Hey everybody, thanks for logging on. Go ahead and start sending in your questions and I'll get rolling shortly.
Will you root for the Lions tomorrow to basically end the Cowboys playoff chances, or root for the Cowboys since both teams would still be a long shot to make the playoffs with that result?
Good question. I'm always inclined to root against a division rival unless there's a really compelling reason not to. But the Cowboys are looking like a hot team and they could be dangerous if they get in.
How are the Bears #31 in the league in pressure rate and far and away #1 in the NFL in turnover rate? Is this more of the Bears being lucky or some really good coverage disguises?
I didn't know that about their pressure rate ranking. I do know they go after the ball with abandon. They're forced 14 fumbles and recovered nine. They also have 17 INTs, which says something about their coverages. I wouldn't call it luck. When you're the best in the league at something, there are reasons.
Hi Mike - thanks for doing the chat. What are some Bears weaknesses that the Packers can exploit?
As I mentioned in II this morning, they don't defend the run all that well. If you can run the ball and protect it against this defense, you can have a good day. On the other side, Williams gets pressured a lot but is able to escape. Closing down his running lanes would take away his improv game.
Hi Mike, what kind of impact do you think MarShawn Lloyd can have in the run game and where will he land on the depth chart?
It'll be a while before he's active for a game, I would think. But when he's ready he can be a nice change-up. The Packers like what they have with Josh Jacobs and Emanuel Wilson, and adding a different style runner could be interesting.
What were your thoughts when the Packers actually snapped the ball on 4th down at the end of the game?
Ha, I was stunned. I didn't think they were going to. Shows what I know.
I saw your comment this morning regarding Williams getting away from Micah Parsons. Williams unofficial 40 time is 4.57, Parsons 4.39. Of course, that's on a track and Sunday it's football but, my Bushwood thoughts (no gambling) are on Parsons with his in game drive and determination.
There's a lot more to it than just speed. There's angles, leverage, etc. But not many QBs can get away from Parsons when he has a shot.
Will Jayden Reed and/or Matthew Golden be active?
Both were practicing today when I was out there. I think there's a decent chance for both but we'll just have to see.
Hey Mike, did you have any idea that the Bears were capable of having two guys run for 100 yards in a game? Shades of Walter Payton and Matt Suhey from 40 years ago.
It was impressive, no doubt. The Eagles just never responded to that ground game. That's a heck of a best friend for Williams at QB.
This is extremely fun. It's so rare, I forget how cool it is when the Bears don't totally suck and the rivalry has meaning.
And we get to see the matchup twice in three weeks. Wild.
Other than the obvious loss of Devonte Wyatt, what else scares you about facing the Bears offense?
I don't look at it as anything scary. They run the ball well and Williams is elusive. The Packers have a better defense than maybe anyone the Bears have played this year. Let's see how it goes, and then we'll get to see it again in a couple weeks.
Mike, do you think the staff might look at moving Lukas Van Ness to the inside when he's able to return, to help out on the loss of Wyatt?
In passing situations, perhaps. Not sure about him as a run stopper in there, but who knows.
As you stated in Path to the Playoffs, a lot of over .500 teams play each other. Still, like Vontae Mack, you always root against the Bears. No matter what.
I don't see a scenario where the Packers fans will be rooting for the Bears to win a game the rest of the way. Maybe when they play the 49ers if necessary? Dunno.
Huge fan and I watch Final Thoughts religiously. Do you think if Dontayvion Wicks has another historic performance we can sweep da Bears?
It was great to see Wicks have a big game on Thanksgiving. He's another weapon defenses will have to be concerned about. But as I've often said, this offense is never about force-feeding anyone the ball.
Hi Mike, the weather forecast for Sunday call for temps in the low 20's but light winds. What, if any effect do low temps have on the passing game?
Not much. Most receivers wear gloves to be able to catch the cold ball. Any wind will really have a greater impact than the temps.
Well our December friend is finally here. Matt has a good record in December so we have that going for us.
Which is nice.
Parsons STILL isn't getting holding penalties. Brady even mentioned it this week, "he gets held on every play. It's the only way to stop him." Something has to give here, no?
We shall see. I give that guy a ton of credit. He doesn't complain and just keeps playing.
I was yelling noooooooooo, yes!
When they snapped that ball on fourth down, Wes and I practically in unison said "Holy cow," only we didn't say cow.
Which result surprised you more last Sunday, Texans beating the Colts, or Panthers beating the Rams?
The Panthers beating the Rams was definitely the surprise. Stafford hadn't thrown an INT in forever and he threw 2, including a pick-six.
Hi Mike! Dontayvion Wicks is turning into a beats, isn't he? I don't envy the Bear's DBs trying to figure out onto whom to shift coverage, do you?
I just like the fact that there's another reliable option as Golden and Reed are coming back from their injuries. It gives defenses a lot to think about.
How is Jordan Love's shoulder and how will that impact what he is able to do against the Bears?
The media will talk to Love after practice today so we'll see what he says. But a shoulder sprain like that doesn't go away very quickly.
Any word on LVN's timeline to return? He was starting to emerge as a legit pass rush threat before he went down - I was bummed.
Yeah, it's been a rough go for LVN. That foot injury turned out to be way worse than anyone anticipated. He was not practicing today so his return doesn't appear imminent.
Eagles sure looked rather disinterested in playing.
That was exactly my thought as I watched that Black Friday game.
Think LaFleur will take his shirt off if the Packers win Sunday?
Goodness, no.
Do you think MLF/JLove need to be more intentional to get Luke Musgrave more touches. I know there are plenty of hands to feed, but it occurs to me more touches to Luke could open up the ground game a bit more.
I don't look at it that way. They just have to give Musgrave the routes he runs best and if he's open in the progression, send the ball his way. The boot pass against the Lions to him was executed perfectly.
Coming to this final stretch, has there been a NFC team that has surprised you?
I wouldn't say surprised, but I can't figure out Carolina. They beat the Packers, lose to the Saints, look inept against the 49ers, beat the Rams. Who knows with them?
Bears, pretenders or contenders? What team(s) have they beat would make you consider them the real deal?
I don't scoff at any team that's 9-3. Their win over the Eagles is definitely their most impressive. They've won a lot of games at the wire (Raiders, Commanders, Giants, Bengals to name a few) and they've built a ton of confidence from being good at crunch time.
What is the weather forecast for the game?
Chilly. Probably in the teens with kickoff not until 3:25 p.m. It'll be dark by the middle of the second quarter.
Hi Mike. What are the chances that the league takes note of Ben Johnson's successful two headed running attack and teams start getting away from the passing game?
You have to do what you do best with your personnel. The Bears invested a ton in revamping their O-line in the offseason. Clearly Johnson wanted to focus on running the ball to set up play-action, which is how he made Goff so successful in Detroit. The Bears' O-line was a mess for several years. Not so much anymore. They fixed it quickly.
Mike, with the league moving the Bears game in Chicago to Saturday the 20th, do you think that makes the Packers/Ravens game a lock for the following Saturday too?
Not necessarily. That Bears game in Chicago was always slated for the 20th, but the kickoff time hadn't been announced until yesterday.
In reference to the Eagles failed two-point attempt which resulted in them being down two scores instead of one, the Eagles had already missed a PAT and a field goal. If you don't have faith in your kicker, a lot of stuff happens.
That's certainly true, but I still say you've got to stay in the game as long as you can.
Bears' trend is take aways. Packers' trend is protecting the ball. One has to give. Which will it be?
We'll find out, won't we?
I don't know why but this Bears team scares me a bit.
They're a confident bunch and they'll be coming in here riding high. They've won 9 of 10 games after a rough 0-2 start. They won't be afraid of anything or anyone.
Where do you see Jayden Reed in the WR pecking order upon his return?
I see him working his way up from a limited snap count to a full workload just like Christian Watson did earlier this year. As for pecking order, he'll have plays where he's the first read and other plays where he's a secondary read. Then it's all about Love having time to go through his progressions.
How do you see the Packers handling punt return duties with return of Reed? Do you see a possible signing? Field position continues to be a sore spot.
I'll be interested to see if they put Reed back there. He's really sure-handed and potentially dangerous. Could be another option just to get the ball in his hands.
Do you think Caleb is actually capable of going to a Super Bowl? He's a great player, had great depth and their HC is a stud. What do you think made the Bears do complete 180?
Johnson changed the culture and they rebuilt their offensive line. Those are the two things at the top of my list for their turnaround.
Will the Packers ever try a fake punt or field goal? Seems like there are opportunities to pull of a trick play. Can't recall the last time they tried one….
They tried a fake punt on Christmas in Miami in 2022 if I recall. It wasn't good.
Do you ever detect a different "emotional response" from players during the week directed to a team they may want to beat more than others or is it pretty even keeled?
The players focus on their jobs, and playing well and winning helps them keep their jobs.
Seeing that Reed, Golden, and Lloyd are all in practice today ... any more intel to share?
Rookie Collin Oliver has started practicing too. And Quay Walker and Karl Brooks, who missed the Lions game, were also practicing.
In the age of "players not plays," and "execution not play calls," how much is MLF's recent "more aggressive play calling" just a result of the guys executing more so he can run some of the more aggressive concepts?
I think LaFleur always has trust in his players. He makes his in-game decisions based on the flow of the game and how things feel in the moment. He doesn't go at it with a hell-or-high-water philosophy.
How will the packers penetrate what is arguably the best o-line in football?
I wouldn't call the Bears' O-line the best in football. I've seen Caleb Williams scrambling around quite a bit. He's avoided a ton of sacks that have made their pass pro stats look pretty good. They do run the ball well and that's what they hang their hat on.
Top keys to winning this week?
Protect the ball and contain the Bears' ground game. There are a lot of things the Packers need to do to win this game, but those are the first two on my list.
What's the outlook of Josh Jacob's knee for the Bears game?
He handled a full workload in Detroit and he was out there at practice in pads today, so I don't think he's too concerned about it.
In watching the Giants implode in the first half against the Patriots (including the kicker "kicking" the ground), I hope that on the first really cold day the Packers can stay clean, without obvious mis-handlings or fumbles.
That's going to be an interesting challenge. But that's why the Packers practice in this stuff every day. It's not warm out there today, that's for sure, and it's going to be even colder tomorrow from what I've heard.
Do you think that if the Packers were to play the Eagles with this more aggressive offense, they'd come out on top?
In the Eagles game, it wasn't about being more aggressive. It was about executing. Not dropping the ball, not lining up illegally, etc. The offense wasn't functioning well due to a lot of self-inflicted wounds.
Mike, I saw where Holmgren didn't make the cut for the HOF this year. Your thoughts?
With the committee only putting one coach nominee forward and with Belichick on the ballot this year, it was a foregone conclusion who the one nominee would be.
The Defense did a good job of limiting Detroit's run game without Quay. Is his return likely this week and if so does that bode well for the type of run game the Bears have?
Isaiah McDuffie has played well in Walker's place, but Walker adds more speed to the second level of the defense and he's been playing really well this season. That 3-LB tandem of Walker, Edgerrin Cooper and McDuffie has been pretty good, and Ty'Ron Hopper has filled in nicely as well.
The Bears jump routes and hammer-punch the ball. We can burn them and cost them yards on the ground as they're trying to dislodge.
There are definitely things an offense can take advantage of based on the way the Bears play. But easier said than done.
Would you rather play a team coming off a big win, or a disappointing loss?
I'm not sure it matters much. Both the Packers and Bears have had extra rest before this one to get guys healthy. I think that matters more.
Any update on Nate Hobbs?
He was back at practice today as well.
Love won his 2nd (of the season) NFC Offensive Player of the Week earlier today. Is it crazy to think that his arrow is still point up? It seems like there's even more out there for him.
No doubt. It's still just Year 3 for him as a starter. He's got a lot out in front of him yet.
Mike, what do you think about the battle of the lines? Bears o-line is one of the best, Packers d-line banged up.
The Packers won't have Wyatt but the rest of the unit is in good shape. Stop the run first. You have to earn the right to rush the passer against this team.
Another 'weather' query...Do you/Wes have the option of opening the press box windows?
No.
How do you think playing these games in the span of 3 weeks effects the outcomes?
It's a strange quirk in the schedule, but the health of the teams going into the matchups is the biggest factor.
Do you think Dan Campbell has finally learned not to go for it on fourth down all the time?
He's not changing his ways. He's had a lot of success coaching the way he coaches. Doesn't always work out, but that's the same for everybody.
Seriously, look at the games they squeaked out. This team can't rely on winning like that every week. The universe demands equilibrium, and the Bears are about to find out you can't rely on last-second miracles again and again.
In the broader universe, it'll even out. But whether that means sometime this season or next year or the year after, who knows. The Chiefs last year won something like 11 one-score games without a loss. This year they can't win a one-score game to save their lives.
Mike...Thanks for the chat! Would you figure that MLF will run more double TE formations--take advantage of Chicago's 28th-ranked rushing D?
Who knows if it's 2TE personnel or 3WR to spread them out and run against that. That's why the coaches study all the film.
How's the cold Spoff? It would be fun if you get yourself loopy on a double dose of cold medicine before the live blog and then get extra feisty with the d-bags that yell at you and accuse you of towing the line.
Ha. I'm almost past the cold, but I don't think me being loopy on the live blog would be good.
How do you think the Packers adjust having given up so many touchbacks this year? How can that improve?
It may fix itself with the weather getting colder now.
In the past, it seems like message was that "reinforcements are not on the way", but this year, it seems like reinforcements are on the way. Reed, Lloyd, Brooks, Golden, Hobbs, etc. It will be interesting to see how they all get brought back into the mix, but depth/health is a good thing.
Yeah, it's been tough to lose Elgton Jenkins, Tucker Kraft, Wyatt, etc., but the Packers are getting some guys back and rebuilding depth at certain spots at a good time.
With Drake Maye and Mathew Stafford the front runners for MVP, what would Love have to do the rest of the season to close that gap or is that gap closed?
I don't think he's that far behind but he hasn't gone on that extended hot streak yet. Maybe Thanksgiving was the start of it.
Maybe Bears are high on themselves and underestimate The Pack?
They won't underestimate anybody, and they've been a good crunch time team. When the game comes down to the end, the Packers will have to match the Bears' confidence in the clutch.
Mike, what is your favorite Packers vs. Bears memory?
The first NFL game I ever attended was in Dec. 1984 at Soldier Field, Packers vs. Bears. Rich Campbell with a Hail Mary-ish throw to Phil Epps for a TD in the final minute gave GB the upset win.
I think the Bears are peaking just a bit too early...we Brewer fans can relate. Now is the time to put on the big boy pants. I´m just saying.
I don't know if the Bears have peaked. I don't know if the Packers have, either.
Although they have a lot of depth at WR, were you surprised that the Packers didn't make a move for Thielen?
No.
Glad to hear many of our injured are returning. Question is how will they make room for them all?
Some of those guys are going to need a few weeks of practice before they'll be ready to play in a game. Those are decisions for down the road.
Any read on why Micah Parsons went a few games without a sack and now has exploded? Was it just being inches away or something else?
Some teams have backed off on giving him extra attention and he's made them pay. Any offense that tries to single-block him is taking a risk.
Mike, is Sean Rhyan filling in adequately at center for your liking? To my very untrained eye he seems fine.
I haven't studied his film but I think he's played well. Had a couple errant snaps in shotgun when he first took over but those have smoothed out. Him in between Anthony Belton and a healthy Aaron Banks makes for a pretty stout interior.
What remaining game outside of both Bears games do you look forward to the most?
I'm looking forward to seeing Lamar Jackson play in person for the first time.
Nothing like McCarthy's fake for a TD on 4th and 26 vs. Bears. It also helped change the meaning of 4 and 26th, right?
Yeah, there was that. It was 13 years ago now. Wow.
Maybe it's more about the right strategy in the right situation than aggression?
Exactly. Very situational.
Sorry for the flexed second Chicago game, another late one on the road for you guys.
Yeah, night games are tough work-wise, but I figured the way the season was unfolding that one would be under the lights.
Bears are at the bottom of the league running inside. Does that help us with the Wyatt injury?
If that stat is true, it's very misleading. They will run outside but use cutback lanes to get explosive runs. They don't just run to the edge.
I think the Packers success will be determined by the play of the offensive line. When Love has time he picks teams apart. What's your opinion?
When Love is protected well, this offense can really get humming. When he can survey the field, he can have a day.
When all three phases of this team are firing on all cylinders, I really feel like the Packers can beat anyone. Do you think Bears fans feel the same way about their team?
I would imagine so. I think a lot of skepticism about the Bears dissipated with the way they dominated the Eagles.
The cold always makes me think of Vic saying he almost died pumping gas. Hopefully everyone stays warm out there.
It's not THAT cold. Yet.
Your response in II today about press boxes was a fun view into your Gameday. The flipped view on replay you mentioned in Chicago? One more tick in the impressed column of being able to keep up real time in the live blog. That would be extra hard with a cold and foggy head. Good thing it's GB this week.
That's such a weird deal there. Looking up to watch a replay on TV and it's all turned around from what I just saw. The older I get, the more nauseous it makes me.
Def don't think Love has reached ceiling yet, yay
Not at all.
Speaking of fumbling, does the coaching staff preach to the offensive players to continue to follow a play in case the ball becomes loose and someone needs to pounce on it? I would think that sometimes the tendency would be to just watch after the play has gone by.
They're coached to always stay active until the whistle. You never know.
I just want to say how the parity in the league seems to be so tight and even more than usual. Do you see that as well?
As I said in Monday's Inbox, the NFC has zero teams with 10 wins and 10 teams above .500 with 5 games to go. That's nuts, man.
What time did you make it home for Thanksgiving dinner?
Walked in the door around 715 p.m. We didn't do TSA at the stadium and did it in an airport hangar which cost us probably an extra 20 minutes or I would've been home before 7.
Parsons gets focused on a lot by the TV cameras. So we see some levels of holding. Every D lineman contends that he gets held on each play. When you look at film, does it truly seem different for Parsons?
I have to admit, I haven't studied it specifically. I do know that officials will give offensive linemen the benefit of the doubt when pass rushers use a rip move a lot. That's not Parsons' only move, but he does use it.
Disappointed Daniel Whelan isn't getting more love. He's a weapon nobody talks about.
We've talked about him a lot in Inbox. I'm really hoping he makes the Pro Bowl or gets some recognition this year. He deserves it.
Do you know what officiating crew has been assigned this Sunday?
Haven't looked it up, but we haven't had Vinovich's crew for a while so I'm wondering if he's up. He's the best ref in the business right now.
Sorry if I missed it, Mike. What is your opinion of Belton's play?
I think he's done well in the run game and is still smoothing out some things in pass pro, but he's held up well, especially for transitioning to a new position.
Thanks for chat today Spoff
Thanks for all the participation. Just got a message that practice ended so I've got to get downstairs for locker room interviews. Take care everybody. Talk again soon. Best, Spoff
