Mike's Mid-Week Chat: Can the Packers get rolling in December?

[Cheesehead]

Mike, is this the year we beat the Vikes in their new stadium?


Let's see if the Packers can get to 11-3 at that point and then we'll talk about it. It is a venue that hasn't been kind to GB, clearly.


Good Morning! What are your thoughts about giving Mr. Lazard the additional opportunity as a return specialist given his size and speed.


That would be tough with him not having much experience (that I know of) as a return man. I think he's going to keep playing more on offense as well, and he's on kickoff coverage, too.


What can Pettine do to fix the lack of being able to cover tight ends across the middle? or is it simply that the Packers don't have enough speed at LB?


I don't know. That's a great question and I'm not an X's and O's expert so i can't give anyone a great answer to this. It's been a problem for the Packers going back to the Philly game in Week 4, and they haven't fixed it. And when you don't fix something, teams will keep attacking you that way. Coverage isn't just about speed. It's also about understanding leverage and reading and reacting to routes. The Packers just haven't gotten the job done there, whether they've employed LBs, safeties or zone coverage.


I want to be able to listen to the Green Bay coverage with Wayne and Larry during the games instead of the often horrible and biased TV commentators. On the internet there is always a lag between what I am hearing and what I am seeing. Is there anyway around that or do I need to go out and buy an old fashioned radio? Lucky for me I am coming to Lambeau this Sunday to see the Pack play my childhood team, Washington. GO PACK GO!


My guess is if you go with the radio, your problem will be reversed with the radio call being ahead of the TV. Your best shot is if you have one of those TV devices that allows you to pause live TV and then try to sync it up with the delayed radio stream on the internet, I suppose.


Okay so this really is my last question. The Packers are inevitably no matter what going to end up facing the Saints, Seahawks, or 49ers in the playoffs. What do we have to do as a team to improve to beat these super physical, beat you up front, and run down your throat type teams in the post season?


Again, questions for down the road, but in the moment my answer is for the Packers to do what they do and be at their best at it. That means getting the offense to flow through the running backs, whether via run or pass, and getting sacks and turnovers on defense. Do that, get to the fourth quarter in the game, and take your chances. The Packers have won a lot of games this year being the superior team in the fourth quarter.


I watched the Vikings/Seahawks game and the Vikes are scary good. Even without their top receiver and Dalvin Cook out par tway through, they almost pulled it off on the road in a very hostile environment. Packers will have to be top of their game to beat them in Minneapolis.


I was impressed with Minnesota on Monday night as well. When the Seahawks put together that onslaught in the second half and went up 34-17, I thought the Vikings were done, but they came right back and hung in there. That showed a lot. No one is going to be an easy out in the NFC playoffs, and I say that about the NFC East champ as well, because no matter the record, that division champ will get to host a game.


Could the Bears possibly unseat the Vikings (or maybe Packers) as the wild card seed? Also, why do teams like the Lions keep trying to win when they seemingly are better off trying to get a better draft spot, this late into the year? Im asking because I honestly dont understand the rationale. Im still learning.


If the Bears beat the Cowboys tomorrow night, they'll be 7-6 and they'll start talking about winning out to get to 10-6 and liking their chances. That still might not be enough in the NFC, but they could put themselves in position.


Did you see the interview where Aaron Rodgers reeled off every single person he has thrown a TD to. That man is amazing. What doesn’t he remember?


I did see that and thought it was a fantastic story. His recall is astounding. Over the last few years I've done two sit-down interviews with him for big Yearbook features -- one with Nelson and another with Adams -- talking about big plays, big moments, things that forged their relationships, etc., over the years. I hardly had to ask any questions because he just starts reminiscing, the recall kicks in, and he gives all the details. It's fascinating getting into a conversation like that with him.