Inbox: It's been a pretty good return on investment so far

[Cheesehead]

Randy from Lyman, SC


Here's one thing l haven't heard discussed: How big was the drive at the end of the first half with 29 seconds left? Most teams would take a knee and go into halftime. Instead, the Pack stole momentum back from the Rams and came out hot in the second half.


I loved the aggressiveness for two reasons – 1) You want to respond after the defense just gave up a TD. 2) You have one of the smartest QBs in NFL history who has thrown just 89 INTs in his career. LaFleur trusted Rodgers to get the Packers down the field and was rewarded with three points.


Ray from Phoenix, AZ


What kind of grade did Elgton Jenkins get at his combine workouts? I know Aaron Donald was hurting, but he has been stopping everyone he has faced. Jenkins, Rashan Gary and Jaire Alexander are really playing lights out and prove our GM really know what he is doing. Your thoughts on those three picks?


An All-Pro, a Pro Bowler and a 23-year-old edge rusher with enormous potential. Yeah, I'd say it's been a pretty good return on investment so far. The first thing that crossed my mind after Donald was shoving Jenkins was, "Elgton Jenkins has arrived." When you're getting under the skin of a future Hall of Fame defensive lineman, you know you're doing something right.


Marin from West Lawn, PA


Another factor worth mentioning in the win vs. the Rams was the Packers converting key third downs in the fourth quarter to keep drives alive. One of the keys for next Sunday has to be time of possession. The longer the Packers have the ball, the less time Brady has. Plus, it keeps the Bucs' offense shivering on the sidelines.


The Packers' third-down offense (8-of-12 on Saturday) and their fourth-quarter efficiency have been on point for most of the season. The Rams game was another prime example, whether it was the short fade to Marquez Valdes-Scantling on third-and-3 or how Jamaal Williams slammed the door with his runs up the middle after the turnover on downs. That's the key to winning in the postseason.


Scott from Helena, MT


Early in the game, you could easily see the three running backs matching each other's intensity and waiting for their turn to make a play. Instead of sticking with the hot hand, it looks like the Packers have the ability to let each runner try to match the intensity of the others. Let's hope that chemistry is still here next season.


For everyone who wondered what the offense might look like with all three backs involved, that was a good indication of what's possible. Jones talked after the game about how having AJ Dillon in the backfield helped take some of the pressure off him when he motioned into the flat, as well. That alignment is one more thing for the Bucs to think about. LaFleur also credited position coach Ben Sirmans for how he rotated those running backs through.


Troy from Westminster, CO


I texted my brothers halfway through the third quarter Saturday – "The only reason I know Jaire is playing is because he's listed as a starter." How in the world does such a phenomenal player stay so invisible every game? Dude is incredible.


One catch allowed…for minus-3 yards. The island is real.


Nathan from Philadelphia, PA


I don't understand LaFleur's two-point conversion strategy. Is he just trying to make up for a missed extra point at the first opportunity? (Analytics suggests whether you go for two doesn't matter all that much if you're already up by two scores).


LaFleur was asked about this after the game and said he was trying to make it a three-score game. I don't think he regrets the decision as much as he does the play call.


Jim from Tempe, AZ


Great team win against the Rams. Not easy for a TE to have such a big impact on a game with zero catches. Marcedes Lewis is officially the honorary sixth lineman.


As long as Lewis is cool with that role, I see no reason he couldn't play until he's 40 if his body holds up. It's a supply-and-demand business, and the college system just isn't producing many tight ends like him.