Inbox: Believe you me, they're ready to go

[Cheesehead]

Douglas from Bloomington, IL


The matchup I'm watching the most this weekend is Bryan Bulaga vs. Nick Bosa. Bulaga only played nine snaps last time and it showed. No protection on the right side and we never had an answer. If he plays all game or even if Jared Veldheer comes in, I like our chances of the Aarons having the time they need to make plays.


I think losing Bulaga early in the game was one of several dominoes that factored into the final result. Undoubtedly, things won't go 100 percent according to plan for the Packers on Sunday, but it's hard to envision lightning striking twice with that amount of adversity. Having Bulaga back with a healthy line is a huge part of the offense getting off to a fast start and finding sustainable rhythm.


Steve from Middletown, KY


When we get a turnover Sunday, would you rather it come in the first quarter or the fourth?


First. It was the catalyst for the 49ers' win in November. I could see it having a similar effect on the Packers should they generate a takeaway in the first 15 minutes.


Dean from Leavenworth, IN


Since the 2010 season there have been seven or eight years where the Packers went into the season and I thought this is the year, we're going back to the Super Bowl. Shamefully, this was not one of those years I thought that. We're four quarters away, Weston. GO PACK! Thanks for the great season, II.


Like how things unfolded in 2010, the most rewarding seasons are the ones you never saw coming.


Connor from Murray, UT


Good day Insiders! On Thursday's podcast, you talked about Tyler Ervin and how he has brought a spark to both special teams and the offense. After the Washington game, I recall Shawn Mennenga mentioning that Ervin does a great job at getting the yards that are there going north and south, which also was a plus to Trevor Davis' game. Among many more similarities between Ervin and Davis that I have seen, I am wondering what differences you have noticed as to why Ervin has been better for the Pack than TD was?


They have comparable speed and decisiveness but Ervin seems to catch the ball cleaner on punts. He also has demonstrated masterful judgment, knowing when to catch punts inside the 10 and when to let the ball sail into the end zone.


Dan from Toledo, OH


Prediction time! One thing that was talked about when he was signed was that Preston Smith is capable of dropping into coverage. My bold prediction is Preston Smith will pull a B.J. Raji and get a game-changing pick-six. Big players make big plays in big games.


That's a good pick, though I don't know if I'd classify it as "bold." Remarkably, Smith has five picks over the past four seasons, which has to be among the most for pass rushers during that span. A pick-six is the only thing missing.


Anthony from Rockford, IL


One thing I haven't seen discussed is "Z" and Bakh hyping each other up in the mic'd up pregame of the divisional round. They are both swaying back and forth, uttering short, impactful statements to one another. Almost getting each other into a trance-like state leading to a crescendo to start the game. "Set the tone"…"early"…"greatness"…"I can smell it." It is awesome to see those two stars propel one another to be great. This has been an awesome season. Sunday can't come soon enough.


Those two have been making each other better since training camp. It's been fun to watch their battles in practice. I also found it interesting hearing Veldheer credit his preparation to all the reps he took against the Smiths over the last month. I suppose there's no better way to get caught back up to the speed of the game than facing those edge-rushing monsters every day in practice.


Aumed from Moorhead, MN


We haven't heard or seen much from Raven Greene since his return off IR. Any update on him and if we can expect him to play a crucial role vs. the 49ers?


We'll see what happens today. The Packers are still at only 52 players, so there is a spot available if Raven gets the green light.


Ryan from Suamico, WI


While 10 of the 20 player finalists made it into the Pro Football Hall of Fame recently, what are the chances that the rest follow in the near future? Three of the 10 are former Packers.


It could be next year. It could be 20. There's only one or two senior finalists nominated each year. The 10 who didn't get in are obviously high on that list with the annual senior selection process starting over again in August.


Darren from Kingston, Ontario


I envision a few player and coach celebrations after a Packers victory on Sunday. Whose celebration is the most entertaining? Are their best celebrations unleashed on Sunday, or do they wait until after a certain game two weeks later to reveal their best celebrations?


You know who has some low-key brilliant celebrations? Aaron Jones. He always has something new and innovative.


Sean from Aubrey, TX


Just read the piece Wes wrote on Aaron Jones. All I can say is wow, just wow. Wes, you sir have a talent, and I'm blessed to be the benefactor of it. If Aaron Jones was put on this planet to play football, you were put on this planet to tell these stories. My hope is that there are many more left for you to tell. Thank you.


I appreciate the kind words, Sean, but the real credit goes to the Jones family for having an inspiring story worth telling. You can tell how that tightknit family bond is at the center of Jones' on-field successes. He learned at an early age the importance of family. Soon, he'll pass the lessons on to his own son.