1 00:00:00,800 --> 00:00:20,880 Speaker 1: Hi, everybody. Welcome to Packers Unscripted from Packers dot Com. 2 00:00:20,880 --> 00:00:23,439 Speaker 1: I am Mike Spofford. He is the one and only 3 00:00:23,480 --> 00:00:26,000 Speaker 1: West Hodkouits. We're coming to you here from our studios 4 00:00:26,360 --> 00:00:28,440 Speaker 1: at lambeau Field and West. It's the end of the week, 5 00:00:28,480 --> 00:00:30,960 Speaker 1: our Friday show, and that means keys to victory for 6 00:00:31,120 --> 00:00:34,360 Speaker 1: the Packers against the Lions at Ford Field in Detroit 7 00:00:34,440 --> 00:00:36,840 Speaker 1: on Sunday. Before we get to that, though, a quick 8 00:00:36,960 --> 00:00:39,800 Speaker 1: rundown at the time, we are taping this episode of 9 00:00:39,840 --> 00:00:42,360 Speaker 1: where things stand with the Packers injuries, because I know 10 00:00:42,400 --> 00:00:46,080 Speaker 1: everyone's wondering what's going on at wide receiver at this moment. 11 00:00:46,159 --> 00:00:49,280 Speaker 1: We have learned that Randall Cobb has been ruled out 12 00:00:49,400 --> 00:00:52,000 Speaker 1: for Sunday's game with his hamstring injury. He will miss 13 00:00:52,040 --> 00:00:55,800 Speaker 1: his second straight contest. Davante Adams, with the calf injury, 14 00:00:56,120 --> 00:00:59,120 Speaker 1: scheduled to practice on Saturday, so there's a chance that 15 00:00:59,200 --> 00:01:02,640 Speaker 1: Adams will be able to play. Geronimo Allison remains in 16 00:01:02,640 --> 00:01:05,520 Speaker 1: the concussion protocol, but Mike McCarthy said there is hope 17 00:01:05,880 --> 00:01:09,880 Speaker 1: for Geronimo, so possibility he could get through the concussion 18 00:01:09,920 --> 00:01:13,440 Speaker 1: protocol by kickoff on Sunday. So all that being said, 19 00:01:14,120 --> 00:01:15,959 Speaker 1: where do you want to start here with keys to 20 00:01:16,040 --> 00:01:18,280 Speaker 1: victory for the Packers at Detroit. I'm gonna go back 21 00:01:18,280 --> 00:01:20,480 Speaker 1: to something I said earlier this week, and that is, 22 00:01:20,520 --> 00:01:23,440 Speaker 1: I think, regardless of whether or not Davante Adams plays 23 00:01:23,520 --> 00:01:26,240 Speaker 1: or geronimo Elson plays, certainly we know now that Randall 24 00:01:26,240 --> 00:01:28,640 Speaker 1: cob will not play, I think the running game needs 25 00:01:28,640 --> 00:01:30,520 Speaker 1: to carry the day here for the Packers. And that's 26 00:01:30,520 --> 00:01:33,480 Speaker 1: for two reasons. One, when you're down, when you're missing 27 00:01:33,480 --> 00:01:35,920 Speaker 1: weapons on the perimeter, the easiest way to make up 28 00:01:35,959 --> 00:01:38,440 Speaker 1: for that is with weapons in the trenches. We saw 29 00:01:38,480 --> 00:01:41,240 Speaker 1: that with Eddie Lacy all those years, what he can 30 00:01:41,280 --> 00:01:43,360 Speaker 1: do in the dimension that adds. When you establish that 31 00:01:43,400 --> 00:01:46,640 Speaker 1: and get your production from that perspective, helps lessen the burden. 32 00:01:46,680 --> 00:01:49,640 Speaker 1: Then also as well on the passing game and Aaron Rodgers. 33 00:01:49,680 --> 00:01:51,600 Speaker 1: But secondly, and it was something you and I touched 34 00:01:51,600 --> 00:01:55,080 Speaker 1: on in our Final Thoughts video, the Detroit Lions ranked 35 00:01:55,080 --> 00:01:58,200 Speaker 1: dead last right now and run defense, and it's not close, Mike. 36 00:01:58,200 --> 00:02:00,600 Speaker 1: They're giving up a d fifty seven points per game 37 00:02:00,920 --> 00:02:03,040 Speaker 1: thirty one in the league right now is Arizona a 38 00:02:03,160 --> 00:02:07,520 Speaker 1: hundred forty one point two. So there's an opportunity there. Yeah, 39 00:02:07,520 --> 00:02:09,720 Speaker 1: so they're more than they're more than ten percent worse 40 00:02:09,760 --> 00:02:12,239 Speaker 1: than the next than the next worst team, and they're 41 00:02:12,240 --> 00:02:15,079 Speaker 1: coming off probably the one of the roughest outings against 42 00:02:15,120 --> 00:02:17,520 Speaker 1: the Dallas Cowboys. And it's it's fair, it's Zeke Elliott, 43 00:02:17,560 --> 00:02:19,280 Speaker 1: it's gonna happen. But if they did give up a 44 00:02:19,360 --> 00:02:21,799 Speaker 1: hundred fifty yards, so I just think from whether it's 45 00:02:21,800 --> 00:02:25,680 Speaker 1: Aaron Jones, Jamal Williams, Time Montgomery getting that triad going 46 00:02:26,160 --> 00:02:28,959 Speaker 1: uh and being able to be effective in that way, 47 00:02:29,160 --> 00:02:31,720 Speaker 1: regardless of what those receiver weapons look like, I think 48 00:02:31,760 --> 00:02:33,280 Speaker 1: that's gonna be one of the keys to victory for 49 00:02:33,280 --> 00:02:35,600 Speaker 1: the Packers is they had a hundred fifty seven yards 50 00:02:35,639 --> 00:02:37,760 Speaker 1: I believe it was two weeks ago total yards from 51 00:02:37,800 --> 00:02:40,919 Speaker 1: the running game in Washington, a hundred and eighty three. 52 00:02:40,960 --> 00:02:43,440 Speaker 1: I think it was last week against Buffalo. They need 53 00:02:43,480 --> 00:02:46,240 Speaker 1: another performance like that in Detroit. Yeah, And not that 54 00:02:46,280 --> 00:02:49,440 Speaker 1: there's ever a good time to have injuries to your 55 00:02:49,440 --> 00:02:53,240 Speaker 1: wide receivers or whatever, but quite frankly, this is this 56 00:02:53,320 --> 00:02:55,639 Speaker 1: is about as as bad as it gets for the Packers. 57 00:02:55,680 --> 00:02:58,440 Speaker 1: From the standpoint that if you do have to go 58 00:02:58,560 --> 00:03:01,520 Speaker 1: with a lot of younger wide receiver is less experienced receivers, 59 00:03:01,800 --> 00:03:04,480 Speaker 1: Detroit can simply adjust the defense and say, well, we 60 00:03:04,560 --> 00:03:06,320 Speaker 1: are going to take away the run. All it is 61 00:03:06,320 --> 00:03:08,600 Speaker 1: is committing the personnel to the box in order to 62 00:03:08,639 --> 00:03:11,280 Speaker 1: be able to do it, and that does leave your 63 00:03:11,480 --> 00:03:14,639 Speaker 1: secondary a little bit more vulnerable. But if Randall Cobbs 64 00:03:14,680 --> 00:03:16,960 Speaker 1: not out there, if Davante Adams jeron him, Way Allison 65 00:03:17,000 --> 00:03:19,320 Speaker 1: aren't out there, they're gonna be a lot more comfortable 66 00:03:19,680 --> 00:03:22,680 Speaker 1: leaving their secondary a little bit vulnerable against Aaron Rodgers, 67 00:03:22,680 --> 00:03:25,360 Speaker 1: which sounds crazy. It sounds crazy to say they're gonna 68 00:03:25,400 --> 00:03:28,000 Speaker 1: make Aaron Rodgers beat them with his arm, but that 69 00:03:28,120 --> 00:03:31,440 Speaker 1: might be what they do here, depending on how this 70 00:03:31,480 --> 00:03:34,720 Speaker 1: injury situation shakes out for the Packers at wide receivers. 71 00:03:34,760 --> 00:03:37,880 Speaker 1: So I know they're ranking is bad. The Packers have 72 00:03:37,960 --> 00:03:40,320 Speaker 1: shown obviously a lot of life running the ball the 73 00:03:40,360 --> 00:03:42,880 Speaker 1: last couple of weeks, but it's not going to be 74 00:03:42,920 --> 00:03:45,640 Speaker 1: that easy because stopping the run is simply a numbers game. 75 00:03:45,680 --> 00:03:48,120 Speaker 1: If you commit the personnel to it, you can do it. 76 00:03:48,400 --> 00:03:50,960 Speaker 1: And if that's what the Lions do, then the Packers 77 00:03:51,040 --> 00:03:53,000 Speaker 1: have to be able to make plays on the outside 78 00:03:53,000 --> 00:03:55,200 Speaker 1: no matter who the receivers are and that's why Loki, 79 00:03:55,320 --> 00:03:58,800 Speaker 1: a guy like Mark Oisbaldo scantling becomes incredibly important. He 80 00:03:58,920 --> 00:04:01,200 Speaker 1: put it on film. Now, if you give him just 81 00:04:01,280 --> 00:04:03,800 Speaker 1: single high coverage in one cornerback, he can beat you 82 00:04:03,840 --> 00:04:06,600 Speaker 1: with his speed. With that thirty eight yard reception, Jimmy Graham, 83 00:04:06,640 --> 00:04:08,600 Speaker 1: I think is going to be a really critical part 84 00:04:08,600 --> 00:04:11,440 Speaker 1: of this offensive plan, huge part. He can affect the 85 00:04:11,480 --> 00:04:14,400 Speaker 1: middle of the field. You can position them outside as 86 00:04:14,400 --> 00:04:17,080 Speaker 1: a receiver as well. So getting a guy like Time 87 00:04:17,120 --> 00:04:20,080 Speaker 1: Montgomery open and space and getting him the football, whether 88 00:04:20,120 --> 00:04:22,880 Speaker 1: it's as a runner or a pass catcher, you have 89 00:04:23,000 --> 00:04:26,480 Speaker 1: to use your complimentary pieces because even if Adams plays, 90 00:04:26,600 --> 00:04:28,480 Speaker 1: or you know, if Allison plays, it's probably a little 91 00:04:28,480 --> 00:04:30,440 Speaker 1: bit different. But if Adam's plays, you're not sure what 92 00:04:30,520 --> 00:04:32,279 Speaker 1: that's gonna be like with him trying to push through 93 00:04:32,279 --> 00:04:35,400 Speaker 1: with that calf injury. So to have those auxiliary parts 94 00:04:35,440 --> 00:04:38,520 Speaker 1: going with this offense. They've really lived a lot with 95 00:04:38,560 --> 00:04:40,960 Speaker 1: their three wide receiver and Jimmy Graham looks so far. 96 00:04:41,120 --> 00:04:42,839 Speaker 1: So if anything else, I think this is really going 97 00:04:42,920 --> 00:04:45,159 Speaker 1: to test them being able to bring out some of 98 00:04:45,160 --> 00:04:47,960 Speaker 1: those other components of the offensive game plan. Yeah, if 99 00:04:47,960 --> 00:04:50,159 Speaker 1: there is a a week that we may see the 100 00:04:50,160 --> 00:04:53,280 Speaker 1: Packers offensively dig a little bit deeper into the playbook 101 00:04:53,279 --> 00:04:56,719 Speaker 1: and start showing some personnel groupings, formations and things that 102 00:04:56,760 --> 00:04:58,760 Speaker 1: maybe we haven't seen in the first month of the year. 103 00:04:59,040 --> 00:05:00,960 Speaker 1: This could be it because this is this is an 104 00:05:00,960 --> 00:05:04,839 Speaker 1: injury situation that's highly unusual, just because so many injuries 105 00:05:04,839 --> 00:05:06,880 Speaker 1: have hit at the same position. In the story I 106 00:05:06,920 --> 00:05:09,200 Speaker 1: wrote about the three young receivers being ready to step 107 00:05:09,279 --> 00:05:11,160 Speaker 1: up here, one of the things I referenced in Aaron 108 00:05:11,200 --> 00:05:13,600 Speaker 1: Rodgers reference this week was the Atlanta game from two 109 00:05:13,640 --> 00:05:16,560 Speaker 1: thousand six. Right. I understand the Packers lost that game 110 00:05:16,600 --> 00:05:18,599 Speaker 1: thirty three to thirty two, but I don't think anyone 111 00:05:18,640 --> 00:05:21,280 Speaker 1: anticipated at being the shootout that it was. But the 112 00:05:21,320 --> 00:05:23,080 Speaker 1: thing is is that Rogers was at the top of 113 00:05:23,080 --> 00:05:24,880 Speaker 1: his game. He had a hundred and twenty five passer 114 00:05:24,960 --> 00:05:27,920 Speaker 1: rating in that contest through four touchdowns. Three of those 115 00:05:27,920 --> 00:05:30,880 Speaker 1: receivers it was their first NFL regular season touchdown catch, 116 00:05:31,240 --> 00:05:35,279 Speaker 1: including Geronimo Allison, which Rogers frequently you know, cites that 117 00:05:35,440 --> 00:05:38,240 Speaker 1: is his you know, big coming out parties. So if 118 00:05:38,279 --> 00:05:40,120 Speaker 1: that's the direction they have to go, I think they've 119 00:05:40,160 --> 00:05:42,200 Speaker 1: proven that they're innovative and that they can do it 120 00:05:42,600 --> 00:05:44,520 Speaker 1: and if if nothing else did. It is also going 121 00:05:44,560 --> 00:05:46,040 Speaker 1: to be a really good test for some of these 122 00:05:46,040 --> 00:05:49,240 Speaker 1: young guys, whether it's at running back, receiver, tight end, 123 00:05:49,520 --> 00:05:51,680 Speaker 1: guys that could be counted on to make big plays 124 00:05:51,760 --> 00:05:54,279 Speaker 1: and you know, really step up for their offense. Yeah, 125 00:05:54,279 --> 00:05:56,440 Speaker 1: this will be a big challenge for the Packers offense. 126 00:05:56,480 --> 00:05:59,760 Speaker 1: But you mentioned the game in Atlanta, which when we 127 00:06:00,160 --> 00:06:02,599 Speaker 1: the inactive list before the game, you would have thought 128 00:06:02,600 --> 00:06:07,360 Speaker 1: the Packers are gonna lose by at least two touchdowns. Yeah, 129 00:06:07,600 --> 00:06:10,200 Speaker 1: it was like there were no playmakers available. But yet 130 00:06:10,240 --> 00:06:12,760 Speaker 1: those young guys stepped up. We saw Aaron Rodgers almost 131 00:06:12,760 --> 00:06:16,200 Speaker 1: win a playoff game in Arizona with nothing but James Jones, 132 00:06:16,279 --> 00:06:19,839 Speaker 1: Jared Aberdaris and Jeff Janis at wide receiver because everybody 133 00:06:19,880 --> 00:06:24,240 Speaker 1: else was down and out. So, um, he's done this before. Uh, 134 00:06:24,279 --> 00:06:26,880 Speaker 1: there's a there's a lot on his plate every single week. 135 00:06:27,160 --> 00:06:29,120 Speaker 1: He is getting healthier, which is a good thing. He 136 00:06:29,200 --> 00:06:32,960 Speaker 1: was a full participant in Thursday's padded practice for the 137 00:06:33,000 --> 00:06:36,120 Speaker 1: first time since Week one before the knee injury, so 138 00:06:36,320 --> 00:06:39,600 Speaker 1: there's obviously at least some progress being made there. Even 139 00:06:39,640 --> 00:06:42,400 Speaker 1: though Rogers has Rogers has downplayed a little bit, but 140 00:06:42,440 --> 00:06:45,800 Speaker 1: Mike McCarthy is indicated there's definitely progress being made with 141 00:06:45,839 --> 00:06:48,120 Speaker 1: regards to that knee. So a lot is gonna fall 142 00:06:48,200 --> 00:06:50,720 Speaker 1: on number twelve, especially at the line of scrimmage. How 143 00:06:50,720 --> 00:06:53,320 Speaker 1: are they lining up run pass option type of stuff. 144 00:06:53,640 --> 00:06:56,280 Speaker 1: And the Packers have got to find a way to, 145 00:06:57,040 --> 00:06:58,760 Speaker 1: you know, when they do put together a good drive 146 00:06:58,800 --> 00:07:00,280 Speaker 1: to put the ball in the end zone, because kicking 147 00:07:00,279 --> 00:07:02,360 Speaker 1: field goals in Detroit's not gonna cut. No, it isn't. 148 00:07:02,400 --> 00:07:04,200 Speaker 1: And and we've seen that in the past just in 149 00:07:04,320 --> 00:07:07,080 Speaker 1: terms of and I've cited it several times that when 150 00:07:07,080 --> 00:07:09,480 Speaker 1: you the Lions get going, when Stafford gets going early. 151 00:07:09,720 --> 00:07:12,000 Speaker 1: You can look at any of their games historically packers 152 00:07:12,000 --> 00:07:14,520 Speaker 1: are not Packers. They have a lot of success just 153 00:07:14,560 --> 00:07:16,760 Speaker 1: because it's that rhythm based offense. It's been that way 154 00:07:16,800 --> 00:07:19,440 Speaker 1: since Jim Bob Coutter took over as their offensive coordinator. 155 00:07:19,880 --> 00:07:22,240 Speaker 1: The other thing too, that that's an interesting facet to this, 156 00:07:22,280 --> 00:07:24,840 Speaker 1: as you mentioned, with with Rogers being a full participant. 157 00:07:25,080 --> 00:07:27,560 Speaker 1: I was talking Aboldes Scantling about this this week, and 158 00:07:27,880 --> 00:07:30,240 Speaker 1: he's gotten a lot of work with Rogers. He's had 159 00:07:30,280 --> 00:07:31,800 Speaker 1: a lot of work with the Shawn Kaiser and that's 160 00:07:31,800 --> 00:07:34,640 Speaker 1: starting offense as the number four receiver, Jamon Moore and 161 00:07:34,640 --> 00:07:38,000 Speaker 1: Equinemius st Brown. This was really their first extended look 162 00:07:38,000 --> 00:07:40,600 Speaker 1: on Thursday of Rogers and playing with him, and in 163 00:07:40,720 --> 00:07:43,880 Speaker 1: knowing what he's looking for and taking the playbook as 164 00:07:43,880 --> 00:07:46,200 Speaker 1: it stands, and also kind of keeping in mind what 165 00:07:46,320 --> 00:07:48,240 Speaker 1: Rogers needs when you're out on the field with him. 166 00:07:48,280 --> 00:07:51,120 Speaker 1: So regardless of whether or not those guys actually end 167 00:07:51,160 --> 00:07:54,000 Speaker 1: up playing significant snaps in this game, there is a 168 00:07:54,080 --> 00:07:56,880 Speaker 1: byproduct a positive effect from that for those young guys 169 00:07:56,920 --> 00:07:58,720 Speaker 1: getting used to what he's looking for and what it's 170 00:07:58,720 --> 00:08:01,400 Speaker 1: going to be required if another situation like this should 171 00:08:01,400 --> 00:08:04,000 Speaker 1: arise at some point else in the season. Yeah, and 172 00:08:04,040 --> 00:08:05,960 Speaker 1: you said it West. As far as the key on 173 00:08:06,000 --> 00:08:08,480 Speaker 1: the defensive side of the ball, Matthew Stafford and the 174 00:08:08,560 --> 00:08:12,280 Speaker 1: rhythm that he can get into with this offense, I'm 175 00:08:12,280 --> 00:08:14,000 Speaker 1: not sure how the Packers are going to do it. 176 00:08:14,040 --> 00:08:17,120 Speaker 1: I don't think there's necessarily one way to disrupt Matthew 177 00:08:17,120 --> 00:08:19,680 Speaker 1: Stafford's rhythm. You have to do it with pressure. You 178 00:08:19,680 --> 00:08:21,920 Speaker 1: have to do it with mixing up coverage looks. You 179 00:08:21,960 --> 00:08:24,480 Speaker 1: have to do it with getting a turnover here there 180 00:08:24,600 --> 00:08:27,840 Speaker 1: and and blunting the momentum that the Lions can generate 181 00:08:27,920 --> 00:08:30,800 Speaker 1: sometimes with those big plays on offense. But you have 182 00:08:30,920 --> 00:08:33,800 Speaker 1: to disrupt Stafford's rhythm because we saw last year in 183 00:08:33,960 --> 00:08:37,760 Speaker 1: both of the Packers Lions games. Aaron Rodgers didn't play 184 00:08:37,760 --> 00:08:40,480 Speaker 1: in either one, but Matthew Stafford was the star of 185 00:08:40,520 --> 00:08:42,719 Speaker 1: the show in both of those games. He was he 186 00:08:42,760 --> 00:08:46,800 Speaker 1: was completely in his comfort zone. And especially the one here, 187 00:08:46,880 --> 00:08:49,320 Speaker 1: the Monday night game here at Lambe Field, which you know, 188 00:08:49,360 --> 00:08:51,280 Speaker 1: as I've mentioned to you before, I thought that was 189 00:08:51,679 --> 00:08:53,960 Speaker 1: really what put the writing on the wall for for 190 00:08:54,040 --> 00:08:57,080 Speaker 1: the changes to the defensive coaching staff that came later on, 191 00:08:57,480 --> 00:09:01,840 Speaker 1: because Matthew Stafford just just did anything and everything he 192 00:09:01,920 --> 00:09:04,720 Speaker 1: wanted to in that game, and the Packers cannot let 193 00:09:04,760 --> 00:09:07,760 Speaker 1: him get into that type of a rhythm on Sunday. Yeah, 194 00:09:07,760 --> 00:09:10,640 Speaker 1: And it's really interesting because you know, you're always going 195 00:09:10,679 --> 00:09:12,439 Speaker 1: to get at this juncture of the season, You're still 196 00:09:12,440 --> 00:09:14,520 Speaker 1: gonna get un scouted looks. There's still gonna be things 197 00:09:14,520 --> 00:09:16,920 Speaker 1: that the lines have been working on since you know, 198 00:09:17,040 --> 00:09:20,360 Speaker 1: March in April, especially for a division opponent, right for 199 00:09:20,400 --> 00:09:22,360 Speaker 1: a division opponent to be ready for. But at the 200 00:09:22,400 --> 00:09:25,160 Speaker 1: same time, you kind of know what you're getting they've 201 00:09:25,160 --> 00:09:28,199 Speaker 1: they've played Matthew Stafford more than any other quarterback obviously 202 00:09:28,240 --> 00:09:30,600 Speaker 1: now that Jay Cutler's gone in the NFC North, in 203 00:09:30,640 --> 00:09:33,240 Speaker 1: really the NFC in general. And you look at where 204 00:09:33,280 --> 00:09:36,200 Speaker 1: this offense is structured right now, there's three receivers there 205 00:09:36,360 --> 00:09:40,000 Speaker 1: that have made up of Matthew Stafford's passing yards with 206 00:09:40,440 --> 00:09:43,160 Speaker 1: Golden Tate, you know, one of the most consistent, you know, 207 00:09:43,320 --> 00:09:46,600 Speaker 1: playmakers in this league for some time now. Marvin Jones Jr. 208 00:09:46,640 --> 00:09:48,920 Speaker 1: Is a big play threat, and Kenny Galladay is a 209 00:09:48,920 --> 00:09:51,360 Speaker 1: guy that continues to cement himself in this offense. So 210 00:09:51,800 --> 00:09:53,560 Speaker 1: I wrote about it earlier this week. I mean, if 211 00:09:53,559 --> 00:09:56,080 Speaker 1: they can get Kevin King available and healthy for this game, 212 00:09:56,240 --> 00:09:58,840 Speaker 1: if Jr. Alexander is able to play through the growing injury, 213 00:09:59,120 --> 00:10:02,439 Speaker 1: they can have that full contingent of secondary weapons. It's 214 00:10:02,440 --> 00:10:04,200 Speaker 1: gonna be the perfect way to combat that and allow 215 00:10:04,280 --> 00:10:05,880 Speaker 1: some of those guys in the trenches to be able 216 00:10:05,880 --> 00:10:08,720 Speaker 1: to get to work and trying to keep Matthew Stafford uncomfortable, 217 00:10:08,760 --> 00:10:11,600 Speaker 1: because the double sided coin of this is that when 218 00:10:11,640 --> 00:10:13,480 Speaker 1: you are able to pressure Stafford, when you can get 219 00:10:13,520 --> 00:10:15,959 Speaker 1: him on his back foot, that's where the turnovers happened. 220 00:10:15,960 --> 00:10:18,319 Speaker 1: That's where your big place for your defense can occur. Yeah, 221 00:10:18,720 --> 00:10:21,120 Speaker 1: this will just be conjecture on our part, But do 222 00:10:21,160 --> 00:10:23,600 Speaker 1: you have a sense if the Packers are fully healthy 223 00:10:23,640 --> 00:10:25,640 Speaker 1: and ready to go in the secondary, with King and 224 00:10:25,679 --> 00:10:28,920 Speaker 1: Alexander both playing despite being on the injury report, with 225 00:10:28,960 --> 00:10:30,840 Speaker 1: the groin injuries, all that kind of stuff, do you 226 00:10:30,840 --> 00:10:33,520 Speaker 1: have a sense of how the Packers might match up 227 00:10:33,559 --> 00:10:37,440 Speaker 1: here with these wide receivers. My personal take is with 228 00:10:37,520 --> 00:10:41,440 Speaker 1: Golladay being such a speedy, deep threat type of guy, 229 00:10:41,520 --> 00:10:45,040 Speaker 1: but a boundary and outside receiver, I kind of see 230 00:10:45,120 --> 00:10:48,880 Speaker 1: Kevin King being there, Termont Williams being um on Marvin 231 00:10:48,960 --> 00:10:51,520 Speaker 1: Jones Jr. And then you line up year Alexander in 232 00:10:51,559 --> 00:10:54,720 Speaker 1: the slot against Golden Tate. Now, whether that is the 233 00:10:54,720 --> 00:10:57,760 Speaker 1: matchup all the way across the board for sixty plus plays, 234 00:10:57,800 --> 00:11:00,800 Speaker 1: I don't know, but that's kind of what I'm guessing. 235 00:11:00,840 --> 00:11:03,000 Speaker 1: I don't know if if you if you think that's uh, 236 00:11:03,120 --> 00:11:04,920 Speaker 1: that's in line, or if you have other thoughts, Well, 237 00:11:04,920 --> 00:11:07,360 Speaker 1: it really depends on how they want to attack this 238 00:11:07,440 --> 00:11:09,640 Speaker 1: thing in terms of are you gonna just keep guys 239 00:11:09,679 --> 00:11:11,120 Speaker 1: on one side of the field or do you go 240 00:11:11,200 --> 00:11:13,800 Speaker 1: back to the old Sam Shields Let guys travel and 241 00:11:14,120 --> 00:11:16,280 Speaker 1: you know where you want to have your matchups, and 242 00:11:16,320 --> 00:11:18,120 Speaker 1: that's gonna be right now, it seems like for the 243 00:11:18,160 --> 00:11:20,120 Speaker 1: most part at this point of the season, and it's 244 00:11:20,160 --> 00:11:22,120 Speaker 1: probably partially due to the fact that they've had some 245 00:11:22,160 --> 00:11:24,839 Speaker 1: moving pieces in the secondary, but they've pretty much kept 246 00:11:24,840 --> 00:11:26,880 Speaker 1: Hermon Williams on one side and they've kept the other 247 00:11:27,000 --> 00:11:29,360 Speaker 1: boundary corner where he's at and just let the game 248 00:11:29,400 --> 00:11:31,319 Speaker 1: play out from there. So it would be interesting to 249 00:11:31,360 --> 00:11:33,160 Speaker 1: see if they make an adjustment to that this week. 250 00:11:33,440 --> 00:11:35,000 Speaker 1: I don't know whether or not we're gonna see it 251 00:11:35,000 --> 00:11:37,080 Speaker 1: with it being Kevin King if he plays his first 252 00:11:37,120 --> 00:11:39,600 Speaker 1: game back. But the one thing I really do like 253 00:11:39,720 --> 00:11:41,800 Speaker 1: in Alexander I give I tip my cap to him. 254 00:11:41,800 --> 00:11:44,120 Speaker 1: I thought he played really well these past couple of 255 00:11:44,120 --> 00:11:48,400 Speaker 1: games without King, but having him in that nickel slot position, 256 00:11:48,480 --> 00:11:51,280 Speaker 1: the defense is different there, I agree, And he's he's 257 00:11:51,320 --> 00:11:54,199 Speaker 1: a playmaker. He's the type of ball hawk that you 258 00:11:54,240 --> 00:11:56,839 Speaker 1: want that I think defenses need now, to be honest 259 00:11:56,880 --> 00:11:59,960 Speaker 1: with you, in that nickel position. Josh Jackson again another 260 00:12:00,000 --> 00:12:02,439 Speaker 1: a guy that's great to have available depending on where 261 00:12:02,480 --> 00:12:04,880 Speaker 1: you need to play him. They've trained him at multiple spots, 262 00:12:04,880 --> 00:12:07,480 Speaker 1: but to me, I think going in right now unless 263 00:12:07,520 --> 00:12:09,760 Speaker 1: I see something different, I'm very curious to see if 264 00:12:09,760 --> 00:12:11,840 Speaker 1: it just ends up being King on one boundary, Tremont 265 00:12:11,880 --> 00:12:13,760 Speaker 1: Williams and the other, and then you know, make your 266 00:12:13,760 --> 00:12:17,160 Speaker 1: moves inside with your interior guys. Okay, well, before we 267 00:12:17,200 --> 00:12:18,760 Speaker 1: go here west at the end of the week, let's 268 00:12:18,760 --> 00:12:20,920 Speaker 1: take a quick look at some other things going on 269 00:12:21,000 --> 00:12:24,240 Speaker 1: around the NFL. Chicago Bears are on their bye week, 270 00:12:24,360 --> 00:12:27,320 Speaker 1: so regardless of what happens elsewhere in the NFC North, 271 00:12:27,400 --> 00:12:30,600 Speaker 1: at three and one, Chicago will remain in first place. 272 00:12:30,640 --> 00:12:33,439 Speaker 1: The Packers can inch closer if they win and get 273 00:12:33,520 --> 00:12:35,640 Speaker 1: to three one on one, they will obviously be right 274 00:12:36,000 --> 00:12:38,480 Speaker 1: on the Bears heels. There but one game in the 275 00:12:38,600 --> 00:12:42,520 Speaker 1: NFC North that definitely stands out, the Minnesota Vikings traveling 276 00:12:42,559 --> 00:12:45,520 Speaker 1: to I believe they're on the road, traveling to Philadelphia, 277 00:12:45,600 --> 00:12:50,600 Speaker 1: the rematch of last year's NFC Championship. And looking right 278 00:12:50,600 --> 00:12:52,880 Speaker 1: now at both the Vikings and the Eagles with two 279 00:12:52,920 --> 00:12:56,520 Speaker 1: losses apiece, these two teams trying to avoid a third 280 00:12:56,600 --> 00:12:59,040 Speaker 1: loss this early in the season. What are your thoughts 281 00:12:59,040 --> 00:13:00,720 Speaker 1: on this match? You kind of ends too the SEC 282 00:13:00,880 --> 00:13:03,360 Speaker 1: a little bit. I still refuse to think that either 283 00:13:03,360 --> 00:13:05,080 Speaker 1: one of these teams is a three lost team at 284 00:13:05,080 --> 00:13:07,840 Speaker 1: this juncture of the season, one of them, assuming there's 285 00:13:07,880 --> 00:13:09,920 Speaker 1: not a strange tie, will end up being that. Again, 286 00:13:10,080 --> 00:13:12,400 Speaker 1: I'm gonna throw that caveat we kind of have. There's 287 00:13:12,400 --> 00:13:14,360 Speaker 1: been a lot of overtime games, a couple of ties 288 00:13:14,400 --> 00:13:17,000 Speaker 1: and a couple of near ties already in the NFL issue. 289 00:13:17,040 --> 00:13:18,680 Speaker 1: But it sort of reminds me the sec where you 290 00:13:18,720 --> 00:13:20,680 Speaker 1: end up having like Auburn or somebody gets two losses 291 00:13:20,760 --> 00:13:22,520 Speaker 1: right off the bat, but they're still ranked like twelve 292 00:13:22,559 --> 00:13:25,600 Speaker 1: in the country. I think both these teams are still 293 00:13:25,600 --> 00:13:27,840 Speaker 1: big playoff contenders. I think they're Super Bowl contenders. But 294 00:13:27,880 --> 00:13:30,200 Speaker 1: you're right in that you're digging yourself into a hole 295 00:13:30,200 --> 00:13:32,160 Speaker 1: here if you don't come out on top. Carson Wentz 296 00:13:32,240 --> 00:13:34,839 Speaker 1: is back as the starting quarterback of the Eagles. Can 297 00:13:34,880 --> 00:13:37,000 Speaker 1: the offense get back to where they feel like they 298 00:13:37,000 --> 00:13:40,360 Speaker 1: should be? And then from the Vikings perspective, they've had 299 00:13:40,400 --> 00:13:42,960 Speaker 1: some tough matchups. They lost a game they should have 300 00:13:42,960 --> 00:13:45,520 Speaker 1: won at home against Buffalo, and then you go and 301 00:13:45,559 --> 00:13:47,680 Speaker 1: you lose a game that you know maybe you should 302 00:13:47,679 --> 00:13:49,960 Speaker 1: lose on a short week against the Rams. So what 303 00:13:50,200 --> 00:13:52,720 Speaker 1: tough assignment there, what team are you? And I think 304 00:13:52,760 --> 00:13:54,880 Speaker 1: that's the thing that probably Mike Zimmers talking about with 305 00:13:54,880 --> 00:13:57,760 Speaker 1: this guys this week. But yeah, from the Packers perspective, 306 00:13:57,800 --> 00:14:01,600 Speaker 1: with having the Bears an idol this week and and 307 00:14:01,679 --> 00:14:04,840 Speaker 1: having a chance to play a division opponent and the 308 00:14:04,960 --> 00:14:07,320 Speaker 1: Vikings having the opponent that they have, it's a big 309 00:14:07,320 --> 00:14:09,280 Speaker 1: opportunity this week if they can go and take one 310 00:14:09,320 --> 00:14:11,840 Speaker 1: on the road from the Lions, considering all the other 311 00:14:11,880 --> 00:14:14,080 Speaker 1: things that are happening right now in that division. Yeah, well, 312 00:14:14,120 --> 00:14:17,880 Speaker 1: another game that's really interesting, and you don't we don't 313 00:14:17,920 --> 00:14:21,560 Speaker 1: normally talk about the cross conference games all that much, 314 00:14:21,920 --> 00:14:25,920 Speaker 1: but Atlanta is traveling to Pittsburgh, and you're talking about 315 00:14:25,920 --> 00:14:28,360 Speaker 1: a Steelers team that already has two losses in a 316 00:14:28,440 --> 00:14:31,120 Speaker 1: tie and they've been dealing with the whole distraction of 317 00:14:31,160 --> 00:14:34,080 Speaker 1: the Lady on Bell situation all the way along. And 318 00:14:34,120 --> 00:14:36,640 Speaker 1: the Atlanta Falcons are one in three and having to 319 00:14:36,680 --> 00:14:39,160 Speaker 1: go on the road here to Heinz Field, a very 320 00:14:39,160 --> 00:14:42,320 Speaker 1: difficult place to play. These are two teams. I don't 321 00:14:42,320 --> 00:14:44,120 Speaker 1: I don't like to use the word desperate for a 322 00:14:44,200 --> 00:14:47,280 Speaker 1: victory in early October, but this is about as close 323 00:14:47,320 --> 00:14:49,840 Speaker 1: as it gets for early October for for being in 324 00:14:49,840 --> 00:14:52,560 Speaker 1: that desperation MODEI just you have to get a win. Yeah, 325 00:14:52,560 --> 00:14:55,040 Speaker 1: it's a marathon, it's twenty six point two miles. But 326 00:14:55,120 --> 00:14:58,640 Speaker 1: the thing is is that if you can not fall behind, 327 00:14:58,680 --> 00:15:00,680 Speaker 1: you don't have to gas yourself all down the stretch 328 00:15:00,720 --> 00:15:03,800 Speaker 1: trying to make, you know, make it to the finish line. Yeah, 329 00:15:03,800 --> 00:15:06,480 Speaker 1: the Steelers have gone through so much so far early on. 330 00:15:06,560 --> 00:15:08,800 Speaker 1: I think this game in particular for them, even though 331 00:15:08,800 --> 00:15:10,880 Speaker 1: they are technically the team that only has two losses 332 00:15:10,960 --> 00:15:13,880 Speaker 1: right now, I think this is a huge matchup because 333 00:15:13,880 --> 00:15:15,960 Speaker 1: you've had the questions with Levan Bell and where and 334 00:15:15,960 --> 00:15:19,080 Speaker 1: he's when he's going to come back, who's communicating with who? 335 00:15:19,400 --> 00:15:22,080 Speaker 1: Ben Roethlisberger saying that he needs to do more. Antonio 336 00:15:22,160 --> 00:15:23,920 Speaker 1: Brown miss practice a couple of days. So it's just 337 00:15:24,000 --> 00:15:27,640 Speaker 1: like these type of things, it really tests you, and 338 00:15:27,680 --> 00:15:29,680 Speaker 1: it tests the defense as well. Pittsburghs off to a 339 00:15:29,720 --> 00:15:32,160 Speaker 1: really slow start with their defense this year, and that 340 00:15:32,280 --> 00:15:35,080 Speaker 1: historically has been a hallmark. They're taking on Atlanta Falcons 341 00:15:35,080 --> 00:15:37,280 Speaker 1: team that's had questions on defense, but is you know, 342 00:15:37,320 --> 00:15:40,360 Speaker 1: Matt Ryan's throwing through the roof right now with Kelvin 343 00:15:40,440 --> 00:15:43,480 Speaker 1: Ridley and Julio Jones. So a big gut check for 344 00:15:43,520 --> 00:15:45,640 Speaker 1: both of those teams. Certainly from the Packers perspective, you 345 00:15:45,640 --> 00:15:47,920 Speaker 1: wouldn't mind seeing the Steelers just pull one out here. 346 00:15:48,320 --> 00:15:50,400 Speaker 1: But but certainly from the Falcons, trying to go on 347 00:15:50,440 --> 00:15:52,640 Speaker 1: the road and win in Hinesfield is not easy to ask. Yeah, 348 00:15:53,040 --> 00:15:55,720 Speaker 1: and one last thought as far as the NFC West 349 00:15:55,840 --> 00:16:00,280 Speaker 1: goes um, I tell you what West with with losing 350 00:16:00,360 --> 00:16:03,200 Speaker 1: Jimmy Garoppolo for the season, they're on their backup quarterback, 351 00:16:03,200 --> 00:16:06,680 Speaker 1: the Arizona Cardinals clearly struggling out of the gate. The 352 00:16:06,800 --> 00:16:09,680 Speaker 1: Rams here undefeated at four and oh going to Seattle. 353 00:16:10,120 --> 00:16:12,640 Speaker 1: Arguably it might be the rams toughest road game of 354 00:16:12,680 --> 00:16:14,520 Speaker 1: the year in terms of the you know, a stadium 355 00:16:14,560 --> 00:16:18,080 Speaker 1: to go into. If the Rams win this game and 356 00:16:18,120 --> 00:16:20,360 Speaker 1: get to five and oh and hand the Seahawks their 357 00:16:20,440 --> 00:16:22,800 Speaker 1: third loss, with everything else going on in that division, 358 00:16:23,120 --> 00:16:25,640 Speaker 1: it's almost like that division race is over. I mean, 359 00:16:25,760 --> 00:16:28,280 Speaker 1: if Seattle wants to have a chance to win the 360 00:16:28,400 --> 00:16:31,800 Speaker 1: NFC West, they almost have to win this game against 361 00:16:31,800 --> 00:16:33,560 Speaker 1: the Rams on Sunday the way it sets up, and 362 00:16:33,600 --> 00:16:35,360 Speaker 1: certainly there's a lot of football they play, but it 363 00:16:35,440 --> 00:16:37,000 Speaker 1: kind of they start to remind me of the two 364 00:16:37,000 --> 00:16:40,120 Speaker 1: thousand eleven Packers a lot. Now their defense with Wade Phillips, 365 00:16:40,160 --> 00:16:42,240 Speaker 1: it's a lot more stout than the Packers were that season. 366 00:16:42,560 --> 00:16:45,280 Speaker 1: But their offense is so explosive. They're able to blow 367 00:16:45,320 --> 00:16:47,000 Speaker 1: teams out. They're able and then and then when they 368 00:16:47,000 --> 00:16:50,640 Speaker 1: get and shootouts, they're able to you know, go tip 369 00:16:50,680 --> 00:16:53,560 Speaker 1: for tat with them. And you know, Jared Goff fits 370 00:16:53,600 --> 00:16:56,600 Speaker 1: that system so well. It's what Sean mcveigh's developed. They 371 00:16:56,600 --> 00:16:59,480 Speaker 1: have three legit downfield options, certainly one of the best 372 00:16:59,680 --> 00:17:01,920 Speaker 1: running backs in the game, a lot of things for 373 00:17:01,920 --> 00:17:04,440 Speaker 1: them to hang their hat on. And conversely, now it's 374 00:17:04,440 --> 00:17:06,760 Speaker 1: a Seattle team that's going through a lot of adversity. 375 00:17:07,359 --> 00:17:09,359 Speaker 1: You look at what's happened now with Earl Thomas and 376 00:17:09,359 --> 00:17:11,879 Speaker 1: losing him. I mean, that's arguably your biggest playmaker on 377 00:17:11,920 --> 00:17:13,920 Speaker 1: that defense. The the offense has had a lot of 378 00:17:14,000 --> 00:17:17,120 Speaker 1: questions and there's been you know, some some issues there 379 00:17:17,119 --> 00:17:19,359 Speaker 1: with Russell Wilson and being able to to generate the 380 00:17:19,400 --> 00:17:21,720 Speaker 1: plays that you know he can generate just based on 381 00:17:21,760 --> 00:17:24,359 Speaker 1: the weapons and offensive line around him. So it's gonna 382 00:17:24,400 --> 00:17:25,800 Speaker 1: be a good game to watch, one that I'll be 383 00:17:25,840 --> 00:17:28,679 Speaker 1: paying close attention to just to see. Okay, from the 384 00:17:28,760 --> 00:17:31,240 Speaker 1: Rams perspective, you are going into century Link, Central Link 385 00:17:31,320 --> 00:17:33,520 Speaker 1: still going to be century Link. Yeah, so are you 386 00:17:33,640 --> 00:17:36,399 Speaker 1: able to overcome that? Is the offense able to play 387 00:17:36,440 --> 00:17:38,679 Speaker 1: to what they believe it can play to, uh, to 388 00:17:38,800 --> 00:17:40,720 Speaker 1: get a huge win that would really give them a 389 00:17:40,720 --> 00:17:42,879 Speaker 1: lot of separation in that division early on. Yeah, this 390 00:17:42,960 --> 00:17:45,320 Speaker 1: is a real gut chet game for Seattle. They're getting 391 00:17:45,400 --> 00:17:49,040 Speaker 1: the division leader at home in their building. But that 392 00:17:49,080 --> 00:17:51,720 Speaker 1: division leader is coming off of extra rest, having played 393 00:17:51,760 --> 00:17:54,399 Speaker 1: the Thursday, the game the week before. They're rested up 394 00:17:54,440 --> 00:17:56,280 Speaker 1: and ready to go. And the Rams know this is 395 00:17:56,320 --> 00:17:59,480 Speaker 1: this is their opportunity to absolutely stop on the rest 396 00:17:59,480 --> 00:18:01,119 Speaker 1: of the division and say here we are, We're the 397 00:18:01,160 --> 00:18:03,399 Speaker 1: team to be totally and before we leave them, Mike, 398 00:18:03,400 --> 00:18:05,119 Speaker 1: I want to throw one more out at you. Okay, 399 00:18:05,280 --> 00:18:07,840 Speaker 1: just kind of my favorite just from a pure football perspective. 400 00:18:07,880 --> 00:18:11,800 Speaker 1: Really no ramifications whatsoever with the Packers, but Jacksonville versus 401 00:18:11,840 --> 00:18:15,320 Speaker 1: Kansas City, Yeah, it is. It's the immovable object verse 402 00:18:15,359 --> 00:18:18,080 Speaker 1: the unstoppable force. Right now with Patrick Mahomes against the 403 00:18:18,080 --> 00:18:21,240 Speaker 1: top ranked defense in the NFL that is not wavering. 404 00:18:21,280 --> 00:18:24,240 Speaker 1: I think what you look at what Doug Moron has 405 00:18:24,280 --> 00:18:26,879 Speaker 1: developed there. I know there's still things offensively that you 406 00:18:26,920 --> 00:18:30,439 Speaker 1: have question marks about, but defensively, Jacksonville is a jugger 407 00:18:30,440 --> 00:18:33,240 Speaker 1: not right now. They have become what Seattle was four 408 00:18:33,320 --> 00:18:35,879 Speaker 1: or five years ago. Patrick Mahomes is off to this 409 00:18:36,000 --> 00:18:39,880 Speaker 1: incredible start to an NFL career. Which things gives there 410 00:18:40,240 --> 00:18:42,600 Speaker 1: and who ultimately comes out on top in terms of 411 00:18:42,600 --> 00:18:45,359 Speaker 1: the a f C race right now and where teams 412 00:18:45,400 --> 00:18:47,280 Speaker 1: could potentially be slot at the end of the season. 413 00:18:47,520 --> 00:18:51,040 Speaker 1: A game that has major major implications for for this 414 00:18:51,200 --> 00:18:53,960 Speaker 1: playoff race potentially. Yeah, you talk about a young quarterback 415 00:18:54,000 --> 00:18:56,920 Speaker 1: who simply does not flinch. I mean Patrick Mahomes down 416 00:18:57,000 --> 00:18:59,760 Speaker 1: two scores on the road at a division rival on 417 00:19:00,000 --> 00:19:02,960 Speaker 1: Monday Night football in Denver, down two scores in the 418 00:19:03,000 --> 00:19:05,720 Speaker 1: fourth quarter, brings his team back for a victory. They're 419 00:19:05,720 --> 00:19:10,160 Speaker 1: still undefeated. He's the top rated quarterback one point five 420 00:19:10,240 --> 00:19:14,800 Speaker 1: passer rating, fourteen touchdowns, no interceptions. Yet um remarkable start 421 00:19:14,840 --> 00:19:17,560 Speaker 1: for him and does the test As far as the 422 00:19:17,560 --> 00:19:20,040 Speaker 1: defense doesn't get any bigger than Jacksonville, it doesn't, Mike, 423 00:19:20,080 --> 00:19:22,200 Speaker 1: and he's been so important for them right now because 424 00:19:22,280 --> 00:19:24,840 Speaker 1: Kansas City's defense has just been a sieve so far 425 00:19:24,880 --> 00:19:27,080 Speaker 1: in terms of the yards that they're giving up. So yeah, 426 00:19:27,320 --> 00:19:29,280 Speaker 1: they've been putting up a lot of production. They have 427 00:19:29,359 --> 00:19:32,920 Speaker 1: their weapons going, but defensively they've needed that too to 428 00:19:33,200 --> 00:19:35,600 Speaker 1: get to where they are. They've needed every touchdown pass 429 00:19:35,640 --> 00:19:37,960 Speaker 1: he's thrown. Yeah, so that's it's made for some really 430 00:19:37,960 --> 00:19:40,919 Speaker 1: exciting football. But ultimately, you know, Blake Bortles, you know, 431 00:19:41,320 --> 00:19:43,280 Speaker 1: he's still a pro and he's been doing this for 432 00:19:43,320 --> 00:19:45,240 Speaker 1: a long time now, so it'll be interested to see 433 00:19:45,280 --> 00:19:47,760 Speaker 1: what that matchup ends up looking like. With with that, 434 00:19:47,800 --> 00:19:49,480 Speaker 1: we will call it a wrap on this edition of 435 00:19:49,480 --> 00:19:52,000 Speaker 1: Packers Unscripted. Be sure to follow all of our coverage 436 00:19:52,000 --> 00:19:55,080 Speaker 1: of the team and of Sunday's game from Ford Field 437 00:19:55,080 --> 00:19:58,000 Speaker 1: in Detroit on Packers dot com. On Twitter, you can 438 00:19:58,000 --> 00:20:00,080 Speaker 1: follow him at west Hot I'm at Mike spoff It 439 00:20:00,119 --> 00:20:02,800 Speaker 1: at Packers for the team accal. Thanks for tuning in, everybody, 440 00:20:03,119 --> 00:20:12,960 Speaker 1: See you next time. H m hm