Cheesehead
Well-known member
- Mar 19, 2019
- 2,854
- 0
Greg from Downers Grove, IL
The Bolts are an interesting team. Great offensive weapons but lacking results. I am most concerned about Austin Ekeler, who has been their most explosive player this year. Has there been much talk about which LB, corner or safety will be covering him?
Ekeler is a problem. The guy is on pace for 100-plus catches this year. So whether it’s Adrian Amos, Blake Martinez or some other defender getting thrown into the mix, the Packers have to be careful with how they defend Ekeler. I’m sure the Chargers are looking at the film of what Tyreek Hill and Mecole Hardman did in space last Sunday, and wanting to replicate that production.
Nathan from Lino Lakes, MN
I agree with some of the other questions that surround Rashan Gary and how he is being utilized. Who makes decisions on an increase in snaps? Is he given a path to more snaps in practice, or is it less clear for him?
Snaps are up to Mike Pettine and Mike Smith, but my question to you is are you going to take snaps away from Za’Darius and Preston Smith to get Gary on the field more? Let the rookie grow – his time will come soon enough.
Drew from Rogers City, MI
This seems to be the healthiest Packers team in years. Is it luck or does it have something to do with Matt's approach in bringing players back from injury slowly as opposed to the McCarthy "if you are healthy enough to play, you play" philosophy?
There are a few things the Packers have done differently under LaFleur that have helped on the injury front. I think the occasional Wednesday walkthroughs in lieu of practice have been a change for the better. It helps guys get their bodies back and maximizes the returns of that Thursday padded practice. Going back to a traditional preparation week also has been a positive shift. McCarthy was ahead of the curve with the Friday STAA program but I think the league quickly caught up to that. Players are doing yoga, massage and other regeneration techniques year-round now. I don’t think you need to dedicate a full day to that anymore.
Jeff from Greenville, SC
I noticed Mason Crosby is between Preston Smith and Hunter Bradley in the locker room. Which player is located in the most unusual place in the locker room?
Right now, it might be Oren Burks between Blake Martinez and Tim Boyle, but all-time it’s definitely DuJuan Harris. For whatever reason, Harris’ locker was all the way down by the offensive linemen. That occasionally happens late in the season when a player is signed and they’re out of lockers in the main area to put that individual by his position group, but Harris stayed down there all three years he was here.
Bruce from Green Bay, WI
With the return game there are obvious differences to fielding the ball, but what about blocking? Does one require holding the block longer or does it take more physicality from one to the other?
Lane integrity is so vital on kickoff returns – staying in your gap if you’re a defender and clearing space if you’re the blocker. Blocking is important on both plays but I’d say kickoffs are the more “physical” play. Punt plays are all finesse. Success is dictated by cleverness and making the first defender miss to get into the open field.
Jeremiah from South Bend, IN
Given the need for tackling and blocking on kickoff and kickoff return teams, respectively, is a player’s natural position on offense or defense a factor in choosing special teams units?
Historically speaking, yes. The overall speed of the play usually results in a lot of receivers, tight ends, linebackers and defensive backs playing on that unit.
Bart from Albuquerque, NM
With the game in LA, I’m wondering what the air quality will be with all the fires. Is this a concern for the game and is there any chance of impacts to the game from the fires?
That is an ongoing concern in that portion of California, but as of right now, it’s not expected to affect the game whatsoever from what I understand.