1 00:00:00,800 --> 00:00:21,200 Speaker 1: Hi, everybody. Welcome to Packers Unscripted from Packers dot Com. 2 00:00:21,360 --> 00:00:25,000 Speaker 1: I am Mike Spofford. Right over there is Wes Hodkowitz. 3 00:00:25,040 --> 00:00:28,320 Speaker 1: Were coming to hear from our studios at lambe Field West. 4 00:00:28,360 --> 00:00:31,280 Speaker 1: It's the end of the week. Joe Philbin's debut as 5 00:00:31,320 --> 00:00:33,400 Speaker 1: interim head coach of the Green Bay Packers will be 6 00:00:33,479 --> 00:00:38,320 Speaker 1: Sunday at noon Central kickoff at lambeau Field Packers versus Falcons. 7 00:00:38,960 --> 00:00:41,720 Speaker 1: And with this being our final show leading up to 8 00:00:41,760 --> 00:00:45,639 Speaker 1: this contest, it is keys to victory times. So where 9 00:00:45,680 --> 00:00:47,800 Speaker 1: do you want to start? You know, it's funny, Mike, 10 00:00:47,800 --> 00:00:49,960 Speaker 1: there's so many places you could start, And you and 11 00:00:50,000 --> 00:00:53,080 Speaker 1: I have pontificated so many times in these episodes of 12 00:00:53,159 --> 00:00:56,200 Speaker 1: Unscripted on what the Packers need to accomplish, what they 13 00:00:56,200 --> 00:00:59,440 Speaker 1: need to do. But to me, I actually think it's 14 00:00:59,480 --> 00:01:03,000 Speaker 1: more mental at this point. It's being able to kind 15 00:01:03,000 --> 00:01:07,080 Speaker 1: of overcome the circumstances of the week, rally together and 16 00:01:07,360 --> 00:01:10,119 Speaker 1: you know, pursue a common goal in terms of trying 17 00:01:10,120 --> 00:01:13,360 Speaker 1: to pick up a much needed victory here against I 18 00:01:13,440 --> 00:01:17,000 Speaker 1: still maintain a pretty good Atlanta Falcons team. I've said 19 00:01:17,000 --> 00:01:18,920 Speaker 1: it all week long, Like when you look at the 20 00:01:18,920 --> 00:01:21,000 Speaker 1: parallels between the season the Packers have had in the 21 00:01:21,000 --> 00:01:23,720 Speaker 1: season the Falcons have had. There's a lot there in 22 00:01:23,840 --> 00:01:27,200 Speaker 1: terms of the injuries, in terms of the adversity, close losses, 23 00:01:27,760 --> 00:01:30,480 Speaker 1: um not being able to play full four quarters in 24 00:01:30,560 --> 00:01:32,800 Speaker 1: both teams have found themselves in the situation they're in 25 00:01:32,800 --> 00:01:34,959 Speaker 1: at this point of the season. So, for my money, 26 00:01:35,520 --> 00:01:37,240 Speaker 1: the biggest thing I think the Packers need to do 27 00:01:37,280 --> 00:01:41,120 Speaker 1: into this type of game is I think on paper, 28 00:01:41,160 --> 00:01:45,520 Speaker 1: there is a big advantage for them with the ground game. 29 00:01:46,080 --> 00:01:49,840 Speaker 1: Aaron Jones what he's been doing. If you feed him 30 00:01:49,880 --> 00:01:53,680 Speaker 1: the football and you can defend against Tevin Coleman in 31 00:01:53,720 --> 00:01:56,240 Speaker 1: the worst ranked run offense in the league, I think 32 00:01:56,280 --> 00:01:59,360 Speaker 1: that's a big thing for the Packers to accomplishment accomplished 33 00:01:59,360 --> 00:02:03,240 Speaker 1: in this game. Control the pace, control the down in distance, 34 00:02:03,640 --> 00:02:05,800 Speaker 1: get a victory. Last week, I said it on our 35 00:02:05,840 --> 00:02:11,079 Speaker 1: Final Thoughts video spoiler alert that game against Arizona Mike, 36 00:02:11,120 --> 00:02:13,800 Speaker 1: they did a really good job of bottling up David Johnson. 37 00:02:13,800 --> 00:02:16,800 Speaker 1: They did. He averaged three point two yards per carry. 38 00:02:16,840 --> 00:02:20,280 Speaker 1: But that third quarter, whether it was the end around, 39 00:02:20,280 --> 00:02:23,000 Speaker 1: whether it was Josh Rosen scramble, or whether or not 40 00:02:23,040 --> 00:02:25,280 Speaker 1: it was also Edmunds getting a couple of pictures. Chase 41 00:02:25,440 --> 00:02:27,560 Speaker 1: Edmunds kind of snuck in there and and made some 42 00:02:27,600 --> 00:02:29,760 Speaker 1: things happen. A hundred and one rushing yards in that 43 00:02:29,840 --> 00:02:32,080 Speaker 1: quarter alone, and that kind of allowed the Cardinals to 44 00:02:32,120 --> 00:02:34,840 Speaker 1: get some momentum in their sales. Packers got to win 45 00:02:34,880 --> 00:02:37,839 Speaker 1: the ground game in this game. Yeah, speaking of Chase 46 00:02:37,960 --> 00:02:40,399 Speaker 1: Edmonds and the Arizona Cardinals. So I'll throw this back 47 00:02:40,440 --> 00:02:43,200 Speaker 1: at you. Is there some you know, with the Vonte 48 00:02:43,200 --> 00:02:45,800 Speaker 1: Freeman on injured reserve Tevin Coleman is the number one 49 00:02:45,880 --> 00:02:48,040 Speaker 1: running back right now for the Falcons. Is there some 50 00:02:48,080 --> 00:02:50,520 Speaker 1: other guy that we're not paying attention to who could 51 00:02:50,760 --> 00:02:53,079 Speaker 1: have an impact on Sunday? Like last week? I mean, 52 00:02:53,480 --> 00:02:57,160 Speaker 1: Smith is the I believe the undrafted rookie that's behind Coleman. 53 00:02:58,120 --> 00:03:00,200 Speaker 1: He is. I mean, he made the roster and he's 54 00:03:00,400 --> 00:03:02,240 Speaker 1: you know, he did some really good things in the preseason. 55 00:03:02,240 --> 00:03:04,560 Speaker 1: He's only averaging three point two yards per carry though, 56 00:03:04,639 --> 00:03:07,120 Speaker 1: So but to your point, I'm glad you brought that 57 00:03:07,200 --> 00:03:09,280 Speaker 1: up because last week you and I did not say 58 00:03:09,360 --> 00:03:12,200 Speaker 1: Chase Edmonds name was, and he ended up being kind 59 00:03:12,200 --> 00:03:14,600 Speaker 1: of the game breaker. He was. He was the difference 60 00:03:14,639 --> 00:03:16,200 Speaker 1: in the game early as far as if you point 61 00:03:16,200 --> 00:03:18,640 Speaker 1: to one individual player, but if you talk to you 62 00:03:18,639 --> 00:03:22,440 Speaker 1: know Tan quinn uh and and certainly you know Steve Sarkisian. 63 00:03:22,520 --> 00:03:25,960 Speaker 1: Their their offensive coordinator, Tevin Coleman is the back, he's 64 00:03:26,000 --> 00:03:27,560 Speaker 1: the guy, and that they want to get the ball 65 00:03:27,600 --> 00:03:29,960 Speaker 1: two more. They haven't been able to do it. And 66 00:03:30,000 --> 00:03:31,960 Speaker 1: I think it's not they don't need to live with 67 00:03:32,000 --> 00:03:34,560 Speaker 1: the run. I view this offense that the Falcons have 68 00:03:34,639 --> 00:03:36,240 Speaker 1: right now in a very similar light to some of 69 00:03:36,240 --> 00:03:39,640 Speaker 1: the better ones they had before Freeman Ware. Okay, you 70 00:03:39,680 --> 00:03:41,720 Speaker 1: don't just have a guy that's gonna just burn you 71 00:03:41,760 --> 00:03:45,120 Speaker 1: for yards. You're gonna count on your perimeter weapons. But 72 00:03:45,200 --> 00:03:47,080 Speaker 1: that being said, they need to be able to lessen 73 00:03:47,120 --> 00:03:48,600 Speaker 1: the load a little bit on Matt Ryan because a 74 00:03:48,640 --> 00:03:50,760 Speaker 1: lot has been on his shoulders this season. Yeah, I'm 75 00:03:50,760 --> 00:03:54,400 Speaker 1: with you as far as the Packers defensive keys go 76 00:03:54,680 --> 00:03:57,160 Speaker 1: in this game. And and I'll just expound on it 77 00:03:57,200 --> 00:03:59,160 Speaker 1: a little bit in that when I look at this 78 00:03:59,200 --> 00:04:02,200 Speaker 1: Falcon's offense, as we've talked about all week long, you've 79 00:04:02,240 --> 00:04:04,880 Speaker 1: got Julio Jones, You've got Mohammed Sanu, you've got the 80 00:04:04,960 --> 00:04:08,160 Speaker 1: rookie Calvin Ridley who's leading them in touchdown receptions. Tevin 81 00:04:08,200 --> 00:04:10,560 Speaker 1: Coleman still can be a productive guy. Matt Ryan was 82 00:04:10,600 --> 00:04:14,680 Speaker 1: an m VP just two seasons ago. I think the Packers. 83 00:04:15,040 --> 00:04:17,440 Speaker 1: What you really have to be on guard here if 84 00:04:17,520 --> 00:04:20,360 Speaker 1: you're the Packers is the big play defensively. And when 85 00:04:20,400 --> 00:04:24,040 Speaker 1: you look at the Arizona game last week, Cardinals had 86 00:04:24,160 --> 00:04:27,080 Speaker 1: five explosive plays of I believe it was twenty three 87 00:04:27,160 --> 00:04:29,479 Speaker 1: yards or more, all of them in the second half. 88 00:04:29,520 --> 00:04:32,320 Speaker 1: First half, the Packers defense was fine, and I believe 89 00:04:32,360 --> 00:04:34,359 Speaker 1: four of the five in the second half. We're in 90 00:04:34,360 --> 00:04:36,960 Speaker 1: the third quarter, Like you said, that's when the game 91 00:04:37,000 --> 00:04:40,880 Speaker 1: got away from from the Packers defensively. Suddenly the chunk 92 00:04:40,880 --> 00:04:44,080 Speaker 1: play started happening. You could feel the momentum shift and 93 00:04:44,080 --> 00:04:46,400 Speaker 1: then kind of with all that pressure that was on 94 00:04:46,480 --> 00:04:50,520 Speaker 1: the Packers with everything on the line, and and ultimately 95 00:04:51,200 --> 00:04:53,200 Speaker 1: Green Bay wasn't able to come through at the end. 96 00:04:53,279 --> 00:04:56,680 Speaker 1: So I think limiting the explosive plays is really going 97 00:04:56,720 --> 00:04:59,600 Speaker 1: to be a key in this game. I still can't 98 00:04:59,640 --> 00:05:02,479 Speaker 1: figure out how an offense with all of these weapons 99 00:05:02,800 --> 00:05:05,640 Speaker 1: has gone four consecutive games and not even reached twenty 100 00:05:05,680 --> 00:05:08,400 Speaker 1: points on the scoreboard. I know I watched a chunk 101 00:05:08,440 --> 00:05:12,400 Speaker 1: of a good portion of that Thanksgiving night game when 102 00:05:12,440 --> 00:05:15,479 Speaker 1: the Falcons were down in New Orleans and they moved 103 00:05:15,520 --> 00:05:17,400 Speaker 1: the ball up and down the field like crazy. They 104 00:05:17,440 --> 00:05:19,480 Speaker 1: just every time they were it seemed like every time 105 00:05:19,480 --> 00:05:21,400 Speaker 1: they got in the red zone they had a turnover, 106 00:05:21,480 --> 00:05:23,720 Speaker 1: somebody coughed it up, or Matt Ryan threw a pick 107 00:05:23,839 --> 00:05:26,880 Speaker 1: or something crazy would happen that you know, they drive 108 00:05:26,920 --> 00:05:29,119 Speaker 1: the ball sixty six five yards and then come away 109 00:05:29,120 --> 00:05:31,720 Speaker 1: with nothing, not even a field goal because of the turnovers. 110 00:05:31,760 --> 00:05:34,800 Speaker 1: So that's been part of it in this four game 111 00:05:34,880 --> 00:05:37,120 Speaker 1: stretch for them. But still four straight games with this 112 00:05:37,240 --> 00:05:40,000 Speaker 1: offense not scoring twenty points. I'm just gonna be honest 113 00:05:40,000 --> 00:05:41,720 Speaker 1: with you, and this is this is not a knock 114 00:05:41,760 --> 00:05:45,680 Speaker 1: against the Packers defense, but I'm nervous that this Falcons 115 00:05:45,720 --> 00:05:47,960 Speaker 1: offense is ready to explore. Well, it's a good point 116 00:05:48,040 --> 00:05:50,240 Speaker 1: you raise, because that one of the things I said 117 00:05:50,240 --> 00:05:52,480 Speaker 1: in this game is I felt like this is where 118 00:05:52,560 --> 00:05:54,520 Speaker 1: the Packers offense does need to come to life a 119 00:05:54,600 --> 00:05:56,760 Speaker 1: little bit. I think the Packers defense can do a 120 00:05:56,800 --> 00:06:00,320 Speaker 1: really solid job against Atlanta and still give up some points. Now, 121 00:06:00,720 --> 00:06:02,480 Speaker 1: the one reason why I think the run game is 122 00:06:02,520 --> 00:06:04,479 Speaker 1: so important in this is, if you know, what the 123 00:06:04,480 --> 00:06:06,720 Speaker 1: conditions being in the twenties or whatever, it's gonna be 124 00:06:06,760 --> 00:06:09,880 Speaker 1: like on Sunday morning. If if you're not able to 125 00:06:09,960 --> 00:06:11,919 Speaker 1: run the football, it makes a lot more difficult to 126 00:06:11,920 --> 00:06:15,239 Speaker 1: get the vertical passing game going, specifically for a dome 127 00:06:15,400 --> 00:06:18,839 Speaker 1: oriented team, a team from the South like Atlanta like 128 00:06:18,880 --> 00:06:21,880 Speaker 1: the Falcons. So I think that's gonna have a big bearing. 129 00:06:21,880 --> 00:06:23,400 Speaker 1: I think it's gonna be very important that this game 130 00:06:23,480 --> 00:06:25,760 Speaker 1: is played at lambeau Field and not down at the 131 00:06:25,760 --> 00:06:29,080 Speaker 1: Mercedes Benz Dome, so uh that I think that's gonna 132 00:06:29,080 --> 00:06:31,320 Speaker 1: be critical. But at the same time, as you sort 133 00:06:31,320 --> 00:06:33,200 Speaker 1: of pointed out, when you look at these weapons right now, 134 00:06:33,400 --> 00:06:35,400 Speaker 1: Austin Hooper can hurt you in the scene, he can 135 00:06:35,480 --> 00:06:38,440 Speaker 1: hurt you underneath. Kelvin Ridley kind of went through a 136 00:06:38,560 --> 00:06:40,680 Speaker 1: lull as I mentioned earlier this week, but it seems 137 00:06:40,680 --> 00:06:42,520 Speaker 1: like he's kind of gaining his fire back again. I 138 00:06:42,520 --> 00:06:44,120 Speaker 1: think he's gonna be a problem for teams in the 139 00:06:44,200 --> 00:06:47,120 Speaker 1: NFC for years to come, along with Julio Jones in 140 00:06:47,720 --> 00:06:50,600 Speaker 1: Mohammed san News, you know, a very good, solid possession 141 00:06:50,600 --> 00:06:53,440 Speaker 1: receiver in that mix as well. So I am sure 142 00:06:53,480 --> 00:06:55,160 Speaker 1: that they're gonna have a game plan for this. I 143 00:06:55,200 --> 00:06:57,760 Speaker 1: know what they're they're gonna be expecting to do. They 144 00:06:57,800 --> 00:07:00,000 Speaker 1: are the fifth ranked pass offense in the league compared 145 00:07:00,120 --> 00:07:02,039 Speaker 1: to you know, the issues that they have had with 146 00:07:02,080 --> 00:07:05,440 Speaker 1: the run. So the Falcons they play football one way 147 00:07:05,560 --> 00:07:07,720 Speaker 1: and that's airing it out. At least that's been their 148 00:07:07,720 --> 00:07:10,840 Speaker 1: offense this year without Freeman. So it's gonna be very 149 00:07:10,880 --> 00:07:13,680 Speaker 1: important for the Packers if they have Bishod Brelan available, 150 00:07:14,240 --> 00:07:16,280 Speaker 1: if they can get some of these secondary you know, 151 00:07:16,360 --> 00:07:18,360 Speaker 1: you know you're not gonna have Kevin King, but get 152 00:07:18,440 --> 00:07:21,720 Speaker 1: some of these defensive backs healthy. They're gonna need to 153 00:07:21,800 --> 00:07:23,920 Speaker 1: be able to play a full four quarters because they 154 00:07:23,960 --> 00:07:25,960 Speaker 1: will test you whether or not they're successful or not 155 00:07:26,040 --> 00:07:28,160 Speaker 1: as one thing, but the Falcons will test you with 156 00:07:28,200 --> 00:07:30,280 Speaker 1: Matt Ryan's arm. Yeah. Well, you mentioned this is a 157 00:07:30,320 --> 00:07:33,119 Speaker 1: game that the Packers offense definitely needs to get going, 158 00:07:33,120 --> 00:07:34,920 Speaker 1: and I want to get to that as soon as 159 00:07:34,920 --> 00:07:37,360 Speaker 1: I take care of some sponsored business. So Packers fans 160 00:07:37,720 --> 00:07:40,200 Speaker 1: stop in at your local Quick Trip and pick up 161 00:07:40,200 --> 00:07:43,560 Speaker 1: your Packers cup today. Get eighty nine cent refills on 162 00:07:43,640 --> 00:07:47,240 Speaker 1: your Cafe Crew BA coffee all season long. And also 163 00:07:47,320 --> 00:07:50,200 Speaker 1: the deadline is getting close to enter the Cousins Subs 164 00:07:50,280 --> 00:07:52,560 Speaker 1: Best Seats in the House promotion, You and a guest 165 00:07:52,640 --> 00:07:54,400 Speaker 1: could win a chance to kick back on the fifty 166 00:07:54,480 --> 00:07:56,920 Speaker 1: yard line in style. Two pairs of lucky Packers fans 167 00:07:56,920 --> 00:07:59,400 Speaker 1: will be chosen prior to each home game for this 168 00:07:59,520 --> 00:08:02,840 Speaker 1: v I P experience. Enter daily now through December sixteen 169 00:08:03,480 --> 00:08:06,240 Speaker 1: by completing the entry form and submitting. For complete rules 170 00:08:06,240 --> 00:08:09,000 Speaker 1: and eligibility, go to Packers dot com slash Best Seats, 171 00:08:09,040 --> 00:08:13,080 Speaker 1: Cousin Subs. We believe in Better Okay West. With regards 172 00:08:13,120 --> 00:08:17,040 Speaker 1: to the Packers offense again spoiler alert. I said this 173 00:08:17,120 --> 00:08:19,800 Speaker 1: on our final Thoughts video that will be posted on 174 00:08:19,800 --> 00:08:22,600 Speaker 1: the website, which we taped just before we sat down here. 175 00:08:23,320 --> 00:08:26,880 Speaker 1: If there's one thing that the Packers you would like 176 00:08:27,000 --> 00:08:30,000 Speaker 1: to see them start to straighten out offensively with Joe 177 00:08:30,040 --> 00:08:32,400 Speaker 1: Philbin now taking over his interim head coach and all 178 00:08:32,480 --> 00:08:35,280 Speaker 1: the changes that have gone on, it's got to be 179 00:08:35,360 --> 00:08:39,040 Speaker 1: on third down. You have to start converting third downs 180 00:08:39,080 --> 00:08:42,560 Speaker 1: on some more consistent level. And I went back through 181 00:08:42,559 --> 00:08:44,520 Speaker 1: the numbers. I'm going to share these with you because 182 00:08:44,559 --> 00:08:48,040 Speaker 1: it's to think that this is what the Packers offense 183 00:08:48,160 --> 00:08:51,120 Speaker 1: is done through twelve games with Aaron Rodgers at quarterback 184 00:08:51,640 --> 00:08:55,440 Speaker 1: is almost mind boggling on third down. Only one game 185 00:08:55,520 --> 00:08:59,200 Speaker 1: this season have the Packers converted fift or better on 186 00:08:59,280 --> 00:09:01,839 Speaker 1: third down one out of twelve games. It was against 187 00:09:01,880 --> 00:09:04,320 Speaker 1: Buffalo eleven out of nineteen, which is a lot of 188 00:09:04,320 --> 00:09:06,959 Speaker 1: third downs in one game, but eleven out of nineteen 189 00:09:07,000 --> 00:09:10,120 Speaker 1: that day against the Buffalo Bills. But not only have 190 00:09:10,240 --> 00:09:14,280 Speaker 1: the other twelve games are the other eleven out of 191 00:09:14,320 --> 00:09:18,880 Speaker 1: the twelve all been below, but only three of them 192 00:09:18,960 --> 00:09:23,000 Speaker 1: west have the Packers even been within one third down 193 00:09:23,080 --> 00:09:27,600 Speaker 1: conversion of getting to there was a six out of fourteen, 194 00:09:27,640 --> 00:09:29,760 Speaker 1: a six out of thirteen, and a four out of ten. 195 00:09:30,320 --> 00:09:32,559 Speaker 1: Those are the only three where you look at the 196 00:09:32,640 --> 00:09:34,920 Speaker 1: numbers and go okay, if they had converted just one more, 197 00:09:35,360 --> 00:09:37,959 Speaker 1: they would have been at least at fifty percent. That 198 00:09:38,040 --> 00:09:41,640 Speaker 1: leaves eight of the twelve games where you're not even 199 00:09:41,679 --> 00:09:45,920 Speaker 1: within one conversion of hitting the fifty mark. And and 200 00:09:46,000 --> 00:09:48,720 Speaker 1: the worst has been the last three games, eight out 201 00:09:48,720 --> 00:09:51,000 Speaker 1: of thirty five collectively in the last three games for 202 00:09:51,080 --> 00:09:55,800 Speaker 1: twenty three percent. It almost defies belief that that this 203 00:09:55,880 --> 00:09:59,839 Speaker 1: Packers offense could struggle that much on third down for 204 00:10:00,200 --> 00:10:03,360 Speaker 1: this long And if there's one thing that whether it's 205 00:10:03,480 --> 00:10:06,040 Speaker 1: this Sunday or through these last four games the last 206 00:10:06,080 --> 00:10:09,439 Speaker 1: month of the season, you want to see the third 207 00:10:09,440 --> 00:10:13,240 Speaker 1: down offense look like it can. It has something it 208 00:10:13,240 --> 00:10:15,680 Speaker 1: can hang its hat on and something that will create 209 00:10:15,760 --> 00:10:18,440 Speaker 1: some consistency. Yeah, I'm actually gonna jump over you there. 210 00:10:18,440 --> 00:10:20,679 Speaker 1: I'm gonna say there's actually something else this team needs 211 00:10:20,679 --> 00:10:23,240 Speaker 1: to do over the last month of the season. Over that. 212 00:10:23,440 --> 00:10:25,599 Speaker 1: I'm gonna touch on that in one second. Leave that 213 00:10:25,600 --> 00:10:27,400 Speaker 1: as a little bit of a teaser, But to your 214 00:10:27,400 --> 00:10:30,120 Speaker 1: original point, it's a great point. And it's incredible when 215 00:10:30,160 --> 00:10:32,920 Speaker 1: you look at the stats with the amount of consistency. 216 00:10:33,400 --> 00:10:35,080 Speaker 1: You don't want to use that word, but just how 217 00:10:35,160 --> 00:10:37,120 Speaker 1: much of a struggle it's been for the Packers to 218 00:10:37,160 --> 00:10:39,240 Speaker 1: be able to convert those and and it's just been 219 00:10:39,280 --> 00:10:42,160 Speaker 1: so against what this offense has done over such a 220 00:10:42,200 --> 00:10:44,839 Speaker 1: long period of time. That's why it stands out so much. 221 00:10:44,880 --> 00:10:47,199 Speaker 1: And earlier this season it made sense because they were 222 00:10:47,240 --> 00:10:49,280 Speaker 1: in a lot of third and long situations, and and 223 00:10:49,559 --> 00:10:52,040 Speaker 1: and Aaron Rodgers talked about it, Mike McCarthy talked about it. 224 00:10:52,320 --> 00:10:55,800 Speaker 1: When you get in third and nine plus, it changes 225 00:10:55,840 --> 00:10:59,160 Speaker 1: the game. It reduces your window for what you can 226 00:10:59,200 --> 00:11:01,800 Speaker 1: put up on your call sheet, the advantage switches to 227 00:11:01,840 --> 00:11:04,360 Speaker 1: the defense. There no question. The bigger issue I think 228 00:11:04,360 --> 00:11:07,160 Speaker 1: has been more recently when it's been these intermediate third 229 00:11:07,200 --> 00:11:08,920 Speaker 1: and you know, third and five, third and six is, 230 00:11:08,960 --> 00:11:10,880 Speaker 1: and even down to third and three, third and four. 231 00:11:11,520 --> 00:11:13,319 Speaker 1: As I mentioned on one of the shows early this weekend, 232 00:11:13,320 --> 00:11:15,240 Speaker 1: it was sort of a tongue in cheek reference I 233 00:11:15,280 --> 00:11:17,160 Speaker 1: made with Madden, where you just have that one play 234 00:11:17,200 --> 00:11:19,120 Speaker 1: that you call against your buddy and you know that 235 00:11:19,120 --> 00:11:20,679 Speaker 1: you're gonna be able to move the ball on him. 236 00:11:21,480 --> 00:11:23,360 Speaker 1: I obviously I am joking, and you can't be that 237 00:11:23,440 --> 00:11:25,720 Speaker 1: simple about it. But the Packers in the past have 238 00:11:25,800 --> 00:11:27,560 Speaker 1: had those plays that they hang their hat on. They've 239 00:11:27,600 --> 00:11:29,160 Speaker 1: had those plays that you know, if you need to 240 00:11:29,160 --> 00:11:30,800 Speaker 1: get five yards, you're gonna be able to do it 241 00:11:30,880 --> 00:11:33,080 Speaker 1: this way. They just haven't been able to find that 242 00:11:33,160 --> 00:11:35,480 Speaker 1: this season. But to the other point, I want to 243 00:11:35,520 --> 00:11:38,160 Speaker 1: make even more than third downs, even more than run defense, 244 00:11:38,200 --> 00:11:41,400 Speaker 1: even more than anything else, the biggest goal and objective 245 00:11:41,440 --> 00:11:44,040 Speaker 1: I have for this team in this game. Let's just 246 00:11:44,080 --> 00:11:47,000 Speaker 1: have some fun. Because here's the thing, Mike. Last week, 247 00:11:47,120 --> 00:11:50,560 Speaker 1: whether it was offense, defense, special teams, everything, the Packers 248 00:11:50,600 --> 00:11:53,760 Speaker 1: played that game like a team not wanting to lose, 249 00:11:54,320 --> 00:11:56,120 Speaker 1: knowing that they needed to win it to be able 250 00:11:56,160 --> 00:11:58,840 Speaker 1: to get on a run here, but not really playing 251 00:11:58,920 --> 00:12:02,840 Speaker 1: that way. It just wasn't quite where it needed to be. Well, 252 00:12:02,920 --> 00:12:05,079 Speaker 1: let's be honest. Now we know what the stats are, 253 00:12:05,120 --> 00:12:07,000 Speaker 1: we know what the percentages are for the Packers to 254 00:12:07,080 --> 00:12:08,840 Speaker 1: make the playoffs. I think you win out there's a 255 00:12:09,720 --> 00:12:12,319 Speaker 1: chance you make it. Go out there and just have 256 00:12:12,400 --> 00:12:15,280 Speaker 1: some fun. Play loose. You have a new guy in 257 00:12:15,280 --> 00:12:17,400 Speaker 1: that seat. And Joe Philbin and Joe Philbin talked to 258 00:12:17,440 --> 00:12:20,240 Speaker 1: the media on Friday morning and he said, you know, 259 00:12:20,320 --> 00:12:23,440 Speaker 1: play calls are very important, but it's also about players 260 00:12:23,480 --> 00:12:25,560 Speaker 1: going out there and believing in what they're doing in 261 00:12:25,679 --> 00:12:28,480 Speaker 1: playing the game. That's what I look for the most 262 00:12:28,480 --> 00:12:30,960 Speaker 1: in this game. I'm not saying to get away from 263 00:12:31,000 --> 00:12:34,120 Speaker 1: your fundamentals or not be disciplined. All that stuff factors 264 00:12:34,120 --> 00:12:35,559 Speaker 1: into it. But I just think one of the things 265 00:12:35,679 --> 00:12:38,160 Speaker 1: during this this five out of six stretch the Packers 266 00:12:38,200 --> 00:12:41,360 Speaker 1: have struggled with, they just haven't had fun. I think 267 00:12:41,400 --> 00:12:43,000 Speaker 1: that's something I want to see in this ball game. No, 268 00:12:43,120 --> 00:12:45,600 Speaker 1: I'm with you. I think the emotional aspect of this 269 00:12:45,640 --> 00:12:48,480 Speaker 1: game is going to be very interesting to watch because 270 00:12:48,480 --> 00:12:50,040 Speaker 1: I think as you and I were in the press 271 00:12:50,080 --> 00:12:52,720 Speaker 1: box on Sunday, the Packers had to put together that 272 00:12:53,640 --> 00:12:56,160 Speaker 1: yard touchdown drive, you know, to tie up the game 273 00:12:56,200 --> 00:12:59,120 Speaker 1: and have a chance against the Cardinals, and you could 274 00:12:59,160 --> 00:13:02,040 Speaker 1: just feel it was there was so much tension in 275 00:13:02,080 --> 00:13:05,120 Speaker 1: the building because because of the opponent and because of 276 00:13:05,440 --> 00:13:07,720 Speaker 1: everything that had been going on. And then when the 277 00:13:07,760 --> 00:13:10,920 Speaker 1: Cardinals end up retaking the lead, now you've got to 278 00:13:11,000 --> 00:13:13,520 Speaker 1: drive down again and try to get some more points 279 00:13:13,520 --> 00:13:15,440 Speaker 1: to try to extend the game. And there was just 280 00:13:15,520 --> 00:13:18,439 Speaker 1: there was this incredible tension in the building and and 281 00:13:18,600 --> 00:13:21,040 Speaker 1: I'm with you, it's it's it's time. It's time to 282 00:13:21,080 --> 00:13:24,200 Speaker 1: forget about the playoffs, whatever the percentages are, and if 283 00:13:24,240 --> 00:13:26,800 Speaker 1: you can run it and all these other dominoes can fall, 284 00:13:26,840 --> 00:13:29,720 Speaker 1: and it's time to forget about all that. It's time 285 00:13:29,720 --> 00:13:32,480 Speaker 1: to get the ball with five minutes to go and 286 00:13:32,520 --> 00:13:34,520 Speaker 1: you need some points to win the game, and to 287 00:13:34,640 --> 00:13:36,760 Speaker 1: just say all right, this is it. It's like we're 288 00:13:36,840 --> 00:13:39,600 Speaker 1: we're in the backyard. This is recess at school. Let's 289 00:13:39,679 --> 00:13:42,679 Speaker 1: let's go out and have some fun and do what 290 00:13:42,720 --> 00:13:44,760 Speaker 1: we do and not worry. I mean, yes, you want 291 00:13:44,800 --> 00:13:48,080 Speaker 1: to win the game, but not worry about the consequences. 292 00:13:48,120 --> 00:13:51,120 Speaker 1: And and you know, I mean somebody makes a big play, hey, 293 00:13:51,160 --> 00:13:53,199 Speaker 1: get fired up about it. Not like, oh good, it's 294 00:13:53,200 --> 00:13:54,920 Speaker 1: a good thing. We move the chains there, boy, you 295 00:13:54,960 --> 00:13:57,280 Speaker 1: know we still got I mean, I agree with you. 296 00:13:57,320 --> 00:13:59,920 Speaker 1: I think there's a I think there's a potential emotional 297 00:14:00,040 --> 00:14:02,959 Speaker 1: aspect to this final month of the season. If you're 298 00:14:03,000 --> 00:14:05,840 Speaker 1: going to carry anything over into next year, it's for 299 00:14:05,880 --> 00:14:07,920 Speaker 1: all these guys in this locker room. However, many of 300 00:14:07,960 --> 00:14:09,600 Speaker 1: them are going to be here and not be here, 301 00:14:10,800 --> 00:14:12,440 Speaker 1: but for all these guys in the locker room to 302 00:14:12,480 --> 00:14:14,839 Speaker 1: just get back to having fun play in the game again. 303 00:14:15,000 --> 00:14:17,840 Speaker 1: And and uh, I hope they find it, even even 304 00:14:17,880 --> 00:14:21,320 Speaker 1: if it comes in defeat, whatever it is. Hopefully it 305 00:14:21,360 --> 00:14:23,480 Speaker 1: comes in a victory, but get back to having fun. 306 00:14:23,560 --> 00:14:25,680 Speaker 1: I'm totally with you. And it's one of these games too. 307 00:14:25,680 --> 00:14:27,480 Speaker 1: There's no reason why this shouldn't be one of the 308 00:14:27,480 --> 00:14:29,960 Speaker 1: more entertaining games of the Packers season, just based on 309 00:14:30,000 --> 00:14:32,640 Speaker 1: the way that dan Quinn's team has built, what Matt 310 00:14:32,720 --> 00:14:34,880 Speaker 1: Ryan can do, what Aaron Rodgers does when those two 311 00:14:34,920 --> 00:14:37,440 Speaker 1: guys are on paper against each other. This is the 312 00:14:37,520 --> 00:14:40,840 Speaker 1: fourth the third straight time the Packers are playing the 313 00:14:40,840 --> 00:14:44,320 Speaker 1: Falcons at lambeau Field in the month of December and 314 00:14:44,360 --> 00:14:47,000 Speaker 1: week fourteen. I believe that's what the status think about 315 00:14:47,040 --> 00:14:53,920 Speaker 1: those that I forgot and now right and think about 316 00:14:53,960 --> 00:14:59,240 Speaker 1: some of those other games. The shootout in ten was 317 00:14:59,280 --> 00:15:02,840 Speaker 1: the shootout, was the Matt Flynn was the Matt Flynn 318 00:15:02,880 --> 00:15:04,640 Speaker 1: game that came right down to the young The Packers 319 00:15:04,640 --> 00:15:06,960 Speaker 1: won by a point and stayed in the hunt before 320 00:15:07,040 --> 00:15:10,480 Speaker 1: Rodgers came back. Outside of probably that NFC title game 321 00:15:10,520 --> 00:15:13,480 Speaker 1: in sixteen, to be fair, have had some really competitive, 322 00:15:13,560 --> 00:15:16,200 Speaker 1: fun matchups. I want to see that come to life. 323 00:15:16,200 --> 00:15:18,680 Speaker 1: Atlanta the regular season game in sixteen. I know the 324 00:15:18,680 --> 00:15:21,320 Speaker 1: Packers lost down in Atlanta, but what was it thirty 325 00:15:21,360 --> 00:15:23,520 Speaker 1: three to thirty two or something like? I mean, you're 326 00:15:23,520 --> 00:15:25,240 Speaker 1: talk I mean at that time, Ryan was on his 327 00:15:25,320 --> 00:15:27,600 Speaker 1: way to the m v P. But we're still looking 328 00:15:27,600 --> 00:15:29,760 Speaker 1: at two quarterbacks out there on Sunday who have a 329 00:15:29,760 --> 00:15:32,560 Speaker 1: combined three m v P awards and uh and have 330 00:15:32,600 --> 00:15:34,840 Speaker 1: accomplished a lot in this league. And and yeah, I 331 00:15:35,160 --> 00:15:36,760 Speaker 1: just I hope it's a fun game to watch and 332 00:15:36,840 --> 00:15:38,600 Speaker 1: for everything that gets made out of you know, Mike 333 00:15:38,720 --> 00:15:41,400 Speaker 1: McCarthy and some of the offensive struggles that game against 334 00:15:41,480 --> 00:15:44,960 Speaker 1: the Falcons two years ago during the regular season, that was, 335 00:15:45,000 --> 00:15:46,760 Speaker 1: to my money, still one of the best games that 336 00:15:46,800 --> 00:15:49,400 Speaker 1: he called one of the best games Aaron Rodgers put together, 337 00:15:49,600 --> 00:15:52,920 Speaker 1: considering how few weapons were available to them at receiver. Yeah, 338 00:15:52,960 --> 00:15:54,800 Speaker 1: with what the Packers had to deal with that day 339 00:15:54,920 --> 00:15:57,920 Speaker 1: roster wise, and looking at who was on the inactive 340 00:15:57,960 --> 00:16:00,720 Speaker 1: list that day, ninety minutes in act, that was a 341 00:16:00,720 --> 00:16:03,080 Speaker 1: whale of a football game. It wasn't really fun football game. 342 00:16:03,120 --> 00:16:04,800 Speaker 1: So that's what I'm hoping for in this I just 343 00:16:04,880 --> 00:16:07,960 Speaker 1: think that the way everything is built for the Packers, 344 00:16:08,000 --> 00:16:10,760 Speaker 1: just play like you have nothing to lose at this point, 345 00:16:10,800 --> 00:16:13,360 Speaker 1: because it really is. I mean, you're gonna be able 346 00:16:13,400 --> 00:16:15,560 Speaker 1: once the season is over. The chips will fall where 347 00:16:15,600 --> 00:16:18,440 Speaker 1: they made a new coaching staff or however is developed. 348 00:16:18,920 --> 00:16:21,400 Speaker 1: All those things will be figured out in January and 349 00:16:21,600 --> 00:16:24,440 Speaker 1: February and March. Right now, though you have four weeks. 350 00:16:24,480 --> 00:16:25,920 Speaker 1: And then the other aspect of this too is we 351 00:16:25,960 --> 00:16:28,200 Speaker 1: talked about on yesterday's show. There's a lot of young, 352 00:16:28,280 --> 00:16:29,960 Speaker 1: hungry guys on this team that are gonna want to 353 00:16:30,000 --> 00:16:32,080 Speaker 1: show this is what I can do. This is my moment. 354 00:16:32,520 --> 00:16:34,760 Speaker 1: You know, it doesn't just have to be Tyler Lancaster 355 00:16:35,000 --> 00:16:38,560 Speaker 1: or you know, Kendall Donnerson. It is still Kenny Clark. Hey, 356 00:16:38,600 --> 00:16:40,920 Speaker 1: can I finish off a Pro Bowl season? You know 357 00:16:40,960 --> 00:16:43,000 Speaker 1: Davante Adams? Can I make a run at that record? 358 00:16:43,000 --> 00:16:46,080 Speaker 1: Can Aaron Jones get a thousand yards running? You want 359 00:16:46,080 --> 00:16:48,480 Speaker 1: to win games, you want to make the playoffs, you 360 00:16:48,480 --> 00:16:50,560 Speaker 1: want to win a Super Bowl, but you also want 361 00:16:50,560 --> 00:16:53,040 Speaker 1: to challenge yourself as an individual to be better, to 362 00:16:53,080 --> 00:16:55,760 Speaker 1: get the most audio. These are four great opportunities for 363 00:16:55,760 --> 00:16:58,000 Speaker 1: this team to do that. Yeah, I'm with you there. Hey, 364 00:16:58,040 --> 00:17:00,160 Speaker 1: before we go, let's just take a quick look at 365 00:17:00,160 --> 00:17:03,200 Speaker 1: what else is going on in the NFL, because there 366 00:17:03,200 --> 00:17:05,800 Speaker 1: there are some interesting matchups. Actually, and I'll just start 367 00:17:05,920 --> 00:17:09,000 Speaker 1: right with the other games involving the NFC North because 368 00:17:09,040 --> 00:17:11,879 Speaker 1: Sunday night football, hopefully you and I can get our 369 00:17:11,880 --> 00:17:14,520 Speaker 1: work done and and get home, put a fire in 370 00:17:14,520 --> 00:17:17,760 Speaker 1: the fireplace, and settle in for Bears against the Rams 371 00:17:18,280 --> 00:17:21,359 Speaker 1: in Chicago. Gonna be a chilly night. I would imagine 372 00:17:21,640 --> 00:17:24,720 Speaker 1: off off Lake Michigan there and uh and off of 373 00:17:24,800 --> 00:17:27,880 Speaker 1: Lake Shore Drive on the south side of Chicago. An 374 00:17:28,000 --> 00:17:30,360 Speaker 1: l A team coming into those kind of conditions. Ms. 375 00:17:30,440 --> 00:17:33,120 Speaker 1: Traubinsky presumably going to be back after missing a couple 376 00:17:33,160 --> 00:17:36,080 Speaker 1: of games for Chicago. Really interesting matchup on Sunday N 377 00:17:36,119 --> 00:17:39,080 Speaker 1: see Vic Fangio's defense match up with that Offense's gonna 378 00:17:39,080 --> 00:17:40,919 Speaker 1: be a lot of fun to watch, just with the 379 00:17:40,960 --> 00:17:42,879 Speaker 1: weapons that they have, the way they can pressure the 380 00:17:42,960 --> 00:17:45,800 Speaker 1: quarterback to get after Jared Goff, I think is gonna 381 00:17:45,800 --> 00:17:48,320 Speaker 1: be really exciting. And then even the Monday night games, 382 00:17:48,480 --> 00:17:49,760 Speaker 1: that was the other one. I was going to mention 383 00:17:49,800 --> 00:17:52,800 Speaker 1: Monday night football Minnesota and Seattle. I mean, Mike, I 384 00:17:52,840 --> 00:17:55,000 Speaker 1: don't want to, you know, be labor what happened last 385 00:17:55,000 --> 00:17:57,280 Speaker 1: week and how tough that was for the Packers. But 386 00:17:57,359 --> 00:17:59,200 Speaker 1: one of the reasons why that game was so important 387 00:17:59,240 --> 00:18:01,919 Speaker 1: was because the NFC North has some tough games coming up. 388 00:18:02,000 --> 00:18:04,680 Speaker 1: Yet everything went pretty much the way you would want 389 00:18:04,800 --> 00:18:07,080 Speaker 1: to go if you're the Packers. And and if the 390 00:18:07,080 --> 00:18:10,280 Speaker 1: Packers were five six and one right now instead of 391 00:18:10,280 --> 00:18:12,639 Speaker 1: four seven and one, a lot of and no I'm 392 00:18:12,680 --> 00:18:14,920 Speaker 1: not just talking about the head coaching situation, a lot 393 00:18:14,960 --> 00:18:17,120 Speaker 1: of things would look different because we wouldn't be talking 394 00:18:17,200 --> 00:18:20,119 Speaker 1: about having so many dominoes that need to fall in 395 00:18:20,160 --> 00:18:22,359 Speaker 1: order to make the playoffs. Everything would look different. But 396 00:18:22,960 --> 00:18:25,600 Speaker 1: with where the Packers are right now, this this Viking 397 00:18:25,600 --> 00:18:28,080 Speaker 1: Seahawks game is really intrigued. Yeah, and trust me, I 398 00:18:28,080 --> 00:18:30,320 Speaker 1: get it. The Packers season did not go according to plan. 399 00:18:30,400 --> 00:18:32,320 Speaker 1: They made a coaching change for the first time in 400 00:18:32,400 --> 00:18:35,320 Speaker 1: sixty five years during the season. But the thing that 401 00:18:35,400 --> 00:18:38,399 Speaker 1: stands out to me that's the strangest about this is 402 00:18:38,440 --> 00:18:40,720 Speaker 1: that you look at what the Vikings are going through 403 00:18:40,800 --> 00:18:42,840 Speaker 1: right now. And Kirk Cousins, I believe, had mentioned this 404 00:18:42,880 --> 00:18:46,520 Speaker 1: to the Minnesota Meeting media on Friday morning or maybe 405 00:18:46,520 --> 00:18:48,920 Speaker 1: it was Thursday afternoon, about you know, we haven't put 406 00:18:48,960 --> 00:18:51,199 Speaker 1: ourselves in the position we wanted to be in to 407 00:18:51,280 --> 00:18:53,439 Speaker 1: be a Super Bowl contender, to be one of the 408 00:18:53,520 --> 00:18:56,760 Speaker 1: NFL NFC's elite. Well, now you're taking on arguably the 409 00:18:56,760 --> 00:18:59,560 Speaker 1: hottest team in the league right now in Seattle. They 410 00:19:00,000 --> 00:19:01,880 Speaker 1: be able to put together. They got hot in that 411 00:19:01,960 --> 00:19:04,639 Speaker 1: fourth quarter against the Packers out there and and I 412 00:19:04,680 --> 00:19:08,320 Speaker 1: mean primetime Century Link Field, it's the perfect environment for 413 00:19:08,480 --> 00:19:11,400 Speaker 1: the Seahawks to Obviously, they beat the Packers, and they're 414 00:19:11,400 --> 00:19:13,480 Speaker 1: going to get that same thing on Monday night playing 415 00:19:13,560 --> 00:19:16,560 Speaker 1: at home against the Vikings. Whoever loses that game is 416 00:19:16,560 --> 00:19:19,440 Speaker 1: not out of the NFC. Playoff picture by any means, 417 00:19:19,440 --> 00:19:22,040 Speaker 1: But it's a really important game for somebody, for one 418 00:19:22,080 --> 00:19:24,399 Speaker 1: of those two teams to make a statement and to 419 00:19:24,480 --> 00:19:26,720 Speaker 1: say that we are we are going to be in 420 00:19:26,760 --> 00:19:30,200 Speaker 1: this thing because uh and certainly for the Vikings, um, 421 00:19:30,240 --> 00:19:32,600 Speaker 1: if they can, if they can win on the road 422 00:19:32,840 --> 00:19:35,960 Speaker 1: at Century Link in a primetime game against the hot 423 00:19:36,000 --> 00:19:38,600 Speaker 1: Seahawks team, all of a sudden, the narrative on the 424 00:19:38,680 --> 00:19:41,040 Speaker 1: Vikings you can sense it. It's gonna it's it's gonna 425 00:19:41,160 --> 00:19:44,800 Speaker 1: flip because because you know, they beat the Packers, but 426 00:19:44,800 --> 00:19:46,520 Speaker 1: then they had to play the Patriots last week, a 427 00:19:46,600 --> 00:19:48,280 Speaker 1: tough loss on the road. Now they're going on the 428 00:19:48,359 --> 00:19:51,479 Speaker 1: road again to another tough place, just as the narrative 429 00:19:51,480 --> 00:19:54,000 Speaker 1: with the Packers would have changed if one of those close, 430 00:19:54,080 --> 00:19:56,560 Speaker 1: tough road games would have gone the other way. That's 431 00:19:56,560 --> 00:19:58,840 Speaker 1: what the Vikings are looking for right now. Yeah, definitely 432 00:19:58,920 --> 00:20:00,439 Speaker 1: they have a big game there to show that what 433 00:20:00,480 --> 00:20:02,880 Speaker 1: they solve in front of them and to me, Mike, 434 00:20:02,920 --> 00:20:04,679 Speaker 1: game we will not probably be able to see, but 435 00:20:04,840 --> 00:20:07,280 Speaker 1: for my money, might be the most important game of 436 00:20:07,320 --> 00:20:11,199 Speaker 1: the season. Listen to me. With the hyperbolet Philadelphia traveling 437 00:20:11,240 --> 00:20:14,800 Speaker 1: to Dallas, Washington, they lost Colt McCoy. Now it looks 438 00:20:14,800 --> 00:20:17,320 Speaker 1: like Mark Sanchez is gonna be their quarterback, down to 439 00:20:17,359 --> 00:20:20,200 Speaker 1: their third stringer. Their seasons going in a certain direction, 440 00:20:20,560 --> 00:20:23,399 Speaker 1: and you have Doug Peterson with those Eagles kind of 441 00:20:23,480 --> 00:20:26,480 Speaker 1: rising from the dead like the undertaker here trying to 442 00:20:26,520 --> 00:20:29,320 Speaker 1: make a playoff push in Dallas is another team that's 443 00:20:29,400 --> 00:20:31,760 Speaker 1: very hot to coming off a huge emotional victory. It's 444 00:20:31,760 --> 00:20:34,280 Speaker 1: gonna be a great week of football. Yeah, it's gonna 445 00:20:34,320 --> 00:20:36,840 Speaker 1: it's gonna be a big time weekend. So everybody enjoy 446 00:20:36,880 --> 00:20:38,919 Speaker 1: it for sure. And with that we'll call it a 447 00:20:38,920 --> 00:20:41,200 Speaker 1: wrap on this edition of Packers on Scripted. Be sure 448 00:20:41,240 --> 00:20:42,920 Speaker 1: to follow all of our coverage of the team and 449 00:20:43,040 --> 00:20:46,840 Speaker 1: of Sunday's game from lambeau Field on Packers dot com. 450 00:20:46,920 --> 00:20:49,160 Speaker 1: On Twitter, He's at west Hot, I'm at Mike Spofford 451 00:20:49,200 --> 00:20:51,920 Speaker 1: at Packers for the team account. Thanks for tuning in, everybody, 452 00:20:52,320 --> 00:21:00,320 Speaker 1: See you next time. One