Mike's Mid-Week Chat: How do the Packers handle the quick turnaround?

[Cheesehead]

At the start of the last game, it felt like we were falling back into a slow start that we had seen in LA and San Francisco (Which we never overcame). Is this last game a sign that this Packers team has improved mentally and is able to play from behind (as far as momentum is concerned)?


I thought it was a huge step in that way. The Packers hadn't been able to right the ship in a road game that started poorly, but they did in a very big game Monday night. The road wins at Dallas, KC, Giants all had fast starts. This one didn't, but they found a way.


Isn't it great that the final regular season game in Seattle determines the NFC seeding for 4 teams?


It's pretty wild. The implications are most significant for San Francisco. Win for the 1, lose and the Niners drop all the way to the 5. A lot hinging on it, and as long as the Packers take care of business, I'm looking forward to getting back from Detroit in time to settle in and watch how it plays out.


There is a lot of talk that we know what we need to do, but SF only needs 1 win as well. If you were a betting man, which side to you give the advantage to Sunday night?


I really don't know. San Fran posted a heck of a road win not long ago at New Orleans. Then again, it's hard for me to see Seattle stumbling at home twice in a row after last week. I think the 49ers are the better, healthier team, but that's a really tough place to play with a lot on the line.


Sunday ‘s Game should be stop the run and let the undrafted rookie try to beat you. I see three picks in this game.


If the Packers control the line of scrimmage and make tackles the way they did at Minnesota, the defense will be just fine even if it doesn't get a bunch of turnovers.


Thanks for a great week in Minneapolis as a Packers fan. The silence is golden. Can the Packers continue to own the trenches into the playoffs?


That'll be a big determining factor. There will be better offensive lines in the NFC playoffs than Minnesota's, but the Vikings' D-line is as good as anyone's and the Packers did a great job on that side, too.


The coverage in the secondary has improved all year. Are the players now really getting Coach P’s defense?


I asked DB coach Jason Simmons about this last week, because you can see on film how much smoother things are when routes are passed off from one defender to another, etc. He said the communication has improved considerably, and it was a huge emphasis after the breakdowns in San Francisco.


All of a sudden the Packers are as high as #2 on power rankings...all from one game. No one is sleeping on them now, huh?


I talked all last week about the national narrative on the Packers changing if they went to Minnesota and won. No one in the locker room cares, but I'm not surprised at all how perceptions have suddenly changed.


the defense played lights out and they needed that game to show who was boss....get'r done


Now the challenge is staying at that level against a playoff-caliber offense at full strength.


If the Packers lose to Detroit, does that mean they drop to the number 4 seed in the playoffs?


No, they would drop to the 3, unless the Saints also lose, then the Packers would still get the 2 and a bye. The NFC East winner will be the 4.


Do you think Christmas week plus intensity of the MN win will negatively affect our prep and performance in Detroit?


That's part of the challenge this week. It shouldn't, because these guys are pros and know what's at stake.


It just feel wrong to want the Seahawks to win... but man a #1 seed would really be something


No one likes cheering for the Seahawks. No one liked it when they played the Vikings a few weeks back, either. But if they can help the Packers, you take the help.


If the 49ers lose and the Pack wins, who is the Pack's next opponent? Or do we still need to wait and see?


If the Packers get a bye, it's wait and see. The 2 seed can end up playing the 3, 4 or 5 depending on wild-card weekend results. The 1 seed could play the 4, 5 or 6.


I think Z played a notch above his usual regular season energy. Did you sense that? He was already at playoff intensity...and the rest of the D followed.


That was a tour de force performance by 55. Big game, on the road, high stakes, and he dominated. He beat every Minnesota offensive lineman at one point or another in that game.


Still waiting for that one game where everything clicks. This could be that week—and subsequently give the team a big push into the playoffs.


The Packers aren't going to prove anything against the Lions this week. They just have to win.


Hi Mike! I know people want to see great numbers from our receivers, since it’s basically what we’ve been used to because the running game has been inconsistent year after year. But why not take a moment to recognize their run blocking efforts as well this year? A WYMM on this can’t hurt either.


I thought about highlighting that (I did it for a game earlier this season) but there was so much talk about the WRs blocking it doesn't really fit with the WYMM theme. If you know what I'm going to focus on, it's not WYMM, you know what I mean?


Has anyone talked about Zimmer's postgame handshake?


I haven't seen any players comment on it. I'm sure LaFleur won't. No reason to.


Saw groin on Bryan Bulaga. Is that new?


I believe so but no idea how serious it is. We'll see how the rest of the week plays out.


I personally feel that Lynch beast will not be a huge or even significant factor given the new Seattle offense since he previously played. I hope he is but do you agree?


I really don't know. I'm sure there are plenty of plays they could dust off without too much trouble if they feel the need.


Don't want to play the Vikings again. Are they locked in at #6?


Yes they are. They will travel to face the 3, which could be Seattle, New Orleans or GB.