1 00:00:15,880 --> 00:00:19,079 Speaker 1: Hi everybody, Merry Christmas and welcome to another edition of 2 00:00:19,160 --> 00:00:22,680 Speaker 1: Packers Unscripted from Packers dot Com. I am Mike Spoffer, 3 00:00:22,800 --> 00:00:25,479 Speaker 1: joined by the one and only Wes Hodkowitz. Coming to 4 00:00:25,520 --> 00:00:29,080 Speaker 1: you hear from our studios at lambeau Field Short week 5 00:00:29,120 --> 00:00:32,199 Speaker 1: holiday week. Kind of a double duty episode here, like 6 00:00:32,280 --> 00:00:37,600 Speaker 1: we did with the Thursday games earlier this season, we 7 00:00:37,680 --> 00:00:40,280 Speaker 1: need to recap a Packer's victory and look ahead to 8 00:00:40,360 --> 00:00:43,479 Speaker 1: a big game coming up next week. West will start 9 00:00:43,520 --> 00:00:47,400 Speaker 1: Monday Night Football thirty four to nothing. The Packers take 10 00:00:47,440 --> 00:00:51,520 Speaker 1: care of business against the Saints clinch their playoff spot 11 00:00:51,600 --> 00:00:55,640 Speaker 1: in the NFC. Quite frankly, New Orleans was just overmatched 12 00:00:55,640 --> 00:00:57,920 Speaker 1: in this one, and it seemed pretty obvious by about 13 00:00:57,960 --> 00:00:59,520 Speaker 1: the early portion of the second quarter. 14 00:00:59,640 --> 00:01:02,440 Speaker 2: Yeah. Really, with all the respect to the Saints, I mean, 15 00:01:02,440 --> 00:01:05,039 Speaker 2: it was the first two Packers offensive possessions that just 16 00:01:05,120 --> 00:01:07,840 Speaker 2: sort of told you what this game was going to be. 17 00:01:07,959 --> 00:01:11,440 Speaker 2: Like twenty seven plays, fourteen points. The Saints counter with 18 00:01:11,520 --> 00:01:15,319 Speaker 2: nine plays, zero points. And while Green Bay's offense, you know, 19 00:01:15,360 --> 00:01:17,720 Speaker 2: at times, there was fits and starts, after the first 20 00:01:17,800 --> 00:01:22,559 Speaker 2: two quarters, they just never really gave the Saints any 21 00:01:22,640 --> 00:01:25,080 Speaker 2: room for hope. The Saints looked like a team that 22 00:01:25,160 --> 00:01:28,679 Speaker 2: was starting their backup quarterback with a backup running back, 23 00:01:28,880 --> 00:01:33,000 Speaker 2: with backup receivers. Fortunately, some injuries on the offense as well. 24 00:01:34,080 --> 00:01:36,760 Speaker 2: I think what was the most impressive to me, though, 25 00:01:36,959 --> 00:01:40,880 Speaker 2: was the way that Green Bay built this game plan 26 00:01:42,200 --> 00:01:46,880 Speaker 2: and the execution of it was exactly what you wanted. 27 00:01:47,400 --> 00:01:49,280 Speaker 2: I was talking with bow Melton in the locker room 28 00:01:49,320 --> 00:01:52,080 Speaker 2: afterwards and he mentioned how you know on film they 29 00:01:52,080 --> 00:01:55,800 Speaker 2: saw defensively they were giving up a lot of yards 30 00:01:55,920 --> 00:01:59,200 Speaker 2: on the edges, so they ran some stuff outside for 31 00:01:59,280 --> 00:02:02,760 Speaker 2: Josh Jacob. They got their sweeps going with the receivers. 32 00:02:02,800 --> 00:02:05,280 Speaker 2: The end to round game, you end up having nine 33 00:02:05,360 --> 00:02:08,320 Speaker 2: different ball carriers in this game for green Bay, first 34 00:02:08,320 --> 00:02:11,519 Speaker 2: time they've done that since nineteen fifty three. Three running 35 00:02:11,560 --> 00:02:14,000 Speaker 2: backs end up with touchdowns, the first time that's happened 36 00:02:14,000 --> 00:02:15,200 Speaker 2: since two thousand and nine. 37 00:02:15,400 --> 00:02:18,360 Speaker 1: Tossing in the Tucker Craft quarterbacks neque to pick up 38 00:02:18,360 --> 00:02:20,120 Speaker 1: a first down there early in the ballgame. 39 00:02:20,160 --> 00:02:22,799 Speaker 2: Two three for three now on the year for Tucker 40 00:02:23,080 --> 00:02:27,960 Speaker 2: in those instances. So and I think, again conversation I 41 00:02:28,000 --> 00:02:30,680 Speaker 2: had afterwards with Don Tavian Wicks, the Packers still feel 42 00:02:30,720 --> 00:02:32,760 Speaker 2: like they'd haven't played their best football game. Yet they 43 00:02:32,800 --> 00:02:35,200 Speaker 2: still felt like there were things they didn't do particularly 44 00:02:35,240 --> 00:02:38,480 Speaker 2: well in this game. But when everything was on the table, 45 00:02:38,520 --> 00:02:41,160 Speaker 2: this is a team that clinches its spot in the postseason. 46 00:02:41,639 --> 00:02:43,400 Speaker 2: The New Orleans Saints fall to zero to five on 47 00:02:43,440 --> 00:02:45,720 Speaker 2: this year when Derek Carr is not starting under center 48 00:02:45,800 --> 00:02:48,680 Speaker 2: for them, and everything was sort of what it was. 49 00:02:48,919 --> 00:02:52,880 Speaker 1: Yeah, you mentioned the running game, just setting the tone 50 00:02:52,880 --> 00:02:56,080 Speaker 1: for green Bay. Josh Jacobs once again goes over one 51 00:02:56,120 --> 00:02:58,920 Speaker 1: hundred combined yards. As far as the rushing and the 52 00:02:58,960 --> 00:03:02,040 Speaker 1: receiving put together, again, he was just a physical presence 53 00:03:02,040 --> 00:03:06,520 Speaker 1: out there, breaking tackles, stiff arming a Pro Bowl safety 54 00:03:06,520 --> 00:03:09,800 Speaker 1: there in Tyron Matthew down by the goal line. The 55 00:03:09,840 --> 00:03:12,960 Speaker 1: Packers end up scoring touchdowns on their first three possessions, 56 00:03:12,960 --> 00:03:15,160 Speaker 1: the first time in four years that Green Bay has 57 00:03:15,200 --> 00:03:18,040 Speaker 1: done that in a game. Three possessions, three touchdowns to 58 00:03:18,040 --> 00:03:20,239 Speaker 1: start the game, and at the time that the score 59 00:03:20,320 --> 00:03:22,320 Speaker 1: was twenty one to zero, the New Orleans Saints had 60 00:03:22,360 --> 00:03:27,480 Speaker 1: twenty one total yards of offense. Defensively, the Packers were 61 00:03:27,480 --> 00:03:30,320 Speaker 1: on their way to a shutout, the second shutout of 62 00:03:30,360 --> 00:03:34,040 Speaker 1: the Matt Lafleur era, joining the twenty twenty one shutout 63 00:03:34,080 --> 00:03:36,760 Speaker 1: of the Seattle Seahawks, but also the first shutout in 64 00:03:36,800 --> 00:03:39,040 Speaker 1: the NFL in twenty twenty four, which I had no 65 00:03:39,160 --> 00:03:42,160 Speaker 1: idea that was the case until after the game when 66 00:03:42,240 --> 00:03:46,040 Speaker 1: that started to circulate, I did not realize that there 67 00:03:46,040 --> 00:03:49,280 Speaker 1: hadn't been a shutout in the NFL this season. The 68 00:03:49,320 --> 00:03:52,240 Speaker 1: Saints limited to just one hundred and ninety six total yards. 69 00:03:52,440 --> 00:03:55,960 Speaker 1: The Packers get two turnovers defensively. Keishawn Nixon gets a 70 00:03:55,960 --> 00:04:00,080 Speaker 1: strip sack on a blitz coming off the slot, and 71 00:04:00,600 --> 00:04:03,840 Speaker 1: then Zane Anderson gets an interception on a ball that 72 00:04:04,440 --> 00:04:06,600 Speaker 1: a rookie quarterback is going to learn from, you don't 73 00:04:06,600 --> 00:04:10,360 Speaker 1: throw that pass. Zane Anderson, to his credit, his first 74 00:04:10,600 --> 00:04:14,440 Speaker 1: career interception, making his first start in place of in 75 00:04:14,520 --> 00:04:16,960 Speaker 1: place of Evan Williams, who was I guess sort of 76 00:04:17,000 --> 00:04:19,120 Speaker 1: a late scratch in a sense where he popped up 77 00:04:19,160 --> 00:04:22,839 Speaker 1: on the injury report on Saturday. But again I think 78 00:04:23,080 --> 00:04:25,799 Speaker 1: when you look at that, you look at what Zane 79 00:04:25,800 --> 00:04:29,240 Speaker 1: Anderson did. You mentioned both of Green Bay's backup running 80 00:04:29,279 --> 00:04:33,599 Speaker 1: backs scoring touchdowns in this game. The Saints were really 81 00:04:33,600 --> 00:04:36,240 Speaker 1: banged up, but the Packers just showed they have so 82 00:04:36,320 --> 00:04:38,840 Speaker 1: much more depth than New Orleans does. I mean the 83 00:04:39,600 --> 00:04:44,039 Speaker 1: Packers depth in this game was just far superior to 84 00:04:44,080 --> 00:04:46,719 Speaker 1: anything the Saints could put on the field when their 85 00:04:46,720 --> 00:04:49,800 Speaker 1: starters weren't available, and the final results showed it well. 86 00:04:49,880 --> 00:04:52,479 Speaker 2: Rob Damowsky had this tweet two I think it was 87 00:04:52,720 --> 00:04:57,000 Speaker 2: citing ESPN stats at info. The Saints got inside the 88 00:04:57,000 --> 00:04:57,920 Speaker 2: thirty yard line. 89 00:04:58,360 --> 00:05:00,800 Speaker 1: The ESPN stats in both and got it cracks me. 90 00:05:00,960 --> 00:05:03,520 Speaker 2: Usually I always say Demo ski stats. Well, I actually 91 00:05:03,520 --> 00:05:07,080 Speaker 2: credited appropriately this time. That's the Saints got into the 92 00:05:07,120 --> 00:05:09,400 Speaker 2: thirty yard line of the Packers twice, and both times 93 00:05:09,440 --> 00:05:12,680 Speaker 2: they end up turning over the football. The Dante Pettis 94 00:05:12,720 --> 00:05:14,920 Speaker 2: pass for twenty yards was probably the best one that 95 00:05:15,560 --> 00:05:18,080 Speaker 2: Rattler threw in this game. And then the next play, 96 00:05:18,080 --> 00:05:20,239 Speaker 2: as you said, Zane Anderson leaps in front of that pass. 97 00:05:20,360 --> 00:05:22,520 Speaker 1: I think I think Rattler was starting to feel himself. 98 00:05:22,720 --> 00:05:23,440 Speaker 2: He was too much. 99 00:05:23,440 --> 00:05:26,000 Speaker 1: After that, he makes a great play. He steps up 100 00:05:26,000 --> 00:05:28,479 Speaker 1: in the pocket, kind of throws a jump pass to 101 00:05:28,520 --> 00:05:30,800 Speaker 1: convert a third and seventeen. Heck of a play. You 102 00:05:30,839 --> 00:05:32,960 Speaker 1: tip your you tip your head to the kid. Then 103 00:05:33,000 --> 00:05:35,400 Speaker 1: he's you know, then he's out there thinking he's you know, 104 00:05:35,520 --> 00:05:37,919 Speaker 1: John Elway, you know, rolling out to the right, throwing 105 00:05:38,000 --> 00:05:40,800 Speaker 1: back across the field to the left, and Zane Anderson 106 00:05:40,839 --> 00:05:43,520 Speaker 1: gets you know what, not only his first interception, Well, 107 00:05:43,520 --> 00:05:45,360 Speaker 1: it might be the easiest one he'll ever have in 108 00:05:45,400 --> 00:05:45,839 Speaker 1: his career. 109 00:05:45,880 --> 00:05:48,400 Speaker 2: But you know what, We were talking with Zaane about 110 00:05:48,400 --> 00:05:50,440 Speaker 2: this afterwards, and he didn't say this, but I was 111 00:05:50,480 --> 00:05:52,800 Speaker 2: thinking that those are the interceptions you got to make 112 00:05:52,800 --> 00:05:55,040 Speaker 2: in this league. Yeah, when a quarterback puts it out there, 113 00:05:55,160 --> 00:05:58,160 Speaker 2: and a guy like Zane Anderson, who had a few 114 00:05:58,200 --> 00:06:01,080 Speaker 2: reps at safety this week, and then Evan Williams goes 115 00:06:01,120 --> 00:06:04,279 Speaker 2: down on Friday with the quadricep with draws for practice 116 00:06:04,320 --> 00:06:06,680 Speaker 2: or was limited in practice, can't go in this game. 117 00:06:06,960 --> 00:06:10,520 Speaker 2: He's suddenly making his first NFL start. It can't always 118 00:06:10,520 --> 00:06:13,360 Speaker 2: be Xavier McKenny. It can't always be Orshaun Gary or 119 00:06:13,440 --> 00:06:17,479 Speaker 2: Kenny Clark or Edger and Cooper. Sometimes it's Karenton Valentine 120 00:06:17,480 --> 00:06:20,720 Speaker 2: getting his first pick. Sometimes it's San Anderson getting that pick. 121 00:06:20,720 --> 00:06:23,760 Speaker 2: And I'll give credit to Rattler with this too. If 122 00:06:23,760 --> 00:06:25,680 Speaker 2: you look at his statistics this year when he's been 123 00:06:25,720 --> 00:06:28,320 Speaker 2: out there for the Saints, there's a pretty big dichotomy 124 00:06:28,360 --> 00:06:30,200 Speaker 2: between when they're in a two minute offense and the 125 00:06:30,279 --> 00:06:32,760 Speaker 2: production he's had and when they've been running their standard set. 126 00:06:33,040 --> 00:06:34,920 Speaker 2: They got back into that two minute rhythm and it 127 00:06:35,000 --> 00:06:37,159 Speaker 2: seemed like you said, he was kind of feeling himself again, 128 00:06:37,400 --> 00:06:39,440 Speaker 2: and that could have been a major turning point, you know, 129 00:06:39,520 --> 00:06:41,719 Speaker 2: in terms of being able to double up potentially have 130 00:06:41,800 --> 00:06:45,480 Speaker 2: other opportunities present themselves. Green Bay did not allow that. 131 00:06:45,680 --> 00:06:47,360 Speaker 2: They did not allow them at the end of the half. 132 00:06:47,360 --> 00:06:49,279 Speaker 2: They did not allow them in that situation to have 133 00:06:49,400 --> 00:06:52,559 Speaker 2: any opportunity to come back in this thing. Keishawn Nixon 134 00:06:52,600 --> 00:06:56,839 Speaker 2: afterwards was talking about it. Jeff Hafley, You know, this 135 00:06:57,040 --> 00:06:58,920 Speaker 2: was never the goal to go in and have like, Okay, 136 00:06:58,920 --> 00:07:01,120 Speaker 2: we're gonna shut out the Saints. But this is a 137 00:07:01,160 --> 00:07:03,920 Speaker 2: testament to those guys stepping up. Greenbay had plenty of 138 00:07:03,960 --> 00:07:07,080 Speaker 2: injuries on their side of the ball to defensively halfway, 139 00:07:07,360 --> 00:07:09,680 Speaker 2: I feel like this defense has been working towards this 140 00:07:10,280 --> 00:07:12,000 Speaker 2: and with this shutout and with as you said, one 141 00:07:12,080 --> 00:07:14,680 Speaker 2: hundred ninety six total yards allowed, Greenmay now sixth and 142 00:07:14,760 --> 00:07:17,800 Speaker 2: total or six and scoring defense seventh and total defense. 143 00:07:18,960 --> 00:07:21,040 Speaker 2: When you look at the balance and the complexity of 144 00:07:21,080 --> 00:07:24,000 Speaker 2: a seventeen game season, when you face an opponent like this, 145 00:07:24,080 --> 00:07:26,280 Speaker 2: the green Bay Packers did exactly what they were supposed 146 00:07:26,320 --> 00:07:26,520 Speaker 2: to do. 147 00:07:26,680 --> 00:07:30,960 Speaker 1: Yeah, the green Bay's defense is definitely uh trending upward. 148 00:07:31,000 --> 00:07:35,480 Speaker 1: The the only real negative coming out of this big 149 00:07:35,520 --> 00:07:38,000 Speaker 1: Monday Night win for green Bay was was the health 150 00:07:38,040 --> 00:07:41,040 Speaker 1: Department finding out that Evan Williams, for one on the 151 00:07:41,080 --> 00:07:44,240 Speaker 1: defensive side, the rookie safety, it sounds like he could 152 00:07:44,240 --> 00:07:46,440 Speaker 1: be out at least through the end of the regular season, 153 00:07:46,480 --> 00:07:50,520 Speaker 1: Matt Lafleur saying hopefully he can be back for the playoffs, 154 00:07:50,520 --> 00:07:52,960 Speaker 1: but it sounds like he will be down at least 155 00:07:52,960 --> 00:07:56,480 Speaker 1: for a little bit, and then a lot of concern 156 00:07:57,120 --> 00:07:59,640 Speaker 1: just because of the uncertainty at the moment with Christian 157 00:07:59,640 --> 00:08:02,760 Speaker 1: Watts and who. On one of those end a rounds 158 00:08:02,800 --> 00:08:05,800 Speaker 1: in the red zone, he ends up just awkwardly getting 159 00:08:05,880 --> 00:08:08,960 Speaker 1: landed on while he's out of bounds by a Saints 160 00:08:09,000 --> 00:08:15,760 Speaker 1: defender and seems to have reaggravated something from his knee 161 00:08:15,800 --> 00:08:18,840 Speaker 1: from a little bit earlier this season. He tried to 162 00:08:18,840 --> 00:08:22,160 Speaker 1: come back into the game, wasn't you know, wasn't having it. 163 00:08:22,200 --> 00:08:25,840 Speaker 1: Had to shut it down at the time that that 164 00:08:25,920 --> 00:08:29,120 Speaker 1: we're taping this episode. There may be some some testing 165 00:08:29,160 --> 00:08:31,480 Speaker 1: and whatnot going on We'll see if Matt Lafleur later 166 00:08:31,520 --> 00:08:34,560 Speaker 1: today has an update just some where things are with 167 00:08:34,559 --> 00:08:38,400 Speaker 1: with Christian Watson. But really the you know that that 168 00:08:38,520 --> 00:08:42,080 Speaker 1: injury situation and finding those kinds of things out as 169 00:08:42,440 --> 00:08:44,920 Speaker 1: as the Packers are trying to make a push here 170 00:08:44,960 --> 00:08:49,199 Speaker 1: for the best playoff seed possible. That was certainly concerning. 171 00:08:49,280 --> 00:08:51,640 Speaker 2: Well, what hurt the most was talking to you know, 172 00:08:51,720 --> 00:08:55,040 Speaker 2: hearing Christian speak after the game, the fact that he 173 00:08:55,080 --> 00:08:56,840 Speaker 2: felt like there were things he could have done to 174 00:08:56,840 --> 00:08:59,760 Speaker 2: try to turn on the burners a little faster, maybe 175 00:08:59,760 --> 00:09:01,840 Speaker 2: get to the end zone, maybe score on that end 176 00:09:01,880 --> 00:09:04,360 Speaker 2: around where then you're not in a position where you're 177 00:09:04,400 --> 00:09:07,240 Speaker 2: having two defenders hit you on the sideline. Yeah, it's 178 00:09:07,280 --> 00:09:09,280 Speaker 2: those small plays. I know. It's something that a lot 179 00:09:09,320 --> 00:09:11,240 Speaker 2: of guys have talked about in the past. It's something 180 00:09:11,280 --> 00:09:14,679 Speaker 2: that you know, Mercedes Lewis always used to talk about. 181 00:09:14,880 --> 00:09:18,120 Speaker 2: It's not just injuries, it's the positions that you end 182 00:09:18,200 --> 00:09:21,480 Speaker 2: up in that cause injuries. And unfortunately for Christian that's 183 00:09:21,480 --> 00:09:24,160 Speaker 2: what happened on that play. A credit to his toughness, 184 00:09:24,160 --> 00:09:25,960 Speaker 2: he did try to go back out there. It wasn't 185 00:09:26,000 --> 00:09:28,400 Speaker 2: responding the way he wanted it to. He did say 186 00:09:28,440 --> 00:09:30,400 Speaker 2: on Tuesday they were going to get some you know, 187 00:09:30,440 --> 00:09:34,520 Speaker 2: get that checked out. See where things are again the 188 00:09:34,640 --> 00:09:36,760 Speaker 2: end to rounds in this game, and the sweeps were 189 00:09:36,840 --> 00:09:40,280 Speaker 2: so critical. I thought to building that early momentum. Whether 190 00:09:40,320 --> 00:09:43,040 Speaker 2: it was Christian two for twenty three I think, which 191 00:09:43,080 --> 00:09:45,320 Speaker 2: was over span of maybe three or four plays, Bo 192 00:09:45,440 --> 00:09:48,359 Speaker 2: Melton had one for fourteen, Jaden Reed does it constantly. 193 00:09:49,160 --> 00:09:52,040 Speaker 2: They were able to stretch the Saints and make them 194 00:09:52,120 --> 00:09:56,160 Speaker 2: run and I just felt like those long, meticulous drives, 195 00:09:56,160 --> 00:09:59,160 Speaker 2: a seventeen ninety six yard touchdown drive that eats up 196 00:09:59,160 --> 00:10:01,800 Speaker 2: almost nine minutes or whatever it was off the clock, 197 00:10:02,360 --> 00:10:05,280 Speaker 2: those things are just demoralizing for defense, and Green Bay 198 00:10:05,280 --> 00:10:08,480 Speaker 2: had that early on. Unfortunately they finished this game though 199 00:10:08,480 --> 00:10:09,760 Speaker 2: without number nine on the field. 200 00:10:10,200 --> 00:10:12,880 Speaker 1: It did seem like and I think it was one 201 00:10:12,880 --> 00:10:15,200 Speaker 1: of the players you quoted in one of your postgame 202 00:10:15,280 --> 00:10:17,880 Speaker 1: stories talking about and it might have been Melton who 203 00:10:18,000 --> 00:10:22,480 Speaker 1: said that they noticed the Saints weren't necessarily chasing the 204 00:10:22,520 --> 00:10:25,520 Speaker 1: guys going in motion, So that sort of set the 205 00:10:25,559 --> 00:10:27,680 Speaker 1: stage for all right, Well, then, yeah, you try the 206 00:10:27,760 --> 00:10:29,959 Speaker 1: end around, you try the jet sweep kind of stuff 207 00:10:30,000 --> 00:10:31,880 Speaker 1: to see if you can get the edge, and you 208 00:10:31,920 --> 00:10:34,679 Speaker 1: wonder just how much of that is a function of Okay, 209 00:10:35,040 --> 00:10:37,480 Speaker 1: they're not going to chase the motion guys, because Josh 210 00:10:37,559 --> 00:10:39,880 Speaker 1: Jacobs is back, They're ready to ramp the ball down 211 00:10:39,920 --> 00:10:43,440 Speaker 1: your throat. So if the Packers are seeing that and 212 00:10:43,480 --> 00:10:45,760 Speaker 1: reading that, and then they can make the adjustments. I mean, 213 00:10:46,000 --> 00:10:47,720 Speaker 1: for the Packers to have one hundred and eighty eight 214 00:10:47,800 --> 00:10:50,199 Speaker 1: rushing yards in this game and Josh Jacobs had sixty 215 00:10:50,280 --> 00:10:52,120 Speaker 1: nine of them, yes, you know, I mean that says 216 00:10:52,160 --> 00:10:55,319 Speaker 1: something about the variety and the way they can go, 217 00:10:55,760 --> 00:10:58,120 Speaker 1: the way they can go about it as things move 218 00:10:58,120 --> 00:10:58,400 Speaker 1: a little. 219 00:10:58,480 --> 00:11:00,600 Speaker 2: It was telling too they opened the game and the 220 00:11:00,640 --> 00:11:04,120 Speaker 2: two RB package, but it was Jacob's and Reid and 221 00:11:04,480 --> 00:11:07,319 Speaker 2: I feel like as this thing goes on that it's 222 00:11:07,360 --> 00:11:09,240 Speaker 2: going to be a very important look for them. Now 223 00:11:09,240 --> 00:11:11,440 Speaker 2: they've done those type of things before, but think about it. 224 00:11:11,480 --> 00:11:14,360 Speaker 2: They open up in that look read I believe motioned 225 00:11:14,400 --> 00:11:16,240 Speaker 2: out and on the next play they could still stick 226 00:11:16,280 --> 00:11:19,000 Speaker 2: with eleven personnel and Read now is out as a 227 00:11:19,040 --> 00:11:21,080 Speaker 2: receiver and you can go back to a one back set. 228 00:11:21,880 --> 00:11:23,839 Speaker 2: That's the type of stuff the defenses are going to 229 00:11:23,920 --> 00:11:25,840 Speaker 2: have to account for. The Packers have put that on 230 00:11:25,920 --> 00:11:30,120 Speaker 2: film now and now going into the playoffs. That's another 231 00:11:30,120 --> 00:11:33,199 Speaker 2: feather in the cap. When Jacobs leaves the game, Emmanuel 232 00:11:33,200 --> 00:11:36,880 Speaker 2: Wilson and Chris Brooks are doing two backpackages together. Brooks 233 00:11:36,920 --> 00:11:39,160 Speaker 2: gets his first NFL touchdown after he gives up that 234 00:11:39,200 --> 00:11:42,800 Speaker 2: one against Jacksonville. Emmanuel gets his in the fourth quarter. 235 00:11:46,320 --> 00:11:48,480 Speaker 2: For as much as we've talked about Josh Jacobs this 236 00:11:48,520 --> 00:11:51,960 Speaker 2: season and him being the bellcow, green Bay showed in 237 00:11:51,960 --> 00:11:53,720 Speaker 2: this game when he does go, you know, they shut 238 00:11:53,800 --> 00:11:55,599 Speaker 2: him down basically after they get to twenty four to 239 00:11:55,640 --> 00:11:58,000 Speaker 2: nothing that they have other guys they can turn to. 240 00:11:58,520 --> 00:12:00,760 Speaker 2: I think that's going to be you know, you know, 241 00:12:00,840 --> 00:12:03,960 Speaker 2: for the versatility and the complexity of this scheme. 242 00:12:03,760 --> 00:12:05,719 Speaker 1: Yeah, no doubt about it. And certainly a shout out 243 00:12:05,760 --> 00:12:07,960 Speaker 1: to the offensive line here for green Bay, not only 244 00:12:08,040 --> 00:12:11,240 Speaker 1: the way those guys paved the way for the rushing 245 00:12:11,320 --> 00:12:14,280 Speaker 1: yards and with the variety of ways the Packers are 246 00:12:14,320 --> 00:12:17,800 Speaker 1: running the ball. But Jordan Love doesn't get sacked once again. 247 00:12:17,840 --> 00:12:19,840 Speaker 1: This was a defense, as we had talked about a 248 00:12:19,840 --> 00:12:22,640 Speaker 1: lot last week. They had eight sacks the previous week 249 00:12:22,679 --> 00:12:26,040 Speaker 1: against Washington. Jordan Love doesn't get sacked once. The Packers 250 00:12:26,080 --> 00:12:28,840 Speaker 1: up to now four games in the last four games. 251 00:12:29,280 --> 00:12:32,800 Speaker 1: The only sack of Jordan Love was the opening offensive 252 00:12:32,840 --> 00:12:36,600 Speaker 1: play in Detroit on that Thursday night game. Not a 253 00:12:36,880 --> 00:12:39,640 Speaker 1: you know, crazy good game for Jordan Love, but certainly 254 00:12:39,720 --> 00:12:42,200 Speaker 1: he was efficient enough, made some plays. You know, he 255 00:12:42,280 --> 00:12:45,840 Speaker 1: was just a little bit off target on some downfield throws, 256 00:12:46,200 --> 00:12:48,600 Speaker 1: but really only put the ball in Harm's way once 257 00:12:48,720 --> 00:12:50,959 Speaker 1: where the Saints had a chance at an interception off 258 00:12:50,960 --> 00:12:53,840 Speaker 1: of deflection that didn't happen. So it became another turnover 259 00:12:53,920 --> 00:12:57,240 Speaker 1: free game for green Bay. And I mean, you know, 260 00:12:57,280 --> 00:12:59,520 Speaker 1: when you get up on a team twenty one to nothing, 261 00:13:00,080 --> 00:13:04,599 Speaker 1: it's all about just limiting, if not eliminating your mistakes 262 00:13:04,600 --> 00:13:09,080 Speaker 1: on offense. Because as we saw last week, it's you know, 263 00:13:09,480 --> 00:13:12,600 Speaker 1: the unfortunate fumbled by Josh Jacobs that suddenly got Seattle 264 00:13:12,640 --> 00:13:15,680 Speaker 1: back into a game when green Bay was in total command. 265 00:13:16,040 --> 00:13:18,280 Speaker 1: That type of mistake didn't happen in this game, So 266 00:13:18,320 --> 00:13:22,120 Speaker 1: the Packers stayed in command and the defense just the 267 00:13:22,160 --> 00:13:24,760 Speaker 1: defense just rode it out against an offense that didn't 268 00:13:24,760 --> 00:13:26,520 Speaker 1: have enough playmakers to turn too well. 269 00:13:26,559 --> 00:13:28,880 Speaker 2: And then, as you said, Mike, three straight scoring drives 270 00:13:28,880 --> 00:13:31,320 Speaker 2: to open this thing, ten for sixty three, seventeen for 271 00:13:31,400 --> 00:13:34,400 Speaker 2: ninety six, six for sixty seven. You don't have that 272 00:13:34,480 --> 00:13:37,080 Speaker 2: type of production if A you're not protecting the football 273 00:13:37,120 --> 00:13:39,960 Speaker 2: obviously in b if you're having penalties that are knocking 274 00:13:39,960 --> 00:13:42,240 Speaker 2: you backwards. Green Bay avoided those two things, which were 275 00:13:42,280 --> 00:13:44,199 Speaker 2: sort of the buggaboos, right or whatever you want to 276 00:13:44,200 --> 00:13:46,560 Speaker 2: call them. Yeah, sort of the hiccups there in the 277 00:13:46,559 --> 00:13:49,160 Speaker 2: first half of the year for them, I felt like 278 00:13:49,200 --> 00:13:52,559 Speaker 2: that was huge. And then also the offensive line to 279 00:13:52,920 --> 00:13:55,000 Speaker 2: be able to be in a position now where there's 280 00:13:55,040 --> 00:13:58,520 Speaker 2: six times this year over fifteen games, Jordan Love has 281 00:13:58,559 --> 00:14:01,840 Speaker 2: not been sacked. I believe that is the most since 282 00:14:01,880 --> 00:14:04,360 Speaker 2: two thousand and four, if I remember reading Tom notes 283 00:14:04,600 --> 00:14:05,440 Speaker 2: notes correctly. 284 00:14:05,520 --> 00:14:08,800 Speaker 1: Yeah, the great, the great Tom Fanning note postgame notes list. Yeah, 285 00:14:08,840 --> 00:14:10,360 Speaker 1: We're just got some great stuff in there. 286 00:14:10,440 --> 00:14:13,320 Speaker 2: And to be able to do that against that front 287 00:14:13,840 --> 00:14:16,959 Speaker 2: and while still running the ball that well, yeah, you're right, 288 00:14:16,960 --> 00:14:20,880 Speaker 2: it wasn't the virtuoso passing performance. But at the same time, 289 00:14:20,920 --> 00:14:24,440 Speaker 2: we can't sit here in ridicule that when you and 290 00:14:24,440 --> 00:14:27,160 Speaker 2: I spent so much time talking and spilling so much ink, 291 00:14:27,240 --> 00:14:29,600 Speaker 2: as a lot of the beat did, about how this 292 00:14:29,720 --> 00:14:31,920 Speaker 2: defense had really made a lot of changes since Darren 293 00:14:32,000 --> 00:14:35,200 Speaker 2: Rizzy took over they've done a lot of more positive things. 294 00:14:35,600 --> 00:14:37,400 Speaker 2: I think Green Bay just hit him with some big 295 00:14:37,440 --> 00:14:39,720 Speaker 2: shots early on. Yeah, it ended up not being as 296 00:14:39,760 --> 00:14:42,960 Speaker 2: cold as I think everybody was fearing with refrigerator talk 297 00:14:43,040 --> 00:14:45,520 Speaker 2: and all that stuff. But our freezer. 298 00:14:45,600 --> 00:14:48,200 Speaker 1: Yeah, the walk in, the walk in freezer walkthroughs. 299 00:14:48,600 --> 00:14:52,720 Speaker 2: But let's be honest. You're a dome team going from 300 00:14:52,880 --> 00:14:54,520 Speaker 2: about as celt as you can go in the continental 301 00:14:54,520 --> 00:14:57,280 Speaker 2: of the United States to right around the most northern 302 00:14:57,320 --> 00:15:00,680 Speaker 2: point at least in the National Football League, and you're 303 00:15:00,680 --> 00:15:03,800 Speaker 2: playing on Monday Night football and the Packers get up 304 00:15:03,800 --> 00:15:06,000 Speaker 2: twenty one to nothing on you. Yeah, it's how you 305 00:15:06,080 --> 00:15:07,400 Speaker 2: draw it up if you're green Yeah. 306 00:15:07,440 --> 00:15:11,800 Speaker 1: Absolutely, Well, the victory puts Green Bay at eleven and four. 307 00:15:12,760 --> 00:15:16,520 Speaker 1: Due to the results on Sunday, the Lions beating the Bears, 308 00:15:16,560 --> 00:15:19,920 Speaker 1: the Vikings beating the Seahawks, the Packers cannot win the 309 00:15:20,040 --> 00:15:22,760 Speaker 1: NFC North. The chances are very slim anyway. Now it 310 00:15:22,800 --> 00:15:25,640 Speaker 1: is official the Packers will be a wild card in 311 00:15:25,680 --> 00:15:29,720 Speaker 1: the NFC playoffs. So from here it's about the positioning. Well, 312 00:15:29,760 --> 00:15:31,960 Speaker 1: the Packers get the five seed, the sixth seed, or 313 00:15:32,000 --> 00:15:36,720 Speaker 1: the seventh seed. Currently Green Bay is in the sixth spot. 314 00:15:37,680 --> 00:15:42,400 Speaker 1: But Washington, which got a big win a last second, 315 00:15:42,480 --> 00:15:46,040 Speaker 1: last minute touchdown pass by rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels to 316 00:15:46,040 --> 00:15:50,040 Speaker 1: beat the Philadelphia Eagles, Washington is right on Green Bay's heels. 317 00:15:51,160 --> 00:15:55,400 Speaker 1: So as the Packers head into this game this week 318 00:15:55,480 --> 00:15:58,680 Speaker 1: against the Minnesota Vikings over there in Minneapolis at US 319 00:15:58,720 --> 00:16:01,600 Speaker 1: Banks Stadium, dreen Bay is trying to win that game 320 00:16:01,840 --> 00:16:04,800 Speaker 1: to give itself a chance at the five seed, But 321 00:16:04,920 --> 00:16:08,480 Speaker 1: a loss would put Green Bay in danger of possibly 322 00:16:08,520 --> 00:16:11,480 Speaker 1: falling to the seven seed depending on what Washington does 323 00:16:11,560 --> 00:16:14,680 Speaker 1: over these last couple of weeks. So there's still a 324 00:16:14,680 --> 00:16:18,320 Speaker 1: lot to be sorted out as to exactly how this 325 00:16:18,360 --> 00:16:21,320 Speaker 1: playoff picture is going to take shape. But the big thing, 326 00:16:21,440 --> 00:16:23,800 Speaker 1: the big thing for green Bay is you've got a 327 00:16:23,880 --> 00:16:25,720 Speaker 1: chance to be the top wild card. You have a 328 00:16:25,840 --> 00:16:28,360 Speaker 1: chance to get to the five seed, and the only 329 00:16:28,400 --> 00:16:30,880 Speaker 1: way you can keep that chance alive is to go 330 00:16:30,920 --> 00:16:31,720 Speaker 1: beat Minnesota. 331 00:16:31,760 --> 00:16:35,400 Speaker 2: One hundred percent the Philadelphia game, I said this an 332 00:16:35,440 --> 00:16:39,160 Speaker 2: insider inbox, and I understand the defense kind of were on. 333 00:16:39,360 --> 00:16:41,280 Speaker 2: I just thought that was a pitiful performance at the 334 00:16:41,360 --> 00:16:44,160 Speaker 2: end of that game by the Eagles. You lose your 335 00:16:44,160 --> 00:16:47,760 Speaker 2: starting quarterback. They did not adjust well after that offensively 336 00:16:48,080 --> 00:16:50,760 Speaker 2: and then defensively and special teams wise, you just collapse 337 00:16:51,040 --> 00:16:55,000 Speaker 2: under the weight of that final sequence. Jake Elliott took 338 00:16:55,040 --> 00:16:57,160 Speaker 2: care of business. The rest of that team really didn't. 339 00:16:57,720 --> 00:17:01,000 Speaker 2: And for them, I mean, that's again, I keep going 340 00:17:01,040 --> 00:17:02,800 Speaker 2: back to what happened last year. I understand they're not 341 00:17:02,840 --> 00:17:06,440 Speaker 2: in the doldrums that they fell into, but you're riding 342 00:17:06,560 --> 00:17:09,359 Speaker 2: kind of an emotional high after the Lions finally blink 343 00:17:09,480 --> 00:17:11,800 Speaker 2: and then you give it right back right exactly. But 344 00:17:11,880 --> 00:17:13,679 Speaker 2: on the other side of that thing, Jaden Daniels is 345 00:17:13,760 --> 00:17:17,080 Speaker 2: legit man. He is a real playmaker. And I thought 346 00:17:17,160 --> 00:17:19,720 Speaker 2: he was cool, calm and collected down the stretch to 347 00:17:19,720 --> 00:17:22,360 Speaker 2: be able to take what Vic fangils giving him, take 348 00:17:22,359 --> 00:17:23,840 Speaker 2: what the Eagles are giving him, and then when he 349 00:17:23,880 --> 00:17:25,280 Speaker 2: had to make the play to win the game, he 350 00:17:25,320 --> 00:17:25,560 Speaker 2: did it. 351 00:17:25,680 --> 00:17:28,680 Speaker 1: Yeah. And you want to know, just you know how 352 00:17:28,720 --> 00:17:33,400 Speaker 1: slim the margins are in this league? Right the Washington Commanders. 353 00:17:33,560 --> 00:17:36,040 Speaker 1: They've won a game on a hail Mary against Chicago, 354 00:17:36,119 --> 00:17:38,359 Speaker 1: and they've won a game with a touchdown pass with 355 00:17:38,440 --> 00:17:40,440 Speaker 1: what was it less than ten second five second, five 356 00:17:40,480 --> 00:17:44,640 Speaker 1: seconds left against Philadelphia. That is the difference between Washington 357 00:17:44,680 --> 00:17:49,160 Speaker 1: being ten and five versus eight and seven, and they're 358 00:17:49,280 --> 00:17:53,280 Speaker 1: very in very good playoff position to get a spot 359 00:17:53,320 --> 00:17:55,960 Speaker 1: whereas they'd be. They really have their backs against the 360 00:17:56,000 --> 00:17:59,080 Speaker 1: wall heading into the into these last two games. So, 361 00:17:59,560 --> 00:18:01,480 Speaker 1: as I said with Green Bay, it's a matter of 362 00:18:01,600 --> 00:18:04,280 Speaker 1: can can the Packers get up to the five seed? 363 00:18:04,400 --> 00:18:06,800 Speaker 1: Can they stay out of the seven seed? Where exactly 364 00:18:06,840 --> 00:18:09,600 Speaker 1: are they going to fall there? On the flip side, 365 00:18:09,680 --> 00:18:12,080 Speaker 1: the Packers opponent this coming week, we'll move ahead to 366 00:18:12,119 --> 00:18:15,000 Speaker 1: that game. Talking about the Minnesota Vikings. They are thirteen 367 00:18:15,040 --> 00:18:18,080 Speaker 1: in two. They are tied with the Detroit Lions at 368 00:18:18,080 --> 00:18:21,040 Speaker 1: thirteen into atop the NFC North, the Lions having won 369 00:18:21,080 --> 00:18:23,200 Speaker 1: the first head to head meeting between the two of them. 370 00:18:23,680 --> 00:18:28,760 Speaker 1: But Minnesota is looking at the old control your own 371 00:18:28,840 --> 00:18:31,280 Speaker 1: destiny thing. The Vikings are looking at if they can 372 00:18:31,320 --> 00:18:33,440 Speaker 1: beat the Packers, and they can beat the Lions in 373 00:18:33,480 --> 00:18:35,480 Speaker 1: the last two games, they are the number one seed 374 00:18:35,520 --> 00:18:38,440 Speaker 1: and they have a first round by guy. So Minnesota 375 00:18:38,560 --> 00:18:43,280 Speaker 1: has has a ton going forward here. There's you know, 376 00:18:43,520 --> 00:18:45,359 Speaker 1: there are a lot of different a lot of different 377 00:18:45,359 --> 00:18:48,320 Speaker 1: ways that this that this can shake out. But boy, 378 00:18:49,000 --> 00:18:52,320 Speaker 1: it just got flex to three twenty five pm next 379 00:18:52,359 --> 00:18:57,080 Speaker 1: Sunday at US Bank, which was certainly expected and it 380 00:18:57,080 --> 00:18:59,240 Speaker 1: should be a wail of a game on Sunday afternoon. 381 00:18:59,240 --> 00:19:01,199 Speaker 2: Guys are championing at the bit for this one in 382 00:19:01,240 --> 00:19:04,359 Speaker 2: the Packers' locker room. Yeah, obviously, losing those back to 383 00:19:04,440 --> 00:19:06,760 Speaker 2: back to the Lions, that hurts, but they haven't forgotten 384 00:19:06,800 --> 00:19:08,840 Speaker 2: about what happened with the Vikings here either. 385 00:19:08,800 --> 00:19:11,560 Speaker 1: And twenty eight to nothing in the second quarter, you know, 386 00:19:11,680 --> 00:19:14,640 Speaker 1: and and the Packers did everything they could to try 387 00:19:14,680 --> 00:19:17,560 Speaker 1: to come back, end up losing thirty one to twenty nine. 388 00:19:18,119 --> 00:19:19,800 Speaker 1: But yeah, that is a game you can just you 389 00:19:19,840 --> 00:19:22,040 Speaker 1: can tell by the way the guys, you know, Jordan 390 00:19:22,119 --> 00:19:24,440 Speaker 1: Love was talking about it at the podium, guys were 391 00:19:24,480 --> 00:19:27,480 Speaker 1: talking about in the locker room. Those guys remember, yep, 392 00:19:27,560 --> 00:19:29,679 Speaker 1: this for it was way back in Week four, but 393 00:19:29,960 --> 00:19:32,960 Speaker 1: they remember this first game with the Vikings, and Jordan 394 00:19:33,040 --> 00:19:35,159 Speaker 1: Love said it, they feel like they owe these guys, 395 00:19:35,200 --> 00:19:39,040 Speaker 1: and it's it's it's a short week. It's a tough week. 396 00:19:39,080 --> 00:19:41,479 Speaker 1: You got the holiday and everything like that. Minnesota had 397 00:19:41,520 --> 00:19:44,200 Speaker 1: the short week last week, had to go out to Seattle. 398 00:19:44,280 --> 00:19:46,000 Speaker 1: They won a big game on a short week with 399 00:19:46,040 --> 00:19:49,000 Speaker 1: a late touchdown pass by Sam Darnold. Packers are in 400 00:19:49,000 --> 00:19:52,520 Speaker 1: that position. Now the challenge here late in the season 401 00:19:52,640 --> 00:19:54,080 Speaker 1: with a big game on the road. 402 00:19:54,480 --> 00:19:56,679 Speaker 2: And I'm going to give the Vikings some advice and 403 00:19:56,760 --> 00:19:58,439 Speaker 2: they could take it and not take it. They're obviously 404 00:19:58,520 --> 00:20:03,879 Speaker 2: not even watching. But Sam Donald's your quarterback. He is, 405 00:20:04,880 --> 00:20:07,600 Speaker 2: He's the quarterback today. He should be the quarterback next year. Yep, 406 00:20:07,760 --> 00:20:08,360 Speaker 2: and beyond. 407 00:20:08,680 --> 00:20:09,720 Speaker 1: I think he's proven it. 408 00:20:09,800 --> 00:20:13,080 Speaker 2: If you want to muff that, go ahead, be my guest. 409 00:20:13,520 --> 00:20:16,000 Speaker 2: And I understand you drafted JJ McCarthy. But after all 410 00:20:16,000 --> 00:20:19,280 Speaker 2: this conversation this week about what happened with Atlanta with 411 00:20:20,040 --> 00:20:23,400 Speaker 2: Kirk Cousins and then they're benching him and potentially moving 412 00:20:23,400 --> 00:20:25,600 Speaker 2: on for him, they're already these things being leaked out 413 00:20:25,600 --> 00:20:27,639 Speaker 2: that they're going to cut him before Penix even plays 414 00:20:27,680 --> 00:20:32,720 Speaker 2: in a game. Pennox obviously performs admirably to be able 415 00:20:32,760 --> 00:20:35,600 Speaker 2: to beat a big leaguered New York Giants team. 416 00:20:35,520 --> 00:20:37,760 Speaker 1: Well, it helps when the Giants give the Falcons two 417 00:20:37,800 --> 00:20:40,440 Speaker 1: defensive touchdowns in the game. That always helps a rookie 418 00:20:40,520 --> 00:20:42,000 Speaker 1: quarterback making his first start. 419 00:20:42,119 --> 00:20:45,520 Speaker 2: But I digress, But the real thing here should be 420 00:20:45,800 --> 00:20:48,720 Speaker 2: the Minnesota Vikings made a really savvy signing one year, 421 00:20:48,760 --> 00:20:51,919 Speaker 2: ten million dollars they get Sam Darnald, he continues this 422 00:20:52,000 --> 00:20:55,600 Speaker 2: renaissance of his career and is still I believe he 423 00:20:55,640 --> 00:20:57,480 Speaker 2: won't win it, but I think he is legitimately in 424 00:20:57,520 --> 00:21:01,240 Speaker 2: the conversation for MVP because when it hasn't been Aaron Jones, 425 00:21:01,240 --> 00:21:04,440 Speaker 2: and at times it hasn't been Justin Jefferson, Donald has 426 00:21:04,480 --> 00:21:06,639 Speaker 2: been the thing that has kept this thing together. It's 427 00:21:06,680 --> 00:21:09,560 Speaker 2: why they're at thirteen wins right now. I don't think 428 00:21:09,600 --> 00:21:11,280 Speaker 2: this is as much of a debate is what people 429 00:21:11,320 --> 00:21:13,560 Speaker 2: are making it out to be. I think JJ McCarthy, 430 00:21:14,080 --> 00:21:16,560 Speaker 2: especially with all the knee injuries, you let him sit, 431 00:21:16,600 --> 00:21:18,560 Speaker 2: You let him figure out what's gonna happen with his career. 432 00:21:18,960 --> 00:21:22,159 Speaker 2: But you could absolutely not let Sam Donald. If you're 433 00:21:22,160 --> 00:21:24,560 Speaker 2: the Packers, go ahead, But I mean if you're the Vikings, 434 00:21:24,560 --> 00:21:25,959 Speaker 2: I don't think there's any way you could let him 435 00:21:25,960 --> 00:21:28,359 Speaker 2: out of the building. And they're playing inspired football, I 436 00:21:28,359 --> 00:21:30,200 Speaker 2: think it's gonna be a real tough test. Matt Lafuller 437 00:21:30,240 --> 00:21:33,280 Speaker 2: talked about the challenges now on a short week, after 438 00:21:33,320 --> 00:21:35,600 Speaker 2: having all that time that led up to the Saints game, 439 00:21:36,080 --> 00:21:39,040 Speaker 2: Now you're on a short week going into US Bank Stadium, 440 00:21:39,080 --> 00:21:40,879 Speaker 2: a place that is going to be rocking and rolling. 441 00:21:41,400 --> 00:21:43,280 Speaker 2: And for the Packers, a team that will have to 442 00:21:43,280 --> 00:21:46,159 Speaker 2: go on the road, whether five, six, or seven, this 443 00:21:46,320 --> 00:21:50,199 Speaker 2: is a great litmus test for where you are entering 444 00:21:50,440 --> 00:21:51,159 Speaker 2: winning season. 445 00:21:51,359 --> 00:21:56,960 Speaker 1: Yeah. Absolutely, yeah. I think with the Sam Donald quarterback situation, 446 00:21:57,119 --> 00:22:00,520 Speaker 1: it's sort of the bird in the hand thing, right, 447 00:22:00,560 --> 00:22:03,600 Speaker 1: I mean, how do you do't with everything that he 448 00:22:03,640 --> 00:22:05,840 Speaker 1: has done? I don't know how. You just say, Okay, Sam, 449 00:22:05,840 --> 00:22:08,439 Speaker 1: thanks for the memory. Now go with the guy we drafted. Like, 450 00:22:08,640 --> 00:22:10,080 Speaker 1: I mean, they're thirteen and. 451 00:22:10,040 --> 00:22:12,960 Speaker 2: Two negotiations that probably end up getting kind of serious, 452 00:22:13,000 --> 00:22:14,960 Speaker 2: but they're third line and two with one of their 453 00:22:15,000 --> 00:22:17,800 Speaker 2: losses to another team that's also thirteen and two by 454 00:22:17,840 --> 00:22:18,120 Speaker 2: the way. 455 00:22:18,160 --> 00:22:21,720 Speaker 1: I mean, so yeah, I'm totally I'm totally with you there. 456 00:22:21,920 --> 00:22:23,600 Speaker 1: I want to get to our keys to victory here, 457 00:22:23,640 --> 00:22:25,920 Speaker 1: but I should take care of some sponsor business before 458 00:22:25,960 --> 00:22:30,119 Speaker 1: too much longer. Serious XMNFL Radio delivers hard hitting analysis 459 00:22:30,119 --> 00:22:32,120 Speaker 1: and up to the minute NFL news that true football 460 00:22:32,119 --> 00:22:35,200 Speaker 1: fanatics need. Twenty four to seven, three sixty five and 461 00:22:35,400 --> 00:22:38,680 Speaker 1: cousin subs. We have something for everyone, like our Wisconsin Cheese, 462 00:22:38,720 --> 00:22:41,040 Speaker 1: Kurtz mac and Cheese, golden fries, and creamy shakes, all 463 00:22:41,080 --> 00:22:43,160 Speaker 1: paired with your favorite sub or sub and a bowl 464 00:22:43,680 --> 00:22:46,960 Speaker 1: cousin subs fifty plus years of better. All right, the 465 00:22:46,960 --> 00:22:49,480 Speaker 1: Minnesota Vikings, we know all about them. We don't need 466 00:22:49,520 --> 00:22:53,320 Speaker 1: to well, don't need to go through the ABC's of 467 00:22:53,400 --> 00:22:59,120 Speaker 1: Sam Donald, Justin Jefferson, Aaron Jones, TJ. Hockinson, Brian Flores 468 00:22:59,160 --> 00:23:02,680 Speaker 1: in that defense, all the crazy looks and crazy blitzes 469 00:23:02,720 --> 00:23:05,240 Speaker 1: and fake blitzes and everything else. It sounds like Harrison 470 00:23:05,280 --> 00:23:08,520 Speaker 1: Smith is going to be back from his injury. You know, 471 00:23:08,600 --> 00:23:11,359 Speaker 1: he's always been a nemesis for Green Bay in the 472 00:23:11,400 --> 00:23:13,359 Speaker 1: back end there at safety for Minnesota. 473 00:23:14,080 --> 00:23:15,560 Speaker 2: A lot of things you can line up. 474 00:23:15,480 --> 00:23:18,040 Speaker 1: As the as keys to victory. What's at the top 475 00:23:18,080 --> 00:23:18,840 Speaker 1: of the list for you? 476 00:23:18,960 --> 00:23:21,280 Speaker 2: Well, and it's the reason in my opinion, Kevin O'Connell, 477 00:23:21,320 --> 00:23:23,480 Speaker 2: is that near the top of the list for Coach 478 00:23:23,520 --> 00:23:26,480 Speaker 2: of the Year. A lot of the same threats that 479 00:23:26,600 --> 00:23:29,120 Speaker 2: we're there in that first matchup with the Vikings are 480 00:23:29,160 --> 00:23:32,480 Speaker 2: still there. Andrew van Ginkel has been fantastic, Yeah here 481 00:23:32,520 --> 00:23:35,199 Speaker 2: for them, eleven sacks on the year. Blake Cashman has 482 00:23:35,240 --> 00:23:37,280 Speaker 2: belve battles some injuries, but he had a twelve sack 483 00:23:37,359 --> 00:23:39,480 Speaker 2: performance against Seattle I feel like he's been a big 484 00:23:39,480 --> 00:23:42,520 Speaker 2: difference maker on the defensive side of the ball. Offensively, 485 00:23:42,960 --> 00:23:46,400 Speaker 2: Justin Jefferson the best receiver in the National Football League. 486 00:23:46,400 --> 00:23:48,600 Speaker 2: Green Bay has to find an answer for that. Is 487 00:23:48,680 --> 00:23:50,719 Speaker 2: Jyry Alexander going to be available? Is he not going 488 00:23:50,800 --> 00:23:54,800 Speaker 2: to be available? If that's the case, what combination of 489 00:23:55,000 --> 00:23:58,359 Speaker 2: defensive backs and approach and scheme are you going to 490 00:23:58,480 --> 00:24:02,399 Speaker 2: utilize to minimize him, to try to contain him, and 491 00:24:02,480 --> 00:24:06,359 Speaker 2: certainly trying to get Sam Darnold off his rhythm and 492 00:24:06,440 --> 00:24:10,440 Speaker 2: offensively protect the football. I said six different things there, Mike, 493 00:24:10,480 --> 00:24:12,600 Speaker 2: But if you go back to the unscripted we did 494 00:24:12,640 --> 00:24:16,280 Speaker 2: two three months ago, it's probably the same exact thing 495 00:24:16,320 --> 00:24:18,840 Speaker 2: I said back then. You know what you're getting with 496 00:24:18,960 --> 00:24:21,239 Speaker 2: the Vikings. You know what their defensive look is going 497 00:24:21,320 --> 00:24:24,159 Speaker 2: to be, like, the Packers have to be able to 498 00:24:24,200 --> 00:24:26,679 Speaker 2: weather that, and they, as you said earlier, need to 499 00:24:26,680 --> 00:24:29,479 Speaker 2: respond better in the first two quarters to keep up 500 00:24:29,520 --> 00:24:30,119 Speaker 2: with that pace. 501 00:24:30,320 --> 00:24:33,760 Speaker 1: Yeah, And you know me, I always I base a 502 00:24:33,760 --> 00:24:36,480 Speaker 1: lot of things, a lot of conversations off of what 503 00:24:36,600 --> 00:24:42,200 Speaker 1: teams have done most recently and seeing seeing how Justin 504 00:24:42,280 --> 00:24:45,520 Speaker 1: Jefferson in a lot of ways kind of took over 505 00:24:45,680 --> 00:24:48,320 Speaker 1: that game in Seattle. I mean, the Seahawks just couldn't 506 00:24:48,359 --> 00:24:51,600 Speaker 1: handle no. And in a lot of ways, it felt, 507 00:24:51,640 --> 00:24:53,679 Speaker 1: even though the Seahawks did have a lead at one 508 00:24:53,720 --> 00:24:56,639 Speaker 1: point in the fourth quarter, the way Seattle had been 509 00:24:56,680 --> 00:25:00,600 Speaker 1: struggling dealing with Jefferson, it felt somewhat inevitable that Justin 510 00:25:00,680 --> 00:25:03,800 Speaker 1: Jefferson was going to beat them, and ultimately he did. 511 00:25:04,240 --> 00:25:06,000 Speaker 1: I think, if you're the Packers, and I know the 512 00:25:06,040 --> 00:25:09,080 Speaker 1: game is never this simple, and you know Hockinson and 513 00:25:09,160 --> 00:25:11,560 Speaker 1: Jordan Addison and Aaron Jones and all these guys can 514 00:25:11,600 --> 00:25:14,040 Speaker 1: hurt you, I just don't think you can let Justin 515 00:25:14,119 --> 00:25:16,840 Speaker 1: Jefferson beat you. You have to make Sam Donald go 516 00:25:16,960 --> 00:25:22,080 Speaker 1: somewhere else in order to beat you, and UH and 517 00:25:22,119 --> 00:25:24,439 Speaker 1: the and the best way to UH to deal with 518 00:25:24,520 --> 00:25:26,560 Speaker 1: Sam Donald the course is to try to disrupt him. 519 00:25:26,560 --> 00:25:29,400 Speaker 1: I think the Packers have been on a pretty good 520 00:25:29,480 --> 00:25:35,159 Speaker 1: run defensively at not letting quarterbacks get comfortable. Jared goff 521 00:25:35,520 --> 00:25:39,040 Speaker 1: in that Thursday night game in Detroit, he certainly had 522 00:25:40,240 --> 00:25:43,000 Speaker 1: a level of comfort, but he was also running a 523 00:25:43,000 --> 00:25:45,080 Speaker 1: game plan with all these screens and just getting the 524 00:25:45,119 --> 00:25:47,840 Speaker 1: ball out right away, and and Ben Johnson wasn't gonna 525 00:25:47,920 --> 00:25:50,960 Speaker 1: let the Packers defensive front disrupt you know, what he 526 00:25:51,000 --> 00:25:55,760 Speaker 1: was trying to do offensively, the uh, what the Packers 527 00:25:55,800 --> 00:25:59,600 Speaker 1: can do to try to, you know, get Sam Donald 528 00:25:59,600 --> 00:26:01,600 Speaker 1: out of a rhythm or prevent him from getting into 529 00:26:01,600 --> 00:26:04,000 Speaker 1: a rhythm, I think potentially goes a long way. 530 00:26:04,040 --> 00:26:07,320 Speaker 2: In forty five sacks this year for Donald, when the 531 00:26:07,400 --> 00:26:09,960 Speaker 2: pressure has been there, that's been a key. But as 532 00:26:10,000 --> 00:26:11,800 Speaker 2: you said, Mike, we can you know, you tip your 533 00:26:11,840 --> 00:26:14,320 Speaker 2: cap to TJ Hockinson, you tip your cap to you know, 534 00:26:14,440 --> 00:26:16,639 Speaker 2: Jalen Naylor and all these other people that they have. 535 00:26:17,040 --> 00:26:20,360 Speaker 2: But realistically it comes down to three weapons for the Vikings. 536 00:26:20,520 --> 00:26:23,040 Speaker 2: Jefferson at the top of the list, Jordan Addison and 537 00:26:23,080 --> 00:26:25,760 Speaker 2: what he's done is the complimentary piece in Aaron Jones 538 00:26:25,920 --> 00:26:29,159 Speaker 2: notching another thousand yard season, appearing like he's put some 539 00:26:29,200 --> 00:26:31,359 Speaker 2: of the issues that he had earlier this season injury 540 00:26:31,359 --> 00:26:34,440 Speaker 2: wise behind him. Still a factor in the passing game 541 00:26:34,480 --> 00:26:37,160 Speaker 2: as well. Those have been the three outlets for Donald. 542 00:26:37,359 --> 00:26:40,080 Speaker 2: Hockinson's not had a fantastic year, it still doesn't have 543 00:26:40,080 --> 00:26:42,120 Speaker 2: a touchdown this season, So the Packers want to try 544 00:26:42,160 --> 00:26:44,840 Speaker 2: to keep that trend going. Some of the things that 545 00:26:44,880 --> 00:26:47,000 Speaker 2: you would think of when you think of how spread 546 00:26:47,000 --> 00:26:49,920 Speaker 2: out they are on the offense, it still comes back 547 00:26:49,920 --> 00:26:52,360 Speaker 2: to that trio and I feel like, if you take 548 00:26:52,400 --> 00:26:55,080 Speaker 2: away or you contain some of those threats, that's where 549 00:26:55,080 --> 00:26:57,280 Speaker 2: you're ultimately going to have success. In addition to the 550 00:26:57,320 --> 00:27:00,400 Speaker 2: fact that Jordan Love in this Packers offensive line have 551 00:27:00,440 --> 00:27:03,560 Speaker 2: to manage the Brian Flora's defense and the looks and 552 00:27:03,600 --> 00:27:07,320 Speaker 2: the misdirection and the pressures. One reason Jordan has gotten 553 00:27:07,320 --> 00:27:09,359 Speaker 2: into this rhythm that he's been in he has not 554 00:27:09,480 --> 00:27:13,680 Speaker 2: been pressured a ton, and I feel like that's that's 555 00:27:13,840 --> 00:27:17,400 Speaker 2: really when he's at his best. He's back there, he's 556 00:27:17,440 --> 00:27:20,280 Speaker 2: standing tall, he's looking downfield looking to make a play. Yeah. 557 00:27:20,359 --> 00:27:22,560 Speaker 1: I don't pretend to be an expert on the Vikings 558 00:27:22,640 --> 00:27:25,280 Speaker 1: and their defense and what Brian Flores is doing, but 559 00:27:25,320 --> 00:27:28,719 Speaker 1: the times that I've watched the Vikings this year, there 560 00:27:28,760 --> 00:27:31,720 Speaker 1: are moments where you see, whether it's Gino Smith of 561 00:27:31,760 --> 00:27:36,280 Speaker 1: the Seahawks, or Kyler Murray or the Cardinals, even you 562 00:27:36,280 --> 00:27:40,720 Speaker 1: know other quarterbacks as well. Suddenly an opposing offense will 563 00:27:41,320 --> 00:27:43,480 Speaker 1: put together a drive on the Vikings, get the ball 564 00:27:43,520 --> 00:27:45,320 Speaker 1: in the end zone, and you're like, oh, well, is 565 00:27:45,760 --> 00:27:49,480 Speaker 1: the Vikings defense you know, showing some vulnerability. One of 566 00:27:49,560 --> 00:27:52,320 Speaker 1: the things that I think makes the Vikings defense so 567 00:27:52,480 --> 00:27:56,800 Speaker 1: tough is that they don't give up scores on like 568 00:27:56,960 --> 00:27:59,960 Speaker 1: back to back possession yet like they give up they 569 00:28:00,080 --> 00:28:03,320 Speaker 1: they'll give up a score, but then the next one 570 00:28:03,680 --> 00:28:06,080 Speaker 1: they're very likely getting a three and out. Like they 571 00:28:06,200 --> 00:28:08,119 Speaker 1: just they have this way. They have this way of 572 00:28:08,160 --> 00:28:12,439 Speaker 1: bouncing back, making adjustments, making things difficult on you after 573 00:28:12,480 --> 00:28:15,199 Speaker 1: you've had some success. And when you look at what 574 00:28:15,240 --> 00:28:17,720 Speaker 1: the Packers have done starting the Seahawks game with back 575 00:28:17,720 --> 00:28:21,639 Speaker 1: to back touchdowns, starting the Saints game with three consecutive touchdowns, 576 00:28:21,840 --> 00:28:24,000 Speaker 1: getting on any kind of a scoring run like that 577 00:28:24,160 --> 00:28:27,000 Speaker 1: is going to be very difficult. But if the Packers 578 00:28:27,040 --> 00:28:30,040 Speaker 1: can do it, if you truly can get a Brian 579 00:28:30,119 --> 00:28:34,080 Speaker 1: Flores defense on its heels by scoring on consecutive possessions, 580 00:28:34,680 --> 00:28:36,719 Speaker 1: I think that's the type of thing that can that 581 00:28:36,760 --> 00:28:41,440 Speaker 1: can set the tone, particularly with the Vikings plan at 582 00:28:41,440 --> 00:28:44,080 Speaker 1: home and the home crowd and the noise on third 583 00:28:44,120 --> 00:28:46,240 Speaker 1: down and all that that Jordan Love and company will 584 00:28:46,240 --> 00:28:46,680 Speaker 1: be dealing. 585 00:28:46,800 --> 00:28:48,840 Speaker 2: And as much as I've talked about Love, this is 586 00:28:48,920 --> 00:28:51,600 Speaker 2: about Josh Shakups and the fact that the Packers were 587 00:28:51,600 --> 00:28:53,200 Speaker 2: able to take some reps off of him in the 588 00:28:53,240 --> 00:28:55,520 Speaker 2: second half, I think is going to be key. They 589 00:28:55,520 --> 00:28:58,240 Speaker 2: are facing the number two ranked run defense in both 590 00:28:58,320 --> 00:29:01,600 Speaker 2: yards allowed in yards per carry. The Vikings are twenty 591 00:29:01,720 --> 00:29:04,680 Speaker 2: ninth against the pass. I mean it is feast or 592 00:29:04,720 --> 00:29:07,240 Speaker 2: famine with what they offer you and what they present 593 00:29:07,320 --> 00:29:10,640 Speaker 2: to you. So being able to get a run game 594 00:29:10,680 --> 00:29:12,600 Speaker 2: going because of what the Vikings want to do is 595 00:29:12,640 --> 00:29:14,520 Speaker 2: they want to get you in third and long and 596 00:29:14,560 --> 00:29:15,640 Speaker 2: want you to make a mistake. 597 00:29:15,840 --> 00:29:23,600 Speaker 1: Yeah. Absolutely. To lay out the proper scenario for those 598 00:29:23,600 --> 00:29:26,000 Speaker 1: who are wondering, okay, have been talking about the Packers 599 00:29:26,000 --> 00:29:27,720 Speaker 1: could get the five to six or the seven. How 600 00:29:27,720 --> 00:29:32,480 Speaker 1: can the Packers get the five seed? Really, the path 601 00:29:32,520 --> 00:29:34,680 Speaker 1: to doing it is for the Packers to win out, 602 00:29:34,760 --> 00:29:38,479 Speaker 1: to beat the Vikings and the Bears, and then in 603 00:29:38,560 --> 00:29:42,000 Speaker 1: week eighteen for the Lions to knock off the Vikings 604 00:29:42,080 --> 00:29:46,080 Speaker 1: and give Minnesota another loss. Because then the Packers would 605 00:29:46,120 --> 00:29:48,640 Speaker 1: end up tied with the Vikings. There would be a 606 00:29:48,720 --> 00:29:51,920 Speaker 1: series of tie breakers that eventually would go Green Bay's 607 00:29:51,960 --> 00:29:55,160 Speaker 1: way in the way of common opponents, where they because 608 00:29:55,200 --> 00:29:57,440 Speaker 1: of the Packers win over the Rams and the Vikings 609 00:29:57,520 --> 00:29:59,840 Speaker 1: having lost to the Rams, that would give green Bay 610 00:29:59,840 --> 00:30:02,680 Speaker 1: the five seed over Minnesota. In that scenario. 611 00:30:02,840 --> 00:30:03,960 Speaker 2: The tricky thing. 612 00:30:05,360 --> 00:30:09,080 Speaker 1: Is that if the Packers beat the Vikings this week, 613 00:30:10,080 --> 00:30:13,200 Speaker 1: and if the Lions beat the forty nine ers, the 614 00:30:13,280 --> 00:30:15,120 Speaker 1: Lions have the one seed wrapped up. 615 00:30:15,240 --> 00:30:15,840 Speaker 2: It's over. 616 00:30:15,960 --> 00:30:18,800 Speaker 1: The Week eighteen game against the Vikings will not matter 617 00:30:18,880 --> 00:30:21,560 Speaker 1: to the Detroit Lions. Now. Dan Campbell has said he's 618 00:30:21,560 --> 00:30:23,200 Speaker 1: always gonna play his guys at Sarah. 619 00:30:23,240 --> 00:30:24,280 Speaker 2: Well, we'll just see. 620 00:30:24,320 --> 00:30:26,680 Speaker 1: The Detroit Lions have never been the number one seed, 621 00:30:26,760 --> 00:30:28,960 Speaker 1: you know, looking at a buy and it is a 622 00:30:28,960 --> 00:30:31,040 Speaker 1: team that is awfully banged up, and are they really 623 00:30:31,120 --> 00:30:33,760 Speaker 1: gonna risk, you know, injuring anymore guys. So that's the 624 00:30:33,800 --> 00:30:36,040 Speaker 1: tough thing for green Bay is that as much as yeah, 625 00:30:36,080 --> 00:30:38,880 Speaker 1: you feel like you can go into Minnesota, you know, 626 00:30:38,960 --> 00:30:41,960 Speaker 1: potentially get a big win, look at trying to get 627 00:30:42,000 --> 00:30:43,840 Speaker 1: the five seed, but then you need the Lions to 628 00:30:43,880 --> 00:30:46,520 Speaker 1: beat the Vikings. And if the Vikings lose this week 629 00:30:46,560 --> 00:30:49,080 Speaker 1: and the Lions win, then the Lions aren't playing for anything. 630 00:30:49,160 --> 00:30:51,560 Speaker 1: So we'll just have to see. That's nothing the Packers 631 00:30:51,560 --> 00:30:54,360 Speaker 1: can control. All they can control is go to Minnesota, 632 00:30:54,400 --> 00:30:57,240 Speaker 1: try to get a victory, and see where the chips fall. 633 00:30:57,040 --> 00:30:59,680 Speaker 2: Here's where I feel like Campbell tipped his hand a 634 00:30:59,680 --> 00:31:02,400 Speaker 2: little bit on Monday, though. There is a scenario where 635 00:31:02,440 --> 00:31:05,120 Speaker 2: the Lions could know that nothing that happens against the 636 00:31:05,120 --> 00:31:08,160 Speaker 2: forty nine ers could affect this by Monday night football 637 00:31:08,360 --> 00:31:10,600 Speaker 2: because they'll have already seen what happened with the Packers 638 00:31:11,160 --> 00:31:14,800 Speaker 2: and the Vikings. He said, that doesn't matter. He's still 639 00:31:14,800 --> 00:31:16,800 Speaker 2: playing his guys on Monday night football. It's still full 640 00:31:16,840 --> 00:31:19,440 Speaker 2: steam ahead. Now would he take that approach in Week eighteen? 641 00:31:19,480 --> 00:31:22,520 Speaker 2: I don't know, right, but he said if that game 642 00:31:22,560 --> 00:31:24,960 Speaker 2: doesn't matter and everything comes down to that last game 643 00:31:24,960 --> 00:31:27,840 Speaker 2: against the Vikings, he's still playing his guys against the Niners, 644 00:31:28,080 --> 00:31:30,280 Speaker 2: which I thought was interesting. Now again, will he do that? 645 00:31:30,400 --> 00:31:33,600 Speaker 2: Is it? Al bravado, you're playing Monday night football? What 646 00:31:33,680 --> 00:31:37,360 Speaker 2: do you do? I don't know, but damn Campbell, I. 647 00:31:37,280 --> 00:31:39,520 Speaker 1: Guess I didn't. I didn't even realize that the Detroit 648 00:31:39,600 --> 00:31:41,040 Speaker 1: game this week was Monday. 649 00:31:40,800 --> 00:31:43,080 Speaker 2: Money Night football. So there's a scenario. Don't ask me 650 00:31:43,160 --> 00:31:45,000 Speaker 2: to figure all this out, but there's a scenario where 651 00:31:45,000 --> 00:31:47,840 Speaker 2: that game could win or lose against the forty Narrows 652 00:31:47,880 --> 00:31:51,280 Speaker 2: have no impact on what happens for their Week eighteen games. Sure, Vikings, 653 00:31:51,280 --> 00:31:54,160 Speaker 2: sure so, but Dan Campbell said it's still full steam 654 00:31:54,200 --> 00:31:56,440 Speaker 2: ahead as he is wont to do. 655 00:31:56,680 --> 00:31:59,240 Speaker 1: Yeah, that would, that would That's what I'm brandicked from 656 00:31:59,320 --> 00:32:02,160 Speaker 1: Dan Campbell. We will just have to see how everything 657 00:32:02,240 --> 00:32:04,840 Speaker 1: unfolds and with that we'll call it a wrap on 658 00:32:04,880 --> 00:32:08,320 Speaker 1: this edition Packers Unscripted. But folks, the home of the 659 00:32:08,320 --> 00:32:10,760 Speaker 1: twenty twenty five NFL Draft is right here in Green Bay, 660 00:32:10,800 --> 00:32:13,680 Speaker 1: so don't miss any draft action coming April twenty fourth 661 00:32:13,720 --> 00:32:16,880 Speaker 1: through April twenty six of twenty twenty five. That's officially 662 00:32:16,880 --> 00:32:18,320 Speaker 1: only four months away. Wes. 663 00:32:18,800 --> 00:32:19,800 Speaker 2: Visit green Bay dot. 664 00:32:19,640 --> 00:32:24,080 Speaker 1: Com slash Draft twenty five for more information. And with that, 665 00:32:24,720 --> 00:32:26,760 Speaker 1: we would like to wish you a merry Christmas here 666 00:32:26,840 --> 00:32:30,520 Speaker 1: from the desks at Packers Unscripted and be sure to 667 00:32:30,560 --> 00:32:34,360 Speaker 1: follow all of our coverage of the team and Sunday 668 00:32:34,400 --> 00:32:37,560 Speaker 1: afternoons big game at us Bank Stadium in Minneapolis against 669 00:32:37,560 --> 00:32:39,520 Speaker 1: the Vikings. We will have it all for you on 670 00:32:39,640 --> 00:32:41,840 Speaker 1: Packers dot com for Wes, I Mike, thank you for 671 00:32:41,880 --> 00:32:44,360 Speaker 1: tuning in everybody. We will see you next time.