Cheesehead
Well-known member
- Mar 19, 2019
- 2,854
- 0
Joe from Wausau, WI
If I have this right, through two games, the Packers have played extensively two guys at RT (Jenkins, Wagner), three guys at RG (Lucas Patrick, Lane Taylor, Runyan), two at C (Linsley, Patrick), two at LG (Patrick, Jenkins), and one at LT ( David Bakhtiari). With all that shuffling, they've passed for almost 600 yards, run for more than 400, scored nine TDs and allowed one sack. Obviously, that is beyond impressive. So much for my concerns back in 2019 that Stenavich might not have the needed experience for the job. Thoughts?
The guy can coach. Elgton Jenkins is a talented young man but you can't do what he's done without someone who can bring that production out of you. Considering how big the shoes were that James Campen left in the O-line room, I think Stenavich has done one hell of a job.
Mark from Austin, TX
On at least one of the snaps last Sunday, I saw Za'Darius line up at MLB and Gary take his spot on the edge. It was effective in stopping the run and reminded me of when the Packers played Matthews at MLB occasionally. Do you see this as a get the best players on the field move (to compensate for Clark being out) or a reflection on how lackluster Christian Kirksey has been at stopping the run so far?
Good observation. More on that later this week (probably Friday).
Aaron from Scottsdale, AZ
We know these guys are professionals and generally carry themselves as such. We also know motivation comes in subtle forms at a conscious and even subconscious level. Most of the players relish being Packers with the history and reputation involved. With Bak, Jones, Jamaal Williams, Linsley, and Kevin King (the more prominent FAs after 2020 ends), are they possibly having any friendly competitions throughout the season to be the recipient(s) of contract extensions, hence driving up performance a tick?
No. None whatsoever. Whatever motivation they have to play well and earn a deserved contract in free agency is internal. There's no one-upmanship involved.
Andy from Tomah, WI
It was mentioned about the psyche of an opponent taking a bigger hit when a team can double up vs. scoring on the opening possession. It seems to me a strong defensive stop to open the game does more towards setting the tone. Just go out and punch them in the face, steal their lunch, kiss their girlfriend, whatever it takes. Now they know you came to play. I guess that makes me old-school. I'm okay with that.
I won't argue there's value in a strong defensive stop to start off a game but there's so much ebb and flow at the highest level. It's difficult to put your foot down on the gas pedal and keep it there for 60 minutes without any resistance. That's why those double-ups can be so useful. The Packers got a big stand in the second quarter and that enabled the offense to start that turnaround.
Statham from Pineview, GA
With Alvin Kamara's unique skill set, do you think we could see him drawing coverage from a corner or safety more often than not over a LB this week?
Mayhap. I don't see Jaire Alexander or Kevin King shadowing him or anything, but I could see Chandon Sullivan, Raven Greene, Will Redmond or maybe even Darnell Savage line up against across from Kamara depending on the coverage and game situation.
Nic from London, UK
We're playing at NOLA in prime time – the one stadium in the league that's seared into my brain as a place where we're consistently made into roadkill at 7:30 p.m. on Sundays. What can we do to avoid repeating the past?
It works to the Packers' advantage that there won't be fans. While New Orleans is one of my favorite road trips, it's probably my least favorite venue to cover a game. It's an open-air press box near the roof of the stadium, so it gets LOUD in there. For me, the game plan starts with disrupting Drew Brees' rhythm early. If Brees is getting the ball out inside 2.5 seconds, it's going to be a long night for the defense. Brees has a 108.7 rating on passes thrown under 2.5 seconds this year, according to Pro Football Focus. Over that mark? 76.4, which is 27th among NFL QBs.
Tony from Rock Falls, IL
Of other recent head coaches in the NFL, who does ML remind you of the most thus far in his tenure?
Sean McVay…and not just because of their shared history but the way the two changed the culture in an NFL locker room in less than a year. Both had a clear vision for what they wanted and executed it in Year 1. I don't think he gets nearly enough credit for engineering the largest single-season turnaround in franchise history.