Mike's Mid-Week Chat: What will it take on a short week?

[Cheesehead]

Packers win if..


The offense wins the battle of explosive plays.


Mike, in the Inbox today you mentioned the Eagles are 29th against the pass. Granted, it's early so that number might be a little off, but it seems like a prime opportunity to get Rodgers going. If we can get the pass game going, that would open up some play action. I think this is just the remedy the offense needs to find its groove


Normally I would agree with you wholeheartedly. The only reason I hesitate is because it's a Thursday game on a short week, and these types of games are as unpredictable as they get. They're brutal on the players, and you just never know what kind of shape they're in to play four quarters.


Do you think Davante was not really game-planned for last week because of his baby's birth? I'm wondering if Coach thought he might not be available game-day...


I don't think that was it. The game plans are put together on Tuesdays in a normal week, and it sounded like a bit of a surprise that he had to get to the hospital on Friday.


Philly's defense is either first or second against the run. Is this a game where we see Rodgers air it out?


If you can get anything going with the run against this front, the play-action should be awfully effective.


I think Schwartz’s aggressive style of play calling is going to back fire on him hard. Our Offensive line is one of the best in the league and Aaron makes the defense pay more often than not when they blitz.


We'll find out if that's the case. Communication up front is key against blitzes, and if there are free runners, Rodgers has to know that and account for him by either throwing hot or getting out of the pocket. He's usually pretty good at that.


"The Eagles could be dangerous because they are really going to want to avoid a 1-3 start." This doesn't make sense to me. It suggests there are weeks where they only sort of want to win.


There are weeks NFL teams feel more desperate than at other times. They're human, and talented teams with their backs sort of against the wall can be especially dangerous.


I know we have played against some good defenses, however, our 3rd down conversion rate is horrible. Isn't this the true test where it comes down to players not plays? Win the one on ones!


The Packers have to improve on third down, no doubt about it. There have been some long-yardage situations that are tough, but they've also failed on seven third downs that required 8 yards or less to convert. The percentage there needs to be better. A missed block on third-and-short or a dropped pass here and there have really hurt in that regard.


Is the feeling around the locker room among the offense that they have a chip on their shoulder with all the national rave about the defense currently carrying the team? That has to be a scary thought for the rest of the league that an Aaron Rodgers' led team is currently being provided time by their defense to work out the kinks of the new offense while still winning games!


I think the offense is staying quiet because they know they haven't found a groove and they have a lot to work on. It's not going to magically just happen. I remember Jordy Nelson talking about the "run the table" in '16. Every week when he was asked how they found their rhythm, he always referred to the work put in during practice. It's always about the work. That's why it's hard to know what to expect this week, because it's not a normal practice week.


Our tackling and run defense have seemed to regress over the last couple games. What impact do you think Raven Greenes injury had on that if any. Is he being missed. Could this lead to more playing time for Summers?


I think the Packers miss Greene a bit because he was so good in that role next to Martinez and that allowed Amos to play deep more. But injuries happen and guys' roles change. Redmond and Jackson got more snaps in the secondary last week. We'll see how soon Burks can return. It's all to be determined.


any update on Philly Wide Receivers?


Pederson said he expected Jeffery to be back on Thursday, but not Jackson.


Is there a term for offense like the jumbo package -- bringing in an extra lineman might help against the Eagles' stout run defense. Or is that just showing them your cards?


The Packers brought Lucas Patrick in for a snap last week as an extra tight end. They have wrinkles like that. We'll see.


Rodgers said he was not expecting to feel banged up on a short week, which is good. Do you know if the O-linemen are feeling good, too? I'm sure they get torn apart in the trenches each week keeping 12 clean, so if they're feeling the same as Rodgers, I imagine that would be a major boon for the game.


I think these quick turnarounds are toughest on the guys in the trenches on both sides of the ball. I don't think any offensive or defensive linemen feel particularly "good" heading into a Thursday night game. It's about survival and then get to a couple of days off.


The Smith's are playing great and Matthews has 4 sacks for L.A. Rams. Sometimes these decisions work out best for everyone.


I saw Matthews run out on that makeshift stage in Cleveland to hug his dad on his big night going into Cleveland's ring of honor last Sunday night. That was pretty cool.


WI vs NW your final score prediction?


Badgers just have to avoid the dreaded letdown, which is all too common in college football. I'm planning on going to that game, so I'm looking forward to seeing this UW team in person.


I think this will be Shepards breakout game. Punt return for a TD and 4 receptions in the slot>


In the return game I've got my eye more on Tremon Smith to be honest. The Lions ran a kickoff back 100 yards in Philly last week.


When will you start doing Path to the Playoffs?


That's a ban-worthy post right there. C'mon now.


Did you see the blatant missed facemask by the Lions. I was flabbergasted on how the refs missed that one.


Did not see that. I did see the Eagles get flagged for a block in the back on that blocked FG return, which totally changed the field position for the final drive. Might have altered everything about that ending.


Thursday night usually are an advantage for the home team on a short week and good for both teams with 10 days to next game. so, a couple of Thursday night home games is not bad on the schedule.


The first one isn't really that relevant, because you can work on things in training camp to get ready for a Thursday opener. I do think it's easier to have a short week earlier in the season than later for the players, though, and yes, not having to travel helps. Going to Seattle last year on a short week was tough duty.