Mike's Mid-Week Chat: Who are the X-factors for the Packers vs. the Rams?

[Cheesehead]

In your opinion, who is the better matchup for the Packers defense? Wolford or Goff?


I don't think that matters too much, really. The scheme is predicated on play-action to make the QB successful, which is why clamping down on the run is the key defensively. Seattle couldn't contain Akers and they had a hard time defensively even though Goff completed less than half his passes.


Mike, The Rams beating Seattle; more a product of being a familiar opponent or just being a better team?


They were better on that day, which can happen anytime, but especially against a familiar/division foe. That was their third time playing Seattle and second time in three weeks. It felt like the same type of thing unfolded, albeit in a little wilder fashion, in the Cleveland-Pittsburgh game.


Hey Mike I appreciate your WYMM last week - do you see anything on the tape for this week's match up with the Rams that you will watch for on Saturday? Anything us common fans should keep an eye out for?


Both of these QBs like to use the play-action bootleg or rollout. It's a staple of both offenses. Both defenses should know how to defend it. I'm curious if either team will be able to make that play effective.


Hi Mike, I know everyone is excited and the adrenaline is pumping. Wild card weekend saw some unnecessary and foolish penalties that can really pump the brakes on a team's momentum. Do the coaches show the players replays of those incidents (stumping on logos, swinging punches, shoving in the back out of retaliation) and talk about keeping their emotions and pride in check?


They certainly talk about it. I think the fact the Packers were in this same position last year, with mostly the same team, will help in that regard. They know these playoff games are going to feature momentum swings, sometimes severely. You have to play with emotion but stay in control at the same time.


How much time do you think Jared Veldheer will need to integrate changes since his last stint with us? In other words, could he play this weekend?


I'm sure they'll get him ready to fill in at tackle if someone goes down. LaFleur hasn't said anything specific, but I don't think he was signed in order to just walk in and start.


Hey Mike, how are you? I noticed recent playoff history favors the #1 defense. Am I the only one worried about this match-up? Sure, it will be cold, but I fully expect the Rams to come and play hard. I love the Pack and I will never doubt their ability, but I cannot get over how tough of a game this will most likely turn out to be. Thanks!


Nothing's easy at this stage. The Rams have the No. 1 scoring defense, but the Packers have the No. 1 offense and have scored points against some pretty good defenses this season. If the Packers do what they do best, which is protect the ball and score TDs in the red (gold) zone, I think that's how they win the game.


Do you still cover the games in person with Wes or do they make you work at home?


We cover the home games from the stadium. We're just in a suite -- me, Wes and Ryan, our social media manager -- with our computers set up.


Did you save some mud? Sort of like dirt from the mound after a no-hitter.


Ha, no. It wasn't pretty, I'll say that.


With the impressive defensive line of the Rams, will screens and short crossing patterns be more effective than five-step drop backs looking for deep balls?


I think it's about keeping the passing game on time, which is get the ball out in rhythm. If the Packers can run the ball, set up play-action, and keep things in rhythm, they can be effective. Then it's just a matter of finishing the good drives -- which will be fewer in the playoffs -- in the end zone.


How healthy are Corey Linsley and Rick Wagner? Do we have a sense other than injury designation?


It sounds like the Packers are in good shape, health-wise. Linsley is not even on the injury report and Wagner was listed as limited yesterday. The only player who didn't practice at all Tuesday was Kingsley Keke, who's still in the concussion protocol.


I know anything can happen in a playoff game (see Steelers vs. Browns) but I just can't see the Rams one dimensional offense scoring more than 20 on the Packers D and the Rams D holding the Packers to less than 20+. Am I seeing this game through green and gold colored glasses?


I don't know if I'd put the specific numbers on it, but turnovers are the great equalizer and that's why the Packers have to continue protecting the ball the way they did. The Rams were minus-3 in turnover margin in the regular season, an anomaly for a 10-win team. They won the turnover battle in Seattle 2-0. It was a huge factor in that game, with the pick-six being the big highlight of course.