Packers Unscripted: Initial observations

Mike and Wes preview the 2024 NFL Draft, discussing takeaways from GM Brian Gutekunst's pre-draft news conference (3:16) and pondering questions such as how many picks the Packers will make (8:43), whether they'll trade or pick at No. 25 in the first round (12:48), what positions might be addressed with multiple picks (19:54), and whether they draft another QB (24:32). Finally, they send longtime equipment manager Red Batty off into his well-deserved retirement (32:04).

Mike and Wes look ahead to the 2024 NFL Draft and discuss the Packers' stash of picks in the early rounds (1:04), the current status at the safety position (4:02), how GM Brian Gutekunst tries to avoid getting boxed in (7:02), targeting depth on the offensive line (14:52), and the intrigue surrounding other NFC North teams (20:15).

The show returns for a ninth season as Mike and Wes review the offseason happenings in Green Bay, from the signings of Josh Jacobs and Xavier McKinney (4:54); to the hiring of new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley (10:23), to other moves in free agency, including the re-signing of Keisean Nixon (15:57) ; to the pending kicking competition (19:30) and new contract for QB Jordan Love (21:34); to opening the 2024 season in Brazil vs. the Eagles (25:30).

Mike and Wes review the playoff loss to the 49ers, discussing the missed opportunities (2:53, 9:49) in the game, the play of QB Jordan Love (4:49) and the takeaways from Matt LaFleur's final press conference (13:10). They also look at the bigger picture regarding the team's progress (16:32), its culture and leadership (20:01), the pleasant surprises from the season (23:00), and the biggest hopes for improvement in '24 (29:55). Finally, they examine what remains of the NFL playoff picture (36:44).

Mike and Wes preview the NFC Divisional playoff matchup at San Francisco, looking at the 49ers' regular season (3:37) and balanced offense (6:50), as well as their sack- and turnover-generating defense (9:28) led by LB Fred Warner (13:06). They also discuss the Packers' keys to victory on offense (17:37) and defense (22:15), the possible impact of the weather on the game (23:37) and the other playoff matchups this weekend (26:47).

Mike and Wes review the playoff win over the Cowboys, including QB Jordan Love's impressive postseason debut (1:37), RB Aaron Jones' continued hot streak (3:52), and WR Romeo Doubs' big day (7:03). They also discuss the defense's key plays (12:39), look ahead briefly to San Francisco (22:18) and examine all the results on Wild Card weekend (25:48).

Mike and Wes preview the playoff matchup with the Cowboys, looking at QB Dak Prescott and WR CeeDee Lamb leading an explosive offense (1:55), and LB Micah Parsons and CB DaRon Bland headlining a turnover-generating defense (7:58). They also share the Packers' keys to victory (15:34) and preview the other wild-card matchups in both conferences (24:42).

Mike and Wes review the playoff-clinching victory over the Bears, including QB Jordan Love's performance in a big game (2:02), RB Aaron Jones' third straight 100-yard outing (5:30), and the defense rising to the occasion, particularly against the run (12:13). They also examine the playoff picture heading into wild-card weekend (17:50).

Mike and Wes preview the matchup with the Bears, looking at QB Justin Fields and their offense (3:54) as well as their much-improved defense (7:19).  They also examine the Packers' keys to victory on both sides of the ball (12:12, 16:43), the Pro Bowl selections (19:35), and the NFC playoff picture (23:00).

Mike and Wes review the victory in Minnesota, featuring QB Jordan Love's continued strides (3:24) and revolving cast of characters (6:20), which includes WR Bo Melton (9:48). They also discuss how this situation is different from last year (12:23), Green Bay's defensive performance vs. the Vikings (15:09) and the playoff picture (23:36).

Mike and Wes preview the matchup in Minnesota, looking at the differences from the first meeting (3:23), the Vikings' turnover troubles (8:31) and pressure-oriented defense (13:52), and the challenge presented by DE Danielle Hunter (17:19). They also examine the Packers' keys to victory on offense (19:13) and defense (21:10), as well as highlight the other key games in the NFC playoff picture (23:18).

Mike and Wes review the victory over the Panthers to keep the Packers in the playoff hunt, including the offense's needed response at crunch time (4:14), the boost provided by RB Aaron Jones (6:38), and the confidence Carolina QB Bryce Young gained as the game went along (9:21). They also examine the NFC playoff picture (17:22) and what the Packers need to earn a berth (21:43).

Mike and Wes take a look at Carolina's offense (:18) and defense (7:54), the keys to victory for the Packers (12:41), and other key games around the NFC in Week 16 (18:16).

Mike and Wes review the loss to Tampa Bay, featuring the rough defensive performance (2:44). They also look at the continued rookie improvement from TE Tucker Kraft (9:51) and WR Dontayvion Wicks (9:51), how QB Jordan Love bounced back from a rough game (14:59), and the rookie record WR Jayden Reed is approaching (19:05). Finally, they review the playoff picture in the NFC (20:29) and who looks hot in the AFC (24:13).

Mike and Wes preview the game against the Buccaneers, looking at their season (:19), QB Baker Mayfield's repeated visits to Lambeau Field (4:13), offensive weapons Mike Evans (6:18) and Rachaad White (9:43), and Tampa Bay's defensive standouts (11:39). They also discuss the Packers' keys to victory (16:44, 22:10) and look at the NFC playoff picture heading into Week 15 (24:17).

Mike and Wes review the loss to the Giants, discussing how quickly the NFL can turn humbling (3:05) and put a team in recovery mode. They also review the issues with turnovers (8:00), tackling (11:14) and miscues that led to missed opportunities for points (14:34). Finally, they look at the NFC playoff picture and where the Packers stand (17:06).

Mike and Wes preview the Monday night game against the Giants, looking at their season to date (:28), their offense led by RB Saquon Barkley (2:06), their defense's success vs. the pass but struggles vs. the run (6:34), and the Packers' keys to victory (16:26). They also examine the NFC playoff picture, first the wild-card race (17:36) and the battle for the No. 1 seed (22:09).

Mike and Wes review the victory over Kansas City, looking at the run the team is currently on (2:35), how QB Jordan Love outperformed Patrick Mahomes (6:44), and CB Keisean Nixon's big INT (9:04). They also look at WR Christian Watson's resurgence and subsequent injury (13:57), the chaotic final drive (17:44), and what the playoff picture looks like in the NFC (25:34).

Mike and Wes preview the Sunday night matchup vs. the Chiefs, breaking down Kansas City's season (3:01), dangerous QB Patrick Mahomes (6:10), and monster in the middle DL Chris Jones (10:35). They also discuss Green Bay's keys to victory on both sides of the ball (16:46, 18:36) and look at other key matchups around the league in Week 13 (22:26).

Mike and Wes review the Thanksgiving victory in Detroit, including how the Packers won the game in the trenches (2:16), the offense came out aggressive (4:57), receivers made contested catches (11:04), and the defense got several fourth-down stops (12:19). They also look at the NFC playoff picture (16:30) and at other Week 12 results around the NFL (22:18).

Mike and Wes take a closer look at the Chargers, including their dangerous offense (3:15) and struggling defense (7:12), as well as how both teams will respond to tough losses last week (9:45). They also share their keys to victory (13:39), including the importance of red-zone possessions (17:00), and look at the primetime games around the NFL in Week 11 (19:25).

Mike and Wes review the loss to the Steelers, including the early defensive struggles (3:08) plus the miscues and regrets (4:14), while also discussing the positives to build on, including the offense's explosive plays (7:23), solid pass protection against the Steelers' edge rushers (13:23), and another big return by Keisean Nixon (21:15). Finally, they look at other key results around the league in Week 10 (22:25).

Mike and Wes preview the matchup with the Steelers, looking at how they've gotten to 5-3 (:17) and what's behind their success on offense (6:11) and defense (8:38). They also review injuries facing both Green Bay (9:38) and Pittsburgh (10:45), point out the Packers' keys to victory (13:15), discuss the Packers' special-teams flashes of late (16:03), and look at other matchups around the league in Week 10 (21:49).

Mike and Wes review the Packers' victory over the Rams, beginning with the defensive performance (3:17), including the work of the young players in the secondary (6:47) and super sub Isaiah McDuffie (8:27). The also break down the positives and negatives on offense (9:31), as well as the final TD drive (15:12), and review other key results around the league in Week 9 (20:33).

Mike and Wes take a closer look at the Week 9 opponent, the L.A. Rams, starting with their offense and QB Matthew Stafford's injury (2:21), star rookie WR Puka Nacua (3:32), and their struggle to score enough points despite steadily moving the ball (5:28). They also look at the Rams' defense led by DT Aaron Donald (7:56), the Packers' keys to victory (10:16), RB Aaron Jones receiving the Salute to Service nomination (16:23) and other notable matchups around the league (20:08).