Hey everybody, thanks for logging on and welcome to another season of mid-week chats. Go ahead and start sending in your questions and I'll get rolling shortly.
No question—just a comment: it is an exciting time to be a Packers fan. So much to hope for! Hope you have a great week!
It is indeed an exciting time. A major acquisition right before Week 1 fires everybody up even more.
Besides early birthday gift of Micah Parsons, do Packers have any gifts for me today, my actual bday ?
You found this chat, didn't you?
Thanks for the chat Mike. Can't believe we're actually in week one!
It felt like it took forever to get here, but at the same time it doesn't seem that long ago that I was in the Philly press box for the playoff game.
Mike, any updates on our walking wounded?
I just got back from the media portion of today's practice. Nate Hobbs went through stretch but wasn't in pads for practice. Jayden Reed wasn't practicing. Elgton Jenkins was back but LaFleur said he'd be limited. Micah Parsons was practicing in pads.
Don't you think the Packers' success this year will depend more on Jordan Love's performance than Parsons'?
Nobody is more important than the QB, but he needs the supporting cast around him to be at the top of their games, too. No one player can do it himself in this game.
I feel we owe your daughter some gratitude for making the Parsons trade happen. Without her, you're in town and nothing gets done. This music teacher remembers her singing the anthem and wishes her well!
Ha. Sounds good. I'll pass that along.
Hi Mike, you mentioned in II the difference between Week 1 at home vs. on the road. Does this benefit the players to be home to start the year, and if so, how?
I don't know if it's a benefit in a general sense or not. It's just been a long time here since Week 1 was at Lambeau. It is a benefit this year, I believe, because the Thursday night game, also at home, comes right on top of it. Not having to travel for either game is a plus.
New reader here, why do some people refer to you and Wes as II? Is it because there are two of you or is there some deeper meaning?
Readers look at the moniker in different ways. To me, it's just shorthand for Insider Inbox.
Is Willis taking most snaps today?
No, Love is doing his thing. His left thumb still has a wrap on it but he was taking snaps from under center in drills.
Sure hope the offense can start out fast and strong.
Earlier today LaFleur talked about how in GB's losses last year, particularly in the division, starting slow was the biggest problem. The Packers were always playing from behind against the Lions and Vikings and that needs to change this year.
Seems like DET O-line may be weaker in the middle that it has been for a long time. Do you agree? Place for defense to test first?
We'll see. Losing Ragnow is no small matter. He was a really polished veteran, and Zeitler moved on after last year, too. I'm sure the Packers have their thoughts and where/how to attack.
Is Edgerrin Cooper has taken over as the green dot LB or it still Quay Walker?
To my knowledge it's still Walker.
It's been a week since the trade and I still feel like I woke up with my head seem to the carpet.
It was an unprecedented move, as far as I'm concerned. Acquiring a player on a Hall of Fame trajectory at the age of 26 just as he's reaching his second contract is unheard of. It just doesn't happen, because teams don't let those players go at that age.
I've read that the defense when Reggie showed up wasn't nearly as good as the defense is now when Parsons shows up. What do you think of that assessment?
That's accurate. The Packers were top 6 in both yards and points allowed last year. The defense back in the early '90s was nowhere near that when White arrived.
Is Dontayvion Wicks a full go? We should have Matthew Golden, Romeo Doubs, Wicks, and Malik Heath correct?
I don't know if Wicks is full go. We'll see how he's listed when the injury report comes out after practice. Savion Williams also is practicing but I don't know if he's full either.
What cascade effect does Parsons have, not only on LBs, but on the D Line rotation and how Hafley might play different packages? A player like him doesn't just slide in for an Kingsley Enagbare, he impacts the entire philosphy.
Right, but I don't think we'll see the full Parsons effect right away. It's going to take some time. There will be a process and an evolution to getting him fully incorporated.
I expect heavy TE and RB usage with WRs being banged up , agree ?
I wouldn't assume that, because Golden and Doubs are going to get their chances if they're playing the full game. But I do expect Josh Jacobs, Tucker Kraft and Luke Musgrave to be key pieces to the game plan.
Which would be more impressive? X's 5 straight games with a pick last year or Parsons having a sack in the first 5 games?
5 straight games with a pick to start last season was pretty crazy.
Speaking of Quay, what does he need to do this year to take the next step? Wearing the green dot is a pseudo-Captain in my opinion, but he still seems to have room to improve.
I think Walker was getting there last year and then his season was interrupted by injury. With better knowledge of Hafley's system now, and with good health (fingers crossed), we should start to see his best ball.
Does the offense run their first play from 12 personnel?
Who knows? Wouldn't surprise me either way.
when was the last time we beat Detroit? Seems like a while!
Thanksgiving 2023. But that's GB's only win vs. Detroit in the last 7 matchups.
Start fast, set the tone. Both squads are dealing with new pieces in the middle when Detroit has the ball.
Very true.
Seems like Hobbs won't be ready for week one. Are we going to see a healthy dose of Bo Melton at CB?
I don't know, but both Melton and Kamal Hadden need to be ready to play.
What's the process for sifting through Inbox questions? Do you get a pre-sorted list sent to you?
Pre-sorted? How many people do you think work here? Ha. No, all the submissions are in there and we just work our way through.
Is Love expected to wear a brace on his injured thumb on Sunday?
He's been wearing it in practice this week. I'm sure he'll be asked about that when he talks to reporters later today.
I expect a Mecole Hardman callup to mitigate injury risk to our wr and CA depth
That wouldn't surprise me. Hardman could be needed in the return game, too, with Reed not fully participating in practice.
People are worried about scheme by adding Parsons. A wise man once said, it's players not plays.
Coaches have no problem giving players opportunities in any system that's built the right way.
Two healthy tight ends to go with a powerful Jacobs and an effective o line. It would be so cool to see the offense and defense complement each other right from the start.
That's the plan, Stan. I mean, Patrick.
What's the second best stadium in the NFL?
I love outdoor stadiums with a good fan vibe, and Pittsburgh definitely ranks up there. It'll be fun to go back there this year, and with Rodgers on the other side no less.
Kenny Clark will be missed. Will the Cowboys get a healthy Clark, rather than the version we saw last year hobbled by a foot injury?
Clark had surgery in the offseason, so that injury was behind him.
Parsons or not, if you don't stop the run...especially against DET, you lose. Without Kenny, they are going to test our run defense. Need to carry that over from last year
It's a huge challenge, especially with a two-headed RB monster like Gibbs and Montgomery right out of the gate. I expect the Lions to try to pound away with those guys and then take their shots off play-action.
How much do you expect Parsons to play in the next few games? I know you mentioned "ramp up" but what is your guess on the timeline?
I honestly don't know. But LaFleur said today he's not seeing any issues with Parsons picking up the playbook. He'll get there sooner than later.
Cornerback the weakest link on this team?
I wouldn't call it the weakest link. I'd say it's the spot with the most question marks depth-wise, because of inexperience behind the top guys.
Any indication from practice reps depth chart looks like for the D-Line now that KC is gone?
No idea. Now that it's the regular season, we in the media don't get to see any of the 11-on-11 work in practice. So who's starting, who's rotating in ... no clue.
Almost broke an inbox rule there Mike, be careful!
Yeah, I know.
When will Christian Watson return/how is he healing?
For over a month now, you'd never know anything is wrong with Watson based on how he runs around when we see him doing rehab work. But there's a process and he has to get to the other side.
Do you think the team is prepped to rack up fewer penalties? Just want the Lions to have to stop us, instead of us stopping ourselves.
Flags were certainly an issue for the Packers early in the season last year. The goal certainly is to be sharper from the jump this year.
How did Gibbs and Montgomery perform last year vs GB?
I haven't looked up the stats, but the Lions scored plenty of points in both games last season.
Is Musgrave gonna break out this year
The potential is there.
Are we in trouble at center?
Why? As long as Jenkins' back doesn't become a chronic issue, they should be fine. And Sean Rhyan can take over that spot if needed, with Jordan Morgan sliding in at guard.
Hello Mike, you watched the D line all through camp. How much of a drop off do you expect without Kenny Clark?
It's no secret Colby Wooden had his best training camp to date. Wyatt started strong last year before an injury knocked his season off course. I like what Karl Brooks brings with interior pass rush. The rookies Warren Brinson and Nazir Stackhouse need to be ready to go too. No one person can replace Clark. It has to be a group effort.
If Parsons' back is OK, wouldn't these first two games get him up to full speed?
It's not just the playbook, it's the fact that he didn't practice at all during training camp. That's a long layoff.
Do you happen to know where Micah's locker is? That is, who are his immediate locker room neighbors?
Parsons was given Clark's locker.
I'd be happy with fewer dropped passes.
You're not alone. I suspect this WR group is out to put that narrative to bed.
Clete Blakeman is the referee Sunday… don't count on fewer flags.
Yeah, I saw that.
How do we know this is really Mike and not an AI Chatbot?
I think I've given enough clues.
Care to make a prediction as to the team's receiving yardage leader for 2025?
Not really.
When will we here from Hafley next? Interested to here his take on getting Parsons. Love his pres conferences.
Hafley is scheduled to speak to the media tomorrow late afternoon.
Mike, have you heard if Taylor Engersma has landed on an NFL roster or even a CFL roster - or since he cleared the WIRE, is he stuck in Hamsterdam?
He got a workout with the Giants about a week ago. That's the last bit of news I saw on him.
How does it feel not having to be doing an international trip for week 1 this year?
It feels good not to have to worry about any international trips this year. I will say, though, that Week 1 isn't a bad time to have one. You get it out of the way right away.
First offensive play? Air it out to Golden, like they did with Watson's rookie year at the Vikings?
Lots of folks are wondering that. I guess we'll see.
Bo Melton is an intriguing story. If needed, could he also come into the game sometime as a receiver?
You can't rule it out in a pinch, but I'm guessing that's a last resort.
Dom Capers was a great during press conferences. He had a way of explaining things.
Mike Pettine's pressers were very enlightening too.
Will the Packers be more aggressive and creative going for it on 4th down this year? Seems to be a trend…
I don't see it becoming a dominant part of LaFleur's philosophy. He takes each situation as it comes.
How did Washington beat Detroit when the Lions seemed to be rolling?
Washington's offense got hot, Goff turned the ball over a few times, and the game got away. It happens.
Any updates on the health of our often injured RB Lloyd
He's on IR, so he's out the first four games minimum. That's all I know at this point.
Niemann looking to be a solid addition to special teams?
That's why they got him.
I don't care if the Packer go for it on 4th more than last year, I DO care that the defense stops more 4th downs. That seemed to be an issue last year.
Against the Lions, you have to look at a lot of series as four-down propositions. If it's third-and-7, they're probably going for it if they get half the yardage and they're in a decent spot field-position-wise.
Is Jacob Monk on season-ending IR?
No, he's eligible to return.
Ever thought about throwing Wes into the fire for one of these fun chat sessons?
He'll dive in someday.
People worried about Parson stopping the run but for me, I just want to see him in Hafley's D with Cooper, Walker and Rashan Gary. I think it takes more than one guy to stop the run.
It always does.
This is league is about scoring. What to expect from our offense? Establishing the run is my no. 1 point!
I don't think that was ever an issue last year with Jacobs. He was a workhorse. I expect the run and pass games to be in better sync this year now that the coaches know Jacobs that much better.
Has Micah been practicing?
Yes.
What's your absolute favorite part of your job? Some activity where you really look forward to the time...
Nothing beats being in the press box to see the games live from a birds' eye view. Everything I do is always about building toward game day, and then providing coverage of that game people want to read.
Mike, I know you're not a doctor and you don't play one on TV, but any sense how much Parsons will be hampered, from any chatter you have heard or from what you have seen? Could he be anywhere close to 100%?
No idea, and the Packers aren't going to go into chapter and verse about his health. Even if he were fully healthy, I'd expect a limited role for the first couple of games while he gets back into the swing of things. How much his back impacts the plan, we'll just have to see.
Which is more difficult to prepare for? Going up against a new offensive coordinator or a new defensive coordinator?
Horse apiece I guess. You just have to be prepared for a lot of unscouted looks. They're going to do things you have no way to be ready for.
Think Ty'Ron Hopper gets mixed in fairly often ?
I'm curious. LaFleur calling him one of the most improved players on the team certainly means something.
Did the Packers evaluate Parsons medically before he signed the contract?
Yes.
When you stay at hotels for away games, could a player order an expensive lobster via room service? Would they get in trouble?
They can order whatever they want as long as they pay for it themselves.
I'm still in awe of how that trade went down, remarkable.
Me too. I never expected when I turned on my phone after my Thursday afternoon flight I'd see that news.
What overused phrase would you be fine never hearing again?
Game-wrecker. It's everyone's favorite now.
Do the Lions have pretty much the same receiving corps as last year?
St. Brown, Williams and Raymond. But Tim Patrick isn't there anymore.
Are there any phrases that are "Mike's mid-week Chat-wreckers"?
Ha, I think with that I've hit on all the topics I see coming through. So I'll call it a chat. Thanks again for logging on, and I'll be live blogging Sunday's game right here as well as be back next week at some point (not sure about the Thurs. game) for another chat. Take care and talk soon. Best, Mike
