1 00:00:00,880 --> 00:00:21,000 Speaker 1: Hi everyone, Welcome to Packers Unscripted from Packers dot Com. 2 00:00:21,000 --> 00:00:24,560 Speaker 1: I am Mike Spofford, sitting alongside as always my trusted 3 00:00:24,600 --> 00:00:27,440 Speaker 1: colleague West Hodkowitz. Were coming to you here from our 4 00:00:27,480 --> 00:00:30,320 Speaker 1: studios at lambeau Field and West It is almost here, 5 00:00:30,360 --> 00:00:34,320 Speaker 1: the two thousand eighteen season finale for the Packers, Green 6 00:00:34,360 --> 00:00:39,040 Speaker 1: Bay versus Detroit Sunday noon Central time kickoff at lambeau Field, 7 00:00:39,040 --> 00:00:42,360 Speaker 1: our final show of the week, which means keys to victory. 8 00:00:42,400 --> 00:00:44,080 Speaker 1: I think there are a lot of different directions, a 9 00:00:44,080 --> 00:00:47,800 Speaker 1: lot of ways the Packers can win this game on Sunday. 10 00:00:47,840 --> 00:00:49,640 Speaker 1: Where do you want to start? Well? I think the 11 00:00:49,680 --> 00:00:51,960 Speaker 1: biggest one for me when I look at this matchup 12 00:00:51,960 --> 00:00:54,040 Speaker 1: with the lines is these are two really banged up 13 00:00:54,040 --> 00:00:56,680 Speaker 1: football teams when you look at not only what the 14 00:00:56,680 --> 00:00:59,600 Speaker 1: the injury report looks like this week, but the size 15 00:00:59,600 --> 00:01:03,720 Speaker 1: of both the injury reserves for both of these teams. 16 00:01:03,760 --> 00:01:05,880 Speaker 1: So for me, I think the thing that I that 17 00:01:06,240 --> 00:01:09,119 Speaker 1: it's really going to be about which team overcomes their 18 00:01:09,120 --> 00:01:12,600 Speaker 1: deficiency is better. I think you look at the Lions 19 00:01:12,680 --> 00:01:15,240 Speaker 1: right now, in this aftermath of losing carry on Johnson 20 00:01:15,319 --> 00:01:18,120 Speaker 1: for the season. You know, Marvin Jones Jr. Two was 21 00:01:18,160 --> 00:01:19,960 Speaker 1: a big hit too, But Johnson was sort of their 22 00:01:19,959 --> 00:01:22,520 Speaker 1: bright spot. They were dedicating more to the running game, 23 00:01:23,040 --> 00:01:24,959 Speaker 1: and he was averaging over five yards of carry, got 24 00:01:24,959 --> 00:01:28,440 Speaker 1: them a hundred yard performance this season. It really does 25 00:01:28,520 --> 00:01:31,360 Speaker 1: look like a menace for the NFC North and years 26 00:01:31,400 --> 00:01:35,039 Speaker 1: to come. But without him, like Garrett Blunt only averaging 27 00:01:35,080 --> 00:01:36,959 Speaker 1: two point eight yards per carry, they just, you know, 28 00:01:37,040 --> 00:01:39,480 Speaker 1: theoretic is more of a running or more of a 29 00:01:39,480 --> 00:01:42,480 Speaker 1: pass catching running back, so it puts more on the 30 00:01:42,480 --> 00:01:45,280 Speaker 1: shoulders and Matthew Stafford, and last week they just couldn't 31 00:01:45,280 --> 00:01:48,840 Speaker 1: get their passing game going despite that fast start against 32 00:01:48,920 --> 00:01:52,440 Speaker 1: the Vikings. So from my perspective, I think the Packers, 33 00:01:52,440 --> 00:01:54,760 Speaker 1: if they're able to contain Stafford, if you're able to 34 00:01:55,320 --> 00:01:59,000 Speaker 1: eliminate those big plays to the Kenny galadays, I think 35 00:01:59,000 --> 00:02:00,520 Speaker 1: the Packers are going to be able to come out 36 00:02:00,520 --> 00:02:02,480 Speaker 1: of this thing victorious. Yeah. When you look at what 37 00:02:02,520 --> 00:02:05,800 Speaker 1: the Packers have done against the run the last couple 38 00:02:05,840 --> 00:02:08,320 Speaker 1: of weeks, really a run defense being led by the 39 00:02:08,320 --> 00:02:12,440 Speaker 1: two Northwestern alums on that defensive line in Dean Lowry 40 00:02:12,480 --> 00:02:16,480 Speaker 1: excuse me, and the undrafted rookie Tyler Lancaster. You know, 41 00:02:16,600 --> 00:02:19,880 Speaker 1: I like the Packers run defense to continue doing what 42 00:02:19,919 --> 00:02:22,200 Speaker 1: it's doing, which is going to put this game for 43 00:02:22,280 --> 00:02:25,480 Speaker 1: the Lions offensively in the hands of Stafford, and Golladay 44 00:02:25,560 --> 00:02:28,040 Speaker 1: is his big play guy. And you mentioned carry On 45 00:02:28,160 --> 00:02:30,880 Speaker 1: Johnson and obviously the future we could be seeing with 46 00:02:30,960 --> 00:02:33,400 Speaker 1: him in the NFC North. I think goladays, you know, 47 00:02:33,480 --> 00:02:36,880 Speaker 1: falls into that same category. He made the big play 48 00:02:37,040 --> 00:02:39,480 Speaker 1: down the sideline in the first half in Detroit in 49 00:02:39,520 --> 00:02:41,640 Speaker 1: the first meeting between these two teams, I believe was 50 00:02:41,639 --> 00:02:44,680 Speaker 1: a sixty yard pass was part of the Lions jumping 51 00:02:44,680 --> 00:02:48,239 Speaker 1: out to that big lead that the Packers could not overcome. 52 00:02:49,200 --> 00:02:51,720 Speaker 1: But I'm with you. I think, if if the Packers 53 00:02:51,760 --> 00:02:54,280 Speaker 1: can contain Golladay and not give up any of those 54 00:02:54,680 --> 00:02:58,359 Speaker 1: big type of explosive plays to him. Um, the way 55 00:02:58,360 --> 00:03:01,000 Speaker 1: this Packers defense is playing, I I like, I like 56 00:03:01,120 --> 00:03:03,960 Speaker 1: Green Bays chances of keeping this offense under wraps. Yeah. 57 00:03:04,000 --> 00:03:06,520 Speaker 1: It is interesting though, because right now he has seventy 58 00:03:06,560 --> 00:03:09,240 Speaker 1: catches for a thousand and sixty three yards behind him 59 00:03:09,320 --> 00:03:12,000 Speaker 1: is theoretic with sixty one, but he only has three 60 00:03:12,600 --> 00:03:16,680 Speaker 1: four and then really there isn't a lot of bodies 61 00:03:16,840 --> 00:03:19,560 Speaker 1: at that spot. Marvin Jones Jr. And Bruce Ellington are 62 00:03:19,600 --> 00:03:22,200 Speaker 1: both on injury reserve. Golden Tate was traded, like we 63 00:03:22,360 --> 00:03:24,640 Speaker 1: talked about earlier in the week. Yeah, so they've been 64 00:03:24,680 --> 00:03:26,560 Speaker 1: sort of this uh, you know, I don't want to 65 00:03:26,560 --> 00:03:28,880 Speaker 1: call it a hodgepodge, but there just hasn't been a 66 00:03:28,880 --> 00:03:33,480 Speaker 1: consistent three four weapon kind of diversity with that offense. 67 00:03:33,520 --> 00:03:35,720 Speaker 1: And as we've talked about on so many of these episodes, Mike, 68 00:03:35,760 --> 00:03:39,520 Speaker 1: in the aftermath of Kelvin Johnson his retirement, that was 69 00:03:39,560 --> 00:03:41,800 Speaker 1: one of the things I thought really helped Matthew Stafford 70 00:03:41,840 --> 00:03:44,040 Speaker 1: get comfortable, as the fact that he did have a 71 00:03:44,120 --> 00:03:46,280 Speaker 1: bevy of different weapons to turn to in the passing 72 00:03:46,360 --> 00:03:48,840 Speaker 1: game that's not there for them right now. So and 73 00:03:48,880 --> 00:03:51,560 Speaker 1: it's interesting because now all the headlines you're seeing out 74 00:03:51,560 --> 00:03:54,160 Speaker 1: of Detroit are what's the status with Jim Bob Cooter 75 00:03:54,320 --> 00:03:57,520 Speaker 1: as their offensive coordinator when a couple of years ago 76 00:03:57,680 --> 00:04:00,360 Speaker 1: he was the toast of the town that Calvin Johnson 77 00:04:00,400 --> 00:04:03,760 Speaker 1: had left and Detroit's offense actually got better and Couder 78 00:04:03,880 --> 00:04:06,600 Speaker 1: and Stafford sort of had you know, this, uh, this 79 00:04:06,720 --> 00:04:10,160 Speaker 1: rapport going and and that offense was very, very dangerous, 80 00:04:10,160 --> 00:04:12,720 Speaker 1: and suddenly it's it's not like that anymore, and there's 81 00:04:12,720 --> 00:04:15,240 Speaker 1: all kinds of questions as to the future with the 82 00:04:15,920 --> 00:04:19,440 Speaker 1: offensive leadership there. It's funny how, especially in the coaching ranks, 83 00:04:19,440 --> 00:04:22,440 Speaker 1: how perceptions can change fast. And look at uh I 84 00:04:22,480 --> 00:04:25,240 Speaker 1: think it was was a Terrell Austin all those years. Yeah, 85 00:04:25,320 --> 00:04:27,800 Speaker 1: on the defensive side of the Lyons was considered a 86 00:04:27,839 --> 00:04:31,320 Speaker 1: really big supreme coaching candidate when he had Adamican, Sue 87 00:04:31,320 --> 00:04:34,200 Speaker 1: and Nick Fairley and had some head coaching interviews. If 88 00:04:34,440 --> 00:04:36,800 Speaker 1: if I recall Andre Levy, I mean, they had so 89 00:04:36,839 --> 00:04:39,760 Speaker 1: many different guys in that defense that were really big playmakers. 90 00:04:40,240 --> 00:04:42,400 Speaker 1: And then he ends up having his departure and then 91 00:04:42,480 --> 00:04:45,120 Speaker 1: wasn't able to recapture that success in Cincinnati. It's just 92 00:04:45,160 --> 00:04:48,360 Speaker 1: sometimes the way that this business goes. But but from 93 00:04:48,360 --> 00:04:51,360 Speaker 1: the Packers perspective, they've seen Matthew Stafford when he's at 94 00:04:51,360 --> 00:04:54,240 Speaker 1: his best and when he's able to control the temple 95 00:04:54,279 --> 00:04:55,919 Speaker 1: of a game and get the ball quickly out of 96 00:04:55,920 --> 00:04:58,040 Speaker 1: his hands. You've also seen what you can do with 97 00:04:58,120 --> 00:05:00,320 Speaker 1: him when you do take away the foot all when 98 00:05:00,360 --> 00:05:02,479 Speaker 1: you do be able to get him throwing off of 99 00:05:02,520 --> 00:05:04,760 Speaker 1: his back foot and forsaking some of the fundamentals. So 100 00:05:05,200 --> 00:05:07,200 Speaker 1: when you look at just as pure keys to victory. 101 00:05:07,240 --> 00:05:09,000 Speaker 1: The Packers trying to get their first winning streak of 102 00:05:09,080 --> 00:05:12,200 Speaker 1: the season to end the season, trying to avoid losing 103 00:05:12,560 --> 00:05:15,520 Speaker 1: four consecutive games to the Lions, and you know, thirty 104 00:05:15,520 --> 00:05:18,520 Speaker 1: five years. This is what I think is the biggest 105 00:05:18,560 --> 00:05:21,200 Speaker 1: path to victory. It's Mike Petton's defense being able to 106 00:05:21,240 --> 00:05:23,640 Speaker 1: contain Galady. Keeping a safety over the top of him, 107 00:05:23,680 --> 00:05:25,560 Speaker 1: I think is going to be optimal just by how 108 00:05:25,600 --> 00:05:28,560 Speaker 1: he stresses you and some of those Cover two and 109 00:05:28,600 --> 00:05:31,320 Speaker 1: Cover zero looks. So uh, That's gonna be the big 110 00:05:31,360 --> 00:05:34,280 Speaker 1: thing for me is just seeing exactly what the plan 111 00:05:34,360 --> 00:05:37,760 Speaker 1: of attack is for the Packers, specifically if you don't 112 00:05:37,760 --> 00:05:40,680 Speaker 1: have jyr Alexander available do that groin injury. Yeah, that's 113 00:05:40,680 --> 00:05:42,880 Speaker 1: another one that we're waiting on. And on the offensive 114 00:05:42,920 --> 00:05:46,000 Speaker 1: side of the ball for the Packers, we're also waiting 115 00:05:46,000 --> 00:05:49,520 Speaker 1: to find out, excuse me, if Davante Adams, who did 116 00:05:49,520 --> 00:05:53,240 Speaker 1: not practice Wednesday or Thursday due to the knee injury. 117 00:05:53,560 --> 00:05:55,359 Speaker 1: Um kind of a sore knee, I guess, is the 118 00:05:55,360 --> 00:05:58,000 Speaker 1: way he termed it from the New York Jets game. 119 00:05:58,880 --> 00:06:01,120 Speaker 1: Whether or not he'll be out there on Sunday. You know, 120 00:06:01,360 --> 00:06:04,360 Speaker 1: he wants to be out there with these records, franchise 121 00:06:04,400 --> 00:06:08,919 Speaker 1: records that we've talked about that he is chasing. But 122 00:06:09,000 --> 00:06:10,640 Speaker 1: on that side of the ball for the Packers, I 123 00:06:10,720 --> 00:06:13,320 Speaker 1: think when I look at this in from the keys 124 00:06:13,360 --> 00:06:16,320 Speaker 1: to victory standpoint, I tell you what West, If Jamal 125 00:06:16,360 --> 00:06:20,000 Speaker 1: Williams plays another game like he did against the Jets, 126 00:06:20,080 --> 00:06:23,720 Speaker 1: with the rushing yards, the receiving yards, the blitz pickups 127 00:06:23,720 --> 00:06:27,280 Speaker 1: and all of the things that he did that were 128 00:06:27,360 --> 00:06:30,479 Speaker 1: so such a focal point of the offense from start 129 00:06:30,520 --> 00:06:32,279 Speaker 1: to finish. I mean, what was it, eighty six out 130 00:06:32,279 --> 00:06:35,440 Speaker 1: of ninety one snaps that he played. He barely took 131 00:06:35,440 --> 00:06:39,200 Speaker 1: a break in that game. If Williams stacks another game 132 00:06:39,279 --> 00:06:41,279 Speaker 1: like that one from last week, a hundred and fifty 133 00:06:41,279 --> 00:06:44,520 Speaker 1: plus yards from scrimmage and and uh everything else that 134 00:06:44,600 --> 00:06:47,600 Speaker 1: he helped out with pass protection wise, I like, uh, 135 00:06:47,720 --> 00:06:50,520 Speaker 1: certainly like the Packers chances to uh to do some 136 00:06:50,600 --> 00:06:53,200 Speaker 1: damage against the trade. Yeah, the Packers needed to make 137 00:06:53,240 --> 00:06:55,760 Speaker 1: hey against the Jets just based on you know, it's 138 00:06:55,760 --> 00:06:58,120 Speaker 1: been a tough year for New York with their run defense. 139 00:06:58,160 --> 00:06:59,960 Speaker 1: I think right now they're twenty six. But the thing 140 00:07:00,080 --> 00:07:02,559 Speaker 1: that impressed me the most with Williams is as you said, 141 00:07:02,839 --> 00:07:05,080 Speaker 1: the things he did in the other facets of the game, 142 00:07:05,440 --> 00:07:08,039 Speaker 1: him as a pass catcher, him stepping up into pass 143 00:07:08,080 --> 00:07:12,040 Speaker 1: protection when Mike McCarthy was featuring him and Jamal or 144 00:07:12,280 --> 00:07:14,080 Speaker 1: him and Aaron Jones trying to get both of them going. 145 00:07:14,440 --> 00:07:17,240 Speaker 1: It wasn't just for the sake of doing it. There 146 00:07:17,280 --> 00:07:20,240 Speaker 1: was a mindset there, There was a mentality And the 147 00:07:20,240 --> 00:07:21,920 Speaker 1: fact of the matter is is when you look at 148 00:07:21,920 --> 00:07:25,760 Speaker 1: the total package, all around package, you know Jamal Williams 149 00:07:25,840 --> 00:07:28,840 Speaker 1: is their best guy in that way where Aaron Jones 150 00:07:28,840 --> 00:07:30,600 Speaker 1: gives you the home run threat and gives you that 151 00:07:30,600 --> 00:07:33,040 Speaker 1: big play potential every single time he touches the ball. 152 00:07:33,040 --> 00:07:35,960 Speaker 1: It's why they compliment each other so well. Yea, So 153 00:07:36,600 --> 00:07:38,880 Speaker 1: in this game, I mean, you're looking at a Detroit 154 00:07:38,960 --> 00:07:41,920 Speaker 1: run defense that's better. But I mean, you know, Jared 155 00:07:42,000 --> 00:07:44,080 Speaker 1: Davis has had his ups and downs this season. I 156 00:07:44,080 --> 00:07:46,600 Speaker 1: mean you look at the front that they have. There's 157 00:07:46,640 --> 00:07:49,800 Speaker 1: been some changes along that as well. Um so, but 158 00:07:50,000 --> 00:07:52,640 Speaker 1: I really do believe, especially in these kind of weather conditions, 159 00:07:52,680 --> 00:07:55,600 Speaker 1: Jamal Williams is built for this. So I mean, if 160 00:07:55,640 --> 00:07:58,040 Speaker 1: you're able to get him twenty touches again, get him 161 00:07:58,040 --> 00:08:00,240 Speaker 1: over a hundred total yards. Again, I don't here if 162 00:08:00,280 --> 00:08:02,760 Speaker 1: it's as a running back pass, you know, passing, I 163 00:08:02,760 --> 00:08:04,280 Speaker 1: don't care if he throws the ball. I mean, if 164 00:08:04,280 --> 00:08:06,560 Speaker 1: you're able to get him involved the way they did 165 00:08:06,680 --> 00:08:11,240 Speaker 1: last week, it's gonna make things infinitely easier on Aaron Rodgers. 166 00:08:11,280 --> 00:08:13,480 Speaker 1: It's been that way going back to two thousand fourteen 167 00:08:13,480 --> 00:08:15,680 Speaker 1: with Eddie Lacy, it was that way going back to 168 00:08:15,720 --> 00:08:18,360 Speaker 1: two thousand nine and two thousand and ten with Brandon 169 00:08:18,440 --> 00:08:20,720 Speaker 1: Jackson and Ryan Grant. I mean, it's just the way 170 00:08:20,760 --> 00:08:23,640 Speaker 1: it goes in this offense and the way things are structured. 171 00:08:24,080 --> 00:08:27,559 Speaker 1: If you get that type of contribution every single down 172 00:08:27,600 --> 00:08:29,960 Speaker 1: where you have, the defense has to respect Jamal Williams 173 00:08:29,960 --> 00:08:32,040 Speaker 1: and what they're gonna do with them. Aaron Rodgers is 174 00:08:32,080 --> 00:08:34,160 Speaker 1: going to be really productive. Yeah, and also on the 175 00:08:34,200 --> 00:08:36,640 Speaker 1: offensive side of the ball for the Packers. Randall Cobb 176 00:08:36,760 --> 00:08:40,960 Speaker 1: was back at practice, cleared from the concussion protocol from 177 00:08:41,160 --> 00:08:43,880 Speaker 1: what had happened in the Chicago game a couple of 178 00:08:43,880 --> 00:08:47,320 Speaker 1: weeks ago. As I said, UM still not certain exactly 179 00:08:47,360 --> 00:08:50,120 Speaker 1: what Davante Adams status will be. We talked on our 180 00:08:50,200 --> 00:08:54,920 Speaker 1: last show about seeing the two rookie receivers eq st 181 00:08:54,920 --> 00:08:59,240 Speaker 1: Brown and Marquez Felda Scantling both having high impact games 182 00:08:59,240 --> 00:09:02,480 Speaker 1: in the same contest last week. Obviously you'd like to 183 00:09:02,520 --> 00:09:05,679 Speaker 1: see that continue, do you do you see maybe one 184 00:09:05,720 --> 00:09:08,000 Speaker 1: of these guys or the other, just based on matchups, 185 00:09:08,000 --> 00:09:11,120 Speaker 1: potentially being the guy that has a big game on Sunday. 186 00:09:11,240 --> 00:09:13,720 Speaker 1: St Brown needs to clear the concussion protocol, you know, 187 00:09:13,800 --> 00:09:16,480 Speaker 1: to be in that conversation, but he does. He is 188 00:09:16,520 --> 00:09:18,600 Speaker 1: the guy that that would project is probably the more 189 00:09:18,600 --> 00:09:21,600 Speaker 1: of the slot threat that Randall cop sort of fills. 190 00:09:22,200 --> 00:09:24,600 Speaker 1: Velda Scandling has shown he can play that role as well, 191 00:09:24,600 --> 00:09:27,040 Speaker 1: but they've had to be a little bit more specific 192 00:09:27,040 --> 00:09:29,360 Speaker 1: and how they move the pieces. You've seen Davante Adams 193 00:09:29,400 --> 00:09:32,520 Speaker 1: play that spot. Sometimes when you have mvs on the outside, 194 00:09:32,720 --> 00:09:34,720 Speaker 1: you can see some of those tight ends being able 195 00:09:34,720 --> 00:09:37,440 Speaker 1: to move over there. Honestly, that the guy I actually 196 00:09:37,480 --> 00:09:39,360 Speaker 1: think that's going to have maybe the biggest opportunity of 197 00:09:39,400 --> 00:09:42,120 Speaker 1: this game is Jake kumro Um and not just to 198 00:09:42,160 --> 00:09:45,600 Speaker 1: get all the fans REVVD up in everything, but there 199 00:09:45,679 --> 00:09:47,920 Speaker 1: was a comment that Davante Adams made when I was 200 00:09:47,960 --> 00:09:50,720 Speaker 1: talking to him in the locker room afterwards, and he 201 00:09:50,800 --> 00:09:53,320 Speaker 1: reiterated it this week when he was asked about kumarrow 202 00:09:53,760 --> 00:09:58,920 Speaker 1: in that he is exactly what a quarterback once in 203 00:09:59,040 --> 00:10:02,480 Speaker 1: terms of where he is in his responsibility, his ability 204 00:10:02,720 --> 00:10:05,880 Speaker 1: to fulfill that assignment. Um, if you want him going 205 00:10:05,920 --> 00:10:08,000 Speaker 1: on a crosser, he's going to be exactly where he 206 00:10:08,040 --> 00:10:11,000 Speaker 1: needs to be in the progression at that moment where 207 00:10:11,040 --> 00:10:13,520 Speaker 1: the quarterback wants to find him. He does the same 208 00:10:13,520 --> 00:10:16,360 Speaker 1: thing on you look at Um. You know it was 209 00:10:16,400 --> 00:10:18,760 Speaker 1: a broken play, but him running that that kind of 210 00:10:18,840 --> 00:10:21,480 Speaker 1: corner route last week and being able to get the 211 00:10:21,520 --> 00:10:24,280 Speaker 1: forty nine yard touchdown Rogers puts it right where it 212 00:10:24,280 --> 00:10:26,040 Speaker 1: needs to be and Kumar ruins up making a nice 213 00:10:26,040 --> 00:10:27,880 Speaker 1: play where he brings the ball back inside and looks 214 00:10:27,960 --> 00:10:31,760 Speaker 1: ut field. His mindset as a receiver is I think 215 00:10:31,840 --> 00:10:33,920 Speaker 1: something that's going to make him successful in this league. 216 00:10:34,280 --> 00:10:36,800 Speaker 1: Adams joked that even though he has been kind of 217 00:10:36,840 --> 00:10:38,880 Speaker 1: helping him with a few things, that Kumar actually is 218 00:10:38,920 --> 00:10:42,720 Speaker 1: older than him, but there's still so much untapped potential 219 00:10:42,800 --> 00:10:44,839 Speaker 1: with his game, and I think the Packers one of 220 00:10:44,920 --> 00:10:48,200 Speaker 1: the things this offseason, however, the coaching staff sorts out 221 00:10:48,640 --> 00:10:50,160 Speaker 1: really are gonna want to take a look at this 222 00:10:50,200 --> 00:10:52,440 Speaker 1: guy and potentially the ways you can use him because 223 00:10:53,160 --> 00:10:56,480 Speaker 1: he has a very intriguing skill set that goes beyond 224 00:10:56,600 --> 00:10:58,719 Speaker 1: just the measurables that you see with MVS and e 225 00:10:58,840 --> 00:11:02,160 Speaker 1: Q st Brown. He's a football player first and foremost, 226 00:11:02,160 --> 00:11:04,760 Speaker 1: and I think you know this game specifically, if he 227 00:11:04,840 --> 00:11:07,320 Speaker 1: ends up getting more reps, if if St. Brown can't go, 228 00:11:07,760 --> 00:11:09,920 Speaker 1: or depending on what their plan is for for for 229 00:11:10,040 --> 00:11:12,719 Speaker 1: Cobb being then this matchup, I just think he's the 230 00:11:12,800 --> 00:11:14,960 Speaker 1: kind of guy that could really blow the top off it. Well, 231 00:11:15,000 --> 00:11:19,319 Speaker 1: with the Whitewater background, the home state guy, and everything 232 00:11:19,360 --> 00:11:22,120 Speaker 1: that's gone into Jake Kumero's story, if he finds the 233 00:11:22,240 --> 00:11:24,880 Speaker 1: end zone on Sunday he did against the Jets, we 234 00:11:24,960 --> 00:11:27,960 Speaker 1: might hear the loudest roar we've heard at lambeau Field 235 00:11:28,040 --> 00:11:30,319 Speaker 1: in quite a while. Because the fans are behind this guy. 236 00:11:30,679 --> 00:11:33,400 Speaker 1: They know he was a big star at Whitewater, winning 237 00:11:33,480 --> 00:11:37,520 Speaker 1: national championships in Division three there and everything u um. 238 00:11:37,800 --> 00:11:40,280 Speaker 1: The fans really want to see him rise up in 239 00:11:40,320 --> 00:11:42,760 Speaker 1: front of them and uh and make something happen like 240 00:11:42,840 --> 00:11:44,920 Speaker 1: he did in the preseason. As difficult as this past 241 00:11:44,960 --> 00:11:47,400 Speaker 1: offseason was, and it certainly was, you know, not having 242 00:11:47,440 --> 00:11:50,079 Speaker 1: Jordy Nelson in this offense anymore. You and I mentioned 243 00:11:50,120 --> 00:11:53,040 Speaker 1: I believe it was even on yesterday's show, what they've 244 00:11:53,040 --> 00:11:55,599 Speaker 1: been able to do, the talent they've able to cultivate 245 00:11:55,679 --> 00:11:58,560 Speaker 1: at that position and have gotten those opportunities. As good 246 00:11:58,600 --> 00:12:00,400 Speaker 1: as Nelson is, as much as I they'll think you 247 00:12:00,400 --> 00:12:02,199 Speaker 1: can play in this league. Those guys don't get those 248 00:12:02,200 --> 00:12:04,400 Speaker 1: opportunities if it isn't you know, for the way that 249 00:12:04,480 --> 00:12:07,960 Speaker 1: this roster shook out this season, it's unfortunate. Injuries happen. 250 00:12:08,040 --> 00:12:09,880 Speaker 1: But the fact that you can get reps to Kumero, 251 00:12:10,280 --> 00:12:13,200 Speaker 1: to mvs Uh to these young receivers, I think is 252 00:12:13,240 --> 00:12:15,280 Speaker 1: something really is going to behoove them now going into 253 00:12:15,320 --> 00:12:18,120 Speaker 1: next season. Yeah, well, hurry up, Packers fans because the 254 00:12:18,160 --> 00:12:20,600 Speaker 1: season is almost over. So make sure you stop in 255 00:12:20,640 --> 00:12:23,280 Speaker 1: at your local quick trip and pick up your Packers 256 00:12:23,360 --> 00:12:26,800 Speaker 1: cup today. Get eighty nine cent refills on your Cafe 257 00:12:26,840 --> 00:12:30,880 Speaker 1: Cruba coffee all season. Law. Alright, Wes Week seventeen here 258 00:12:30,920 --> 00:12:33,880 Speaker 1: in the NFL is upon us. There are a handful 259 00:12:33,880 --> 00:12:36,480 Speaker 1: of games, some really good ones. I'm sure when you 260 00:12:36,520 --> 00:12:38,760 Speaker 1: and I are back at our desks after Sunday's game 261 00:12:38,800 --> 00:12:41,240 Speaker 1: working on our stories, we're gonna have, you know, half 262 00:12:41,240 --> 00:12:44,120 Speaker 1: an eye on the televisions around the building to see 263 00:12:44,160 --> 00:12:46,280 Speaker 1: what's going on in some of these games. I'm gonna 264 00:12:46,280 --> 00:12:50,600 Speaker 1: put you on the spot, NFC number six seed. Do 265 00:12:50,640 --> 00:12:53,240 Speaker 1: you think the Vikings get it? Or do the Eagles 266 00:12:53,320 --> 00:12:55,640 Speaker 1: get it? The football fan of me is rooting for 267 00:12:55,679 --> 00:12:57,960 Speaker 1: the Eagles in this um just because I think it'd 268 00:12:58,000 --> 00:13:00,760 Speaker 1: be such a great storyline the Vikings. I mean, if 269 00:13:00,760 --> 00:13:03,440 Speaker 1: they get it, they get it, you know, you know, 270 00:13:03,720 --> 00:13:06,880 Speaker 1: top notch. I mean that they deserve it. But just 271 00:13:07,000 --> 00:13:09,640 Speaker 1: the idea of Nick Foles leading the Eagles into the 272 00:13:09,640 --> 00:13:12,160 Speaker 1: playoffs again, this time, they wouldn't be thirteen and three, 273 00:13:12,160 --> 00:13:15,040 Speaker 1: they'd be the sixth seed. But there's just some magic 274 00:13:15,400 --> 00:13:17,400 Speaker 1: in the football when it seems like he's in the huddle, 275 00:13:17,960 --> 00:13:20,600 Speaker 1: didn't quite come together earlier this season, but then when 276 00:13:20,679 --> 00:13:22,520 Speaker 1: he ends up being thrown back in there with Carson 277 00:13:22,520 --> 00:13:27,359 Speaker 1: Wentz's injury, here he is and he's rolling again. And ultimately, 278 00:13:27,400 --> 00:13:29,880 Speaker 1: I think if Nick Foles he's he's playing for a 279 00:13:29,880 --> 00:13:31,679 Speaker 1: starting job right now. He wants to show that when 280 00:13:31,679 --> 00:13:33,800 Speaker 1: he goes into free agency this year, he can be 281 00:13:33,840 --> 00:13:36,000 Speaker 1: that weekend and week out starter for a team. So 282 00:13:36,080 --> 00:13:39,040 Speaker 1: I I think from a storyline standpoint, if you're rooting 283 00:13:39,080 --> 00:13:41,240 Speaker 1: just for a reason to watch the games, it's a 284 00:13:41,280 --> 00:13:43,480 Speaker 1: lot the narratives a lot more intriguing. If the Eagles 285 00:13:43,520 --> 00:13:45,840 Speaker 1: could find a way to sneak into this thing, Yeah, 286 00:13:46,080 --> 00:13:49,120 Speaker 1: I think that the Vikings are going to find a 287 00:13:49,120 --> 00:13:51,280 Speaker 1: way to beat the Bears at home. I'm not sure 288 00:13:51,559 --> 00:13:53,920 Speaker 1: the Vikings a week later would be able to go 289 00:13:53,960 --> 00:13:57,400 Speaker 1: to Chicago and handle that Bears defense in the elements 290 00:13:57,440 --> 00:14:00,920 Speaker 1: in January and everything, because you talk about a back 291 00:14:00,960 --> 00:14:03,040 Speaker 1: to back type of thing, like with the Packers and 292 00:14:03,080 --> 00:14:05,480 Speaker 1: the Vikings in two thousand twelve, when you went from 293 00:14:05,760 --> 00:14:08,400 Speaker 1: the Metro Dome in week seventeen to lambeau Field for 294 00:14:08,440 --> 00:14:11,000 Speaker 1: a wild card playoff game, it just becomes a completely 295 00:14:11,000 --> 00:14:13,880 Speaker 1: different matchup. But that being said, I will also say 296 00:14:13,960 --> 00:14:15,960 Speaker 1: this about the Vikings because I made this comment in 297 00:14:16,000 --> 00:14:20,280 Speaker 1: my Insider inbox. The change was made at quarterback. But 298 00:14:20,360 --> 00:14:25,400 Speaker 1: aside from that, this is essentially still the team that 299 00:14:25,480 --> 00:14:29,080 Speaker 1: played for the NFC Championship last year. Teams like that 300 00:14:29,320 --> 00:14:32,320 Speaker 1: they're in this situation. They're going They're going into their 301 00:14:32,360 --> 00:14:35,040 Speaker 1: locker room on Sunday, getting suited up, getting ready, saying 302 00:14:35,360 --> 00:14:38,840 Speaker 1: all we want is a shot. Just give us another shot. 303 00:14:39,240 --> 00:14:42,280 Speaker 1: And when a team has that type of approach, if 304 00:14:42,320 --> 00:14:45,400 Speaker 1: they can get in and with the experience that the 305 00:14:45,440 --> 00:14:48,680 Speaker 1: bulk of that roster gained last year, with the run 306 00:14:48,720 --> 00:14:50,920 Speaker 1: that they made almost to the super Bowl, they could 307 00:14:51,000 --> 00:14:53,200 Speaker 1: be a dangerous team in the NFC if they can 308 00:14:53,200 --> 00:14:55,080 Speaker 1: get it. The only thing is, though, that I wonder, 309 00:14:55,120 --> 00:14:59,840 Speaker 1: is can can Cousins be consistent enough? Absolutely, you absolutely 310 00:15:00,000 --> 00:15:03,440 Speaker 1: about Keenum last year, even though you know he is 311 00:15:03,560 --> 00:15:06,680 Speaker 1: is Denver showed this year he has his limitations, but 312 00:15:06,840 --> 00:15:09,600 Speaker 1: he was just so darn consistent leading up to the 313 00:15:09,680 --> 00:15:12,640 Speaker 1: NFC champions right. It was like you knew exactly what 314 00:15:12,680 --> 00:15:14,480 Speaker 1: you were going to get from Keenum every week, and 315 00:15:14,520 --> 00:15:17,040 Speaker 1: so then the Vikings could build everything around what they 316 00:15:17,040 --> 00:15:19,680 Speaker 1: were going to do on defense in order to in 317 00:15:19,800 --> 00:15:22,160 Speaker 1: order to win a game, because Keenum just gave them 318 00:15:22,200 --> 00:15:25,480 Speaker 1: something to count on. And I totally agree with you, Cousins, 319 00:15:25,520 --> 00:15:29,320 Speaker 1: consistency has been an issue and it's why Minnesota season 320 00:15:29,360 --> 00:15:31,000 Speaker 1: has been so up and down. Yeah, I mean you 321 00:15:31,040 --> 00:15:34,320 Speaker 1: look at it, though you know more recently, maybe with 322 00:15:34,440 --> 00:15:37,120 Speaker 1: the exception that Seattle game Miami, he did exactly what 323 00:15:37,200 --> 00:15:38,920 Speaker 1: he needed to do. He played a picture of perfect 324 00:15:38,920 --> 00:15:42,520 Speaker 1: performance against Detroit. If you can stitch those together you 325 00:15:42,560 --> 00:15:44,920 Speaker 1: get on a run. But the issue there is that, 326 00:15:44,960 --> 00:15:46,520 Speaker 1: you know, you look at him this year, he has 327 00:15:46,840 --> 00:15:51,400 Speaker 1: seventeen turnovers on the season, seven fumbles lost, ten interceptions. 328 00:15:51,640 --> 00:15:54,680 Speaker 1: That's been one of the bugaboos for him this entire career, 329 00:15:54,720 --> 00:15:56,840 Speaker 1: is that as talent as he is and as much 330 00:15:56,840 --> 00:15:59,200 Speaker 1: as he's thrown the football and been proven that he 331 00:15:59,360 --> 00:16:03,520 Speaker 1: is a bona fide starting quarterback in this league, it's 332 00:16:03,560 --> 00:16:05,520 Speaker 1: those type of things that can really cost you this 333 00:16:05,560 --> 00:16:08,160 Speaker 1: time of year. So again we'll see this is gonna 334 00:16:08,160 --> 00:16:10,000 Speaker 1: be a supreme test. It goes back to what I 335 00:16:10,040 --> 00:16:13,040 Speaker 1: said two weeks ago with the Packers playing the Bears. Okay, 336 00:16:13,080 --> 00:16:14,720 Speaker 1: if you want to be a playoff team, you've got 337 00:16:14,840 --> 00:16:17,440 Speaker 1: to beat this team. The Vikings are in the same 338 00:16:17,480 --> 00:16:19,400 Speaker 1: boat right now. You want to be a playoff team, 339 00:16:19,440 --> 00:16:21,320 Speaker 1: you win at your own house, you beat one of 340 00:16:21,320 --> 00:16:23,960 Speaker 1: the top teams in this conference. Yeah, a couple I 341 00:16:24,000 --> 00:16:25,400 Speaker 1: want to ask you about. In the a f C. 342 00:16:25,560 --> 00:16:27,360 Speaker 1: I'll start with the a f C North. You have 343 00:16:27,440 --> 00:16:31,240 Speaker 1: the Ravens controlling their destiny for the division championship facing 344 00:16:31,280 --> 00:16:34,800 Speaker 1: the Browns. If the Ravens were to lose and the 345 00:16:34,920 --> 00:16:37,760 Speaker 1: Steelers beat the Bengals. Then Pittsburgh wins the a f 346 00:16:37,840 --> 00:16:40,160 Speaker 1: C North and gets into the playoffs. How do you 347 00:16:40,160 --> 00:16:42,680 Speaker 1: see that one shake up? It's basically the same exact 348 00:16:42,720 --> 00:16:44,960 Speaker 1: thing of what the NFC is going through right now 349 00:16:45,280 --> 00:16:49,120 Speaker 1: with Philadelphia Minnesota vie for that spot. Pittsburgh has kind 350 00:16:49,120 --> 00:16:51,560 Speaker 1: of been sputtering a little bit down the stretch there, 351 00:16:51,560 --> 00:16:53,600 Speaker 1: the team that really hasn't had been able to sustain 352 00:16:53,640 --> 00:16:57,480 Speaker 1: momentum during December. Whereas you have Baltimore, which feels like 353 00:16:57,480 --> 00:16:59,480 Speaker 1: a new team right now with Lamar Jackson and the 354 00:16:59,480 --> 00:17:02,479 Speaker 1: defense a in the way that they're playing. The difficult 355 00:17:02,520 --> 00:17:04,960 Speaker 1: thing is, though, is that the Steelers are taking on 356 00:17:05,040 --> 00:17:07,359 Speaker 1: a Bengals team that really has had to win knocked 357 00:17:07,359 --> 00:17:09,600 Speaker 1: out of their sales, is not going to have Vonte's 358 00:17:09,640 --> 00:17:12,760 Speaker 1: perfect available, you know. Can they just get the job done, 359 00:17:13,240 --> 00:17:15,120 Speaker 1: you know, and and win the game and see where 360 00:17:15,119 --> 00:17:18,200 Speaker 1: the chips fall. It's all on the Ravens right now. 361 00:17:18,520 --> 00:17:21,520 Speaker 1: Then the Browns, and the Browns at seven, seven and 362 00:17:21,640 --> 00:17:24,800 Speaker 1: one are trying to finish above five d. This is 363 00:17:24,880 --> 00:17:27,280 Speaker 1: this is a playoff game type of thing for the 364 00:17:27,320 --> 00:17:31,280 Speaker 1: Browns because with where that franchise has been, if they 365 00:17:31,320 --> 00:17:35,680 Speaker 1: finished this season above five hundred. The the optimism and 366 00:17:35,800 --> 00:17:39,280 Speaker 1: the anticipation for nineteen with that franchise will be through 367 00:17:39,320 --> 00:17:42,359 Speaker 1: the roof. Thank you. I mean everyone was asking me about, 368 00:17:42,400 --> 00:17:44,399 Speaker 1: you know, what are you and play for playoff spots 369 00:17:44,480 --> 00:17:47,119 Speaker 1: or or play for draft position and things like this. 370 00:17:47,680 --> 00:17:51,440 Speaker 1: Tell the Cleveland Browns at the last six weeks haven't mattered. Yeah, 371 00:17:51,640 --> 00:17:53,600 Speaker 1: I mean, that's a team that is really trying to 372 00:17:53,680 --> 00:17:56,080 Speaker 1: build something going into next year and be like, all right, 373 00:17:56,440 --> 00:17:58,480 Speaker 1: we're not only in a position to compete for a 374 00:17:58,480 --> 00:18:00,879 Speaker 1: playoff spot. They want to run. They want to be 375 00:18:00,920 --> 00:18:02,480 Speaker 1: the next team to make a Super Bowl with a 376 00:18:02,560 --> 00:18:06,400 Speaker 1: young quarterback. You know. So yeah, but the problem for 377 00:18:06,720 --> 00:18:09,119 Speaker 1: it's gonna be an excellent matchup just if you you 378 00:18:09,160 --> 00:18:10,760 Speaker 1: have no doubt. I think so too. I think I 379 00:18:11,359 --> 00:18:13,600 Speaker 1: usually don't get two wrapped up in a f C 380 00:18:13,800 --> 00:18:16,760 Speaker 1: games because I'm always watching the NFC that much more closely. 381 00:18:16,800 --> 00:18:19,080 Speaker 1: But if I had a chance to sit and watch 382 00:18:19,119 --> 00:18:21,320 Speaker 1: an a f C game on Sunday, I'd watch Ravens 383 00:18:21,440 --> 00:18:23,120 Speaker 1: Brown because you have I mean, it's the two young 384 00:18:23,200 --> 00:18:25,280 Speaker 1: quarterbacks that have sort of shined out of this draft. 385 00:18:25,400 --> 00:18:27,880 Speaker 1: Absolutely seeing which team maybe wants a little bit more. 386 00:18:27,920 --> 00:18:30,600 Speaker 1: The Browns trying to get their first winning season since 387 00:18:30,680 --> 00:18:34,760 Speaker 1: two thousand seven with Derek Anderson. I think something like that, 388 00:18:35,359 --> 00:18:38,280 Speaker 1: or the Ravens, who have always sort of been the 389 00:18:38,320 --> 00:18:40,720 Speaker 1: heart attack guys at the end of the season. So yeah, 390 00:18:40,720 --> 00:18:42,920 Speaker 1: it's gonna be an excellent matchup to and whoever gets 391 00:18:43,000 --> 00:18:44,879 Speaker 1: that spot, whether it be the Ravens or the Steelers, 392 00:18:44,920 --> 00:18:47,239 Speaker 1: they'll have earned it. Yeah. One other one Sunday night 393 00:18:47,240 --> 00:18:50,480 Speaker 1: football to run past you. Colts and Titans, a de 394 00:18:50,560 --> 00:18:54,040 Speaker 1: facto playoff game to end the regular season for the NFL. 395 00:18:54,560 --> 00:18:56,840 Speaker 1: The winner is into the a f C playoffs, the 396 00:18:56,880 --> 00:18:59,320 Speaker 1: loser is done. Who do you like? It has to 397 00:18:59,359 --> 00:19:01,800 Speaker 1: be the Colts, It has to be Andrew Luck. It 398 00:19:01,840 --> 00:19:04,240 Speaker 1: sounds like Marcus Mariota is going to be back for 399 00:19:04,280 --> 00:19:06,679 Speaker 1: the Titans, that they will have their starting quarterback. But 400 00:19:07,280 --> 00:19:09,200 Speaker 1: that said, I agree with you even on the road. 401 00:19:09,240 --> 00:19:10,879 Speaker 1: I like Indie in this game. But with all due 402 00:19:10,920 --> 00:19:13,359 Speaker 1: respect to Marcus Mariotta, my wife doesn't know who that is. 403 00:19:13,400 --> 00:19:15,480 Speaker 1: So I mean, like you look at it from a 404 00:19:15,560 --> 00:19:18,639 Speaker 1: name aspect. You want names in the playoffs. This is 405 00:19:18,680 --> 00:19:21,560 Speaker 1: Andrew lux game in coming back off the shoulder injury 406 00:19:21,600 --> 00:19:23,720 Speaker 1: from last year, a guy that led them to so 407 00:19:23,800 --> 00:19:26,320 Speaker 1: much success his first couple of seasons. If he can 408 00:19:26,400 --> 00:19:30,320 Speaker 1: re ignite that fire, my goodness. I mean, it doesn't 409 00:19:30,359 --> 00:19:32,800 Speaker 1: really matter how their season plays out. If they make 410 00:19:32,840 --> 00:19:34,600 Speaker 1: the playoffs, they're in the same boat as the Cults. 411 00:19:34,600 --> 00:19:37,639 Speaker 1: They're feeling great about where things are in contrast to 412 00:19:37,680 --> 00:19:39,520 Speaker 1: where they were sitting last year at four and twelve 413 00:19:39,560 --> 00:19:42,199 Speaker 1: without him. So um, yeah, it'd be great. And you know, 414 00:19:42,280 --> 00:19:44,840 Speaker 1: for the you get to tip your cap to the 415 00:19:44,880 --> 00:19:49,520 Speaker 1: Titans as well, new coach, new vision, trying to you know, 416 00:19:49,720 --> 00:19:52,800 Speaker 1: build some of their own success, get to the playoffs again. Yeah. 417 00:19:52,800 --> 00:19:54,639 Speaker 1: I mean a team, a team that got to the 418 00:19:54,640 --> 00:19:57,360 Speaker 1: playoffs and one on the road at Kansas City last 419 00:19:57,440 --> 00:19:59,560 Speaker 1: year and got to the second round. They're looking to 420 00:19:59,600 --> 00:20:01,320 Speaker 1: get another shot as well. Yeah. So I mean, if 421 00:20:01,359 --> 00:20:03,360 Speaker 1: they're able to do it, awesome to them. I just think, 422 00:20:03,400 --> 00:20:05,600 Speaker 1: you know, you always talk about baseball, right, nobody ever 423 00:20:05,600 --> 00:20:08,119 Speaker 1: wants the Brewers in the playoffs. They'd rather have, you know, 424 00:20:08,160 --> 00:20:10,720 Speaker 1: the Cardinals or the Braves, these big markets. You know, 425 00:20:11,040 --> 00:20:13,119 Speaker 1: Andrew luck is a compelling storyline. But you know, if 426 00:20:13,119 --> 00:20:16,040 Speaker 1: the Titans can do it, best of luck to them. Yeah, 427 00:20:16,040 --> 00:20:18,120 Speaker 1: well it should be It should be a great Sunday 428 00:20:18,160 --> 00:20:20,560 Speaker 1: of football in the NFL for sure, and with that 429 00:20:20,640 --> 00:20:23,600 Speaker 1: we'll call it a rap on this edition of Packers Unscripted. 430 00:20:23,640 --> 00:20:25,520 Speaker 1: Be sure to follow all of our coverage of the 431 00:20:25,520 --> 00:20:29,000 Speaker 1: team on Packers dot com and of Sunday season finale 432 00:20:29,320 --> 00:20:32,000 Speaker 1: against the Lions on Twitter. He's at West Hot, I'm 433 00:20:32,040 --> 00:20:34,400 Speaker 1: at Mike Spofford at Packers for the team account. Thanks 434 00:20:34,440 --> 00:20:36,560 Speaker 1: for tuning in, everybody, See you next time.