Inbox: It's good to have options this time of year

[Cheesehead]

Col from Ludlow, UK


Hi Wes. In a Sports Illustrated magazine in October 2006, Runyan was ranked second on a list of the dirtiest players in the NFL. How's junior shaping up?


Jon Sr. was No. 2? Who was No. 1? Jon Runyan is a natural grinder and a "Day 3" draft pick like his dad, but doesn't take it as far as his dad did on the field. Jon Sr. mentioned when I talked to him this past offseason even he'd probably have to tone it down in today's NFL. I've heard Jon Jr.'s personality is a good blend of both his father and his mom, Loretta. He's been a great fit for Green Bay.


Rod from Chugiak, AK


Regarding Mike's observation that Runyan "has some road grader in him," with TT's and BG's practice of drafting tackles and making guards out of them, great feet and accompanying pass-blocking skills have been expected of those Packer guards. However, run blocking maybe not so much, especially early on. Imagine how much an offseason of NFL weight room strength and conditioning are likely to elevate Runyan's bulldozing.


There's no question a full offseason in Green Bay would've helped Runyan from a physical standpoint but I also don't think he was that far behind after doing what was asked of him from afar. In general, the Packers have done a nice job of finding athletic and durable interior offensive linemen who can run block at the point of attack and also accelerate into the second level.


Jim from Prairie du Chien, WI


During the interview with Jon Runyan, I believe I counted Wes getting called on to ask five questions in the 10-minute interview. Is it safe to say the Wes talks softly and carries a big mic?


Take a bow, Jim. You deserve it. Thankfully, Bill Huber was there so I didn't have to ask every question in a 10-minute Zoom interview. That's happened a few times this season.


Steven from Silver Spring, MD


Just one year ago, the Eagles had a highly rated OL and were able to dominate the LOS specifically against us in putting up 30-plus points. What happened in a single year to see such a precipitous decline? Add to that a review of the Bears' 2018 offense and since then and how their OL issues have neutered what, for one year, was a potent attack. For all the talk of WRs and RPO QBs, it seems that without a consistent pocket no offense works.


It starts up front. You must build that wall to keep the calvary out. Without it, your QB is defenseless. It seems like most struggling teams will point to injuries but there is something to that with the Eagles, who have lost Lane Johnson, Andre Dillard and Brandon Brooks for the season. Sua Opeta also was placed on IR this past week with a neck injury. And losing Zach Ertz has created a bunch of other issues for this offense. It's been a tough go for Philly.


Darin from Madisonville, KY


I watched the game Monday night, and it seemed even the throws that Wentz made when he wasn't pressured (there weren't many of them) seemed rushed and inaccurate. Do you think a good quarterback like Wentz can still hear footsteps where there aren't any, due to the hits he's been taking?


I haven't seen enough of Wentz to say that with certainty, but I could see it. He's been through a lot, which is unfortunate considering he was playing at an MVP level before his knee injury in 2017. But the numbers this year are what they are – Wentz has been sacked 46 times in 11 games. Russell Wilson is the next closest with 35. His 15 INTs also are the most in the NFL, four more than the three-way tie for second place among Kirk Cousins, Tom Brady and Drew Lock.


Paul from Northglenn, CO


Do you think it wise for GB to be prepared for a Jalen Hurts sighting behind center? He brings an added dimension, and Doug pulling a fast one on the game plan wouldn't surprise me, a Philly special 2.0.


Absolutely. He attempted a pass last week and has played a handful of offensive snaps in every game this season. The Eagles have their backs against the wall and are looking for a spark. If I'm Green Bay, I make sure I'm ready for what Hurts brings.


Cindy from Mesa, AZ


Good morning! What are the remaining questions about the Packers that you'd like to see answered in the last quarter of the regular season?


Can they win a defensive battle? As great as the offense has played for most of this season, I think it'd do this team a lot of good to be forged in those type of fires by the postseason.


Matt from Sea Girt, NJ


More of an observation on all those fans that are hung up on stats. Statistics can be the most misleading indicator ever.


Who won this game?


Game Passing Leader - Mitch Trubisky (242)


Game Rushing Leader - David Montgomery (103)


Game Receiving Leader - Allen Robinson (74)


Arguably the most one-sided game of the year. I get it fantasy is a huge driver behind the viewership, etc., but sometimes you have to just root for a team.


The Packers produced yards when it mattered, scored points when it mattered, and won the game…which is all that matters.