Inbox: It's what you do with them

[Cheesehead]

John from Greenville, WI


True or False: The running back tandem of Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams is the best since John Brockington and MacArthur Lane in 1972-74.


I think that's true. The only other pair that comes to mind is Edgar Bennett and Dorsey Levens, who statistically were close. Jones and Williams last year combined for 2,271 yards from scrimmage (1,544 rushing, 727 receiving) and 25 TDs. In '95, Bennett and Levens put up 2,269 yards (1,187 rushing, 1,082 receiving) and 14 TDs.


Campbell from Bristol, England


Mike, you are aware that, when referring to people, it's "et al," not "etc."?


Chris from Bettendorf, IA


Who is responsible for ensuring there is only one "green dot" helmet on the field at a time? If Ty Summers and Krys Barnes are swapping play-calling and both need to be on the field for a play, somebody needs to remind one of them to change helmets or there will be a penalty. I'm guessing an equipment person handles it as the players should have bigger things to worry about in the middle of a game.


Mike Pettine said inside linebackers coach Kirk Olivadotti was managing that.


Paul from Ellensburg, WA


Hey fellas, I don't know if it's my influence, but it's been great to see a few other people open with "hey fellas." Full disclosure I adopted the opening when I wasn't sure who would be doing II as a way of not limiting my questions to one of you. For my question, have you noticed missed opportunities for turnovers on defense that they capitalized on last year?


There have been fewer opportunities this year, but missing them still hurts. The Saints put the ball on the ground twice (once on a kickoff return, the other on a sack), but got it back. Matt Ryan also threw a pass that should have been an easy pick.


Bryce from Kenosha, WI


Following up on JR from East Moline regarding David Bakhtiari: I'm always amazed watching him off the snap as well. But I'm sometimes startled by his pre-snap adjustments. He often gives a little kick/reset that almost looks like a false start. Obviously it is a legal adjustment, but what is the line that stops it from crossing into false-start movement? Keeping his head and shoulders fixed?


I think he generally does that before Rodgers starts his cadence, or when he pauses to call out a check, so it's not viewed by the officials as simulating the start of a play.


Reed from Myrtle Beach, SC


A graphic during the Atlanta game showed ML is tied for the second-best start among coaches after 20 games at 17-3, tied with Paul Brown. George Seifert is tops at 18-2. Seifert had Joe Montana (and Steve Young). Brown had Otto Graham. ML has, of course, AR. Conclusion: It sure helps having HOFers at QB to jumpstart a coach's career.


That's why the Packers' post was the most attractive available job heading into 2019, just as it was heading into 2006. The number of pundits and analysts who said otherwise, and many did so both times, clearly don't know football.


Griffin from Belmont, NC


It feels like individual Packers don't get the love they deserve because outsiders look at it as Rodgers that is doing everything. Coach of the year? He inherited Rodgers. Jones a top back? Must be Rodgers. Davante Adams a top receiver? Look at the QB. Do the pros even care or is it just us fans that want to see the organization get more respect?


The players want to win and they want their contracts to reflect their value. The rest may get under their skin once in a while, but that's about it.


Cary from Sioux Falls, SD


The best answer to the "players or plays" debate I've ever heard came from legendary UCLA basketball coach John Wooden. He was asked in an interview if there was a coach in his conference that he feared. "Oh yes," he replied. "The one with the best players."


Priceless. Have a good weekend, everybody.


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