Hey everybody, sorry I'm a few minutes late. Thanks for logging on today. Go ahead and start sending in your questions and I'll begin shortly.

Hi Mike, is Christian Watson already at full go in the offense in his first game back, or do you expect his involvement to continue to increase?

Well, he played 36 snaps in Pittsburgh, which was more than anyone really anticipated. So assuming he can increase from there, he'll be without limitations pretty soon.

Hey Mike, what was your biggest surprise from last week's game with the Steelers?

That the Steelers quit running the ball in the second half. I know they lost a key O-lineman to injury, but like, they didn't even try after halftime.

Do you see any promise that the slow offensive starts will speed up?

No way to tell. The Packers had fast starts offensively earlier in the year. The last two games it's been the other way around. They're still working on a complete game.

Hope alls well Mike. Good to be back at Lambeau this week.

For sure. Playing 4 of 5 on the road is no easy stretch. Now some home cookin.

Brandon McManus was 95% on FG and 100% on XP last year, and is 82% and 97% on those for his career. He's only 34 and one of the most consistent kickers in the league. Can we stop with the talk about moving on from him?

I sure hope so. Having a proven kicker in this league is not something to trifle with. What Lucas Havrisik has done in two games is impressive, but fans clamoring for him to be the guy now are conveniently forgetting Anders Carlson started his career without missing a kick for five straight games, and we all know how that turned out. Proving yourself takes time, and McManus has done that.

Do you know the status of Lukas Van Ness injury? Thank you for your good work.

He's not back at practice yet. Seems to be a week to week thing at this point.

Is there really such a thing as a trap game?

I don't believe so. I think that's an outside narrative. Every game is its own entity in this league.

Any update on how Jayden Reed is doing with his rehab?

He was rehabbing off to the side at practice today, which perhaps is an indication he's on his way back now. We'll see.

With Josh Jacobs being held to 2.5/carry, a couple of bad drops on 3rd down, 2 missed field goals and a couple of drive extending penalties on our DBs, it's pretty amazing that GB could win going away. Other facets picked it up - great team win

It was a dominant second half. No other way to say it.

Who on the Panthers' defense is most dangerous to disrupt our offense?

Derrick Brown is a pretty disruptive interior D-lineman. He's the one who has my attention.

That helmet is amazing.

Definitely better than the straight brown from the throwbacks last decade or whenever that was.

Where do we see other players who finished behind Jordan Love for Offensive Player of Week ?

The league doesn't announce a list of candidates, just the winner.

With little time in practice and preseason, Savion Williams looks so natural out there. He remind me of Randall Cobb.

Cobb's impact was larger early in his rookie year, but I agree Williams looks like a natural and he's cashing in on opportunities as they come his way.

Is a fast start imperative this week, after your opponent just got blown out 40-9?

I wouldn't say it's imperative, but if you can get the other guys thinking "here we go again" that's not a bad thing.

Hey, you know Tucker Kraft wasn't perfect. He did drop a third down pass.

He's human after all.

Do you think BG might shake a tree of some kind before the trade deadline? If so, which tree would you anticipate?

As mentioned in Inbox this morning, the Packers just lost a draft pick at corner, Micah Robinson, off their practice squad. So that's a spot I would think they're looking to fill, whether it be via trade or whatever.

If you or Wes were unable to work a game unfortunately, do you have a 3rd in command?

Nope. Wes missed a game back in 2017 when his son was born and we just adjusted the postgame content.

Did you see the tush push fumble that Hurts had against the Giants? One has to think that if the topic is brought up next offseason, there will be enough votes to ban it. Seems like every week there is at least a couple of plays where the refs miss a something with this specific play. Get rid of it!

I did see that highlight and all I could do was shake my head.

Did I understand correctly that you were unable to travel to Pittsburgh? How did you handle the Live Chat if that was the case?

I had my laptop in front of the TV broadcast in a conference room here at Lambeau. It was the same way I did the live blog during the two Covid seasons when nobody from our digital team traveled.

Just saw that the Broncos shook the TE tree and a Big Dog fell out.

Ha, yeah. Happy for Cedes. Very cool.

Doesn't it seem odd that the run blocking might have been better for Emanuel Wilson?

I don't put anything more into it than it's just an area the Packers need more consistency. LaFleur spoke on that again today before practice.

Watson might be the best blocking WR in the League. Looks like he never left.

You have to love the way he plays the game.

Do you think it's a benefit that teams underestimate Jordan? I think he's playing at an MVP level, but it seems that the rest of the league disagrees

I can't speak to how the rest of the league views him, but early this season it sure seemed defenses were more cautious of Jacobs than Love. That will probably change now.

If the Jays win tonight, do they win it in 7?

I get the sense no matter who wins tonight the Series is going 7.

The Pack has the second best record in the league, yet there seems to be a lack of exuberance. How do you try to change the narrative from expectation of perfection to enjoyment of the game and watching the team grow?

Fans want to see the Packers stomp on somebody. That's hard to do for 4 quarters in this league, and frankly, it doesn't mean much. That second half in Pittsburgh was as dominant as it gets against a team above .500. As I said, the Packers are working toward that complete game, but getting it in November isn't that big a deal. Just keep making progress.

You suggested in II today the Packers defense should be more concerned about stopping Dowdle than Hubbard. Can you elaborate on why?

Just look at the numbers. Dowdle is averaging 5.7 per carry, Hubbard 3.6. They're both good backs, but there's a lot of chatter in Carolina that they need to ride the hot hand there.

Mike, did you stay awake for the Dodgers/Jays 18 inning marathon Monday night?

I did. Shouldn't have, but once I got to about the 12th inning, I was committed even though I needed to go to bed.

In your live chat you were still ahead of the national telecast. How did that work?

I don't know. Maybe just a faster signal coming into the TV system here at the stadium. But I was watching a TV broadcast just like everybody else.

With the large contract Hutchinson just signed along with the contracts signed by Goff, Sewell and St Brown will the cap be an issue for the Lions?

I don't know their specifics, but they seem to be managing just fine. Brad Holmes has done wonders for that franchise.

Young Hod is already 8? Man, time flies.

Yeah, he turns 8 in December. Makes me feel really old.

Is MarShawn Lloyd still not practicing?

Correct. He has not returned to practice.

Malik Heath showed his mettle!

Heath had some sneaky productive plays in that Steelers game. Another guy who gets limited opps but makes something of them.

Is Wilson's strength more with the Outside Zone runs, whereas Jacobs pounds the inside sometimes as much to wear down the D as to secure yards?

I don't know about that. I think it's important to remember Jacobs did just have a calf injury before the Cardinals game. I know from experience those don't just go away.

Watching Micah Parsons take over in the 4th quarter these past 2 weeks has been a blast to watch.

The big-money players have to get it done at crunch time, and he's that type of player. His motor is so nonstop that he's got more left in the tank in the 4th quarter than most.

This could be a HUGE weekend for either Parsons or Rashan Gary. I think, since they can't double both, one will have an incredible game!

It'll be imperative for the Packers to stop the run and put them in third downs where they can rush the passer. I'm expecting the Panthers to try to run the ball, and then run it some more.

Has Jordan Morgan surpassed Sean Rhyan?

It seems to be an ongoing competitive situation. The snaps were pretty closely split in Pittsburgh after Morgan played most of the game in AZ.

I have 2 teenage boys at home and when I try to explain how the GBP were in the 70's and 80's, they just

Ha. Yeah, there's a whole generation or two of Packers fans now that have no idea what it was like.

I stayed awake on the East coast.

Good for you. Man, what a ballgame. It was a treat to watch.

What do you think the strategy or plan is for changing up punt returners multiple times a game? Is it just confidence in handling the punt or an adjustment based on what coaches are seeing in the field from the other team?

Bisaccia has mentioned the field position is one factor, as well as the workload of the players involved.

Consistency and perfection don't exist. Matt Lafleur is right, be the best you can be and keep fighting until the end even when you are down.

That was the best thing about these last two games. Not much went right in the first half but they came out swinging in the second half, got their punches in, and got in position to win the game. That counts for a lot.

Mike, are Javon Bullard and Evan Williams sharing time at the safety spot opposite Xavier McKinney or is Bullard just playing the nickel when he's out there?

I haven't done a snap breakdown, but Bullard is playing mostly in the slot and Williams mostly deep safety with X. They play nickel so much that Bullard is on the field all the time.

Mike, I was at the Cardinals game, totally engrossed in the action and left in complete awe......of how you produce the Live Blog with so much detail and so accurately. I actually re-read it later to find out what I'd missed!!! Thank you.

Ha, it's a challenge but one I enjoy. It is a lot harder to do it off the TV broadcast, though. I'd much rather be in the press box.

What is your take on the Viking QB situation? Will they be shopping for a veteran backup?

I heard they just signed one today I think.

Matthew Golden gets his first NFL TD this week. Lock it in.

That's what I think too.

Joined Coach LaFleurs press conference late today, just as he said politely something like he wished he could give an answer that would stop getting those types of questions every week. What question(s) was he referencing?

Targets for the various pass catchers in the offense. He's getting tired of the topic and I don't blame him. But his answer about how the offense works was really good and I'd recommend any fan to listen to it.

Do you think this can be a "get back on track" game for Nate Hobbs and Keisean Nixon?

I don't look at it that way. Both guys are pros and they know the challenges of their position. You must have a short memory to play corner in this league and just keep plugging away. I expect they'll do that.

And isn't Micah a great team mate? Giving RG the game ball was a cladd

He has really taken to this team and locker room, and vice versa.

Were you surprised how many Packers fans showed up at the Pittsburgh game?

A little, just because I didn't think a lot of Steelers fans would sell their tickets for that matchup.

What are the strengths and weaknesses of Caroline on both sides of the ball? I haven't watched them much this season.

When they're at their best, they're a run the ball stop the run team. You can't let them control the trenches because then everything else falls into place for them.

How did Devonte Wyatt look in his first game back?

I didn't watch him specifically, but LaFleur seemed good with how he looked.

Do you think other teams will run a heavy formation like the running the Steelers had success against the Packers?

Yes. If that's in another team's arsenal, I'd think they'd try it.

Parsons tossing the game ball to Gary is how team chemistry is built.

No doubt. That stuff matters. I'm sure he felt getting a game ball after one sack when his teammate had two wasn't right, even though he had a bigger impact on the game than just one sack.

Crystal ball, where do you think Anthony Belton and Morgan will settle in on the line long-term.

That's a great question and a tough one to answer. I think a lot could depend on what happens personnel-wise this upcoming offseason, which is a long way off.

John FitzPatrick seems to outsnapping Luke Musgrave more and more. Got to wonder if he gets traded if right offer for Musgrave comes in?

They're not trading Musgrave. Sims just got claimed on waivers.

When records for GB, such as we had in the 70s and 80s return, I don't envy your interactions with the fanbase. Expectations run rampant...

Hopefully it doesn't happen, and even if it does, it's hard to imagine that long a stretch of doldrums the way the league is structured now.

I was really surprised to see Nixon on a return. Thought that ship had sailed with him being CB 1

I was a little surprised too. He obviously was rusty.

Hey, Mike. Did Watson's return allow Kraft to run freely Sunday? You generally could see Watson's routes on TV. I figured his 4.3 speed automatically accounts for a CB & safety. I had tix for the game but decided to stay home, or I could've watched myself.

I'm not sure if one had anything directly to do with the other. The Steelers definitely didn't tackle Kraft well in the open field. They had shots at him, couldn't get him down, and paid the price.

I'm still impressed by Quay Walker's poise and creating a third and impossible. He and Edgerrin Cooper are fun to watch.

That's a great pair of inside 'backers. Certainly the fastest pair I've seen in my time here.

After Monday night, am I the only one who thinks virtual measurements are pointless? The chain gang is just as fast, accurate enough, and way more interesting to watch. Plus we get to see moments like the infamous notecard.

I think those moments are over. I don't really care as long as they get it right.

Is this a game where the Hafley rushes 4 and plays that shallow "keep it in front of you" zone style do you think? Seems like the type of line the D can get after with only 4 on most downs.

It depends on the down and distance. I guarantee you he's preaching to his guys how important it will be to stop the run in this game. If the Panthers are in third and 2 all day, it's going to be tough for the defense.

Who is your current favorite football announcer to listen to and sports journalist to read?

I don't really have a favorite announcer because I don't listen to any of them. When I'm watching a game on TV at home, it's with the sound off unless my wife demands I keep it on, and then I just ignore the commentators. As a reader, I've read a lot of Jeff Pearlman's biographies of sports stars and teams. I really enjoy his work.

How on earth could the officials not have seen that Packers offsides?

I wondered the same thing, but they miss those on occasion around the league.

Seems like most teams can't run that kind of super jumbo offensive set. One guy went down for Steelers and they had to can it.

Yeah, you have to have the personnel to do it. I think Pittsburgh's success with it will still give teams ideas based on packages or concepts they have.

How's the forecast for Sunday?

Typical fall day around here as far as I know, but it's only Tuesday.

Do you foresee any difficulty in resigning Walker? His value seems to keep ascending.

Are you talking Quay or Rasheed Walker? I think both guys are playing their way into big paydays, honestly.

What was up with that no call offsides? Non-reviewable?

Correct. That's not under replay's purview.

One factor that I believe has helped this offense is the consistent availability of a starting 5 in our offensive line.

The current group has played three games together now. Hopefully that consistency continues.

I was impressed with Kraft's discussion in the post game interview with the sideline reporter--what a humble and appreciative young man.

He takes nothing for granted, and he's earned every bit of respect he's gained around here and around the league.

How would you counter the heavy run formation the Steelers used?

I'm sure they're hoping you load up with a goal-line type defense, but then they'll look to run play-action and leak somebody out. Didn't they throw one to an eligible tackle in the game?

Just saw tv map that Chicago metro not showing Packer game, a travesty

I would imagine not much of the country is getting Carolina v. Green Bay. Probably means a big audience for my live blog!

Or the LT who started pulling across the formation before the snap...

Yeah, that too.

Is Russ Ball sequestered somewhere working out how to extend Walker, et al?

Oh, he's always working on possibilities. But the Packers don't talk about any negotiations that are or aren't ongoing. That's how they do business and then we find out when the ink is dry.

I always thought it odd that refs randomly spot the ball and then measure to the centimeter

Yeah, that's one of the great head scratchers about this game. So much imprecision that looks like precision. An illusion for all.

Do you know how the salary cap looks? I assume a large contract for QW7 this off season. DW95 also as they probably don't want to be locked into the 5th year rookie salary. Romeo Doubs is due….

I haven't looked at it lately, but the Packers structured the Parsons contract to give them a lot of flexibility the next couple of years.

Some memorable moments in past matchups against the Panthers. Any stand out to you in particular?

That game down there two years ago was a doozy. Bryce Young started going nuts and almost stole that one. But I must say, every time I've gone into Carolina's stadium since 2011 I've just been reminded of the end of Nick Collins' career. Can't say I have too many memories of Carolina games here during my time with packers.com. I do recall WR Steve Smith going off once.

Was nice to see Coach McCarthy at the game. Appreciated his time with the Pack. Think he's retired or got another HC tenure in him?

I've seen no reports that he's retiring from coaching. I would expect he'll be involved in the hiring cycle after this season is over.

On Steeler's last TD. Will it be a fumble if it wasn't in the end zone, because they reversed it to a catch? Is the rule different in the end zone?

Yes, it is different in the end zone as far as when the play is over. Had that been in the field of play, the receiver was never down, so that would've been a free ball.

Jordan Love is playing at an incredible level, but doesn't seem to be talked about as much as others. Is it because of the two players he followed at the position or just not enough exposure yet?

It'll come in due time. The focus now is all on the Panthers game, but there's a Monday nighter with the Eagles coming up, then Thanksgiving in Detroit again. The spotlight will only get bigger.

How else can you do it? You have to put the ball down someplace.

Oh right, I'm not saying there's any other way. But there's a lot of inexactness to the science.

How much more relaxed and demonstrative does Doubs look this year? Seems more settled with things which is great to see.

He looks like he's having fun out there, as many of them are.

Just heard ML's press conference. I agree - his explanation of spreading to different targets is great. IDK why people complain about that so much - it works and makes us extremely dangerous because defenses never know where it's coming from. Why do you think this bugs people so much? is it just a fantasy thing do you think?

I think fantasy football has a lot to do with it. Also, fans get their favorite players and want to see them excel. When you have a HOFer like Davante Adams out there, you do things differently on offense. This current Packers offense isn't built like that.

You also have 2 officials running in from each sideline with a different spot. Who wins?

Right.

I remember a wheel route to Dorsey Levens in the NFC championship game for a TD.

That was one of the first Packers games I covered in my newspaper days.

I'd like to give a quick shout out to the city of Pittsburgh. Great hosts and I encourage everyone to see a game there!

I was disappointed I couldn't make the trip. That stadium has a great vibe. It's a great city to visit and the setup with the stadiums along the river is really cool. I saw the Brewers play the Pirates at PNC a few years back.

Cam Newton's "oh you watched film, watch this" talking to Clay Matthews is pretty great.

Ha, yeah. Forgot about that one.

That was the game when Rodgers chucked the tablet on the ground on the sideline I think. Now it's coming back to me.

What do you think of the Packers throw back uniforms? What did you think of the Steelers uniforms?

I'll reserve judgment on the Packers' uniforms until seeing them in Sunday's game. I thought Pittsburgh's were hideous and it was a horrible choice to have Rodgers play against the Packers wearing them.

Thanks for the chat, Mike.

You're welcome, and I do need to sign off. Thanks for all the participation as always and enjoy the rest of your week. Take care everybody. Best, Spoff