come together in a couple months and be just what it needs to be? Way too early to start wondering about stuff like that.
Aside from the downside of the OL injuries and hoping the players will be fine long-term, this is also an opportunity for new players. If I remember correctly, Brian Bulaga has to step in during the SB year and then of course is David Bakhtiari who came out of nowhere. These players were drafted for a reason.
Right. This is a tough league and it can be tough on young players, but they don't get better unless they're playing. These are career opportunities for some of these guys so let's see what they do with it.
Do you think Northwestern can beat Indiana and will you be at the game?
No, I don't, but I will not be there.
Since sloppy play is an issue, could MLF and coaches tighten the playbook to focus on specific types of plays to get everyone sharper?
That's what the game planning process is for. They don't take the whole playbook in to every game. Not even close.
I was surprised to hear that Kraft was next in line to fill in at tackle over Redman. Any idea why?
Probably knowledge of the offense.
Two questions, QB10 looked ordinary on Sunday, Jets defense or just a bad day for Love? Seems like our punter is having a bad punt every game, going back to the preseason last game. Cause for concern?
Yeah, Daniel Whelan has had a bad punt in each of the first two games. He's avoided those for the most part so I'm not going to get all worried about him. As for Love, he was really, really good for 3-plus quarters in Minnesota. It wasn't his best game last week, but I expect a better showing back at home.
Thanks for doing this on a short week. I had a dream last night that tomorrow will be the day the Packers turn things around in all three phases.
It's not as though the whole team needs a turnaround, unless you're talking about penalties specifically. That's gotta stop. But all three phases have played pretty good football at different points early on here.
Recently saw an interview with Dan Orlovsky where he said completion percentage is the most overrated QB stat.
Some teams throw a bunch of sideways stuff, WR screens and all that. Easy way to get completion percentage up. For the Packers, those are game plan and LOS decisions.
IMO Sunday was an important win. They've lost plenty of slogs like that over the last 3 years (@Cleveland comes to mind). Now they have an opportunity to stack. I know they're expected to be mindless professional robots, but I really think watching two of your brothers get carted off back to back, 5 minutes into the game, threw off the entire offense to start. There are humans under those uniforms. Add miserable conditions and that's a really tough draw.
Yeah, it's really hard to gauge how much that opening series affected the psyche/mojo/etc. of the team. But all three phases showed a lot of grit at crunch time, and that was good to see.
Have the Packers filed an official complaints with the league about some of the bad penalty calls we've seen?
LaFleur doesn't discuss those publicly. Teams send in plays to the league for an explanation all the time, but he doesn't air that dirty laundry.
This feels like a get right game (I know it's the NFL and look at last week's outcomes). But play an efficient game, win comfortably and take some extra rest to get ready for some Florida heat (against a possible 0-3 Bucs team if they can't figure out Flores either).
Everyone knows I'm the last person to look ahead, and I never talk about winning comfortably because it's so rare in this league. But I'll just say I hope the Bucs beat the Vikings. That would help the Packers in the division, and honestly I'd rather not go to Tampa to face a totally desperate winless team.
What did you think of Dani Dennis-Sutton in that game?
Showed some flashes. He's going to help this defense in his rotational role.
Will Dennis-Sutton get more snaps? He's looked very good.
Back to back questions next to each other about the same guy. That's funny.
Were there a lot of Packer fans last Sunday? I swear the stadium was still loud when the Jets were on offense.
There was a decent amount of Packers fans and a ton of empty seats. I felt the stadium had no atmosphere, to be honest.
Is it unreasonable to expect the offense to have more heavy TE packages to assist the battered O-line? Things are about as bad from a protection standpoint right now as I can remember in the past decade plus.
Those go into the pass pro planning every week. That's why I answered the question about Kraft the way I did.
Has Cordell Volson been catching up to speed with the playbook? what positions will we most likely seem him on the field if/when we need him?
He's played a lot of guard in this league, if I recall correctly.
Couldn't have scripted a better first 2 games for our rookie K, other than the missed PAT.
He's looked good. I'll always wonder what that PAT might've meant in Minnesota, though.
Do you think the Jets blitzed more often after seeing how well it worked for the Vikings?
They didn't blitz as much as I thought they might, but not every team can do what the Vikings do. For Flores, that's their DNA.
Is the short week worth the time off or would you rather not have the Thursday game?
I just roll with it. It's definitely better to have Thursday night games at home, I'll say that, and the weekend off is a nice trade.
Was fortunate last week's game ran long and local TV switched to it late, got to see the exciting finish. Weird part was the live chat bounced from behind to ahead of live coverage.
TV signals/delays can get so weird. Last Sunday, people were commenting in the chat that suddenly their Packers-Jets broadcast had Bears-Vikings audio. And then when I was watching the NFL.com highlights of Panthers-Falcons, there was a play with Packers-Jets audio. Strange stuff.
There is a video circling of the Chiefs crowding 13-15 defensive players into their huddle between plays, leaving the offense guessing as to who is actually lining up and playing. Is this legal? Could the Offense do the same?
12 men in the huddle is a penalty on offense. I don't know about the defensive rules. Defense gets last substitution based on offensive personnel.
Why doesn't OL wear knee braces? Wouldn't that eliminate some of the knee injuries?
NFL linemen say it limits their mobility too much.
Being in Virginia, may I remind everyone about Jayden Daniels when they want Love to run more.
And Jaxson Dart. And Kyler Murray. The list goes on.
What is the weather supposed to be like for the first home game?
Should be a nice night for football. Right in between that summer and fall sweet spot.
Following up on QB injuries, do you foresee a time where GMs will invest more heavily in back-up QBs? I fully understand the salary cap limitations, but sometimes I wonder if you're better off paying a QB2 and going light elsewhere.
Folks have to understand that most QB2s who are that good are looking to start somewhere, not stay a backup. Most years there aren't 32 starting QBs in this league who are good enough, so if you've got one good enough he's going to go to where he can play.
Is Penix more of a problem in the pocket, or on the run?
He hasn't run much in his pro career so far. He likes to attack downfield and he'll make those long throws to the sideline. Strong arm.
Do you foresee that the longer week ahead will help to stabilize the OL play, or is it more of an ongoing process?
Any chance to rest bodies, reset the mind, and maybe get a bonus practice on Monday (if LaFleur decides to have one) can always help.
I know most people are very sour on the O-line right now. Maybe it's something in the water but boy I tell you, I am so darn excited to see where this line goes. Morgan and Belton are 1st and 2nd round picks finally settling into their natural positions, they both have the potential to be great tackles. Burton has been stellar for a rookie so far. Rhyan is going to continue to grow into his role. And Monk will only continue to improve with more in game reps. I think with a full season of reps, these guys can make a big jump together and be together for years to come.
I'm not worried about years to come. The Packers just need to get a group together that gets rolling this year and see where it goes. I think this group is capable but they have to do it.
The Packers have shown to struggle with the running game this year, and with a team like the Falcons with some notable names in the secondary airing the ball out doesn't seem as likely, do you think names like Kaleb Johnson will contribute more this week than the past two?
I liked what Johnson brought to the table vs. the Jets, except for the fumble. I want to see more, except for the fumble.
Two plays stand out to me as plays that probably would have made the Jets game different. The dropped 3rd down pass (Golden?) and the dropped interception (Javon Bullard). Every time those misses occur I think, "missed opportunity".
For sure. Part of the game. Those are opportunities you don't always get back.
With all the noncontact injuries will improving the fields in all NFL stadiums be an issue in the CBA? NFL stadiums did it for FIFA, but won't protect their own players.
That's what the players' union has been saying for a long time now. I'm not sure how it becomes part of CBA negotiations, though, because not all teams own their stadiums.
Don't forget the stretch where his hand was numb after a hit on his elbow.
He insisted that had no impact on his play.
Hope to see a lot of green & gold in the stands tomorrow night! (Is it blaze orange season yet?)
Not quite. A couple more months for that. But it should be a lively crowd.
Why would Brandon Cisse not have a wisdom tooth extraction done prior to the season? Or was it somewhat an emergency?
I don't know the details.
I just want guys like Christian Watson and Van Ness to keep building on momentum and become true "have to deal with" roles for the opponent. These guys can truly be monsters IMO.
Agree, and there are others. This roster has a lot of talent. Can they put it all together and overcome the injuries? Those are the questions.
In Reed's absence, which receiver do you expect to handle the routes that move the chains, particularly on third down?
Won't be one person. Receivers, TEs, backs all will play a part.
Mike….I believe Packers are one of 2-3 teams who started the year with 2 road games. Can't ever underestimate a home crowd. Minnesota is brutal, and a young Jets fan sitting in front of me Sunday said it was the loudest he's ever heard it there. Hope the home fans bring it tomorrow night!
Packers have 9 of their last 15 at home here. Make it count for something, starting tomorrow night.
Who is your unsung player two games into the season so far?
The two defensive captains -- Zaire Franklin and Xavier McKinney. They haven't made the splash plays like other guys, but they're both playing really well.
Was Zach's knee injury the same knee he hurt last year?
Yes, and same injury. Patellar tendon. It was partially torn last year and he had a procedure done on it. Now it's fully torn, based on what he told the media.
Weather looks to be perfect tomorrow night with 70 high for the day. Is your press box always closed or do they open it early season?
No, the windows in the press box don't open. Not where we sit anyway.
I think Penix will give us a run for his money. Should be an interesting game tomorrow.
He's gonna be jacked up and rarin' to go. Packers have to be ready.
What did you have for your pre-game meal at Wes's friends restaurant?
Had a tortellini that was on the special menu for the evening. Outstanding.
Vikings would have taken 1-1 after two tough division games to start the season. They lost their QB baseically right away in first game and STILL find themselves 2-0. Yes, they still need to figure out QB position and if he will be good but NEVER apologize for winning in the NFL.
True that.
Have the Packers ever opened at home in Week 3 on Thursday night before?
Not that I can recall. The Packers have had a couple Week 2 Thursday night games before, but that was opening with 2 straight home games.
Do they have to designate Reed to return if they don't know if it's season ending or not for IR?
At this stage, nobody who goes on IR needs to be designated to return. That's only required when putting somebody on IR at roster cutdown time. Anyone who goes on IR now is eligible to return, but teams have a max they can bring back each year. I think it's eight.
3 a.m.? Brutal for you if it was an away game.
I do my work on the plane, but yeah. Part of the deal. Away noon games like last Sunday are a godsend.
Speaking of Cisse, what are your thoughts on his last two games?
Plenty to like. He belongs.
Not sure other fan bases have the opportunity that we have to interact with the team. Thanks for all you guys do and put up with from us fans to keep us informed and allow us to vent. GPG
Wow, I've already gone an hour so I guess I'll wrap it up. Saw lots of thanks for the chat in the comments so I'll collectively say you're welcome. Always fun to chop it up. I'll be back on here tomorrow night for the game. Take care everybody. Best, Spoff
