1 00:00:06,480 --> 00:00:09,680 Speaker 1: Hi, everybody. Welcome to another edition of Packers Unscripted from 2 00:00:09,760 --> 00:00:13,399 Speaker 1: Packers dot Com. I am like Spofford, joined by my 3 00:00:13,480 --> 00:00:15,880 Speaker 1: partner and everything Packers, Wes hodko it'z. We're coming to 4 00:00:15,920 --> 00:00:20,160 Speaker 1: you here from our studios at Lambeaufield two preview an 5 00:00:20,160 --> 00:00:23,200 Speaker 1: awfully big game on Sunday. It will be the Packers 6 00:00:23,239 --> 00:00:27,160 Speaker 1: at the Denver Broncos three twenty five pm Central Time 7 00:00:27,680 --> 00:00:32,320 Speaker 1: kickoff from Denver and Wes. You look at this Broncos 8 00:00:32,360 --> 00:00:35,479 Speaker 1: team in twenty twenty five, they sort of feel like 9 00:00:36,920 --> 00:00:42,080 Speaker 1: they're in that ahead of schedule category. With Bo Nicks 10 00:00:42,159 --> 00:00:46,720 Speaker 1: as their young quarterback, They've built a defense that is 11 00:00:46,800 --> 00:00:49,840 Speaker 1: among the best in the league. And this Denver team 12 00:00:49,840 --> 00:00:54,000 Speaker 1: now is eleven and two. They've won ten straight after 13 00:00:54,040 --> 00:00:56,680 Speaker 1: a one and two start, and it's a team that 14 00:00:56,880 --> 00:00:59,840 Speaker 1: much like the Chicago Bears, whom the Packers faced last 15 00:01:00,640 --> 00:01:03,960 Speaker 1: it's a team that has built its record on winning 16 00:01:04,000 --> 00:01:07,200 Speaker 1: close games and being clutch in the fourth quarter on 17 00:01:07,240 --> 00:01:09,640 Speaker 1: both sides of the ball. And that's a pretty good 18 00:01:09,640 --> 00:01:11,679 Speaker 1: formula for chalking up victories in this league. 19 00:01:11,720 --> 00:01:14,400 Speaker 2: Yeah, and I think you're seeing Bo Nicks is a winner, man. 20 00:01:14,760 --> 00:01:17,560 Speaker 2: I know, sometimes the statistics you can see what they are. 21 00:01:17,640 --> 00:01:20,039 Speaker 2: People aren't going to be overly impressed by maybe the 22 00:01:20,080 --> 00:01:21,720 Speaker 2: passer rating and those type of things. 23 00:01:21,720 --> 00:01:23,040 Speaker 3: But this kid. 24 00:01:22,840 --> 00:01:24,840 Speaker 2: Wins in one of the lines I've been using an 25 00:01:24,880 --> 00:01:28,080 Speaker 2: inbox all week is he plays to his win condition, 26 00:01:28,400 --> 00:01:33,160 Speaker 2: and that means having a really good defense and then situationally, 27 00:01:33,200 --> 00:01:35,080 Speaker 2: when the game is on the line, finding ways to 28 00:01:35,120 --> 00:01:38,560 Speaker 2: win that football game. I've been super impressed by Sean 29 00:01:38,600 --> 00:01:40,840 Speaker 2: Payton and the job he's done. I know he took 30 00:01:40,880 --> 00:01:44,000 Speaker 2: a lot of criticism that first year how things went 31 00:01:44,040 --> 00:01:47,840 Speaker 2: with Russell Wilson, but my goodness, they finally found their quarterback. 32 00:01:47,880 --> 00:01:50,880 Speaker 2: It took almost a decade for them to find that 33 00:01:50,960 --> 00:01:54,240 Speaker 2: successor to Peyton Manning. That led them to that Super 34 00:01:54,240 --> 00:01:57,480 Speaker 2: Bowl fifty victory and the train is back on the 35 00:01:57,520 --> 00:02:01,080 Speaker 2: tracks now. And my goodness, when you're talking about defensive football, 36 00:02:01,720 --> 00:02:04,160 Speaker 2: there may be nobody doing it better pound for pound 37 00:02:04,160 --> 00:02:06,160 Speaker 2: than what the Broncos have done this season. Yeah. 38 00:02:06,200 --> 00:02:10,280 Speaker 1: Absolutely, I mean this defense, you know, pick your category, 39 00:02:10,360 --> 00:02:14,480 Speaker 1: they're going to be ranked up there pretty high. The number, 40 00:02:14,520 --> 00:02:16,680 Speaker 1: of course, that jumps out at everybody is the fifty 41 00:02:16,720 --> 00:02:20,359 Speaker 1: five sacks, which leads the NFL. It's actually eleven more 42 00:02:20,440 --> 00:02:23,160 Speaker 1: sacks than any other team has. The second place team 43 00:02:23,160 --> 00:02:26,840 Speaker 1: in the league has forty four. But this defense also 44 00:02:27,160 --> 00:02:29,960 Speaker 1: it isn't it isn't just about the sacks and the 45 00:02:29,960 --> 00:02:32,079 Speaker 1: pressure they put on the quarterback. It's sort of their 46 00:02:32,120 --> 00:02:36,640 Speaker 1: foundation in a sense. But this defense also leads the 47 00:02:36,720 --> 00:02:39,799 Speaker 1: league against the run in terms of yards per carry. 48 00:02:39,840 --> 00:02:42,360 Speaker 1: Three point seven yards per carry is all they allow 49 00:02:42,480 --> 00:02:46,720 Speaker 1: on the ground. So you combine that type of stout 50 00:02:46,800 --> 00:02:51,440 Speaker 1: run defense with the pass rush. They have seven different 51 00:02:51,919 --> 00:02:55,160 Speaker 1: defensive players who have three or more sacks on the season. 52 00:02:55,520 --> 00:02:58,919 Speaker 1: The two edge rushers you know, Benito and the other 53 00:02:58,960 --> 00:02:59,920 Speaker 1: guy escapes me at. 54 00:02:59,800 --> 00:03:01,600 Speaker 3: The Jonathan Cooper Cooper. 55 00:03:01,680 --> 00:03:05,000 Speaker 1: Yes, Benito and Cooper, those are the two guys leading 56 00:03:05,040 --> 00:03:07,760 Speaker 1: the way as far as the sacks are concerned. But 57 00:03:07,800 --> 00:03:11,959 Speaker 1: they have the interior rushers with uh with Zach Allen 58 00:03:12,160 --> 00:03:14,320 Speaker 1: leading the way. There. They have guys from the other 59 00:03:14,440 --> 00:03:17,840 Speaker 1: levels of the defense contributing sacks. Seven guys with at 60 00:03:17,880 --> 00:03:21,239 Speaker 1: least three sacks on the season. And then, oh, by 61 00:03:21,280 --> 00:03:26,040 Speaker 1: the way, on the outside, you've got the reigning defensive 62 00:03:26,080 --> 00:03:28,600 Speaker 1: player of the Year in the NFL and Pat Sertan 63 00:03:28,800 --> 00:03:33,960 Speaker 1: as a lockdown, shutdown cornerback. This is a defense that 64 00:03:34,120 --> 00:03:37,760 Speaker 1: has a lot going for it on all three levels, 65 00:03:37,840 --> 00:03:41,320 Speaker 1: and it's why they are ranked where they are and 66 00:03:42,000 --> 00:03:44,840 Speaker 1: why this team quite frankly is where it is right Well, for. 67 00:03:44,840 --> 00:03:46,600 Speaker 2: You know, you did a tremendous job of you know, 68 00:03:46,680 --> 00:03:49,000 Speaker 2: kind of laying the landscape of this defense, but also, 69 00:03:49,040 --> 00:03:53,480 Speaker 2: I mean vance Joseph being the orchestrator of all this. 70 00:03:53,520 --> 00:03:56,560 Speaker 2: When you talk about a guy that was the head 71 00:03:56,560 --> 00:03:59,160 Speaker 2: coach at the Denver Broncos, he leaves for four years 72 00:03:59,200 --> 00:04:02,560 Speaker 2: in Arizona, he comes back as a defensive coordinator for 73 00:04:02,600 --> 00:04:05,560 Speaker 2: Sean Payton in the stamp. He's put on this thing 74 00:04:05,560 --> 00:04:08,360 Speaker 2: when you talk about not necessarily rewriting a legacy, but 75 00:04:08,400 --> 00:04:11,680 Speaker 2: in terms of kind of like changing the perspective on 76 00:04:11,760 --> 00:04:15,400 Speaker 2: what it means to play in Denver, this guy knew 77 00:04:15,440 --> 00:04:17,640 Speaker 2: what the state, what the stakes were, He understood what 78 00:04:17,680 --> 00:04:20,039 Speaker 2: the assignment was for Peyton coming in and has given 79 00:04:20,120 --> 00:04:23,679 Speaker 2: him a tremendous complimentary defense. You look at Zach Allen. 80 00:04:23,680 --> 00:04:26,600 Speaker 2: We were talking yesterday with Larry McCarron when we're doing 81 00:04:26,680 --> 00:04:28,880 Speaker 2: three things. This is a guy that was a third 82 00:04:29,000 --> 00:04:31,760 Speaker 2: round pick, had spent time with Joseph in Arizona, right 83 00:04:32,040 --> 00:04:34,440 Speaker 2: he goes to Denver, he follows him to Denver. In 84 00:04:34,440 --> 00:04:37,720 Speaker 2: my goodness, the type of star that he's become. Benito 85 00:04:37,839 --> 00:04:40,000 Speaker 2: is probably one of the best stories that has come 86 00:04:40,040 --> 00:04:42,480 Speaker 2: out of the National Football League and maybe the twenty 87 00:04:42,480 --> 00:04:45,800 Speaker 2: first century, with very humble beginnings and turning himself into 88 00:04:45,880 --> 00:04:48,880 Speaker 2: one of the league's elite pass rushers. And then Certain 89 00:04:49,000 --> 00:04:51,280 Speaker 2: doesn't have the interceptions this year, you know, and doesn't 90 00:04:51,320 --> 00:04:54,080 Speaker 2: have those numbers, but he's a guy that is virtually 91 00:04:54,120 --> 00:04:57,280 Speaker 2: impossible to throw against. And with the man coverage that 92 00:04:57,640 --> 00:05:00,960 Speaker 2: Joseph plays, that Denver plays, they to have him match 93 00:05:01,040 --> 00:05:03,200 Speaker 2: up with another receiver and just try to shut down 94 00:05:03,200 --> 00:05:05,599 Speaker 2: that part of the field, that particular player for an 95 00:05:05,760 --> 00:05:06,360 Speaker 2: entire game. 96 00:05:06,960 --> 00:05:08,400 Speaker 3: It is a very feisty group. 97 00:05:08,480 --> 00:05:10,960 Speaker 2: The only thing that kind of does surprise me sort 98 00:05:11,000 --> 00:05:13,680 Speaker 2: of ties back into Certain and that they don't have 99 00:05:13,720 --> 00:05:15,960 Speaker 2: a lot of takeaways. For as much pressure as they've 100 00:05:15,960 --> 00:05:18,680 Speaker 2: generated this season, the interception numbers haven't been there. I 101 00:05:18,680 --> 00:05:20,479 Speaker 2: think there may be twenty fourth something like that in 102 00:05:20,480 --> 00:05:23,280 Speaker 2: the National Football League. But all that being said, that's 103 00:05:23,320 --> 00:05:26,080 Speaker 2: about all you can take issue with across the board. 104 00:05:26,720 --> 00:05:27,839 Speaker 2: They're as stout as they come. 105 00:05:28,040 --> 00:05:30,880 Speaker 1: Yeah, absolutely, that is the one thing, and it is 106 00:05:30,920 --> 00:05:33,320 Speaker 1: surprising it is not a defense that takes the ball 107 00:05:33,320 --> 00:05:36,040 Speaker 1: away a lot. I believe they only have ten takeaways 108 00:05:36,080 --> 00:05:41,320 Speaker 1: on the year, one fewer than the Packers with eleven. 109 00:05:41,880 --> 00:05:45,440 Speaker 1: And I think what we're starting to see switching it 110 00:05:45,480 --> 00:05:48,880 Speaker 1: back to the offensive side, what we're starting to see 111 00:05:48,920 --> 00:05:52,120 Speaker 1: with bow Knicks is what you said, the phrase you 112 00:05:52,160 --> 00:05:57,520 Speaker 1: said in terms of playing to his win condition. Bo 113 00:05:57,680 --> 00:06:01,479 Speaker 1: Nicks is going to He's going to take the short 114 00:06:01,520 --> 00:06:05,240 Speaker 1: stuff and throw the receiver screens and do all of 115 00:06:05,279 --> 00:06:08,359 Speaker 1: that you know, possession, move the ball stuff that Sean 116 00:06:08,400 --> 00:06:11,159 Speaker 1: Payton likes to do. But bo Nix is also going 117 00:06:11,240 --> 00:06:13,400 Speaker 1: to take his chances. He's going to take his shots 118 00:06:13,400 --> 00:06:17,480 Speaker 1: down the field. And his confidence in that not only 119 00:06:17,520 --> 00:06:19,640 Speaker 1: has grown because of some of the success he's had, 120 00:06:19,680 --> 00:06:22,719 Speaker 1: but also knowing he can take some chances because he's 121 00:06:22,720 --> 00:06:25,640 Speaker 1: got that defense, you know, behind him to back him 122 00:06:25,720 --> 00:06:30,440 Speaker 1: up if something goes wrong. And I think it's something 123 00:06:30,480 --> 00:06:35,800 Speaker 1: that has really buoyed this young quarterback and brought him 124 00:06:35,839 --> 00:06:40,599 Speaker 1: along in a sense a lot faster than maybe a 125 00:06:40,600 --> 00:06:41,640 Speaker 1: lot of people expected. 126 00:06:41,640 --> 00:06:41,760 Speaker 2: Now. 127 00:06:41,800 --> 00:06:43,599 Speaker 1: At the same time, there's been a little bit more 128 00:06:43,600 --> 00:06:47,800 Speaker 1: put on his plate this year lately with the injury 129 00:06:47,800 --> 00:06:51,440 Speaker 1: to JK Dobbins, they lose their number one running back, RJ. Harvey. 130 00:06:52,000 --> 00:06:54,480 Speaker 1: The rookie is the one who has now taken over 131 00:06:54,520 --> 00:06:56,960 Speaker 1: at running back and he's coming along. But there were 132 00:06:56,960 --> 00:06:59,160 Speaker 1: some games that you know, we're a little bit rough 133 00:06:59,200 --> 00:07:02,520 Speaker 1: for Harvey and and more fell on bow Nicks to 134 00:07:02,680 --> 00:07:06,000 Speaker 1: pull out some of these close games, and the young 135 00:07:06,040 --> 00:07:09,359 Speaker 1: man has done it. I Mean, at some point you 136 00:07:09,400 --> 00:07:11,840 Speaker 1: feel like, all right, if you're always winning these close 137 00:07:11,880 --> 00:07:14,400 Speaker 1: games and putting together this long winning streak, that you 138 00:07:14,480 --> 00:07:16,880 Speaker 1: know the luck is going to run out at some point. 139 00:07:17,120 --> 00:07:19,120 Speaker 1: Like that's one way to look at it. The other 140 00:07:19,160 --> 00:07:21,960 Speaker 1: way is that when a team in the NFL gets 141 00:07:21,960 --> 00:07:25,080 Speaker 1: on a roll like this, they build confidence and they 142 00:07:25,120 --> 00:07:28,960 Speaker 1: believe in any given situation, on any given Sunday, they 143 00:07:29,040 --> 00:07:30,880 Speaker 1: can find a way to win. And that's sort of 144 00:07:30,920 --> 00:07:32,360 Speaker 1: where the Broncos have evolved to. 145 00:07:32,480 --> 00:07:33,840 Speaker 3: Now, Yeah, he's just a winner. 146 00:07:33,840 --> 00:07:36,800 Speaker 2: I mean that's the And I've strangely ended up watching 147 00:07:36,840 --> 00:07:38,200 Speaker 2: a lot of Broncos football this year. 148 00:07:38,240 --> 00:07:39,520 Speaker 3: I don't know how it's worked out. 149 00:07:39,400 --> 00:07:41,000 Speaker 2: That way, but just with some of these Thursday night 150 00:07:41,080 --> 00:07:43,440 Speaker 2: matchups that I've actually watched quite a bit of them. 151 00:07:43,720 --> 00:07:46,240 Speaker 2: The two things that really impressed me about how they've 152 00:07:46,240 --> 00:07:49,520 Speaker 2: built their football team. They completely renovated their offensive line 153 00:07:49,520 --> 00:07:51,160 Speaker 2: a couple of years ago, and I think you're starting 154 00:07:51,200 --> 00:07:54,880 Speaker 2: to see the fruit of that labor here this season. 155 00:07:55,440 --> 00:07:59,240 Speaker 2: They had a particularly rough outing against Las Vegas in 156 00:07:59,280 --> 00:08:02,080 Speaker 2: the first match, but other than that have kept the 157 00:08:02,120 --> 00:08:03,880 Speaker 2: pocket pretty clean for bone Nicks. 158 00:08:04,400 --> 00:08:05,160 Speaker 3: Losing JK. 159 00:08:05,280 --> 00:08:07,720 Speaker 2: Dobbins is a little bit of a that's a hiccup there. 160 00:08:07,760 --> 00:08:07,960 Speaker 3: Now. 161 00:08:08,240 --> 00:08:10,480 Speaker 2: Dobbins has dealt with injuries in the past. It shouldn't 162 00:08:10,480 --> 00:08:12,640 Speaker 2: necessarily be like this huge surprise that they've had to 163 00:08:12,640 --> 00:08:15,600 Speaker 2: go without him now. But the RG Harvey thing. He 164 00:08:15,640 --> 00:08:17,760 Speaker 2: took some steps forward last week, but had been kind 165 00:08:17,760 --> 00:08:20,600 Speaker 2: of rough before that, at least not having those really 166 00:08:20,600 --> 00:08:22,920 Speaker 2: productive long runs, you know, kind of you know, grinding 167 00:08:22,920 --> 00:08:25,600 Speaker 2: it out a little bit more. But they've made adjustments. 168 00:08:25,640 --> 00:08:28,320 Speaker 2: Marcedes Lewis was brought in is now a blocking tight end. 169 00:08:28,320 --> 00:08:30,520 Speaker 2: They also have Adam Troutman, they have Evan Ingram. I mean, 170 00:08:30,560 --> 00:08:33,800 Speaker 2: they've devoted a lot of resources to that tight end position. 171 00:08:34,080 --> 00:08:35,480 Speaker 2: Oh and then by the way, they have one of 172 00:08:35,480 --> 00:08:38,320 Speaker 2: the best possession receivers of his generation in Courtland Sutton. 173 00:08:38,559 --> 00:08:40,280 Speaker 2: That's kind of helping stir the drink too. When they 174 00:08:40,360 --> 00:08:41,960 Speaker 2: need to get those first downs when they need to 175 00:08:41,960 --> 00:08:45,559 Speaker 2: move the football. So yeah, it's a very complete football team, Mike. 176 00:08:45,600 --> 00:08:48,720 Speaker 2: And while nobody seems to really be talking about Denver, 177 00:08:48,840 --> 00:08:50,760 Speaker 2: everyone's just kind of like seeing him sneak up to 178 00:08:50,800 --> 00:08:54,080 Speaker 2: eleven and two. U. This is a football team that 179 00:08:54,320 --> 00:08:57,200 Speaker 2: is forged in the fire and they've done it this season. 180 00:08:57,400 --> 00:09:00,000 Speaker 2: And when you're talking about a team that also can 181 00:09:00,080 --> 00:09:03,000 Speaker 2: going to a playoff spot this weekend with one more victory, 182 00:09:03,920 --> 00:09:05,600 Speaker 2: the Packers definitely have a lot on their hands. 183 00:09:05,760 --> 00:09:09,440 Speaker 1: Yeah, and this this is a team that they actually 184 00:09:09,520 --> 00:09:12,040 Speaker 1: started this season one and two. They lost a pair 185 00:09:12,080 --> 00:09:16,200 Speaker 1: of games in September, both on last second field goals, 186 00:09:17,440 --> 00:09:19,880 Speaker 1: but then suddenly those close games started to go their 187 00:09:19,880 --> 00:09:23,240 Speaker 1: way and they built up this run. You mentioned Courtland Sutton, 188 00:09:23,240 --> 00:09:25,720 Speaker 1: and he's a receiver that I've always been impressed with 189 00:09:26,559 --> 00:09:29,079 Speaker 1: just in terms of a you know, an all around 190 00:09:29,160 --> 00:09:35,079 Speaker 1: weapon but also a very reliable guy. But as dangerous 191 00:09:35,120 --> 00:09:37,760 Speaker 1: as as Sutton is and as productive as he is, 192 00:09:38,440 --> 00:09:41,520 Speaker 1: all you have to do is look at the box 193 00:09:41,559 --> 00:09:44,199 Speaker 1: score from last week's victory over the Raiders. For them, 194 00:09:44,240 --> 00:09:47,160 Speaker 1: Bo Nicks completed passes to eleven different guys. Yes, he 195 00:09:47,240 --> 00:09:49,440 Speaker 1: did you know he threw he I believe it was 196 00:09:49,480 --> 00:09:53,120 Speaker 1: thirty eight pass attempts. He completed thirty one and those 197 00:09:53,160 --> 00:09:56,679 Speaker 1: thirty one completions went to eleven different people. So this 198 00:09:56,760 --> 00:09:59,840 Speaker 1: is not a this is not an offense that has 199 00:10:00,080 --> 00:10:03,120 Speaker 1: necessarily that that go to guy that you know, you 200 00:10:03,160 --> 00:10:05,680 Speaker 1: put the target out and go okay, let's let's try 201 00:10:05,720 --> 00:10:07,800 Speaker 1: to take him away. I mean, Sutton is probably the 202 00:10:07,800 --> 00:10:10,800 Speaker 1: one guy that gets the most attention with with JK. 203 00:10:10,960 --> 00:10:14,200 Speaker 1: Dommins being in as the running back being injured right now. 204 00:10:14,600 --> 00:10:18,280 Speaker 1: But but bod Nicks has has plenty of targets. He 205 00:10:18,360 --> 00:10:22,280 Speaker 1: likes to spread the football around and and you know 206 00:10:22,760 --> 00:10:25,360 Speaker 1: Sean Payton knows how to play the ball, control, keep 207 00:10:25,360 --> 00:10:28,160 Speaker 1: away game right, and that's another thing that helps his defense. 208 00:10:28,240 --> 00:10:30,840 Speaker 2: Yeah, it's it's funny. And I wrote about this an 209 00:10:30,880 --> 00:10:34,720 Speaker 2: Insider Inbox today. There is like that embryo of the 210 00:10:34,760 --> 00:10:37,360 Speaker 2: New Orleans Saints offense. You can see it. They have 211 00:10:37,400 --> 00:10:39,840 Speaker 2: a young quarterback. He's never really had a young quarterback. 212 00:10:39,840 --> 00:10:41,760 Speaker 2: You know, it was the Drew Breeze show for so 213 00:10:41,800 --> 00:10:44,800 Speaker 2: many years in New Orleans. But it is a get 214 00:10:44,840 --> 00:10:47,400 Speaker 2: the ball out quick, yep, move the ball down the field. 215 00:10:47,400 --> 00:10:50,160 Speaker 2: If it's Harvey, you know, if it is Sutton. You 216 00:10:50,200 --> 00:10:52,120 Speaker 2: look at the tight ends that they have. Obviously they 217 00:10:52,160 --> 00:10:55,840 Speaker 2: made an investment there in Troy Franklin two years ago 218 00:10:55,880 --> 00:10:57,360 Speaker 2: that that is starting to. 219 00:10:57,040 --> 00:10:58,120 Speaker 3: Work out for them. 220 00:10:58,520 --> 00:11:01,800 Speaker 2: They are going to try to to basically outpace you, 221 00:11:01,840 --> 00:11:04,599 Speaker 2: and especially in those elements, especially at that elevation, you 222 00:11:04,640 --> 00:11:06,920 Speaker 2: can be really successful with it. But when you look 223 00:11:06,960 --> 00:11:10,280 Speaker 2: at the staff that Sean Payton has put together, all 224 00:11:10,320 --> 00:11:13,120 Speaker 2: his top lieutenants are back. Yeah, I mean he's back 225 00:11:13,160 --> 00:11:17,080 Speaker 2: to having you know, Lombardi as his offensive cornator. Pete Carmichael, 226 00:11:17,480 --> 00:11:20,360 Speaker 2: after originally being with Dennis Allen in New Orleans, eventually 227 00:11:20,480 --> 00:11:23,480 Speaker 2: joined him last year as a senior offensive assistant. There 228 00:11:23,559 --> 00:11:26,280 Speaker 2: is a process that the Saints have dedicated themselves to 229 00:11:27,120 --> 00:11:29,360 Speaker 2: with Sean Payton at the helm and you can see 230 00:11:29,400 --> 00:11:33,800 Speaker 2: now him starting to plant those seeds now in Denver. 231 00:11:34,160 --> 00:11:37,880 Speaker 1: Well, let's get right to it here. Eleven and two 232 00:11:38,000 --> 00:11:42,400 Speaker 1: versus nine, three and one. This is quite the NFC 233 00:11:42,520 --> 00:11:45,600 Speaker 1: versus AFC matchup, especially for this late in the season 234 00:11:45,679 --> 00:11:48,920 Speaker 1: here in mid December. A lot of things that the 235 00:11:48,920 --> 00:11:50,880 Speaker 1: Packers are going to have to do well and do 236 00:11:51,080 --> 00:11:54,800 Speaker 1: right in order to win this game. So keys to victory. 237 00:11:54,880 --> 00:11:56,840 Speaker 1: What rises to the top of the list for you. 238 00:11:56,840 --> 00:11:59,199 Speaker 2: Went on third down. It's been one of the things 239 00:11:59,240 --> 00:12:01,640 Speaker 2: I've been harping on. This is the number one ranked 240 00:12:01,679 --> 00:12:03,640 Speaker 2: third down offense in the league taking on the number 241 00:12:03,679 --> 00:12:06,240 Speaker 2: one ranked third down defense in the league, and with 242 00:12:06,360 --> 00:12:08,640 Speaker 2: both of those teams being at those spots, it's not 243 00:12:08,679 --> 00:12:11,920 Speaker 2: a surprise Denver wants to get you in third and long. 244 00:12:11,960 --> 00:12:13,960 Speaker 2: They want to let Benito, they want to let Cooper, 245 00:12:14,000 --> 00:12:15,480 Speaker 2: they want to let On, They want to use all 246 00:12:15,480 --> 00:12:18,360 Speaker 2: those pass rushers, all the different concepts that they have 247 00:12:18,400 --> 00:12:21,680 Speaker 2: available to them to pressure your quarterback, make them make mistakes, 248 00:12:21,679 --> 00:12:24,120 Speaker 2: and inevitably try to get them to the turf and 249 00:12:24,120 --> 00:12:24,960 Speaker 2: make them punt too. 250 00:12:25,480 --> 00:12:27,520 Speaker 3: So for the Packers, why they've. 251 00:12:27,360 --> 00:12:29,680 Speaker 2: Been successful this year on third down is they've done 252 00:12:29,720 --> 00:12:34,480 Speaker 2: it on every down and distance, every situational aspect of it. 253 00:12:34,520 --> 00:12:36,079 Speaker 2: Whether it was a third and goal, whether it's a 254 00:12:36,120 --> 00:12:39,680 Speaker 2: third and ten. Green Bay has maintained its composure and 255 00:12:39,760 --> 00:12:41,960 Speaker 2: has been able to win in those spots. They did 256 00:12:42,040 --> 00:12:44,520 Speaker 2: last week against Chicago, and that was the difference eight 257 00:12:44,559 --> 00:12:47,240 Speaker 2: for twelve on third downs. It didn't matter what part 258 00:12:47,240 --> 00:12:48,760 Speaker 2: of the field that it was in. Green Bay was 259 00:12:48,800 --> 00:12:51,920 Speaker 2: attacking right, you go back to what happened in Detroit. 260 00:12:52,160 --> 00:12:54,559 Speaker 2: The game was on the line in fourth down situations, 261 00:12:54,640 --> 00:12:58,199 Speaker 2: nobody blinked. They kept it going. Packers need those principals 262 00:12:58,240 --> 00:13:00,280 Speaker 2: in this game, and to me, not to say deal 263 00:13:00,400 --> 00:13:02,200 Speaker 2: all the not to suck all the air out of 264 00:13:02,200 --> 00:13:07,000 Speaker 2: the question about he's the victory here, but also stopping 265 00:13:07,160 --> 00:13:09,160 Speaker 2: the run game or at least trying to contain it 266 00:13:09,200 --> 00:13:10,000 Speaker 2: as best you can. 267 00:13:10,120 --> 00:13:12,480 Speaker 3: You did a decent enough job of it last. 268 00:13:12,320 --> 00:13:14,280 Speaker 2: Week, especially down the stretch to put the ball back 269 00:13:14,320 --> 00:13:17,280 Speaker 2: in Caleb Williams's hands. They need to make bo Nicks 270 00:13:17,720 --> 00:13:20,640 Speaker 2: make some throws, take some chances, and potentially keep that 271 00:13:20,679 --> 00:13:21,920 Speaker 2: turnover streak going as well. 272 00:13:22,080 --> 00:13:24,400 Speaker 1: Yeah, I like what you said about third down because 273 00:13:24,400 --> 00:13:28,400 Speaker 1: obviously the rankings Packers offense versus Broncos defense, the rankings, 274 00:13:28,400 --> 00:13:31,160 Speaker 1: they're undeniable. It does feel like this game will be 275 00:13:31,240 --> 00:13:33,960 Speaker 1: decided on third down. What I would say as a 276 00:13:34,000 --> 00:13:39,680 Speaker 1: corollary to that is the Packers offensively need to be 277 00:13:40,000 --> 00:13:43,200 Speaker 1: in manageable third downs, which means you need to be 278 00:13:43,200 --> 00:13:45,480 Speaker 1: able to run the ball. You need to be able 279 00:13:45,480 --> 00:13:48,880 Speaker 1: to establish something with Josh Jacobs against a very stout 280 00:13:48,920 --> 00:13:52,720 Speaker 1: run defense. Because with this pass rush that the Broncos have, 281 00:13:53,440 --> 00:13:56,559 Speaker 1: you can't spend. You can't live all day in third 282 00:13:56,559 --> 00:13:58,480 Speaker 1: and eight and third and ten. If the Packers can 283 00:13:58,559 --> 00:14:01,640 Speaker 1: get themselves into the third and twos to third and 284 00:14:01,679 --> 00:14:04,839 Speaker 1: fours where there's a good chunk of the playbook open, 285 00:14:05,000 --> 00:14:08,320 Speaker 1: the Broncos don't necessarily know what you're going to do 286 00:14:08,480 --> 00:14:10,400 Speaker 1: or or you know, you have so many more options 287 00:14:10,440 --> 00:14:13,600 Speaker 1: of how to convert third and three versus third nine, right, 288 00:14:13,640 --> 00:14:16,719 Speaker 1: I mean, those are those are night and day different situations, 289 00:14:17,480 --> 00:14:20,880 Speaker 1: and I think being in the manageable third downs now 290 00:14:21,000 --> 00:14:23,480 Speaker 1: against this defense, you know you're you're certainly not going 291 00:14:23,560 --> 00:14:26,080 Speaker 1: to convert them all, convert them all, and it's going 292 00:14:26,120 --> 00:14:28,400 Speaker 1: to be very hard for the Packers to actually maintain 293 00:14:28,440 --> 00:14:31,640 Speaker 1: their fifty percent conversion rate on the season on third down, 294 00:14:31,960 --> 00:14:34,360 Speaker 1: But they give themselves a better chance to hit that 295 00:14:34,440 --> 00:14:38,120 Speaker 1: number if they're living in in third and three versus 296 00:14:38,160 --> 00:14:38,680 Speaker 1: third and ten. 297 00:14:38,800 --> 00:14:40,640 Speaker 2: Yeah, it's a great point because you don't want to 298 00:14:40,640 --> 00:14:42,360 Speaker 2: have to count on that, right, You don't want to 299 00:14:42,400 --> 00:14:44,520 Speaker 2: have to get saved in those those deeper third and 300 00:14:44,800 --> 00:14:47,640 Speaker 2: long situations because Denver is going to make you pay 301 00:14:47,760 --> 00:14:50,000 Speaker 2: and there aren't going to give you They're only going 302 00:14:50,040 --> 00:14:51,880 Speaker 2: to give you so many time, so much time in 303 00:14:51,880 --> 00:14:54,400 Speaker 2: the pocket to actually operate with. I think what's great 304 00:14:54,400 --> 00:14:57,160 Speaker 2: about Jordan Love watching him evolve this year, watching him 305 00:14:57,200 --> 00:15:00,160 Speaker 2: grow in his third years the starting quarterback, is he 306 00:15:00,200 --> 00:15:02,960 Speaker 2: doesn't shy away from the pressure. He handles it well. 307 00:15:03,000 --> 00:15:04,960 Speaker 2: It's why the Packers were able to win in Detroit 308 00:15:05,040 --> 00:15:07,680 Speaker 2: a couple weeks ago, right in the face of that blitz, 309 00:15:07,680 --> 00:15:10,680 Speaker 2: in face of that quarterback hit. He's still found on 310 00:15:10,760 --> 00:15:13,840 Speaker 2: Tavian Wix downfield. But you want to keep life easier, 311 00:15:13,840 --> 00:15:15,080 Speaker 2: you want to be able to open up your whole 312 00:15:15,080 --> 00:15:17,840 Speaker 2: playbook by keeping it to third and short. Will be 313 00:15:17,880 --> 00:15:20,520 Speaker 2: interesting to see. We're shooting this before practice on Thursday. 314 00:15:20,560 --> 00:15:23,440 Speaker 2: Josh Jacobs did not practice on Wednesday. He was probably 315 00:15:23,040 --> 00:15:26,080 Speaker 2: the biggest headline to come out of that practice. He's 316 00:15:26,080 --> 00:15:28,560 Speaker 2: been dealing with that knee injury basically going back to 317 00:15:28,920 --> 00:15:32,040 Speaker 2: East Rutherford and against the Giants, So I'll have to 318 00:15:32,040 --> 00:15:34,840 Speaker 2: see exactly where he is in this grand scheme of things. 319 00:15:34,880 --> 00:15:38,680 Speaker 2: But getting him going, getting this run game going, allowing 320 00:15:39,200 --> 00:15:41,560 Speaker 2: Matt Lafleur and Jordan Love to kind of cook off 321 00:15:41,600 --> 00:15:44,080 Speaker 2: of that definitely gonna be paramount. 322 00:15:44,200 --> 00:15:46,880 Speaker 1: Yeah, my hope with regard to Josh Jacobs and missing 323 00:15:46,960 --> 00:15:50,480 Speaker 1: practice on Wednesday, and again I don't know anything, but 324 00:15:50,520 --> 00:15:53,400 Speaker 1: my hope with that is that because the Packers ended 325 00:15:53,520 --> 00:15:57,800 Speaker 1: up practicing inside on Wednesday, Yeah, because of the snowstorm 326 00:15:57,880 --> 00:16:01,960 Speaker 1: that fell late Tuesday night in Green Bay and the 327 00:16:02,000 --> 00:16:06,359 Speaker 1: outside practice field wasn't ready, so they had to practice inside, 328 00:16:06,520 --> 00:16:08,920 Speaker 1: and Jacobs just didn't want to spend two hours on 329 00:16:09,000 --> 00:16:11,680 Speaker 1: the artificial surface inside pounding on that knee. So it 330 00:16:11,760 --> 00:16:14,080 Speaker 1: was like, all right, I'm gonna I'm gonna give myself 331 00:16:14,320 --> 00:16:17,400 Speaker 1: a rest day with the knee here. Hopefully that's what 332 00:16:17,440 --> 00:16:21,840 Speaker 1: it is, and uh we'll see the uh. 333 00:16:22,200 --> 00:16:23,680 Speaker 3: Done enough to earn a vet rest day too. 334 00:16:23,840 --> 00:16:26,640 Speaker 1: Yeah, that's an injury, that's the thing. But you know 335 00:16:26,680 --> 00:16:29,040 Speaker 1: what Josh Jacobs is gonna say, don't put it as 336 00:16:29,160 --> 00:16:31,880 Speaker 1: vet rest on the injury report because that's you know, 337 00:16:32,040 --> 00:16:35,720 Speaker 1: like he's probably demanding that it not be listed, that 338 00:16:35,840 --> 00:16:38,440 Speaker 1: it not be listed that way. Here's the other matchup 339 00:16:38,440 --> 00:16:40,680 Speaker 1: that I think is that I think is really interesting, 340 00:16:40,720 --> 00:16:43,520 Speaker 1: and again it goes back to the Packers running game 341 00:16:43,640 --> 00:16:46,200 Speaker 1: and potential success on third down and all of that. 342 00:16:47,800 --> 00:16:50,760 Speaker 1: You have you have Nick Benito and Jonathan Cooper on 343 00:16:50,840 --> 00:16:54,360 Speaker 1: the edges. The Packers have Rashid Walker and Zach tom 344 00:16:54,760 --> 00:16:57,680 Speaker 1: That's that's the kind of the Packers have a good 345 00:16:57,760 --> 00:17:01,800 Speaker 1: chance to to neutralize that because they've been so solid 346 00:17:01,840 --> 00:17:04,440 Speaker 1: at the tackle position all year, and if something does 347 00:17:04,520 --> 00:17:07,040 Speaker 1: get away, you've got, you know, the tight end chips 348 00:17:07,040 --> 00:17:09,080 Speaker 1: and the running back chips. You can make the adjustments 349 00:17:09,080 --> 00:17:12,360 Speaker 1: there where. What I think is really the key matchup 350 00:17:12,440 --> 00:17:17,600 Speaker 1: in this one is this sort of revamped interior of 351 00:17:17,680 --> 00:17:21,080 Speaker 1: the Packers offensive line with a healthy Aaron Banks at 352 00:17:21,160 --> 00:17:24,679 Speaker 1: left guard, Sean Ryan taking over for Elton Jenkins, the 353 00:17:24,720 --> 00:17:27,920 Speaker 1: injured Elton Jenkins at center, and then the rookie Anthony 354 00:17:27,960 --> 00:17:31,120 Speaker 1: Belton stepping in now at right guard. This group has 355 00:17:31,280 --> 00:17:35,159 Speaker 1: they've played a few games together now, but this is 356 00:17:35,240 --> 00:17:38,040 Speaker 1: the interior group that has to go up against Zach 357 00:17:38,119 --> 00:17:41,640 Speaker 1: Allen and the other interior rusher who has a handful 358 00:17:41,680 --> 00:17:43,760 Speaker 1: of sacks this year. His name is escaping me at 359 00:17:43,760 --> 00:17:45,439 Speaker 1: the moment. Can you help me out here? 360 00:17:45,520 --> 00:17:45,639 Speaker 2: Well? 361 00:17:45,720 --> 00:17:48,040 Speaker 3: Sorry, I have the special teams up, which are you 362 00:17:48,040 --> 00:17:48,720 Speaker 3: talk about? Your mind? 363 00:17:49,160 --> 00:17:54,639 Speaker 1: Interior defensive lineman for the Franklin Myers. That's it. So 364 00:17:55,280 --> 00:18:00,000 Speaker 1: you have Allen and Franklin Myers into two interior rushers 365 00:18:00,240 --> 00:18:04,080 Speaker 1: who have caused a lot of problems for opposing teams, 366 00:18:04,119 --> 00:18:08,080 Speaker 1: and you have this revamped interior of the Packers offensive line. 367 00:18:08,760 --> 00:18:12,919 Speaker 1: I think who wins that sort of area of the 368 00:18:12,960 --> 00:18:15,760 Speaker 1: trenches is gonna go a long way to determining who 369 00:18:15,800 --> 00:18:17,200 Speaker 1: comes out on top in this te. 370 00:18:17,040 --> 00:18:19,600 Speaker 2: Yeah, and the offensive line has been so solid too. 371 00:18:19,600 --> 00:18:21,760 Speaker 2: When you look at the totality of this thing and 372 00:18:21,800 --> 00:18:25,560 Speaker 2: being able to make those adjustments, right, you lose Elton Jenkins. 373 00:18:25,880 --> 00:18:28,280 Speaker 2: You're dealing with this big question mark now at the 374 00:18:28,320 --> 00:18:31,320 Speaker 2: center position. I think Sean Ryan has done an exemplary 375 00:18:31,480 --> 00:18:34,240 Speaker 2: job stepping in there a position that was not natural 376 00:18:34,240 --> 00:18:34,600 Speaker 2: for him. 377 00:18:34,640 --> 00:18:35,360 Speaker 3: He's owned it. 378 00:18:35,600 --> 00:18:39,159 Speaker 2: He's gone into some difficult environments and still played really well. 379 00:18:39,560 --> 00:18:42,120 Speaker 2: You're seeing that momentum build with him. And then, honestly, Mike, 380 00:18:42,200 --> 00:18:44,280 Speaker 2: look at Anthony Belton. This is another guy that was 381 00:18:44,320 --> 00:18:47,400 Speaker 2: a college tackle that has now taken over that right 382 00:18:47,440 --> 00:18:50,720 Speaker 2: guard position and there's gonna be some learning that has 383 00:18:50,720 --> 00:18:53,280 Speaker 2: to be done. It hasn't all been perfect, but he 384 00:18:53,400 --> 00:18:57,119 Speaker 2: is a monstrous offensive line. Yeah, he's in particularly last 385 00:18:57,119 --> 00:18:59,800 Speaker 2: week against Chicago, seeing the way he is moving people 386 00:19:00,040 --> 00:19:01,919 Speaker 2: awkwards off the offensive line. 387 00:19:02,600 --> 00:19:03,480 Speaker 3: That's the hallmark. 388 00:19:03,520 --> 00:19:05,320 Speaker 2: You want to pass protect, you got to do all 389 00:19:05,359 --> 00:19:07,600 Speaker 2: the various things, pick up the stunts. There's so much 390 00:19:07,600 --> 00:19:10,960 Speaker 2: that goes into offensive line play. But can you beat 391 00:19:11,000 --> 00:19:12,639 Speaker 2: the man that's in front of you? And I feel 392 00:19:12,640 --> 00:19:14,840 Speaker 2: like in this very small sample sized Anthony Belton is 393 00:19:14,840 --> 00:19:15,840 Speaker 2: proving up to that task. 394 00:19:15,920 --> 00:19:21,359 Speaker 1: Yeah, I think so too. Well, before we start talking 395 00:19:21,400 --> 00:19:24,840 Speaker 1: about the other games around the league in week fifteen, 396 00:19:25,320 --> 00:19:29,840 Speaker 1: anything else that sort of rises up high on the 397 00:19:29,880 --> 00:19:31,520 Speaker 1: list of the keys to victory, I. 398 00:19:31,440 --> 00:19:34,679 Speaker 2: Want to just really mention that elevation question. I know 399 00:19:34,720 --> 00:19:37,000 Speaker 2: this always comes up. The Packers have only played Denver 400 00:19:37,040 --> 00:19:39,600 Speaker 2: a handful of times in the last eighteen years, but 401 00:19:40,119 --> 00:19:41,840 Speaker 2: this is going to be a switch up now. I 402 00:19:41,840 --> 00:19:45,119 Speaker 2: think one thing we've seen with technology and advancement of 403 00:19:45,119 --> 00:19:47,679 Speaker 2: all this stuff is there really isn't a benefit to 404 00:19:47,720 --> 00:19:49,800 Speaker 2: going out there a day early. I think Mike McCarthy 405 00:19:49,840 --> 00:19:52,000 Speaker 2: maybe did once, if I remember. 406 00:19:51,760 --> 00:19:55,119 Speaker 1: Right, it was in twenty fifteen. I actually mentioned this 407 00:19:55,200 --> 00:19:58,280 Speaker 1: an Insider inbox. The team did not go out a 408 00:19:58,359 --> 00:20:02,520 Speaker 1: day early, but the team traveled early Saturday morning before 409 00:20:02,560 --> 00:20:06,680 Speaker 1: a Sunday game and practiced at a Denver area high 410 00:20:06,720 --> 00:20:10,919 Speaker 1: school on Saturday afternoon prior to It was actually a 411 00:20:10,960 --> 00:20:14,760 Speaker 1: Sunday night football game, So then after that Saturday afternoon practice, 412 00:20:14,760 --> 00:20:16,440 Speaker 1: there was a bit of a layoff before the game 413 00:20:16,880 --> 00:20:20,080 Speaker 1: and then the Packers just got annihilated by Peyton Manning 414 00:20:20,080 --> 00:20:22,760 Speaker 1: and the Broncos. Now that was the Peyton Manning Broncos 415 00:20:22,840 --> 00:20:26,200 Speaker 1: team that won the Super Bowl that year and defense, yeah, 416 00:20:26,240 --> 00:20:29,399 Speaker 1: and won it pretty convincingly. But yeah, I looked it 417 00:20:29,480 --> 00:20:31,679 Speaker 1: up this week. The total yards in that game in 418 00:20:31,720 --> 00:20:35,640 Speaker 1: twenty fifteen. It was five hundred to one hundred and forty. Yeah, 419 00:20:35,680 --> 00:20:38,240 Speaker 1: I mean it was Aaron seven yards I think, Yeah, 420 00:20:38,240 --> 00:20:38,639 Speaker 1: I mean. 421 00:20:38,480 --> 00:20:39,280 Speaker 3: It was it was. 422 00:20:39,760 --> 00:20:42,440 Speaker 1: Yeah, that was the Packer. The Packers, who were six 423 00:20:42,480 --> 00:20:46,240 Speaker 1: and oh at that time, got absolutely dominated by the Broncos, 424 00:20:46,240 --> 00:20:49,040 Speaker 1: and that Broncos team ended up going on to win 425 00:20:49,080 --> 00:20:52,120 Speaker 1: the Super Bowl. But yeah, to your point about the elevation, 426 00:20:52,240 --> 00:20:55,719 Speaker 1: I don't think there's been anything proven by teams as 427 00:20:55,760 --> 00:20:58,200 Speaker 1: far as visiting Denver trying to go a day early 428 00:20:58,240 --> 00:20:58,880 Speaker 1: and acclimate. 429 00:20:59,040 --> 00:21:00,280 Speaker 3: You gotta do it like a week that. 430 00:21:00,440 --> 00:21:02,879 Speaker 1: Yeah, it's you know, it needs to be more than that. 431 00:21:02,960 --> 00:21:05,600 Speaker 1: I will say this, the Packers were just in Denver 432 00:21:05,640 --> 00:21:08,560 Speaker 1: two years ago with that young twenty twenty three team, 433 00:21:09,280 --> 00:21:11,840 Speaker 1: that at that time was struggling quite a bit and 434 00:21:12,000 --> 00:21:15,040 Speaker 1: was trying to figure a lot of things out. But 435 00:21:15,880 --> 00:21:18,760 Speaker 1: the Packers actually were kind of the better team in 436 00:21:18,800 --> 00:21:21,119 Speaker 1: the fourth quarter of that game, And had it not 437 00:21:21,240 --> 00:21:25,840 Speaker 1: been for a very highly questionable holding call on Elton 438 00:21:25,920 --> 00:21:29,000 Speaker 1: Jenkins when the Packers were driving to try to get 439 00:21:29,040 --> 00:21:32,040 Speaker 1: in position for a game winning or at least a 440 00:21:32,080 --> 00:21:35,440 Speaker 1: game leading field goal, if it hadn't been for that 441 00:21:35,560 --> 00:21:38,440 Speaker 1: holding call, the Packers might have pulled that game out 442 00:21:39,040 --> 00:21:41,159 Speaker 1: with a fourth quarter field goal at the end and 443 00:21:42,000 --> 00:21:46,200 Speaker 1: beaten the Broncos. I thought as that game went on. Anyway, 444 00:21:46,280 --> 00:21:48,320 Speaker 1: now this is two years later and both teams are 445 00:21:48,400 --> 00:21:51,000 Speaker 1: very different, but as that game went on, I thought 446 00:21:51,160 --> 00:21:53,400 Speaker 1: the Packers were the better team later in the game 447 00:21:53,480 --> 00:21:55,920 Speaker 1: than the Broncos were. For whatever that's worth going into 448 00:21:55,920 --> 00:21:56,399 Speaker 1: this one. 449 00:21:56,320 --> 00:21:56,960 Speaker 3: It's a good point. 450 00:21:57,000 --> 00:21:59,200 Speaker 2: And we were talking with the Isaah McDuffie about this 451 00:21:59,240 --> 00:22:01,080 Speaker 2: in the locker room Wednesday and he mentioned, I mean, 452 00:22:01,080 --> 00:22:03,040 Speaker 2: like a lot of guys, not necessarily just that game, 453 00:22:03,080 --> 00:22:05,520 Speaker 2: but they've had that experience now of playing there. They 454 00:22:05,600 --> 00:22:07,440 Speaker 2: understand what's going to be required to take care of 455 00:22:07,480 --> 00:22:09,560 Speaker 2: their bodies, the hydration that's going to be evolved with that, 456 00:22:09,800 --> 00:22:12,359 Speaker 2: and Matt Lefure mentioned on Wednesday that they've actually sat 457 00:22:12,400 --> 00:22:16,440 Speaker 2: down their performance and coaches and trainers and all that had, 458 00:22:16,520 --> 00:22:18,680 Speaker 2: you know, a little bit of a four to one 459 00:22:18,680 --> 00:22:20,600 Speaker 2: to one that they provided to the team in terms 460 00:22:20,600 --> 00:22:22,400 Speaker 2: of what to expect with this thing for the guys 461 00:22:22,400 --> 00:22:23,639 Speaker 2: that haven't played at altitude. 462 00:22:23,720 --> 00:22:25,400 Speaker 3: So, yeah, it comes at the league. 463 00:22:25,520 --> 00:22:28,000 Speaker 2: It's a natural storyline every time a road team, especially 464 00:22:28,000 --> 00:22:30,800 Speaker 2: an uncommon opponent, goes to Denver. But at the end 465 00:22:30,840 --> 00:22:32,800 Speaker 2: of the day, the Packers, we are in week fifteen 466 00:22:32,880 --> 00:22:34,760 Speaker 2: when you talk about football shape, when you talk about 467 00:22:34,760 --> 00:22:36,159 Speaker 2: the amount that the green Bay has put into this, 468 00:22:36,200 --> 00:22:38,600 Speaker 2: we're almost five months in. When you go back to 469 00:22:38,640 --> 00:22:41,320 Speaker 2: the start of training camp. I mean, it's go time. 470 00:22:41,400 --> 00:22:43,680 Speaker 2: This is what you play for. And we'll talk about 471 00:22:43,680 --> 00:22:45,160 Speaker 2: this in a second with the rest of the breakdown 472 00:22:45,200 --> 00:22:48,080 Speaker 2: the NFC and the AFC, But this is an opportunity 473 00:22:48,119 --> 00:22:50,640 Speaker 2: for green Bay to make a statement. And yeah, there's 474 00:22:50,920 --> 00:22:53,280 Speaker 2: implications with this. You get a win, it puts you 475 00:22:53,280 --> 00:22:56,119 Speaker 2: in the conversation for that first round by but realistically, 476 00:22:56,119 --> 00:22:58,480 Speaker 2: the Packers have been to the playoffs the last two years. 477 00:22:58,640 --> 00:23:01,240 Speaker 2: The goal is now is to go to try to 478 00:23:01,240 --> 00:23:03,600 Speaker 2: make a championship run here, especially as this team gets 479 00:23:03,640 --> 00:23:05,960 Speaker 2: healthier down the stretch. I can think of no better 480 00:23:05,960 --> 00:23:08,480 Speaker 2: way to kind of propel yourself into this final quarter 481 00:23:08,520 --> 00:23:12,120 Speaker 2: of the season than taking out a very talented Broncos 482 00:23:12,119 --> 00:23:13,560 Speaker 2: team that hasn't lost in September. 483 00:23:13,680 --> 00:23:17,040 Speaker 1: Yeah, no doubt about it. Well, with that, let's pay 484 00:23:17,080 --> 00:23:19,840 Speaker 1: a few bills and hear a quick word from our sponsor. 485 00:23:20,280 --> 00:23:24,240 Speaker 1: Serious XMNFL Radio delivers hard hitting analysis and up to 486 00:23:24,280 --> 00:23:27,680 Speaker 1: the minute NFL news that true football fanatics need. Twenty 487 00:23:27,720 --> 00:23:31,359 Speaker 1: four to seven, three sixty five. At Cousin Subs, we 488 00:23:31,400 --> 00:23:34,560 Speaker 1: have something for everyone like our Wisconsin cheese curds, mac 489 00:23:34,600 --> 00:23:37,840 Speaker 1: and cheese, golden fries, and creamy shakes, all paired with 490 00:23:37,880 --> 00:23:40,720 Speaker 1: your favorite sub or sub and a bowl. Cousin Subs 491 00:23:41,000 --> 00:23:45,640 Speaker 1: fifty plus years of better. 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When you look at the 499 00:24:11,880 --> 00:24:14,400 Speaker 1: rest of the week fifteen schedule, a lot of eyeballs 500 00:24:14,440 --> 00:24:18,119 Speaker 1: will be undone for this Packers Broncos game is a 501 00:24:18,119 --> 00:24:21,320 Speaker 1: big one and a very intriguing one. But the other 502 00:24:21,359 --> 00:24:25,200 Speaker 1: game that jumps off the schedule Detroit is at the 503 00:24:25,240 --> 00:24:28,720 Speaker 1: Los Angeles Rams. That's eight and five versus ten and 504 00:24:28,920 --> 00:24:35,960 Speaker 1: three the Lions. They don't have a whole lot of 505 00:24:36,000 --> 00:24:39,320 Speaker 1: margin for error left in this very tight and competitive 506 00:24:40,040 --> 00:24:43,200 Speaker 1: NFC race. And by the same token, the Rams, who 507 00:24:43,240 --> 00:24:47,840 Speaker 1: technically hold the number one spot in the NFC right now, 508 00:24:48,520 --> 00:24:51,080 Speaker 1: but they're actually tied for their division lead with the 509 00:24:51,119 --> 00:24:54,439 Speaker 1: Seattle Seahawks, and the Rams and the Seahawks are playing 510 00:24:54,440 --> 00:24:59,320 Speaker 1: one another next week, I believe, yep. So this is 511 00:24:59,400 --> 00:25:03,040 Speaker 1: a really interesting when the Lion's taking the a what 512 00:25:03,240 --> 00:25:06,640 Speaker 1: really has been a very dangerous and productive and high 513 00:25:06,640 --> 00:25:12,920 Speaker 1: flying offense, but a struggling, banged up, injured defense out 514 00:25:12,960 --> 00:25:16,639 Speaker 1: to Los Angeles to take on a Rams team that 515 00:25:16,680 --> 00:25:20,600 Speaker 1: has really other than that that hiccup against the Carolina 516 00:25:20,680 --> 00:25:23,600 Speaker 1: Panthers when Stafford threw a few interceptions which was out 517 00:25:23,600 --> 00:25:26,959 Speaker 1: of character for him this year, a Rams team that 518 00:25:27,000 --> 00:25:30,280 Speaker 1: both offensively and defensively has been pretty darn consistent. 519 00:25:30,440 --> 00:25:32,439 Speaker 2: I think pound for pound, you have to make the 520 00:25:32,480 --> 00:25:34,520 Speaker 2: case that the Rams are that are currently the best 521 00:25:34,520 --> 00:25:36,879 Speaker 2: team in the NFL. I know the Seattle Seahawks have 522 00:25:36,960 --> 00:25:38,359 Speaker 2: an issue with that, but the fact is that the 523 00:25:38,359 --> 00:25:41,399 Speaker 2: Seahawks haven't beaten anybody in the second half of the season, 524 00:25:41,400 --> 00:25:42,040 Speaker 2: and the one. 525 00:25:41,880 --> 00:25:43,119 Speaker 3: Loss was to the Rams. 526 00:25:43,240 --> 00:25:45,840 Speaker 2: Yeah, Seattle has taken care of business. You give him 527 00:25:45,840 --> 00:25:48,360 Speaker 2: credit for that, But when you're looking at strength a victory, right, 528 00:25:48,359 --> 00:25:50,520 Speaker 2: I mean they are. They're a big dog running through 529 00:25:50,520 --> 00:25:53,840 Speaker 2: the rest of the pond at this point. So from 530 00:25:53,840 --> 00:25:55,840 Speaker 2: the Rams perspective, this is a this is a tall 531 00:25:55,920 --> 00:25:57,640 Speaker 2: order for them. And when you look at these stretches 532 00:25:57,680 --> 00:26:00,520 Speaker 2: of the games coming up to Mike. Okay, so Seattle 533 00:26:00,840 --> 00:26:03,760 Speaker 2: from their perspective, they got the Colts and maybe Philip 534 00:26:03,840 --> 00:26:04,520 Speaker 2: Rivers this weekend. 535 00:26:04,560 --> 00:26:06,159 Speaker 1: We'll see I was going to ask you about that 536 00:26:06,160 --> 00:26:07,560 Speaker 1: tho whole We'll get to that in a second Philip 537 00:26:07,640 --> 00:26:09,640 Speaker 1: Rivers storyline there in Indianapolis. 538 00:26:09,680 --> 00:26:11,600 Speaker 2: But they got the Colts this weekend. Then they go 539 00:26:11,720 --> 00:26:14,160 Speaker 2: Rams Panthers and forty nine ers and Panthers very well 540 00:26:14,160 --> 00:26:18,720 Speaker 2: could be playing for the division. For the Rams, it's Detroit, 541 00:26:18,760 --> 00:26:21,720 Speaker 2: it's Seattle, then it's Atlanta and Arizona. Yeah, so they've 542 00:26:21,720 --> 00:26:22,920 Speaker 2: got two big ones here. 543 00:26:23,080 --> 00:26:23,560 Speaker 1: Yeah. 544 00:26:23,600 --> 00:26:28,480 Speaker 2: So if they can take care of business against the Lions, 545 00:26:29,200 --> 00:26:31,159 Speaker 2: they kind of have this thing laid out for them 546 00:26:31,160 --> 00:26:34,560 Speaker 2: a little bit. Now that being said, every time someone 547 00:26:34,680 --> 00:26:37,120 Speaker 2: counts Detroit out, they smack them in the mouth. 548 00:26:37,200 --> 00:26:37,440 Speaker 1: Yep. 549 00:26:37,800 --> 00:26:40,440 Speaker 2: They did it last week against Dallas. They man handled 550 00:26:40,440 --> 00:26:44,120 Speaker 2: the Cowboys coming off a very difficult loss to Green Bay. 551 00:26:44,640 --> 00:26:47,960 Speaker 2: So I loved how you painted this. In path to 552 00:26:48,000 --> 00:26:49,840 Speaker 2: the playoffs, I think you have to have the glass 553 00:26:49,840 --> 00:26:52,000 Speaker 2: half full mindset, which is the Packers want to win 554 00:26:52,080 --> 00:26:54,400 Speaker 2: all these games down the stretch. You want the number 555 00:26:54,480 --> 00:26:56,440 Speaker 2: one seed. With that in mind, you got a root 556 00:26:56,480 --> 00:27:00,720 Speaker 2: for the Lions. But it's crazy to me that the 557 00:27:00,800 --> 00:27:03,960 Speaker 2: Lions could win this game against the Rams and are 558 00:27:04,040 --> 00:27:06,600 Speaker 2: still trying to claw themselves into the playoffs. 559 00:27:06,720 --> 00:27:07,800 Speaker 3: Yeah like that. 560 00:27:07,800 --> 00:27:11,080 Speaker 2: That's how tight that top seven to eight if you 561 00:27:11,119 --> 00:27:13,639 Speaker 2: take out the NFC South the top six to seven, 562 00:27:13,720 --> 00:27:17,280 Speaker 2: No pun intended is trying to claim that number seven seed. 563 00:27:17,400 --> 00:27:18,320 Speaker 3: Yeah, and it's funny. 564 00:27:18,400 --> 00:27:20,159 Speaker 2: A couple of years ago, I was the biggest proponent, 565 00:27:20,160 --> 00:27:22,919 Speaker 2: saying number seven seed, I hate it, and it's I 566 00:27:22,960 --> 00:27:25,119 Speaker 2: give the NFL credit. They they sold it better than 567 00:27:25,160 --> 00:27:26,920 Speaker 2: I did. There has not been a question if a 568 00:27:27,040 --> 00:27:28,800 Speaker 2: nine and eight to nine or nine and eighteen is 569 00:27:28,800 --> 00:27:30,760 Speaker 2: going to make the playoffs. It's kind of come down 570 00:27:30,760 --> 00:27:32,920 Speaker 2: to if you have eleven ten or eleven wins trying 571 00:27:32,920 --> 00:27:33,920 Speaker 2: to grab that last spot. 572 00:27:34,160 --> 00:27:37,800 Speaker 1: Yeah, that's certainly the way it's it's shaping up this year. 573 00:27:37,800 --> 00:27:40,040 Speaker 1: And it's interesting what you said about Seattle in terms 574 00:27:40,040 --> 00:27:42,760 Speaker 1: of like their strength of victory and whatnot. And and 575 00:27:43,359 --> 00:27:45,520 Speaker 1: you know here the Indianapolis Colts have been sort of 576 00:27:45,520 --> 00:27:49,280 Speaker 1: waiting on Seattle's schedule, but oh wait, Daniel Jones just 577 00:27:49,320 --> 00:27:51,800 Speaker 1: got just was lost for the season two an achilles injury. 578 00:27:51,880 --> 00:27:54,360 Speaker 1: So now Seattle is going to play a Colts team 579 00:27:54,400 --> 00:27:56,639 Speaker 1: that doesn't have its quarterback and may have a forty 580 00:27:56,680 --> 00:28:01,359 Speaker 1: four year old quarterback retired for five years. Semi finalists 581 00:28:01,359 --> 00:28:03,359 Speaker 1: for the Pro Football Hall of Fame class of twenty 582 00:28:03,440 --> 00:28:08,560 Speaker 1: twenty six. But the clock is going to restart now 583 00:28:08,640 --> 00:28:12,560 Speaker 1: because he signed a contract to join Indianapolis's practice squad, 584 00:28:12,600 --> 00:28:15,399 Speaker 1: and it sure sounds like he very well could be 585 00:28:15,400 --> 00:28:18,800 Speaker 1: playing on Sunday Philip. I I give Philip Rivers credit. 586 00:28:18,840 --> 00:28:21,960 Speaker 1: I'll just say this though, I mean, Seattle's defense is 587 00:28:22,000 --> 00:28:24,880 Speaker 1: pretty darn good, and I'm a little I'm a little afraid, 588 00:28:25,560 --> 00:28:30,040 Speaker 1: you know, without having been playing and training and everything else, 589 00:28:31,680 --> 00:28:34,720 Speaker 1: the dangerous position Philip Rivers might be putting himself in 590 00:28:34,760 --> 00:28:36,879 Speaker 1: as a forty four year old taking the field against 591 00:28:36,880 --> 00:28:39,280 Speaker 1: that Seahawks defense. I'll just say it now. I hope 592 00:28:39,320 --> 00:28:43,200 Speaker 1: that I hope that we're not talking about this come Monday, 593 00:28:43,320 --> 00:28:44,520 Speaker 1: but I do have my concern. 594 00:28:44,640 --> 00:28:47,000 Speaker 2: I love the aggressiveness though, and it's funny too, talk 595 00:28:47,040 --> 00:28:48,960 Speaker 2: about putting your money where your mouth is. There's been 596 00:28:49,040 --> 00:28:51,200 Speaker 2: kind of like rumblings the last few years that Philip 597 00:28:51,280 --> 00:28:55,240 Speaker 2: Rivers maybe was getting that itch again the door open, 598 00:28:56,000 --> 00:28:56,960 Speaker 2: and it sure did. 599 00:28:57,080 --> 00:28:58,960 Speaker 3: He plowed right through it right. 600 00:28:59,080 --> 00:29:02,280 Speaker 2: So, and then kudos of Daniel Jones actually very gracious 601 00:29:02,280 --> 00:29:05,440 Speaker 2: offering him as number seventeen. So Philip Rivers, there still 602 00:29:05,480 --> 00:29:07,600 Speaker 2: will be a number seventeen on the field for the Colts, 603 00:29:08,200 --> 00:29:10,840 Speaker 2: but a remarkable turnaround. I'll tell you what. Just give 604 00:29:10,840 --> 00:29:12,800 Speaker 2: credit to Seattle. I kind of dogged on a little bit, 605 00:29:12,880 --> 00:29:15,240 Speaker 2: and there really is some big questions about the teams 606 00:29:15,240 --> 00:29:17,440 Speaker 2: they've beaten this year, but they kind in a way here, 607 00:29:17,480 --> 00:29:19,560 Speaker 2: kind of like Green Bay last year. They've run through 608 00:29:19,640 --> 00:29:22,760 Speaker 2: that division, the AFC South. This year, Yeah, they sweep it. 609 00:29:22,800 --> 00:29:24,959 Speaker 2: If they can beat the Colts, you got to win 610 00:29:25,000 --> 00:29:26,920 Speaker 2: those games to put yourself in contention. 611 00:29:27,160 --> 00:29:29,560 Speaker 1: Last one to get your quick thoughts on Minnesota is 612 00:29:29,600 --> 00:29:34,000 Speaker 1: that Dallas one of these teams is in some ways 613 00:29:34,040 --> 00:29:37,200 Speaker 1: going to be just about eliminated. The Vikings almost certainly 614 00:29:37,200 --> 00:29:40,320 Speaker 1: will be eliminated with the loss. The Dallas Cowboys not 615 00:29:40,480 --> 00:29:43,560 Speaker 1: mathematically eliminated, but they really can't afford to lose any 616 00:29:43,560 --> 00:29:46,080 Speaker 1: more games either. Which team stays alive? 617 00:29:46,160 --> 00:29:48,600 Speaker 3: Do you think I think Dallas does? 618 00:29:48,880 --> 00:29:49,080 Speaker 2: Yeah? 619 00:29:49,120 --> 00:29:49,680 Speaker 1: I think so too. 620 00:29:49,760 --> 00:29:55,000 Speaker 2: Now now if nine can be nine against that Dallas defense, 621 00:29:55,040 --> 00:29:57,320 Speaker 2: it's going to be there. But I just I think 622 00:29:57,400 --> 00:29:59,440 Speaker 2: Dak Prescott's playing really well. He kind of reminds me 623 00:29:59,480 --> 00:30:01,160 Speaker 2: a little bit of what Joe Burrow was doing during 624 00:30:01,160 --> 00:30:02,960 Speaker 2: the stretch to final stretch last year, where he doesn't 625 00:30:02,960 --> 00:30:04,720 Speaker 2: really have a defense to work off. It's not overly 626 00:30:04,760 --> 00:30:08,160 Speaker 2: talented team, but he's using what he has. If they 627 00:30:08,160 --> 00:30:11,240 Speaker 2: can keep George Pickens head in it, I think. 628 00:30:12,040 --> 00:30:13,720 Speaker 1: When you're the Cowboys, all you have to do is 629 00:30:14,200 --> 00:30:16,560 Speaker 1: basically cross the fifty, get to about the forty five 630 00:30:16,640 --> 00:30:19,200 Speaker 1: yard line, and Brandon Aubrey can put three points on 631 00:30:19,240 --> 00:30:22,200 Speaker 1: the board for you from just about anywhere. So make 632 00:30:22,280 --> 00:30:24,520 Speaker 1: or break for the Vikings though, for sure, Yeah, absolutely, 633 00:30:24,520 --> 00:30:27,680 Speaker 1: they're they're up against it and if they want to 634 00:30:27,720 --> 00:30:31,160 Speaker 1: have anything to play for other than pride and spoiler 635 00:30:31,200 --> 00:30:33,240 Speaker 1: and whatnot the last few weeks of the season, the 636 00:30:33,280 --> 00:30:36,000 Speaker 1: Vikings have to win this one to keep themselves mathematically 637 00:30:36,040 --> 00:30:36,520 Speaker 1: a lot. 638 00:30:36,360 --> 00:30:38,400 Speaker 2: And this is it's big. They need to see if 639 00:30:38,400 --> 00:30:40,520 Speaker 2: that kid can play. Yeah, and these last four games, 640 00:30:40,560 --> 00:30:42,520 Speaker 2: even that finale against Green Bay, even if the Vikings 641 00:30:42,520 --> 00:30:44,520 Speaker 2: are out of it, they're gonna be playing hard. Oh yeah, 642 00:30:44,560 --> 00:30:47,360 Speaker 2: I think I saw Statistically the Vikings is at one 643 00:30:47,400 --> 00:30:49,520 Speaker 2: percent chance of the playoffs. I think Dallas is ten 644 00:30:49,560 --> 00:30:50,360 Speaker 2: percent right now. 645 00:30:50,640 --> 00:30:52,400 Speaker 3: So yeah, it's it's last call. 646 00:30:52,320 --> 00:30:54,719 Speaker 1: All right. With that, we'll call it a rap on 647 00:30:54,720 --> 00:30:56,959 Speaker 1: this edition of Packers Unscript. I'd be sure to follow 648 00:30:57,400 --> 00:30:59,120 Speaker 1: all of our coverage of the team and all of 649 00:30:59,160 --> 00:31:01,920 Speaker 1: our coverage days big game from Denver. We'll have it 650 00:31:01,960 --> 00:31:04,760 Speaker 1: all for you on Packers dot com for West Simmike. 651 00:31:04,840 --> 00:31:07,160 Speaker 1: Thank you for tuning in, everybody. We will see you 652 00:31:07,160 --> 00:31:07,520 Speaker 1: next time 653 00:31:10,240 --> 00:31:10,280 Speaker 2: M