Inbox: He’s still plenty fresh

Cheesehead

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Mar 19, 2019
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Chris from Springfield, IL


Does the Cowboys-Eagles game feel like the first playoff game of the year? What would Week 17 hold for either team, depending on either outcome?


It’s definitely like a playoff game for the Eagles, who have to win or they’re eliminated. If the Cowboys win, they win the NFC East regardless of what happens in Week 17 because they’d have a head-to-head sweep. If the Eagles win, Philly would also need to win in Week 17 to be division champs.


Forrest from Suamico, WI


Mike, any idea what would happen if the Cowboys and the Eagles tie in their matchup? I know it's very unlikely but as we have seen in the NFL this year, nothing is guaranteed!


A tie would keep the Cowboys in control due to the Dallas victory in the first meeting. The Cowboys would just have to win in Week 17 to take the division, in that scenario.


Joel from Mosinee, WI


Just an observation, I feel the Packers defense has played much better lately since Ibraheim Campbell returned to the lineup, much like Raven Greene did at the beginning. Your thoughts?


I think moving Za'Darius Smith around the defensive front, floating here and there pre-snap, has created problems for offensive fronts and more one-on-one matchups for Kenny Clark. That’s the biggest change I’ve seen in the defense, along with Chandon Sullivan settling in nicely as the dime DB.


Bob from Cortez, CO


We focus on the players’ recovery with an extra week off if we win out the NFC North. Let’s not forget the narrowing of the field and the extra game-planning time for the coaching staff.


I keep it pretty simple. To me, getting the playoff bye is all about having to win two games to get to the Super Bowl instead of three, and a maximum of one on the road. The rest is just a bonus.


Nic from London, UK


You alluded to the fact that you guys each address different topics. Is this based on expertise or interest, or just who has the stronger stomach? Is that why Mike answers me with some regularity but Wes is always big-timing me? Also why take a 30-second timeout rather than the full minute if it costs you the same? Cheers!


This crowd spends way too much time thinking about all this stuff, which just makes us laugh. To your football question, the length of the timeout is determined by the TV broadcast, not by the team taking the timeout.


Bill from Bloomfield Hills, MI


What are your thoughts long-term on Lamar Jackson, our February opponent, regarding MVP and elite QB status? I'm just thinking it seems most every year a guy (or two) emerges with super high praise, but given a few seasons, they just turn out to be worthy starters but not much more; Newton, Prescott, Mahomes, Goff, Wentz, et al. I don't see a clear-cut new tier ala Manning, Brady, Brees, Rodgers and Roethlisberger, do you?


Well, Jackson’s winning the MVP, and he and Mahomes are at the top of the new class right now. I think Garoppolo is very close, as is Deshaun Watson, and then Josh Allen and Kyler Murray are well worth watching. Wentz’s struggles have been the most baffling to me. I know the Eagles have had gobs of injuries, and he’s still young. I think it’s just too early to tell on a lot of guys.


Cameron from Wayland, MI


I like the “Player on the Rise” articles and the choices of Savage and Gary at this stage of the season. I am excited about what our team can do with the progression of these two. What level do you think can rise to this season?


Who knows? Gary got his second sack last week and Savage should have had a pick. They’re capable of impact plays.


Steve from Benson, AZ


We've all seen the question, "What must the Pack do to win Monday?" But what must the Packers NOT do to win?


Turn the ball over.


Mike from Milwaukee, WI


"The cleanest playoff scenarios aren’t always the most fun. Sometimes you gotta get sloppy." My best friend has convinced me that the sloppiest meals are typically the tastiest. So in theory, the sloppiest playoffs will likely be the most entertaining.


I can get on board with that.


Jonnie from Garden City, MI


I love the many and varied mantras that we have been given here. Everything from "Just win" to the team's "December friend" to "It's a week-to-week league." If there was one mantra you would like every reader of the Inbox to take to heart, what would it be?


The other guys get paid, too.


Dave from Phoenix, AZ


Good morning II. Everything this team has worked for up to this point is well within their reach. Last month, last week, yesterday, it doesn't matter now. This is what they've been playing for, the brass ring is right there and I sure hope this team is up for the challenge and I believe they are! I know many feel angst for this game but man, I'm really psyched to be in this position. Division champs, possible first-round bye, a No. 2 or even a No. 1 seed, it's all on the line Monday night.


Happy Friday.


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