Inbox: It works because he’s genuine

Cheesehead

Well-known member
Mar 19, 2019
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KB from Kaiserslautern, Germany


Al Riveron’s justification for not reviewing for PI is a total insult to everyone who loves watching this game. Which does the NFL need to get rid of more, the rule or Riveron?


I believe that’s the precise choice I proposed on Monday, both here and on “Unscripted.” I best leave it there.


Matt from Waukesha, WI


Refereeing and replay will be divisive at any level (see Ohio State vs. Clemson), but I feel the college game has much better officiating protocols in place. I wouldn't mind seeing the NFL adopt some version of the targeting rule. Maybe adopt it as is but with an ejection for the second offense? Do you think that would be feasible?


The command center can review helmet hits for possible ejection, and it has done so. There’s a lot more discretion applied to the ultimate punishment, however.


Kenton from Rochester, MN


Regardless of how deep the Pack make it into the playoffs, I think we can agree Matt LeFleur is the real deal and as Wes said, he's proven himself a "leader of men." However, his leadership style seems different from the Lombardi, Shula (and Ron Rivera) style of "my way or the highway." ML seems more willing to listen and adjust based on player feedback and the players seem to appreciate that. Is that your perception as well? Is this the style of a new generation of head coaches?


I wouldn’t peg it as generational. I think LaFleur is just being himself. He’s developed his way of relating to people as he’s gained more responsibility and leadership. It works because he’s genuine, not because of his age. A room full of dozens of professional athletes will see through a phony leader, young or old, pretty quickly.


Adam from Wausau, WI


Hi Mike, this weekend we saw a linebacker and an OL catch a pass for a touchdown, and it got me thinking...Has Rodgers ever completed a touchdown to anyone besides his main skill players in his career? If memory serves me correctly he tried once to Peppers, but for some odd reason I think it fell incomplete.


He did try once for Peppers, at New Orleans in 2014, but didn’t connect. All of Rodgers’ TD passes have been caught by receivers, tight ends or running backs. If you want to stretch it to make an exception, it would be the five TD passes he threw to Spencer Havner, who originally came to Green Bay as a linebacker before converting to tight end.


Mike from New Orleans, LA


"As Lazard said a couple weeks ago, he’s thrived at every level of football he’s ever played. So why would it be a surprise he’s finding success now in Green Bay?" I would imagine every NFL player has thrived at every level of football or they wouldn't be on an NFL roster, right?


Indeed, and he’s another example of the expert evaluators getting it wrong. Happens all the time. The other way, too. I think his comment is about the fact that he didn’t surprise himself. None of these guys ever surprise themselves. If they do, their chances of lasting diminish.


Mike from Ames, IA


As far as I can tell, we have four guys on the roster (Rodgers, Crosby, Bulaga, Williams) who played on the 2010 Super Bowl team. And it's 2020! Those four sure bring a lot to the table this time of year, don't they?


Experience is invaluable. Youthful ignorance isn’t bad either, in certain proportions. All can possess various levels of hunger. The right mix makes it happen.


Scott from Martinez, GA


So the Packers play at 6:40 EST on Sunday 12 Jan 2020. My question is simply, why so late? I don't recall a Sunday playoff game starting this late in the past.


I was a bit startled by that, too. This is the first year the league has used the time slots for conference championship Sunday on divisional round Sunday as well. It’s to improve TV ratings, naturally.


Mike from Exeter, PA


I've seen a lot of fellow GB fans bellyache over the way we've been winning this year, feeding into us being overrated. My argument is that the way we've played this year says more than a team winning 41-17 every other week. That winning games like this will matter come playoffs. We used to lose these type of games. Am I nuts?


Not at all. The Packers will have to play better, particularly on offense, to win in January, but the ways they’ve won games gives them a lot to draw upon in the big moments.


Joshua from Mankato, MN


The Billy Turner designed jacket Rodgers wore was pretty sharp. Do you think he could convince Rodgers to wear a puffy shirt?


He doesn’t wanna be a pirate.


Bill from Hillsville, VA


Having been an avid Packers fan since the Lombardi era, I'd like to take a moment to thank Wes, Spoff and all those involved in bringing this season to life for us. Regardless of playoff results, this has been a season to remember. Thank you for your considerable effort in keeping us informed and involved. Now speaking of Lombardi...


You’re welcome, and Happy New Year everybody.


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