Mike's Mid-Week Chat: What can the Packers expect from their new acquisitions?

[Cheesehead]

I assume Rodger's has still not revealed what he saw in old footage that has improved his play?


Not specifically, but he's reiterated it's more about the comfort level with the offense and the changes LaFleur and the coaches made in the offseason to streamline some things in the scheme. That's been the greater benefit regardless.


What is the protocol for players that have tested positive for COVID to return to the active roster? Also for the ones that have been out for awhile are they given time to practice with the team before they count against the 53?


I confess I don't know all the details there, and LaFleur hasn't discussed any of that publicly. I don't think there's a roster exemption for those players to practice and not be on the 53. They have to be activated to practice, I believe.


It seems like they did not blitz much last week against Chicago, is that correct? With Philly's O line issues seems like they might not need to do much of that this week to get consistent pressure?


Pettine hasn't blitzed a ton this year, I think mostly because when he has sent a fifth rusher, there's often minimal impact on the QB. If blitzing doesn't help with the pressure, you're just making yourself one guy short in coverage. The Eagles' O-line has been banged up and shuffling around all year. Wentz leads the league in sacks. You'd like to get home with four and then throw a surprise here or there.


Can we anticipate Anthony Rush seeing much in the way of game time action on Sunday?


Really hard to say. I'm sure the coaches are going to try to find out what he can offer and find a role, albeit a very limited one at least at first.


At this point in the season, which Packers will be selected to the Pro Bowl? Which Packers 'should' be selected to the Pro Bowl? And to go a step further, which Packers should be selected for All-Pro?


I'll probably forget someone here, but Rodgers, Davante Adams, David Bakhtiari, Jaire Alexander and Z. Smith probably have the best Pro Bowl chances. I think Jenkins should be in the mix, too, but sometimes there's a lag in the recognition with younger players.


Hi Mike - It was great to see the run game do so well, providing a more balanced offense than we've seen in the past few weeks. Were you surprised that Aaron Jones + Jamaal Williams switched off each series & shared equal carries? It seemed to work, but I still feel that Aaron Jones is the better RB, averaging more yards per carry. Do you see MLF using this same approach in upcoming games? (I may or may not be asking this because Aaron Jones is on my fantasy team)


I think Aaron Jones is still the No. 1 guy, but last week Williams got a lot more carries late when the Packers had a big lead and the Bears knew they were going to run the ball. It really just depends on how the game goes.


Is it a given that Elgton Jenkins will be at center, or could they slide Lucas Patrick in there and revamp the line that way?


Patrick would be an option, but based on what they've done the last two weeks I expect Jenkins to be at center while Corey Linsley is out.


Absolutely convinced I have to be patient in waiting for young receivers to develop in tandem with AR. He has such high expectations but when they "get it" the results are amazing. Equanimeous St. Brown is beginning to show flashes.


St. Brown's contributions in the Chicago game are a good sign moving forward. Nothing wrong with finding more options on offense.


Elgton Jenkins ability to play all 5 line position is pretty unique and he seems capable of playing them all at a pro-bowl level. Is that assessment to far over the top?


That might be a bit much. He's an interior lineman, and I think he can play either guard spot or center at a really high level. The fact that he can slide out to tackle and hold his own is no small feat, but I can't say I've seen enough to say he could play tackle as well as David Bakhtiari or Bulaga or someone like that.