Hey everybody, thanks for logging on. Let's talk some playoffs. I see questions already coming in so I'll just get rolling.
Hi Mike, how see in their bags do you think both coaches will be this go around? Always expect trickery from Ben Johnson.
You can't rule it out, but if the weather conditions are suspect, that makes it harder to count on a trick play. The Panthers RB slipping on the wet turf on a flea-flicker call cost them that game against the Buccaneers last Saturday.
Could we see Trevon Diggs starting at CB on Saturday? If so, I'd assume it'd be Keisean Nixon and Diggs starting?
LaFleur hasn't ruled that out. Nixon is starting for sure. Whether CB2 is Carrington Valentine or Diggs remains TBA.
Scale of 1-10, how shocked on Harbaugh firing?
8. It sounds like upper management didn't feel the relationship between the coach and QB was where it needed to be for the team to be at its best. So they had to choose one, and they chose the QB.
Current weather forecasts call for a wintery mix. How will this affect the game?
Puts an even greater premium on ball security. How much the wind is blowing will determine the impact on the passing game.
Howdy Mike! Is this the healthiest the team has been since losing Micah Parsons?
Probably. The Packers used last week to their advantage. Let's see if it really as a blessing in disguise.
I have a hard time believing this game is going to go vastly different than the other two. How do the packers avoid another fourth quarter come back attempt?
You can't avoid the attempt, you just have to be the better team at crunch time. The Packers were in the first game, not in the second.
The live blog for the game wasn't working on my phone. This appears to work. Hopefully I'm good to go for Saturday!
10-4
Can we call this a renewed rivalry now?
No doubt. This is what this rivalry should be about.
We are 0-2 on Saturdays and 2-0 on Thursdays this year. Can you pull some strings to flex this game to tomorrow night? That's Amazon's night anyway.
Ha, sorry.
News on Bo Melton? MLF kept quiet on him Tuesday.
He's headed to IR. LaFleur announced that this morning.
Barryn Sorrell gonna get a bunch of snaps?
I don't know about a bunch, but I think he'll be given situational opportunities to help on D.
Thanks for the chat, Mike...Hope there are more coming! Is Josh Jacobs good to go?
He's off the injury report for the first time since banging that knee against the Giants way back when.
Hi Mike. Maybe this doesn't mean much, but I think HOW the NFC seeding took shape is important. I think the Packers match up better with Chicago vs Philly, but as we all know, we could have gotten to that matchup simply with a Bears win. Now, Green Bay faces a team that has lost two 1-score games in a row to end the season after that's been their calling card all season.
Every Bears game comes down to the end. Expect this one to as well.
Is there an extra motivation for our guys considering how the last game against them ended?
I don't think they're really worried about that too much. These guys have been in the playoffs before and they know what it's about. The opponent doesn't really matter.
If we win will this be the last game either team plays at Soldier Field?
Oh no. The Bears have been working toward getting a new stadium for a long time, but they haven't even nailed down a location or broken ground yet. It'll be a while.
Another playoff game in Chicago. Can we dial up another BJ Raji-esque big man pick 6?
Sure, why not? Lukas Van Ness wears 90.
Is there anything to Jordan Love having playoff experience being an advantage with Williams having none?
Maybe. We'll see. I do think there's something to that, but Love's first playoff game was his best, so who knows? I think the home crowd will help the Bears as the lesser experienced playoff team.
Who do you see returning kicks then?
Good question. Emanuel Wilson is my best guess, unless they decide to put Nixon back there again.
How big a loss is Melton on ST?
He's a glue guy on those units. So that's a tough one. Hopefully the Packers get Nick Niemann back this week from his long injury absence.
I see you picked Luke and Lucas as ones to watch. Just a hunch?
Names out of a hat, honestly.
Who do you see stepping up as the X-factor that could swing this game in Green Bay's favor?
This probably isn't what you meant, but a healthy Josh Jacobs could be a huge factor here. He wasn't healthy in the two prior meetings.
It seems like with the addition of Diggs and Jonathan Ford and Collin Oliver being back the Bears may have more trouble with the defense than what they may be prepared for. Am I being overly confident or is this maybe a tough defense again, even without Micah?
The Packers will have to stop the run, which has been up and down all season. If the Bears are controlling the LOS and TOP with their run game, it will be very difficult for GB to win.
The 3 games with the Vikings in 2012 mentioned in II included the last 2 in a six day span, but the Packers had the Division won when they played on the last week and played the playoff at home. The 1993 Packers lost the last game and the Division Title on Jan. 2 to the Lions in Detroit and went back there 6 days later as a wildcard team and won 28-24. (They won first meeting on Nov. 21 in Milwaukee.)
Right, the Packers weren't playing for the division against the Vikings in the finale in '12, but they were playing for a first-round bye and to knock the Vikings out of the playoffs. Minnesota got in, the rematch was in GB, and Chicago was left out.
A Cowboys 2023 wildcard game repeat would be nice, Love and LaFleur both at the top of their game.
We're all waiting for it.
When does the new "media auditorium" debut?
I believe it's going to be completed in time for the draft this year.
Would love to see Matt draw some stuff up for Reed early on. While the offense has still been great (when healthy), the YAC element has never really bounced back after Tucker Kraft went down. Jayden Reed's such a dynamic playmaker with the ball in his hands
I agree, and there can be a YAC element to using a healthy Jacobs in the passing game, too.
I also think a lot of folks don't remember just how good a healthy Josh Jacobs is. Andddd you said this as I'm hitting send.
Haha.
Diggs is a true professional but would you agree that a strong showing in these playoffs impacting his next contract is in the back of his mind?
Of course. Only natural. His price tag for next year is very high and he probably knows he's not getting that. But he's playing for his next contract, for sure.
Are we expecting a Rasheed Walker-Aaron Banks-Sean Rhyan-Anthony Belton-Zach Tom offensive line for Saturday?
Yes. LaFleur sounded confident yesterday Tom would be good to go at RT after missing a few games here.
There's been a few games where Lafleur has taken the points (Denver game) and others where he pushed for TDs in lieu of kicking a chip shot. Will you expect a more conservative or aggressive approach in the red zone this Saturday?
I don't think he has a philosophy or mantra, per se. I think he makes those decisions in the moment based on how the game is going, how he feels about a particular call on his sheet, that sort of thing.
Mike, has the NFL announced who the officiating crew will be for the game on Saturday?
I don't believe it's the same crews in the playoffs. Officials get playoff assignments based on their evaluations and the crews are put together accordingly.
The last Packers Bears game got chippy. Do you expect the refs to send a message with strict Unsportsmanlike Conduct / Personal Foul calls early?
Who knows? They know emotions will be running high and it all depends on the type of extracurricular.
X-factor Packers actually catch a couple of the interceptions that will come their way.
Very true.
Mint chocolate chip or butter pecan ice cream? I meant to ask, if you were calling the plays with this team, do you prefer running to set up the pass or pass just to take the top off early?
Definitely butter pecan, and the early calls are based on taking advantage of the defensive alignment, which usually means are they playing 2 deep safeties or just 1?
Would Love to see our QB run that same play Malik Willis ran twice for scores. He's more than capable and I think it would be a complete success.
I think he could run that too, but there is the risk of exposing him to contact.
How much of a distraction is the possibility of being a head coaching candidate to Coach Hafley?
He's meeting with the media later today and I suspect he'll say he's not even thinking about it. I've never seen him distracted in the slightest.
Detroit pummeled Da Bears with that patented inside slant they run. Revealed a weakness on Chicago's right-side mid-level D. Can GB exploit that? I don't recall much of that recently.
Those are usually off RPO looks, where the QB can hand it off or throw the backside slant. The Packers run that plenty, but I'd say this year we've seen a handoff more.
I'll be watching for Romeo Doubs on Saturday, knowing he's in a contract year and might be looking to add some postseason highlights on film. Hope he balls out.
He was the offensive star of the last game down there until the onside kick.
Not that anyone asked me but I'm going with Edgerrin Cooper and Quay Walker as my keys on defense on Saturday; both due to the Bears run game and their quality TE's. Thoughts?
No argument. Those guys will be in the middle of everything the Packers need to do defensively.
Adrian Hills crew is officiating game. Announced two days ago.
Is it his actual crew though? Maybe I'm wrong about that.
Hopefully the heaters on the sideline will be working this time around
Ha, yeah.
Butter pecan - no conversation there at all.
Right. No hesitation.
Has anyone mentioned we still think your crazy?
Nobody has to.
I am still waiting to see the Packers play like they did against Dallas 2 years ago. That was an awesome game to watch. I want Love to throw the ball more than being predictable with the run the first two downs. We need to be aggressive and fast starting.
The Bears are the team that has struggled with slow starts lately. Much of the season actually. That's a huge emphasis for them in this game. Will be interesting to see what that means.
I think the Packers are capable of beating any of the playoff teams but I don't have confidence that they will be able to beat three playoff teams on the road to get to the Super Bowl. Hope they can prove me wrong.
I think both conferences are wide open. The 4 seed in the NFC is the only team that would be a surprise to see in the Super Bowl in my opinion.
Given how the last Bears game played out, I'd like to see Love avoid as much contact as possible
Valid.
Do you expect Bears fans will be wearing cheese graters Saturday?
Of course.
Luke Musgrave had a couple of huge receptions against the Bears his rookie year. Here's hoping he can duplicate that without falling down after the catch.
He would've had a huge play in the game in Chicago a few weeks ago but Love threw the ball too far. He made a great diving catch, but if the throw is on the money, he might've gained 50-60 yards.
Start on offense or defense this game given the choice?
I'm always a fan of deferring. It gives you a chance to see how the game is playing out.
Packers get 3 takeaways, or get 300 yards rushing. Your preference?
Either one would mean a win.
Is the Bear CB on protocol a big deal?
CJGJ is a safety/slot corner, a lot like Javon Bullard. Very experienced player. Not having him would create an adjustment on D for them.
Has Chicago updated Odunze availability?
He's expected to play.
With Desmond Ridder signed to the 53 (assuming Willis is active), he can still be listed as "inactive" on Saturday but be dressed and play should both QBs leave the game, correct?
Right, he'll presumably be the 3rd emergency QB but on the inactive list and not counting on the gameday 48.
Butter Brickel was my 31 Flavors choice by far back in the day!
Pretty close to the same.
For a night game and short travel, any consideration of traveling the day or the game? Or is there too much risk if something goes wrong?
In my 20 years here, I've never known the Packers to travel the day of the game.
If Green Bay wins the turnover stat they will be playing next week..
I agree. Or if it's even.
When asked if Matthew Golden has missed expectations this season, Wes defended him by comparing his rookie seasons to Jordy Nelsons when completing for snaps with Greg Jennings, Donald Driver and James Jones. Respectfully, our current receiving corps can't be compared to those three Packer Hall of Famers. Other teams have found ways to get their Round 1 WRs meaningful snaps and production.
I addressed Golden in today's Inbox. He was on his way to a productive rookie year and then injuries hit. Totally derailed his season.
Is this team tough enough to go into Chicago and win? Regardless of health on both teams. I always feel like if the offensive line gets overwhelmed. Love holds onto the ball too long for my taste.
Love is always looking for the explosive play, and that requires holding the ball at times ,and for the protection to hold up. The weather conditions and Chicago's defensive approach will dictate whether the Packers can hunt for explosive plays or take a different tack.
With the injuries at TE, can we expect 3 or 4 WR's on most plays and an extra lineman (eligible) here and there?
The Packers have used the 6th OL (Darian Kinnard) plenty given the thin ranks at TE.
What do you think was the biggest cause for the defensive collapse against Baltimore?
I honestly don't know, but as long as the guys learned something from it and are putting the lessons to good use, they'll be better off.
It is Adrian Hill, but not his usual crew…..so when the national media says that a certain referee calls more OPI, defensive holding, ineligible man downfield, etc. it really means nothing, because they're not his calls to make.
That's what I figured.
Did Wes have "Chicago Bears No Matter What" written on his notebook for who he wanted the Packers to play in the Wild Card?
Ha. Maybe.
ATMRWCBW- it's Adrian hill, with 3 officials from John Husseys crew and 1 from Wrolstad and Vinovich.
Thanks for the knowledge.
Any chance someone takes a shot at Booker?
That would be ill-advised. I'd rather they just block him.
Rashan Gary has been extremely quiet in the sack market for awhile now. I'm hoping that he steps up against Williams on Saturday.
That would be a big boost to the defense, no doubt.
Remind us... where are your press box seats located in Chicago, and how are they?
Worst in the league. My least favorite. It's corner end zone, opposite of the main TV cameras. But the worst part is they always put our digital and comm crew in the second row, and the upper windows in that press box have a bunch of wooden frames that make it very difficult to see the action. Just a terrible design.
Growing up watching the Bears training camps in P-Ville, who were your favorite players outside Walter Payton?
Oh man, I got all their autographs. I just enjoyed chasing guys around, even Ditka on his golf cart. Then in high school when I worked at Dairy Queen, I was always making the double cheeseburgers for the offensive linemen when they'd come in a half hour before we closed. You could set your watch to it.
I believe it is a league rule for visiting teams to arrive a day before game. Even Giants travel 90 miles to Philly the day before.
Sounds right
How far away are the team's hotels from Soldier Field?
Not far. We usually stay right downtown in the Loop, and Soldier Field is just a bit south of the Loop along the lake.
Mike, didn't you also say the food in the press box is below average too? If so, just remarkable for such a great food city Chicago is.
Yeah, for sure. But last time they had some really good popcorn in small boxes from Nuts on Clark. I'm going to get some more of that.
How was Packers fan attendance at the first game in Chicago? Do you think we'll be able to show up in big numbers this weekend, or will Bears fans keep that from happening?
The Bears owned their own stadium last time and I expect them to this time. First home playoff game for them in seven years.
What's your experience with stadium and crowd noise at Solider Field? Do you expect that to be a factor in the game?
That crowd knows how to bring it. When the Bears are good, the atmosphere there is pretty wild.
Is Soldier Field really that bad as a whole or are they just looking to build a higher Revenue generating Stadium that can host a SB?
A little of both but mostly the latter. The early 2000s renovation wasn't executed well. They dropped a spaceship in the middle of a war memorial.
Seeing 2 of the better kickers in the league this season (Boswell, Loop) miss relative gimmees the other night shows the unpredictability of the kicking game, especially under pressure and in tough conditions. After the past few playoff losses, I think we're due for a game-winner!
Sign me up. Last time down there, Chicago's kicker handled the wind extremely well on some long kicks.
Thanks for the chat, Mike and enjoy the victory everyone! Calling it now.
Bold.
I love the positive give-and-take today in your mid-week chat! Makes me hope you'll be doing it again next week too!
Let's hope. With that I will sign off because practice is going to end soon. Thanks for all the participation today, and talk again soon. Take care, Spoff
I'm also hoping the Packers rebound from the defense's ignominious performance against Baltimore.
Ha!
