Inbox: That's when you know good things are happening

[Cheesehead]

Bruce from Green Bay, WI


Have the Packers ever rushed for more yards than gained through the air in a single game? Also, a shout-out to ML, Aaron Jones and company for taking the pressure off Aaron Rodgers with the rushing attack and giving Aaron almost an upper hand in the passing game, but it is truly exciting to see the trenches take control making this all possible. What will all this look like in the Saints' house should be an exciting test for players and coaches alike? GO PACK.


Oh, for sure. But what I don't know is how many times Rodgers has had a 100-plus passer rating and the Packers still rushed for more yards than they passed for. That's when you know good things are happening.


Tommy from Toronto, Ontario


During the offseason I saw a lot of pundits espousing Rodgers' "decline" being due in part to him avoiding throws in the middle of the field and sticking to sideline throws (with stats provided to show the disparity over the last few years). Yet, in the first two games this season, I've seen a lot of targets between the numbers (I don't have exact numbers, just the eye test). Is this greater rate of throws to the middle of the field updated/new schemes? Personnel improvements? Both?


It's almost like NFL quarterbacks are real human beings with imperfections. Rodgers is one of the best to ever play the game but there are always going to be moments of adversity. No Hall of Famer goes without them. I think the key so far has been Rodgers and the offense being more in sync in the second year of Matt LaFleur's offense. Rodgers didn't go anywhere. He's still the same QB he's always been, but he's seeing the field well and playing on time. That, paired with greater emphasis on throws between the hashes, will lead to more productivity in the middle of the field.


Matt from Lansing, MI


I thought the offense looked a little sloppy at times, and they still put up 35 points. Year 2 in the system is looking good so far, hopefully they can keep it up.


Meanwhile, the pundits are losing consciousness while holding their breath waiting for the other shoe to drop.


Brian from Twain Harte, CA


Through two games, there has been a lot of shuffling of the OL due to injuries. How many different combinations of OLs have the Packers used in those two games?


Five if my math is right. Three last week and two more against Detroit.


Don from Hazleton, PA


I know it's only been two games so far, but to me, the real standouts on this team so far are the offensive linemen. The way they are run- and pass-blocking, giving the offense time to get the job done, is phenomenal. Your thoughts?


The offensive line has been magnificent during these first two games, especially how Rick Wagner has stepped in at right tackle after that arm injury during camp. It hurt losing Lane Taylor for the year but this line has proven it can go eight or nine players deep. That's a major asset to have over the course of a 16-to-20-game season.


Michael from Dover, PA


Rashan Gary is starting to pay huge dividends. He seems to be in the middle of so many key plays the stat sheet just can't measure. If he's not picking the ball off he's forcing the pass that can be picked off. If he's not getting a sack he's chasing the QB into a sack. He's certainly forcing some early and bad throws without a stat to measure it. Maybe he needs a new stat like "Actively involved in and influencing a key play."


Oh, AIIAIAKP? Oh yeah, I've heard of that. That's one of those DVOA stats, right? You're seeing the evolution and development of a playmaker. Gary still has a ways to go but he's trending in the right direction. His combination of power and speed is special.


Dean from Leavenworth, IN


2-0 and the offense is off to a great start. However, it seems that the D has missed their wakeup call the last two weeks. They seemed to lack focus and energy in the first quarter of both games. As the opposition gets tougher, what does the defense need to do to have a better start the first couple possessions they're on the field? Do you think the lack of fans in house is a contributing factor?


Create its own juice and set the tone on the early downs. That's where it starts. When the Packers stop the run and force third-and-long situations, the defense is at its most dangerous. You saw that in the second half Sunday.


Ryan from Minneapolis, MN


What plays from Sunday's game do I need to go back and watch closer? I know we'll get a Rock Report later this week, but there seemed to be a lot going on at the line of scrimmage.


Aaron Rodgers' 41-yard pass to Marquez Valdes-Scantling is a good place to start. Not only for the pre-snap call ("Jerry Kelly shot") but also Aaron Jones' blitz pickup to allow Rodgers that extra half-second to uncork that pass to MVS.


Nathan from Philadelphia, PA


I am really liking how the different backs complement each other in this year's scheme. My question is, what is Jamaal Williams' special ability? He doesn't seem to have Aaron Jones' agility, Tyler Ervin's speed, or AJ Dillon's strength, but he sure has been getting results.


What is Jamaal Williams' special ability? The fact he's touched the ball 498 times in his NFL career without fumbling one time. Williams is steady, reliable and has the potential to be a 1,000-yard back in this league.