Hey everybody, thanks for logging on today. Hope all is well in your worlds. I see a few questions already have come in, so keep sending and I'll get started.

Hi, Mike: Interesting developments w/ NY Jets. Amid the finger-pointing, chaos and tension amongst ownership, management, coaching and players, I can't help but reflect on how fortunate the Packers are with their ownership structure. Establishing and maintaining a winning AND high-character culture is not easy in an organization. Besides the Packers (whom I would argue are leaders, but I'm biased) what NFL organizations stand out in this regard and what 2-3 attributes do you think separate the great from the rest?

The Packers aren't alone in having organizational stability in this league. Teams like the Ravens and Steelers also come to mind. The Chiefs too. The Lions might be getting there with this current regime. Stability doesn't guarantee you any wins but it certainly doesn't hurt.

Sure hope Ja is back this week to cover Jr. ! I want to see GB play their best complimentary f

I think we'd all love to see Jaire Alexander back just to be back, but then also of course to cover someone like Marvin Harrison Jr. Fingers crossed.

It seemed to me the defense made a big shift of who was safety, who was slot. Are there any other switches coming

Yeah, that was a major shift last week. Evan Williams played every defensive snap at safety after playing only a few dozen snaps in the first four games. Bullard played more in the slot and Nixon was outside with Alexander out and Eric Stokes/ Carrington Valentine sharing time. Edgerrin Cooper also is playing more now and I think he'll become a more regular presence, too.

Loved the WYMM format of focusing on a single player! Feel free to do that again on a player of your choice!

I take that approach at times, focusing on a single player, if it makes sense based on how the game went. It was a lot of fun to see so much stuff I didn't in real time.

Any updates on Romeo Doubs?

Nothing beyond what LaFleur said on Monday, which is that he expects him at practice today, which begins in a couple of hours.

Jordan Love reminds me of Farve. Both seem to be impatient with lengthy drives.

I don't know if I'd call it impatience as much as a desire for the explosive play because that's what puts defenses on their heels and generally leads to points. Long, methodical drives are great, but they also increase the odds of an offensive mistake that bogs you down. In the fourth quarter at LA, the Packers had a great drive going, burning clock, moving the chains. Then a false start and dropped pass ruined it, and they punted.

How do you feel CV did last Sunday? I saw people poking at him, but I thought he did decently for coming back from an injury.

He played about half the defensive snaps (41 of 78), which was good to see. The DPI in the fourth quarter at the goal line was unfortunate, because it wasn't a lot of contact. Not egregious by any means but they called it. Everyone's been waiting to see what Valentine can do in his second year but he's been hampered by injuries. Hopefully good health for him is on the horizon.

Hey Mike, have you been as impressed with Emanuel Wilson's play this season as I have? He's really making the most of his opportunities backing up Josh Jacobs.

I love the way Wilson runs. Hard. No hesitation. He hits it to make sure he gets what's there, and then will try to make a move for more. He's also improved a lot in pass protection, which was expected for a second-year guy.

Another 1 pm game coming up. Do we have more than the usual amount this year? Is this a good thing?

I love it from a work standpoint, but they just happen to be bunched together here early in the year. Later this season, we're scheduled for 4 night games in a row.

Who is the 3rd running back now? Is he active on all games?

With MarShawn Lloyd on IR, the third RB currently is Chris Brooks.

Mike, Regarding Robert's (from Seattle) question from this morning, of course Love cannot do what he did on that play. My question is regarding Jacobs' blocking. Coach raised eyebrows a bit when he mentioned it in the previous game. On the pick 6, Jacobs and LT seemed to mishandle the blitz, and I believe Jacobs didn't handle another block well before that play. Other teams are going to see that on film. What's your updated take?

I always hesitate to assign blame when a blitz isn't picked up and there's a free runner, because it usually means a miscommunication on the protection call, where one guy thinks one thing and another is on a different page. I know fans hate to hear "miscommunication" as the explanation for a mistake, but it truly does happen. So I don't know who was supposed to pick up the free runner, but clearly Love was expecting somebody to.

Is Christian Watson well enough to play this week?

I don't know. We'll see. He did not practice all last week but was listed as "doubtful" at the end of the week rather than "out," so that leads me to believe he's close to returning to the practice field.

Is Wilson better blocker than Jacobs?

I wouldn't say that. I think Wilson has gotten much better in pass protection, as I said, but if there's been an error with Jacobs it appears more in the mental/communication area than physical or blocking ability.

What do you think the Packers need to focus on this week to face the Cardinals?

There's a dangerous running QB in Murray, a power back in Conner and a rising star at receiver in Harrison Jr. That's a lot to handle, and Murray isn't just a scrambler, but they design runs for him, too. Defensively, the Cards have been run on (almost 150 rush ypg) but they buckled down in the second half last week at SF and got two huge takeaways late. Can't get sloppy with the ball.

Do you think Cooper sees another uptick in snaps based on this weeks matchup against Murray?

Things seem to be trending that way.

Walker's comment on CheeseheadTV Radio about being in SoFi and not knowing if the crowd roar for Love's deep shot to Jayden Reed in triple coverage was a good thing or a bad thing had me laughing pretty hard.

These last two road games have been home crowds for GB. Packers fans took over those stadiums in Nashville and LA.

It felt like last year we were "content" to let young offensive players learn on the job, and accepted some errors along the way as long as growth could be seen. Now this year we're giving the defensive players the same chance. Fair? Or just my imagination?

I don't think it's really the same thing. Defensively, Hafley is learning what guys do best in this scheme, which he can really only learn in games, while also navigating injuries that have taken key pieces out at times (Alexander, Devonte Wyatt, Valentine). I suspect after a few more games, Hafley will really know this personnel, and hopefully the group will be healthy, too.

It looks like to me green bay has just been a late productive team how do they start off fast and keep the momentum the entire game we have the team why can't we get it done all four quarters?

The Packers have played well in fits and starts, no doubt. It is much like last year in that regard. The difference is they're winning these games, like against the Colts and Rams, that they lost last year to the Raiders, Broncos, Steelers, etc. This league is too tough and too even to play super smooth for four quarters every week. But the Packers can be more consistent and they're working to get there.

Hi, Mike: what's the deadline for the league to flex an upcoming game? That is, how soon before the game can they still make such a schedule change?

I believe it's 12 days in advance for most flex decisions. The notice can be shorter later in the season.

Best way to keep Murray contained Mike?

I'll be curious to see how the Packers go about it. If they want to deploy a spy at times, guys like Cooper and Javon Bullard are fast enough to handle the duty. But honestly, defending the zone read runs will probably be a tougher assignment than keeping him in the pocket, which the Packers did with Hurts and Richardson very well. Murray took a simple zone read and ran 50 yards for a TD last week. That's a backbreaking play.

Complaints about Gary's lack of sacks but I watched his matchup the last two pass attempts last week and he was tackled and released on both. Just a matter of time, your thoughts?

If there's one thing I know about Rashan Gary, it's that he's going to keep working. He won't stop.

This week will not be a fair test based on QB mobility, but it just seems like the D line can't win. I understand MLF talking about chips/doubles/etc., but that happens to any good player. Have to win, and they aren't. Help is not on the way?

As I said in Insider Inbox this morning, the pass rush certainly needs to get better. But there have been various circumstances every week that have played into performance. Opponents reacted to the 8-sack game in Tennessee with a lot more attention on pass protection, and the Packers need to find counters so they can still get pressure with four. It's an ongoing battle. Getting the secondary back to full health will help too, as rush and coverage go hand in hand.

I also feel like it's getting to a point where the league is trending more towards "mobile QB" and you'll always have to be 'disciplined' with your rush. Is there anything to be said about the difference between 'disciplined' and 'hesitant' and maybe it's just the issue of being too hesitant in still trying to read (like they've played before?)

I don't see hesitancy. The first two weeks I saw rushers executing a specific game plan in a scheme that was new. Then in Week 3 they went nuts. Then offenses adjusted and now the Packers have to adjust too. That's how I'm looking at it. It's a long season.

When is the final game plan put into effect?

Not sure what you mean. The game plan is introduced to the players on Wednesday and then repped on the practice field W-Th-F, plus a walk-through on Sat.

Regarding pass-blocking by backs; that's one of the things that made Dillon and Jones so valuable. It seemed that even when there was a miscommunication, either one was fully capable of recognizing it quickly, and adjusting to at least chip the rusher, even if not their guy. An underrated skill

Absolutely, and neither of those guys was all that great at pass pro until they'd been in the league, and in this system, for multiple years.

Hey Mike, I don't think I've heard one thing about Josh Myers play this season. I believe for an o-lineman, that's probably the highest compliment. What have you noticed?

I haven't studied him specifically, but I think Myers made some valuable strides last season and that level of play has carried over thus far.

Williams seems like a steel in the fourth round. What a good problem to have when JA comes back.

Indeed.

It was awesome to see Williams play so well last game. How can they keep him on the field when Jaire returns? Or would they need to limit Bullard's or Keisean Nixon's snaps to do so...?

We'll find out. Having a problem in that regard is better than the alternative.

I'm sorry to hear about the Nico Collins news. I hope he can recover well as he's had a great start to the season. On the flip side, it'll be nice for our defense to have to worry about one less passing threat in Week 7...

I'll be disappointed not to see him play live in person next week, but it is a break for the Packers.

Is Love healthy enough to run more? Could he do some of the Malik Willis runs?

I don't think the Packers want to expose Love to contact in that regard, but his scramble on third down in the fourth quarter last week was a good indication his mobility is getting back to full strength.

A former GB backup QB did a "film study" demonstration on the pick-6. His take was Love did everything right, but between the missed blocking assignment and the TE not continuing his route (while the DB keep running) were large factors. I know he's a QB, so has a slant to it, but it showed how much all 11 matters and Love gets the blame.

It's never on just one person, but ultimately the QB has to protect the ball and not put it in harm's way.

Mike - I usually mute Tony Romo broadcasts, but was pleasantly surprised with his glowing review of Valentine's career thus far and his sticky coverage in the game against the Rams. Do you expect to see 24 and 21 splitting reps again outside once Jaire is back?

I'm not sure how the coaches are going to play it. Rotating/alternating guys has worked at other spots in the past, but if they feel someone is clearly better and deserves more time, they'll go that route.

So, we're at about the 1/3 mark of the season. So far, though the results haven't been excellent, the defense seems to be more aggressive than the last few seasons. They still make mistakes, and there are issues with the pass rush, but even when protecting a late lead, I don't think anyone could call them "passive". And more hats around the ball than I remember from the past several seasons. Here's hoping they can get the rest cleaned up

There's no question this defense is more aggressive. All the takeaways are the evidence of that. Those don't just happen. The mindset is about being aggressive to force mistakes and take the ball away.

Who is your player the game Sunday? I'm hoping for X again. What a W is the ultimate goal.

The Packers are at home and need to win. They already lost one home game this season. Can't lose another. That's all I'm really focused on.

How do u game plan for the cards defense?

I haven't studied their defense, but statistically they struggle against the run, much like the Rams did. The Rams brought a safety into the box to beef up their run D and invited the Packers to throw early. There was mixed success. I expect passing efficiency to improve if struggling run Ds are going to gear up to stop Jacobs. If they keep two safeties back, the Packers should be able to run the ball and set up play-action.

When do we find about about practices for players like Ja and Romeo?

Later this afternoon. The first injury report will be out probably around 3-4 p.m.

Biggest Packer (pleasant) surprise so far this season?

I wouldn't call it a surprise, but Tucker Kraft has taken the idea of a second-year jump to another level. He's a huge part of this offense now.

Wes wrote, "...I have noticed the Packers don't do as many of those long-net drills during training camp. It seems Tom Clements favors QBs practicing their footwork and throwing to nets placed at a more moderate distance." Do you think this because the moderate distance throws require better accuracy where long throws puts more on a WR adjusting to the throw?

That may be part of it, but since Rodgers left, the Packers have had nothing but young QBs here and there are only so many minutes in every practice. So if they're devoting those to footwork, which is an essential fundamental, it makes sense.

Reed is the real deal!! Hard to find enough plays to keep everyone happy.

True. Reed is the guy defenses currently are game-planning around, in my opinion.

Think Luke Musgrave will get worked in to the mix soon? He's been quiet thus far and know he's been dealing with an ankle injury.

I think his opportunities are coming, but he needs to get healthy first.

I Packers is a pass first offense but I would like Jacob to run more. He is capable of doing 25+ carries.

But pounding him into a loaded box isn't worth it, which is why the Packers were throwing a fair amount in the first half last week despite the Rams' poor run defense ranking. Schematically, the throws were there, but the Packers didn't execute, either with the throws themselves or the protection, etc. It got a lot better in the second half.

What record wins the NFC North this year?

Interesting question. I don't see anyone running away with it, and I think in the division games they'll start to beat up on each other a little bit. We'll all have a better read on it in another month or so.

Since this is the last midweek chat before your birthday, let me be the first to wish you a very happy day.

You're too kind.

I'm not sure the next three games are as important as a two games after. There are both division games and we alrea lost one.

The Packers can't do anything about the division games until they get here. Right now they have back-to-back home games and need to take care of business.

Hi Mike, Arizona took the ball away a lot against the 49ers. What are they doing so well and what do the packers need to do to prevent that from happening to them? Thank you

Arizona's defense has been very up and down. Rough games against the Bills and Commanders, but solid efforts vs. the Rams, Lions and 49ers. Hard to get a handle on it, honestly, without studying lots of film, which is what the coaches do.

The Vikings seem to be real. What appears to be their weak spot?

I think Minnesota's offense is very inconsistent, but they're doing enough to win. That defense has been harder for opponents to figure out.

I'm suddenly glad the Commanders aren't on our schedule this year.

There were people who thought that team just needed a quarterback and had a lot of other pieces in place. I was skeptical, but I was wrong. That QB is only going to get better, too.

Just beat the Cardinals?

That's a good way to wrap the chat. Thanks for the participation everybody. Stay tuned to our coverage the rest of the week. You won't want to miss the story Wes is posting tomorrow morning. Take care and talk again soon.

Best,

Mike