1 00:00:00,760 --> 00:00:20,640 Speaker 1: Hi, everybody, Welcome to Packers Unscripted from Packers dot Com. 2 00:00:20,800 --> 00:00:24,040 Speaker 1: I am Mike Spofford, joined as always by my trusted 3 00:00:24,079 --> 00:00:26,840 Speaker 1: colleague West Hodkowitz. Were coming to you here from our 4 00:00:26,880 --> 00:00:30,960 Speaker 1: studios at lambeau Field. Hope everybody had a happy Thanksgiving 5 00:00:31,040 --> 00:00:32,879 Speaker 1: and wes our final show of the week and that 6 00:00:32,920 --> 00:00:37,000 Speaker 1: means keys to victory Here Packers Vikings Sunday Night football 7 00:00:37,200 --> 00:00:42,400 Speaker 1: US Bank Stadium in downtown Minneapolis, the rematch of week 8 00:00:42,440 --> 00:00:46,519 Speaker 1: two which ended in a nine overtime tie. Both of 9 00:00:46,560 --> 00:00:49,400 Speaker 1: these teams need a victory here. West, I know the 10 00:00:49,479 --> 00:00:51,680 Speaker 1: Vikings are one game ahead of the Packers in the standings, 11 00:00:51,760 --> 00:00:54,000 Speaker 1: but both teams looking at this in a lot of 12 00:00:54,040 --> 00:00:56,320 Speaker 1: respects as a must win. Where do you want to 13 00:00:56,360 --> 00:00:58,320 Speaker 1: start well, first off, Mike, I want to start off 14 00:00:58,320 --> 00:01:01,200 Speaker 1: with that tremendous Thanksgiving dinner that I had. It's my 15 00:01:01,280 --> 00:01:03,120 Speaker 1: favorite holiday. I don't know if you know. That's my 16 00:01:03,160 --> 00:01:06,600 Speaker 1: favorite holiday as well. Trains, planes and autmobiles. Always watched 17 00:01:06,600 --> 00:01:10,600 Speaker 1: that every year. Tremendous time, great office, awesome moments with 18 00:01:10,600 --> 00:01:13,560 Speaker 1: the family. But now we're back to football and the 19 00:01:13,600 --> 00:01:16,400 Speaker 1: Green Bay Packers have any credibly important game coming up 20 00:01:16,440 --> 00:01:21,120 Speaker 1: here with the Minnesota Vikings. My biggest key for this 21 00:01:21,160 --> 00:01:24,760 Speaker 1: particular game all revolves around Aaron Rodgers, because, if you 22 00:01:24,800 --> 00:01:28,920 Speaker 1: go back Mike, the last two encounters with the Vikings 23 00:01:29,319 --> 00:01:33,440 Speaker 1: have both been surrounding Aaron Rodgers and in his situation 24 00:01:33,520 --> 00:01:36,600 Speaker 1: and how things are at with him, this rivalry and 25 00:01:36,600 --> 00:01:38,720 Speaker 1: how it's been kind of brewing over the years with 26 00:01:38,800 --> 00:01:41,080 Speaker 1: the Vikings and Mike Zimmer and sort of the mental 27 00:01:41,160 --> 00:01:44,160 Speaker 1: chess match that these two teams have been playing. It's 28 00:01:44,160 --> 00:01:49,080 Speaker 1: always interesting to see the juxtaposition of how the Packers 29 00:01:49,160 --> 00:01:52,840 Speaker 1: offense attacks the Vikings and if you have Aaron Rodgers 30 00:01:52,840 --> 00:01:55,680 Speaker 1: for a full sixty minutes, what that does in terms 31 00:01:55,680 --> 00:01:58,480 Speaker 1: of being able to challenge Mike Zimmer's scheme. I just 32 00:01:58,520 --> 00:02:00,080 Speaker 1: think that this is the type of game that if 33 00:02:00,120 --> 00:02:02,200 Speaker 1: you can get Rogers going, if you can get Davante 34 00:02:02,240 --> 00:02:06,200 Speaker 1: Adams going, being multiple like they've been recently, with Adams 35 00:02:06,240 --> 00:02:08,320 Speaker 1: not allowing a defense to really know where he's going 36 00:02:08,360 --> 00:02:10,560 Speaker 1: to be on any given play, Packers are gonna have 37 00:02:10,600 --> 00:02:12,959 Speaker 1: a lot of success. Aaron Jones is gonna be a 38 00:02:13,000 --> 00:02:14,359 Speaker 1: big part of it too. You have to be able 39 00:02:14,400 --> 00:02:16,000 Speaker 1: to develop the run, you have to be able to 40 00:02:16,040 --> 00:02:19,200 Speaker 1: challenge him in the trenches. But I think the Packers 41 00:02:19,200 --> 00:02:21,440 Speaker 1: if they're to walk out of us Bank Stadium with 42 00:02:21,480 --> 00:02:24,000 Speaker 1: a victory on on Sunday night, Aaron Rodgers has to 43 00:02:24,000 --> 00:02:26,080 Speaker 1: be a big part of it. Yeah, he definitely does. 44 00:02:26,120 --> 00:02:27,880 Speaker 1: And maybe this is one of those games like we 45 00:02:27,960 --> 00:02:30,560 Speaker 1: talked about a few weeks ago with the Rams game 46 00:02:30,639 --> 00:02:33,240 Speaker 1: for instance, where this maybe is the type of game 47 00:02:33,280 --> 00:02:35,280 Speaker 1: Aaron Rodgers has to be the best player on the 48 00:02:35,280 --> 00:02:37,640 Speaker 1: field in order for the Packers to win. When you 49 00:02:37,639 --> 00:02:41,280 Speaker 1: look at Packers Vikings history in Minneapolis West, whether you're 50 00:02:41,280 --> 00:02:44,240 Speaker 1: talking the games at the Metrodome or the last couple 51 00:02:44,280 --> 00:02:47,320 Speaker 1: of games at us Bank Stadium, it seems to always 52 00:02:47,320 --> 00:02:50,080 Speaker 1: come down to protection of Aaron Rodgers from that pass 53 00:02:50,160 --> 00:02:53,880 Speaker 1: rush of the Minnesota Vikings that is awfully, awfully good 54 00:02:53,880 --> 00:02:56,800 Speaker 1: and a pass rush that sacked Matthew Stafford in us 55 00:02:56,840 --> 00:03:00,720 Speaker 1: Bank Stadium ten times um just a few weeks ago. 56 00:03:01,639 --> 00:03:03,720 Speaker 1: And I'm not just talking about the broken collar bone 57 00:03:03,760 --> 00:03:06,320 Speaker 1: from last year, but when US Bank Stadium opened, in 58 00:03:07,680 --> 00:03:11,120 Speaker 1: a couple of sack fumble type situations that that really 59 00:03:11,400 --> 00:03:13,359 Speaker 1: hurt the Packers in that game. And we all know 60 00:03:13,880 --> 00:03:16,399 Speaker 1: the you know in the Metrodome, which I actually think 61 00:03:16,480 --> 00:03:19,240 Speaker 1: was an even louder stadium than US Bank Stadium. But 62 00:03:19,480 --> 00:03:21,519 Speaker 1: when the Vikings would kind of get that defense in 63 00:03:21,560 --> 00:03:26,000 Speaker 1: that pass rush cranked up, the Packers would would really struggle, 64 00:03:26,280 --> 00:03:30,000 Speaker 1: even with Brett Farvett quarterback over the years. So, um, 65 00:03:30,000 --> 00:03:32,720 Speaker 1: protecting Aaron Rodgers is a real key here. And it's 66 00:03:32,720 --> 00:03:35,280 Speaker 1: see and it seems that that the majority of the 67 00:03:35,600 --> 00:03:38,240 Speaker 1: pressure and I'm not trying to lay blame on any individuals, 68 00:03:38,240 --> 00:03:40,440 Speaker 1: but the majority of the pressure Aaron Rodgers seems to 69 00:03:40,520 --> 00:03:44,360 Speaker 1: face lately is interior pressure. It's the guy's coming up 70 00:03:44,360 --> 00:03:46,720 Speaker 1: from the inside and then he's just not able to 71 00:03:46,800 --> 00:03:49,920 Speaker 1: quite escape to the outside like he's done so many 72 00:03:49,960 --> 00:03:52,560 Speaker 1: times in the past. And I know, setting a solid 73 00:03:52,600 --> 00:03:55,440 Speaker 1: pocket against that pass rush is way easier said than done. 74 00:03:55,840 --> 00:03:58,560 Speaker 1: But as much as Aaron Jones needs to run the 75 00:03:58,600 --> 00:04:00,360 Speaker 1: ball and all that, I think it's starts. It's I 76 00:04:00,360 --> 00:04:02,720 Speaker 1: think it starts with trying to establish a solid of 77 00:04:02,720 --> 00:04:04,680 Speaker 1: pocket as you can for Roger. Yeah, I think it's 78 00:04:04,720 --> 00:04:07,080 Speaker 1: a great point, Mike, And it's interesting you bring that up, because, yeah, 79 00:04:07,120 --> 00:04:08,960 Speaker 1: it's something the Packers have faced, but it's something the 80 00:04:09,040 --> 00:04:11,400 Speaker 1: NFL in general has had to deal with here in 81 00:04:11,520 --> 00:04:15,320 Speaker 1: terms of defensive coordinators now dialing up more packages for 82 00:04:15,400 --> 00:04:18,120 Speaker 1: the A gaps for you know, being able to challenge 83 00:04:18,160 --> 00:04:21,720 Speaker 1: teams at their stress points inside. Zimmer has been one 84 00:04:21,720 --> 00:04:24,000 Speaker 1: of the guys that have been one of the innovators 85 00:04:24,080 --> 00:04:26,280 Speaker 1: at doing that. But also you look at the Aaron 86 00:04:26,320 --> 00:04:28,200 Speaker 1: Donalds of the world now at fourteen and a half 87 00:04:28,240 --> 00:04:31,240 Speaker 1: sacks on a season out of the defensive tackle in 88 00:04:31,320 --> 00:04:34,240 Speaker 1: Wade Phillips scheme. I was trying to think even you know, 89 00:04:34,240 --> 00:04:36,120 Speaker 1: when you think back to all the years that Phillips 90 00:04:36,160 --> 00:04:38,160 Speaker 1: has been a defensive coordinate, if he's had a defensive 91 00:04:38,160 --> 00:04:42,200 Speaker 1: tackle be that productive in his system. Kenny Clark in 92 00:04:42,279 --> 00:04:44,960 Speaker 1: Green Bay right now on the stretch that he's on 93 00:04:45,080 --> 00:04:48,600 Speaker 1: going back to last December, around ten sacks. Now at 94 00:04:48,640 --> 00:04:52,520 Speaker 1: that point, that's where defenses are really making a big 95 00:04:52,560 --> 00:04:55,880 Speaker 1: push to to get after the quarterback. Now, the Vikings 96 00:04:55,880 --> 00:04:57,839 Speaker 1: are a little bit more traditional. You have your Lynnville 97 00:04:57,920 --> 00:05:00,200 Speaker 1: Joseph there that's that's mostly there to be a run 98 00:05:00,240 --> 00:05:02,599 Speaker 1: stuff for to be a clogger, but they still run 99 00:05:02,680 --> 00:05:04,719 Speaker 1: concepts with the double a gap stuff that is going 100 00:05:04,800 --> 00:05:07,440 Speaker 1: to really challenge you inside. So yeah, when you look 101 00:05:07,440 --> 00:05:11,400 Speaker 1: at Corey Lindsley and you know, with Byron Bell, Lane Taylor, 102 00:05:11,640 --> 00:05:13,720 Speaker 1: whoever that running back is going to be back there 103 00:05:13,760 --> 00:05:16,680 Speaker 1: with Aaron Rodgers. In terms of the past protection, all 104 00:05:16,720 --> 00:05:18,520 Speaker 1: of it has to be on point because there's so 105 00:05:18,520 --> 00:05:20,760 Speaker 1: many different ways that the Vikings can attack you. Yeah, 106 00:05:20,800 --> 00:05:23,960 Speaker 1: and when when you talk about, obviously, how the Packers 107 00:05:24,000 --> 00:05:25,960 Speaker 1: are going to attack this Vikings defense, you want to 108 00:05:25,960 --> 00:05:28,719 Speaker 1: see Aaron Rodgers have a smooth and an efficient day 109 00:05:28,720 --> 00:05:30,520 Speaker 1: and all of that. But I'm gonna throw a couple 110 00:05:30,560 --> 00:05:33,159 Speaker 1: of stats at you here, West. I looked up the 111 00:05:33,279 --> 00:05:36,839 Speaker 1: last three times the Vikings have been beaten at US 112 00:05:36,880 --> 00:05:40,080 Speaker 1: Bank Stadium three times over the last two seasons or 113 00:05:40,120 --> 00:05:42,320 Speaker 1: season and a half, whatever you wanna call it. Detroit 114 00:05:42,360 --> 00:05:45,120 Speaker 1: in Week four last year, and then Buffalo in New 115 00:05:45,240 --> 00:05:48,719 Speaker 1: Orleans this season. Not a one of those three teams 116 00:05:49,400 --> 00:05:51,600 Speaker 1: had three hundred yards of offense in that game to 117 00:05:51,680 --> 00:05:55,800 Speaker 1: beat Minnesota. But you know what happened. The turnover margin 118 00:05:55,920 --> 00:05:59,640 Speaker 1: collectively in those three games was eight to one, and 119 00:05:59,720 --> 00:06:04,000 Speaker 1: the three teams scored thirty four points total off of 120 00:06:04,040 --> 00:06:07,160 Speaker 1: those eight turnovers. That's how you beat Minnesota at US 121 00:06:07,200 --> 00:06:10,520 Speaker 1: Bank Stadium. You protect the ball, you win the turnover battle, 122 00:06:10,720 --> 00:06:14,200 Speaker 1: and you turn those turnovers into points. That's the formula. 123 00:06:14,520 --> 00:06:16,159 Speaker 1: The Packers have done it before, They've done it to 124 00:06:16,200 --> 00:06:18,480 Speaker 1: other teams. They need to do it on Sunday night. 125 00:06:18,520 --> 00:06:20,320 Speaker 1: It's funny too. And you and I talked about earlier 126 00:06:20,320 --> 00:06:23,000 Speaker 1: this season with that Bill's game, how that played out, 127 00:06:23,040 --> 00:06:25,760 Speaker 1: because you look at the score and it just looks 128 00:06:25,800 --> 00:06:28,279 Speaker 1: like a total blowout, but then you look at the 129 00:06:28,360 --> 00:06:30,560 Speaker 1: box score in the stat sheet and it was a 130 00:06:30,600 --> 00:06:33,040 Speaker 1: pretty even ball game. It's not like, you know, I 131 00:06:33,040 --> 00:06:34,560 Speaker 1: don't know if it was Jared Allen in that game 132 00:06:34,640 --> 00:06:36,560 Speaker 1: or not, but it's not like l Shaw McCoy. It's 133 00:06:36,560 --> 00:06:39,359 Speaker 1: not like they just have this huge offensive explosion. It 134 00:06:39,480 --> 00:06:41,880 Speaker 1: was just taking advantage of some opportunities that the Vikings 135 00:06:41,880 --> 00:06:44,599 Speaker 1: gave them very early in that game, and then sort 136 00:06:44,600 --> 00:06:47,839 Speaker 1: of you know that right out, kind of like you 137 00:06:47,880 --> 00:06:49,920 Speaker 1: and your dad on the golf course in the back night. 138 00:06:50,080 --> 00:06:51,920 Speaker 1: I mean, you got a couple of stroke lead on him, 139 00:06:51,960 --> 00:06:53,880 Speaker 1: You're just playing safe. You don't want to give that up. 140 00:06:54,480 --> 00:06:56,960 Speaker 1: That's what that game reminded me of. And at the 141 00:06:57,000 --> 00:06:59,560 Speaker 1: same time, it's also what I think to a certain extent, 142 00:07:00,120 --> 00:07:02,640 Speaker 1: took that crowd out of it a little bit. I'm 143 00:07:02,800 --> 00:07:04,880 Speaker 1: we're going to get a unique perspective on this mike, 144 00:07:04,920 --> 00:07:08,919 Speaker 1: because last Thursday we were able to be in Century 145 00:07:08,960 --> 00:07:12,040 Speaker 1: Link and now this weekend we're going to be in 146 00:07:12,200 --> 00:07:15,640 Speaker 1: US Bank. Yeah, I'm really interested to see if I 147 00:07:15,680 --> 00:07:17,880 Speaker 1: can tell a tangible difference in the noise level, because 148 00:07:17,880 --> 00:07:20,040 Speaker 1: it's always been kind of considered one to one A 149 00:07:20,160 --> 00:07:23,560 Speaker 1: one B in terms of the noise pollution you have 150 00:07:23,640 --> 00:07:26,520 Speaker 1: to deal with. And it's a good point you bring up, because, Yeah, 151 00:07:26,640 --> 00:07:29,000 Speaker 1: I don't think US Bank Stadium is as loud as 152 00:07:29,000 --> 00:07:31,840 Speaker 1: the Metrodome. I think the Metrodome, but long, far and 153 00:07:31,880 --> 00:07:34,320 Speaker 1: away was the loudest stadium I've ever been, and I 154 00:07:34,360 --> 00:07:36,600 Speaker 1: wore noise canceling headphones the first time I had to 155 00:07:36,640 --> 00:07:40,000 Speaker 1: cover a game there. But at the same time, it's 156 00:07:40,000 --> 00:07:42,280 Speaker 1: still a venue that the packers have to deal with 157 00:07:42,400 --> 00:07:44,960 Speaker 1: and and you know, kind of persevere through. Yeah, for me, 158 00:07:45,000 --> 00:07:48,880 Speaker 1: as far as the loudest ones, the Metrodome and the 159 00:07:48,920 --> 00:07:51,920 Speaker 1: Superdome in New Orleans have always been, have always have 160 00:07:51,960 --> 00:07:54,040 Speaker 1: always been the ones that are right up there for me. Now, 161 00:07:54,080 --> 00:07:58,040 Speaker 1: as far as outdoor century Lincoln Seattle takes the cake there. 162 00:07:58,080 --> 00:08:00,200 Speaker 1: As far as an outdoor I can't even think of 163 00:08:00,240 --> 00:08:03,920 Speaker 1: any outdoor stadium that has ever struggled as loud as 164 00:08:03,960 --> 00:08:06,200 Speaker 1: that one. But um, you know how that gets measured, 165 00:08:06,240 --> 00:08:08,920 Speaker 1: you know, leave that to the scientists as to exactly 166 00:08:08,920 --> 00:08:12,080 Speaker 1: which one is louder. But I know my ears have 167 00:08:12,360 --> 00:08:14,720 Speaker 1: really hurt come in games coming out of the Metrodome 168 00:08:14,720 --> 00:08:17,080 Speaker 1: and the Superdome over the years. Superdome, Mike, I've only 169 00:08:17,120 --> 00:08:19,800 Speaker 1: been there once and it was obviously at the very 170 00:08:19,840 --> 00:08:21,400 Speaker 1: top of the building. Do you think that's because the 171 00:08:21,440 --> 00:08:23,120 Speaker 1: press boxes open air at the top. Do you think 172 00:08:23,120 --> 00:08:25,160 Speaker 1: it's that loud on the field too, I've never Really 173 00:08:25,760 --> 00:08:28,280 Speaker 1: that's a really good question, because, yeah, the press box 174 00:08:28,360 --> 00:08:30,679 Speaker 1: being an open air press box at the top in 175 00:08:30,840 --> 00:08:33,880 Speaker 1: the Superdome, you know that you're really catching all the 176 00:08:33,920 --> 00:08:36,719 Speaker 1: noise because it's just reverberating off the roof and and 177 00:08:37,080 --> 00:08:40,240 Speaker 1: so you know, I don't know, but players teams that 178 00:08:40,400 --> 00:08:42,760 Speaker 1: you know, have talked about playing there as as a 179 00:08:42,840 --> 00:08:46,560 Speaker 1: road team in New Orleans. They definitely, they definitely say 180 00:08:46,600 --> 00:08:48,400 Speaker 1: that the noise is a fact. Yeah, and the Packers 181 00:08:48,440 --> 00:08:50,200 Speaker 1: are going to have to manage that this weekend and 182 00:08:50,240 --> 00:08:54,480 Speaker 1: being able to, you know, effectively get off to a fast, 183 00:08:54,520 --> 00:08:56,920 Speaker 1: consistent start. I think when you've looked at these matchups, 184 00:08:56,920 --> 00:09:00,480 Speaker 1: and again this goes back to the Heyday two of 185 00:09:00,480 --> 00:09:02,720 Speaker 1: of some of these Packer teams playing in that environment 186 00:09:02,760 --> 00:09:05,640 Speaker 1: with the Minnesota Vikings, it's all about trying to get 187 00:09:05,640 --> 00:09:06,839 Speaker 1: off to a fast start, and if you can get 188 00:09:06,840 --> 00:09:09,240 Speaker 1: a takeaway in that first quarter and produce points off 189 00:09:09,240 --> 00:09:10,959 Speaker 1: of it, it's going to set you up for the 190 00:09:11,000 --> 00:09:12,760 Speaker 1: rest of the game. Yeah, well, I want to get 191 00:09:12,760 --> 00:09:15,120 Speaker 1: back to that point in just a second. But Packers 192 00:09:15,200 --> 00:09:17,680 Speaker 1: fans be sure to stop in at your local Quick 193 00:09:17,679 --> 00:09:20,240 Speaker 1: Trip and pick up your Packers cup today. Get eighty 194 00:09:20,360 --> 00:09:24,920 Speaker 1: nine cent refills on your Cafe Cruba coffee. All season long, 195 00:09:25,200 --> 00:09:27,600 Speaker 1: you talked about the fast start West. We've seen the 196 00:09:27,640 --> 00:09:31,440 Speaker 1: Packers do it in Los Angeles, tend to nothing lead 197 00:09:31,600 --> 00:09:35,000 Speaker 1: in Seattle fourteen to three lead, but they haven't been 198 00:09:35,000 --> 00:09:37,280 Speaker 1: able to sustain it. Obviously. You know, when you're on 199 00:09:37,320 --> 00:09:39,960 Speaker 1: the road, you're gonna get you're gonna get that comeback, 200 00:09:40,000 --> 00:09:43,559 Speaker 1: you're gonna get that shift of momentum from the other team. 201 00:09:43,600 --> 00:09:46,760 Speaker 1: And really in both instances, the Packers handled it. They 202 00:09:47,320 --> 00:09:50,240 Speaker 1: limited it. You know, they fell behind, but not behind 203 00:09:50,240 --> 00:09:51,920 Speaker 1: by too much, and they were able to stay in 204 00:09:51,960 --> 00:09:55,600 Speaker 1: the game right until the end. So as important as 205 00:09:55,600 --> 00:09:57,760 Speaker 1: important as a fast start is, and you certainly don't 206 00:09:57,760 --> 00:10:00,440 Speaker 1: want to get behind by multiple scores when you're on 207 00:10:00,480 --> 00:10:04,120 Speaker 1: the road in a venue like this. But the Packers 208 00:10:04,120 --> 00:10:07,319 Speaker 1: are just are due to play a fourth quarter, aren't they? 209 00:10:07,360 --> 00:10:09,600 Speaker 1: At some point here this fourth quarter thing is going 210 00:10:09,679 --> 00:10:12,520 Speaker 1: to come together because there's too much talent on the field. 211 00:10:12,520 --> 00:10:15,400 Speaker 1: This coaching staff is too experienced and has had plenty 212 00:10:15,440 --> 00:10:18,160 Speaker 1: of success. I just I think this fourth quarter thing 213 00:10:18,240 --> 00:10:20,079 Speaker 1: is going to get straightened out, and it needs to 214 00:10:20,120 --> 00:10:23,480 Speaker 1: get straightened out now to keep this season alive in 215 00:10:23,520 --> 00:10:25,640 Speaker 1: the sense it's it's a great point you make, and 216 00:10:25,679 --> 00:10:28,600 Speaker 1: I think if you took it in segments, right, if 217 00:10:28,640 --> 00:10:31,440 Speaker 1: if I just put a blindfold and ear muffs over 218 00:10:31,480 --> 00:10:34,480 Speaker 1: your head for six months, the last six months, and 219 00:10:34,520 --> 00:10:38,080 Speaker 1: I brought you out today and I said, okay, it's 220 00:10:38,080 --> 00:10:41,400 Speaker 1: week twelve. Aaron Rodgers is nineteen touchdowns and one interception. 221 00:10:41,840 --> 00:10:44,680 Speaker 1: Aaron Jones is averaging six yards of carry. Davante Adams 222 00:10:44,679 --> 00:10:46,840 Speaker 1: is on pace to have a franchise record for receiving 223 00:10:46,880 --> 00:10:50,800 Speaker 1: yards and receptions, and Kenny Clark has as many sacks 224 00:10:50,800 --> 00:10:54,040 Speaker 1: as he has at this point. What's the Packers record? 225 00:10:54,400 --> 00:10:55,960 Speaker 1: I think you'd say it would be better than four 226 00:10:56,040 --> 00:10:58,240 Speaker 1: or five and one. You get those type of performances. Now, 227 00:10:58,240 --> 00:11:00,079 Speaker 1: we know that's not how this game is played. We 228 00:11:00,120 --> 00:11:02,360 Speaker 1: know that is not how this life has lived. You 229 00:11:02,440 --> 00:11:06,320 Speaker 1: need complete performances. You have children, right, not breaking any 230 00:11:06,360 --> 00:11:08,840 Speaker 1: news here, when when they were smaller, did you ever 231 00:11:08,880 --> 00:11:11,160 Speaker 1: take them to needlese pottery places at all where you 232 00:11:11,200 --> 00:11:13,679 Speaker 1: like paint the plate you get like a plate you 233 00:11:13,760 --> 00:11:16,600 Speaker 1: ever seen? You know, my nephews are really big on that. 234 00:11:16,920 --> 00:11:19,400 Speaker 1: And there's one thing I've learned from doing that. You 235 00:11:19,760 --> 00:11:21,480 Speaker 1: can do a really good job for an hour and 236 00:11:21,559 --> 00:11:23,880 Speaker 1: a half painting it, making look really nice, and you 237 00:11:23,880 --> 00:11:26,280 Speaker 1: put it in a little you know, fire thing and 238 00:11:26,600 --> 00:11:29,720 Speaker 1: it looks great. But if you if you smudge it 239 00:11:29,760 --> 00:11:33,280 Speaker 1: at the beginning, it's tough to overcome it. And if 240 00:11:33,280 --> 00:11:35,320 Speaker 1: you do something at the end or you drop it, 241 00:11:35,320 --> 00:11:37,520 Speaker 1: it's tough to overcome it. It It doesn't matter what happens 242 00:11:37,520 --> 00:11:39,319 Speaker 1: in the middle. Not enough time to fix it, not 243 00:11:39,520 --> 00:11:41,400 Speaker 1: just trying to fix it. So I look at the 244 00:11:41,400 --> 00:11:43,880 Speaker 1: Packers right now, and you can play really good football, 245 00:11:44,000 --> 00:11:47,640 Speaker 1: You can play fifty minutes of really good football. But 246 00:11:47,720 --> 00:11:50,040 Speaker 1: if that beginning isn't where it needs to be, and 247 00:11:50,120 --> 00:11:52,560 Speaker 1: that ending isn't how you need to finish, You're not 248 00:11:52,559 --> 00:11:54,920 Speaker 1: going to get the result you want. I think that's 249 00:11:54,960 --> 00:11:56,720 Speaker 1: been one of the things for the Packers this year 250 00:11:56,760 --> 00:12:00,280 Speaker 1: that as a team, they've been trying to overcome into 251 00:12:00,360 --> 00:12:03,960 Speaker 1: your original point three and a half minutes ago. You're right, 252 00:12:04,440 --> 00:12:08,480 Speaker 1: if they can get their finger on it, they're right there, 253 00:12:08,600 --> 00:12:11,880 Speaker 1: because this isn't Philadelphia, in the in the Saints, and 254 00:12:11,880 --> 00:12:14,360 Speaker 1: and they're just getting blown out of the water everywhere 255 00:12:14,400 --> 00:12:16,920 Speaker 1: they're playing. The Packers have been right in these things, 256 00:12:16,920 --> 00:12:18,839 Speaker 1: but to beat those teams might to be on that 257 00:12:18,920 --> 00:12:21,360 Speaker 1: upper echelon. You have to do it for sixty one minutes. 258 00:12:21,760 --> 00:12:23,959 Speaker 1: And right now the Packers are still trying to find 259 00:12:23,960 --> 00:12:26,280 Speaker 1: that point. Yeah, and we saw after the bye week 260 00:12:26,760 --> 00:12:29,280 Speaker 1: when you look at the road games, because on the road, 261 00:12:29,320 --> 00:12:31,360 Speaker 1: obviously is where the Packers haven't won, and this is 262 00:12:31,400 --> 00:12:34,280 Speaker 1: what needs to get fixed here with three road games left. 263 00:12:35,320 --> 00:12:38,199 Speaker 1: It was the bad starts at Washington and at Detroit, 264 00:12:38,320 --> 00:12:41,240 Speaker 1: just terrible starts to the games, fact Packers falling into 265 00:12:41,480 --> 00:12:45,840 Speaker 1: three four score holes in those games. Mike McCarthy then 266 00:12:46,440 --> 00:12:48,480 Speaker 1: talked about how when they came out of the bye week, 267 00:12:48,679 --> 00:12:52,000 Speaker 1: started well against the Rams and against the Patriots, they 268 00:12:52,000 --> 00:12:55,480 Speaker 1: were they were fine there, started strong against the Seahawks. 269 00:12:55,520 --> 00:12:58,640 Speaker 1: The starts speak to your preparation, to your team's preparation, 270 00:12:58,760 --> 00:13:01,600 Speaker 1: getting ready because so much of the beginning of the 271 00:13:01,640 --> 00:13:03,800 Speaker 1: game is the stuff that you've repped the most often 272 00:13:03,920 --> 00:13:06,600 Speaker 1: during the week. So they got that fixed after the bye. 273 00:13:06,679 --> 00:13:08,599 Speaker 1: They went from these terrible starts on the road to 274 00:13:08,679 --> 00:13:11,520 Speaker 1: now starting much stronger on the road. So now it's 275 00:13:11,559 --> 00:13:13,480 Speaker 1: now it's just the other end of it. It's it's 276 00:13:13,520 --> 00:13:17,000 Speaker 1: getting things it's getting things fixed in the fourth quarter. 277 00:13:17,080 --> 00:13:19,440 Speaker 1: And to me, I was asked a question this week 278 00:13:19,520 --> 00:13:22,600 Speaker 1: in in Insider inbox. You know the old close only 279 00:13:22,800 --> 00:13:25,719 Speaker 1: close doesn't count or only counts and horseshoes and hand 280 00:13:25,720 --> 00:13:28,400 Speaker 1: grenades and all that kind of stuff. Well, the thing 281 00:13:28,520 --> 00:13:30,960 Speaker 1: the thing that I said is that is that, yes, 282 00:13:31,000 --> 00:13:33,400 Speaker 1: close doesn't count in the NFL. We know that there's 283 00:13:33,400 --> 00:13:36,400 Speaker 1: no excuses for that. But what close does is it 284 00:13:36,440 --> 00:13:39,720 Speaker 1: tells a bunch of really competitive athletes in a locker 285 00:13:39,800 --> 00:13:43,840 Speaker 1: room that they know it's not some huge sea change 286 00:13:44,040 --> 00:13:47,360 Speaker 1: that is needed in order to start having success. It's 287 00:13:47,360 --> 00:13:50,640 Speaker 1: it's about it's about sharpen up the little things in 288 00:13:50,679 --> 00:13:54,560 Speaker 1: your game personally and then be ready to make a 289 00:13:54,640 --> 00:13:58,440 Speaker 1: clutch play in a clutch moment. That's what. That's all 290 00:13:58,480 --> 00:14:01,439 Speaker 1: this that's all this team needs. One clutch play. Might 291 00:14:01,480 --> 00:14:04,560 Speaker 1: have done it against the Rams, against the Patriots, um 292 00:14:04,600 --> 00:14:08,280 Speaker 1: certainly against the Seahawks, and it just didn't happen. But 293 00:14:08,400 --> 00:14:10,520 Speaker 1: we know from what we've seen in the first three 294 00:14:10,600 --> 00:14:12,920 Speaker 1: quarters of these road games, the talent is there for 295 00:14:12,960 --> 00:14:16,160 Speaker 1: it to happen, absolutely, And I the I keep going 296 00:14:16,240 --> 00:14:20,520 Speaker 1: back to that tunnel at l A Memorial Coliseum in 297 00:14:20,680 --> 00:14:23,120 Speaker 1: Clay Matthews with his back up against the wall speaking 298 00:14:23,120 --> 00:14:26,040 Speaker 1: of reporters and just saying that the most frustrating part 299 00:14:26,120 --> 00:14:29,680 Speaker 1: about this is you're playing down for down, point for 300 00:14:29,760 --> 00:14:32,040 Speaker 1: point with the team like the Rams considered one of 301 00:14:32,080 --> 00:14:34,320 Speaker 1: the top five, top three teams in the NFL right now, 302 00:14:34,480 --> 00:14:36,800 Speaker 1: and look at what they did Monday night, right fifty 303 00:14:36,880 --> 00:14:40,320 Speaker 1: four points. But you don't get it done. And unfortunately, 304 00:14:40,560 --> 00:14:42,640 Speaker 1: it's not a it's not a fantasy league where it's 305 00:14:42,680 --> 00:14:44,520 Speaker 1: the all play where you just get as many points 306 00:14:44,560 --> 00:14:46,600 Speaker 1: as you get and that counts for the second or 307 00:14:46,640 --> 00:14:48,600 Speaker 1: third most in the league. Now, if you play the 308 00:14:48,600 --> 00:14:50,520 Speaker 1: best and you come up short, it's still a loss. 309 00:14:51,000 --> 00:14:53,120 Speaker 1: So trying to rally back from that right now, I 310 00:14:53,120 --> 00:14:55,680 Speaker 1: think that's the message. I think all week long the 311 00:14:55,720 --> 00:14:58,800 Speaker 1: players have been talking about urgency in making sure that 312 00:14:58,840 --> 00:15:01,360 Speaker 1: they are right where they need to be preparation wise. 313 00:15:01,480 --> 00:15:04,360 Speaker 1: I think we'll see all this game plays out, Mike. 314 00:15:04,400 --> 00:15:06,080 Speaker 1: I'm not making any predictions on it, but I just 315 00:15:06,120 --> 00:15:08,080 Speaker 1: think you're gonna see a lot of laser focus in 316 00:15:08,080 --> 00:15:11,080 Speaker 1: this contest to make sure that the little things are tied. 317 00:15:11,240 --> 00:15:14,960 Speaker 1: You know. Short up, everything is tied together, the teas 318 00:15:15,000 --> 00:15:17,760 Speaker 1: are crossed, the eyes are dotted, and you come up 319 00:15:17,800 --> 00:15:20,200 Speaker 1: with a complete performance. If you do that and as 320 00:15:20,200 --> 00:15:22,840 Speaker 1: you mentioned earlier, get some of those takeaways, you're gonna 321 00:15:22,880 --> 00:15:24,640 Speaker 1: get that win on the road that they've been seeking. 322 00:15:24,880 --> 00:15:28,200 Speaker 1: Alrighty quickly, here West, it's time to enter the Cousin 323 00:15:28,280 --> 00:15:30,280 Speaker 1: Subs Best Seats in the House promotion. You and a 324 00:15:30,320 --> 00:15:32,200 Speaker 1: guest could win a chance to kick back on the 325 00:15:32,240 --> 00:15:35,280 Speaker 1: fifty yard line in style. Two pairs of lucky Packers 326 00:15:35,320 --> 00:15:37,800 Speaker 1: fans will be chosen prior to each home game for 327 00:15:37,880 --> 00:15:41,240 Speaker 1: this v I P experience. Enter daily now through December sixteen, 328 00:15:41,280 --> 00:15:44,040 Speaker 1: which is coming up soon. By completing the entry form 329 00:15:44,080 --> 00:15:47,480 Speaker 1: and submitting for complete rules and eligibility go to Packers 330 00:15:47,480 --> 00:15:51,160 Speaker 1: dot com slash best seats cousin subs we believe in better. 331 00:15:51,320 --> 00:15:53,000 Speaker 1: All right, I'm gonna throw one other thing at you 332 00:15:53,080 --> 00:15:56,720 Speaker 1: here today West to sort of turn the narrative on 333 00:15:56,840 --> 00:15:58,680 Speaker 1: its head a little bit. We're talking about the noise 334 00:15:58,680 --> 00:16:00,840 Speaker 1: at US Bank Stadium, how off a place it can 335 00:16:00,880 --> 00:16:03,480 Speaker 1: be to play. This is the Minnesota team that's five 336 00:16:03,520 --> 00:16:08,040 Speaker 1: four and one. They came into this, their fan base anyway, 337 00:16:08,160 --> 00:16:11,760 Speaker 1: came into this with that Super Bowl or bust mentality, right, 338 00:16:12,560 --> 00:16:15,680 Speaker 1: So five four and one, your rival, the rival Packers, 339 00:16:15,680 --> 00:16:19,280 Speaker 1: are coming in Minnesota, trying to stay above five and 340 00:16:19,360 --> 00:16:22,920 Speaker 1: all that in contention for the NFC North title. If 341 00:16:22,920 --> 00:16:26,680 Speaker 1: this game is tight late, is there any chance the 342 00:16:26,760 --> 00:16:30,640 Speaker 1: crowd works against the home team where they get nervous, 343 00:16:31,080 --> 00:16:33,920 Speaker 1: they get they get up tight a little bit? It could. 344 00:16:34,240 --> 00:16:36,160 Speaker 1: I think if it's tight, they're still going to be 345 00:16:36,200 --> 00:16:39,720 Speaker 1: in it because obviously that they're they're trying to, you know, 346 00:16:39,760 --> 00:16:42,080 Speaker 1: really push them towards a sixth victory on the year. 347 00:16:42,160 --> 00:16:44,320 Speaker 1: So I see them still work in their favorite But 348 00:16:44,360 --> 00:16:46,560 Speaker 1: it would be interesting to see if you have a 349 00:16:46,600 --> 00:16:48,840 Speaker 1: slow start in the first half, what that reception is 350 00:16:48,920 --> 00:16:51,320 Speaker 1: like going into halftime. What happens if you come out 351 00:16:51,320 --> 00:16:53,040 Speaker 1: in the third quarter and you have a three and out, 352 00:16:53,320 --> 00:16:56,480 Speaker 1: and how they exactly react to that that I still 353 00:16:56,480 --> 00:16:58,600 Speaker 1: think Minnesota is better than the records suggests. I think 354 00:16:58,600 --> 00:17:01,280 Speaker 1: the Packers are better than the records. That just the 355 00:17:01,360 --> 00:17:04,119 Speaker 1: one thing I don't want to say I've enjoyed, but 356 00:17:04,160 --> 00:17:06,199 Speaker 1: I can't think of a better word about this, is 357 00:17:06,240 --> 00:17:09,879 Speaker 1: that there's this perception outside of all in. Okay, the 358 00:17:09,960 --> 00:17:12,720 Speaker 1: Vikings moved all in, they gave all this guaranteed money 359 00:17:12,720 --> 00:17:15,280 Speaker 1: to Kirk Cousins. You can go in all you want, 360 00:17:15,800 --> 00:17:18,320 Speaker 1: but if you know anything about poker, that doesn't mean 361 00:17:18,400 --> 00:17:20,760 Speaker 1: you're winning the hand. It means all your chips are 362 00:17:20,800 --> 00:17:22,840 Speaker 1: in the middle and here you are. You're making your 363 00:17:22,880 --> 00:17:26,160 Speaker 1: move just from the Viking's perspective, and we'll see there's 364 00:17:26,160 --> 00:17:28,639 Speaker 1: still a lot of season be played, But it doesn't 365 00:17:28,640 --> 00:17:31,240 Speaker 1: all in doesn't guarantee anything. You're still going to have 366 00:17:31,280 --> 00:17:32,840 Speaker 1: to go through your highs and lows of a season. 367 00:17:33,040 --> 00:17:35,880 Speaker 1: Kirk Cousins is still the quarterback he's been. I mean 368 00:17:36,200 --> 00:17:38,960 Speaker 1: he's been was an incredibly effective passer for a number 369 00:17:39,000 --> 00:17:43,040 Speaker 1: of years with Washington, but you know he also had turnovers. 370 00:17:43,200 --> 00:17:45,719 Speaker 1: They also didn't make the playoffs, at times, it's not 371 00:17:45,800 --> 00:17:48,800 Speaker 1: like it was just you know, the you know, fran 372 00:17:48,920 --> 00:17:51,040 Speaker 1: Tarkington just came out of nowhere and he's thirty years 373 00:17:51,040 --> 00:17:54,080 Speaker 1: old again and he's, you know, your franchise quarterback. This 374 00:17:54,160 --> 00:17:57,639 Speaker 1: game is an imperfect game played by imperfect players, and 375 00:17:57,680 --> 00:17:59,879 Speaker 1: it's about finding the closest thing you can get to perfect. 376 00:18:00,440 --> 00:18:02,240 Speaker 1: That's the only thing about this I've enjoyed is just 377 00:18:02,320 --> 00:18:04,119 Speaker 1: that this idea that if you go all in, it 378 00:18:04,160 --> 00:18:06,200 Speaker 1: just means you're gonna win the Super Bowl. There's thirty 379 00:18:06,200 --> 00:18:09,040 Speaker 1: one teams vying for besides you. Yeah, you know, it's 380 00:18:09,080 --> 00:18:11,040 Speaker 1: just the reality of it. Yeah. One thought I want 381 00:18:11,040 --> 00:18:13,320 Speaker 1: to get from you with regards to the other games 382 00:18:13,400 --> 00:18:16,159 Speaker 1: on Sunday, I think there's an interesting one in the NFC, 383 00:18:16,280 --> 00:18:19,680 Speaker 1: and that is Seattle at Carolina. Seahawks are five and five, 384 00:18:19,760 --> 00:18:23,200 Speaker 1: Carolina is six and four, both of them essentially sort 385 00:18:23,200 --> 00:18:26,439 Speaker 1: of wild card or nothing here because of the Rams 386 00:18:26,480 --> 00:18:29,760 Speaker 1: and the Saints both running away with those division titles, 387 00:18:29,760 --> 00:18:31,720 Speaker 1: but two teams that are obviously right in the thick 388 00:18:31,720 --> 00:18:33,960 Speaker 1: of that wild card race. The game is in Charlotte. 389 00:18:34,320 --> 00:18:36,280 Speaker 1: Who do you think who do you think wins this? Well, 390 00:18:36,359 --> 00:18:38,280 Speaker 1: it's it's really interesting you bring this up because they 391 00:18:38,320 --> 00:18:40,800 Speaker 1: both have that common opponent of Detroit, you know, and 392 00:18:40,920 --> 00:18:44,840 Speaker 1: and how they've performed in those settings. For the Panthers, 393 00:18:44,880 --> 00:18:46,280 Speaker 1: that was such I have to imagine it was such 394 00:18:46,280 --> 00:18:49,240 Speaker 1: a demoralizing way to go down trying to go on 395 00:18:49,280 --> 00:18:51,359 Speaker 1: the road. And I get I've we've talked about it. 396 00:18:51,359 --> 00:18:54,640 Speaker 1: I understood the thinking of Ron Rivera, but you came 397 00:18:54,720 --> 00:18:56,080 Speaker 1: up short in a game that I think a lot 398 00:18:56,080 --> 00:18:58,880 Speaker 1: of people felt you should win. So now you have 399 00:18:59,280 --> 00:19:01,240 Speaker 1: the Seahawks, who, you know, they got a little wind 400 00:19:01,240 --> 00:19:03,879 Speaker 1: in their sales now after two straight wins, you know, 401 00:19:03,960 --> 00:19:05,800 Speaker 1: can they keep it there? But if if this, if 402 00:19:05,840 --> 00:19:07,560 Speaker 1: the Carolina ends up losing this, then they have to 403 00:19:07,560 --> 00:19:10,080 Speaker 1: look themselves in the mirror because you know, now they're 404 00:19:10,080 --> 00:19:12,040 Speaker 1: at the kind of a crossroads in their season. Yeah. 405 00:19:12,080 --> 00:19:14,280 Speaker 1: I think this is one of those If Carolina loses 406 00:19:14,320 --> 00:19:17,159 Speaker 1: this and falls to six and five, suddenly all of 407 00:19:17,200 --> 00:19:19,800 Speaker 1: the wild card stuff in the NFC it just is 408 00:19:20,160 --> 00:19:23,280 Speaker 1: absolutely wide open, not just the first spot, which everybody's 409 00:19:23,320 --> 00:19:26,080 Speaker 1: kind of penciled them When Carolina was six and three, 410 00:19:26,119 --> 00:19:28,400 Speaker 1: everybody kind of penciled them into the number one wild 411 00:19:28,440 --> 00:19:30,679 Speaker 1: card spot if they weren't going to catch the Saints 412 00:19:30,680 --> 00:19:33,080 Speaker 1: in their division. But if they lose again here and 413 00:19:33,119 --> 00:19:35,000 Speaker 1: fall the six and five, then both of the wild 414 00:19:35,000 --> 00:19:37,240 Speaker 1: card spots are kind of just up for grabs. They are, 415 00:19:37,359 --> 00:19:39,600 Speaker 1: and it's the reason why I still say, if you're 416 00:19:39,600 --> 00:19:42,800 Speaker 1: the Packers, you gotta get every win you can get. Yes, 417 00:19:42,840 --> 00:19:45,520 Speaker 1: it keeps you with an arm's reach of Chicago in 418 00:19:45,520 --> 00:19:48,800 Speaker 1: the division. But Michael, there's a real strong chance that 419 00:19:48,920 --> 00:19:51,120 Speaker 1: this division, that its division, there could be a wild 420 00:19:51,160 --> 00:19:53,600 Speaker 1: card team with nine wins this year, and with the 421 00:19:53,640 --> 00:19:55,720 Speaker 1: Packers at nine, six and one, if you can get 422 00:19:55,720 --> 00:19:58,080 Speaker 1: to that point, that puts you in the race still. 423 00:19:58,200 --> 00:20:01,399 Speaker 1: So I just think it's there's so much parody right 424 00:20:01,440 --> 00:20:03,560 Speaker 1: now at the NFC. I mean, yes, there's two big 425 00:20:03,600 --> 00:20:06,040 Speaker 1: front runners, but when you look at what's happening in 426 00:20:06,040 --> 00:20:08,399 Speaker 1: the NFC East right now, and then with the wild 427 00:20:08,440 --> 00:20:11,439 Speaker 1: card in the North, it's it's all still on the table, 428 00:20:11,480 --> 00:20:13,040 Speaker 1: all right. Well, with that, we will call it a 429 00:20:13,080 --> 00:20:16,200 Speaker 1: wrap on this edition of Packers Unscripted and send y'all 430 00:20:16,240 --> 00:20:18,919 Speaker 1: off to your weekend. Be sure to follow all of 431 00:20:18,920 --> 00:20:21,160 Speaker 1: our coverage of the team and of Sunday Night Football 432 00:20:21,440 --> 00:20:23,880 Speaker 1: on Packers dot Com on Twitter. He's at West Hot 433 00:20:23,920 --> 00:20:26,320 Speaker 1: I'm at Mike Spofford at Packers for the team accout. 434 00:20:26,359 --> 00:20:28,840 Speaker 1: Thanks for tuning in, everybody. We'll see you next time.