Inbox: His presence was felt practically every snap

[Cheesehead]

Anthony from San Antonio, TX


I like Scott's (from Fredonia) suggestion about ties counting as losses. They could call it the "Winning isn't everything; it's the only thing" rule. As an added bonus, it would solve the overtime rule controversy; just eliminate overtime and watch teams frantically trying to score points late in fourth quarters. Sounds like quality entertainment to me.


Not the craziest idea, honestly. Also solves the player-safety concern with extending games. Then overtime would only be needed in the postseason. This is starting to grow on me.


David from San Francisco, CA


Mike, I’m not all that sure what you mean by off-site tailgating, but I do want to point out that if a game is kicking off from the West Coast, it either starts at 1:00 or 1:25 out here so our tailgating is equal to the East Coasters. On the other hand, I love rolling out of bed on my lazy Sunday at 9:45 a.m. and moving immediately to the couch for the 10 a.m. games. Our night games end at 8:30 p.m. I don’t think it gets better than the West Coast experience.


I was referring to those out west who are dedicated to doing the full-on pre-game party for a noon CT (10 a.m. PT) kickoff. It takes serious commitment. I do remember a long time ago, before I got into this line of work, spending an NFL Sunday with a friend out west, with the 10 a.m. games, a mid-afternoon tilt, and then the early evening. We still had time to get in a game of cards after the final whistle. It was fantastic.


Dave from Germantown, TN


Mike, I like WYMM. Do you think the Packers’ opponents look at your work just to make sure they did not miss anything in their film study?


Ha. If they do, the Packers are in great shape.


Brian from Schertz, TX


Does the special teams coordinator call a “play” on punts, e.g., “punt to left, line drive” or “down the middle, high hang time”? Or does the punt team survey the return alignment and make a call from there?


Usually a play is called from the sideline, but adjustments can be made. That’s often the personal protector’s job to communicate any changes to the call.


Ryan from Appleton, WI


What player were you surprised to see have such a major impact in last Thursday's opener?


Preston Smith. His presence was felt practically every snap, and he played every snap, too (except one, I think). Not knowing much about him before he arrived, I’m curious whether that was a great game for him, or a good game, you know what I mean?


Dave from Sparta, WI


When a quarterback is scrambling outside the numbers, and a defender has the choice to pursue the quarterback or stay with the receiver, what split-second considerations need to be processed by the defender? Is there a general rule that is followed?


Generally the defender lets his instincts take over. You can’t think too much out there or you’ll get nothing done. The best ones have a feel for where they are on the field, the traffic around them, the location of the first-down marker, and they react accordingly. Sometimes it doesn’t matter. The QB might have you beat as soon as you commit to either chasing him or staying back.


Jeff from Ogden, UT


In this day of zone blocking and personnel scheme-related running games, I miss the days of a smash-mouth, road-grading lineman. Who, in your opinion, is the closest we have to a road grader on this team?


Probably Corey Linsley.


Craig from Brookfield, WI


The 2019 version of the Packers’ defense seems to have very decent talent at every position (except the second ILB slot) rather than a Mack, Miller, Watt who can tilt the field week after week. While a talent like that is always a good thing, it strikes me that with this year's crew there's less potential for an injury that makes us go from a top 10 to a bottom-dweller. Our "field-tilter" can vary week to week. What think you?


That’s one way to look at it. I also think there’s time for a go-to guy to emerge on this defense as well. It comes down to the plays made at crunch time. That ultimately defines the true difference-makers.


Paul from Bay View, WI


Guys, was the win against Chicago the type of win that can catapult a team into instant success? Or do you think they will have to face some adversity to help with their success?


Expecting to avoid adversity is the first step toward not handling it properly when it arrives.


Jason from Des Plaines, IL


After a 2018 season where our chances of making the playoffs were ultimately uncertain throughout the entirety of the season, a Week 1 road win against the best defense in the league cannot, must not be taken for granted. It’s wins like these the Packers have been dying for in recent years. Week 2 is no different. If we can go 2-0 after facing two of the hottest defenses in the league, November will have much more clarity in terms of the NFC North competition. How do we get there?


One week at a time. Happy Friday.


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