Mike's Mid-Week Chat: Can the Packers' offense repeat its opening performance?

[Cheesehead]

Hey Mike, The Packers managed to win both games against the Lions last year without actually having a lead at any point during playing time. Does the HC remind his guys about that stat at all this week to keep the team focused on Detroit and not look ahead to New Orleans? The Lions always put up a good fight against GB.


He said it a couple of times already, once after the Minnesota game and again on Monday I believe. If he's repeating it to the media, I'm sure it's part of his presentation to the players. He won't let these guys sleep on the Lions.


Krys Barnes has an amazing game. Was he thrown in because there is still an injury concern with Oren Burks? I was shocked to see him get so much playing time 24 hours after joining the team. I can't wait to see him again with a few weeks of learning his new defense.


Barnes had a really good debut, and he likely earned more playing time, depending on packages. I don't know if Burks' camp injury and missed time played into the depth-chart decision.


What are your key matchups for this Sunday against the Lions?


It depends somewhat if Golladay plays. If he's in there, he's their biggest weapon. Stafford's deep-ball, big-play guy. You can't let him beat you over the top. Otherwise, be ready for the Lions to test you with the run (as everyone will this year) and pay attention to Hockenson. I expect over time he'll develop into one of Stafford's favorites.


With AP coming i hope the run defense is able to at least slow him down if they are unable to slow him down it could be a long day for the defense. How can packers try to stop AP?


Peterson isn't what he was, but when a Hall of Famer loses half a step, he's still better than many. He's a gang-tackle guy because he's so hard to bring down one-on-one. You have to be ready to help your teammates tackle him.


I was pretty excited to see Jenkins start at Right Tackle. After years of solid play from Bulaga, I thought Jenkins could be the rock that anchors that position for the next decade (with all due respect to Turner and Wagner). Any chance that eventually becomes a permanent piece, or would they rather have him as a potential all-pro at a less coveted position?


Hard to say where that's going. All I know is the Packers are thrilled they have Jenkins and he gives them so many options to put the best possible unit together.


What is the hardest thing for you to get used to this year with all of the Covid adaptations?


Well, we're all pretty accustomed to the Zoom calls now. Watching a game on TV for the first time in 10 years was tough on Sunday, but that'll be the routine for road games this year. Sunday for the home game I'll be up in the press box, but it'll be a sparse press box crowd, not the full house it normally is.


Do you think Min D fatigue played a role in Runyan and Wagner playing so good? Min D had to be gassed at the end.


No question they were worn out. Wagner entered in the second quarter, though, so he played a lot more than Runyan. I think the biggest help, especially for a rookie like Runyan, was neither guy coming off the bench had to worry about the silent count on the road.


Is Rodgers comfort in the offense from year 1 to now noticeable?


Without a doubt. The only time he didn't look comfortable to me was when he didn't get the play call early enough, to get in and out of the huddle sooner. I saw him at least once motioning to the sideline to get the call into his helmet.


Thank you for helping us get through these times. This is a tremendous organization. I laud their stance and willingness to engage in a long overdue conversation. Football is the greatest team sport and it continues to pull people through these challenges. It is not thee answer but it is a catalyst for introspection. Proud of your transparency. Take care Mike. I appreciate your work.


Thanks. I like that phrase, catalyst for introspection. That's a good way to put it.


What's your best baseball analogy to week one in the NFL?


You've stumped me. I'm not coming up with anything on the spot.


With Clark probably out, who needs to have a big step-up in D line? Dean Lowry, Tyler Lancaster, and even Preston Smith didn't seem to get name mentioned much last time.


Yeah, it was a quiet game for the guys on the defensive front, except for Za'Darius Smith's sack. I thought Rashan Gary was pretty active, and Lowry had a good rush once early but couldn't quite finish it. Regardless of Clark's status, I think everyone up front has to play better, and I think they know it. I doubt any of them were satisfied with how things went.