Thank heaven, Wes. It’s finally “25 or 6 to 4” for the season to start. I know “Everybody Needs a Little Time Away,” but 207 days without football? I’m praying our receivers are “Feelin’ Stronger Every Day” and ready to play. I’m thinking beating the Bears will be a “Hard Habit to Break” on Sunday. “Color My World” Green and Gold because when the Pack gets the W, it will be “Hard To Say I’m Sorry.” Thanks Chicago.
It hasn’t felt a day shorter than 206, Bruce. Football, please don’t go. “If You Leave Me Now,” you’ll take away the very heart of me. Good morning!
Margeaux from Tallahassee, FL
It’s time! As Mike Spofford would say, “Roll It!”
Roll out all the barrels because finally…FINALLY, it’s time for Packers football again. OK, let’s take a few questions.
Scott from Noblesville, IN
High hopes, but low (hopefully reasonable) expectations, as this old fan is braced to be very patient. If I could see one team aspect vastly improved upon, and one player to reach, maybe overachieve, his potential, I would be very happy, if as a team, by December, we are noticeably more stout stopping the run, and Devonte Wyatt has a breakout year. I honestly believe a whole lot of “other things” would take care of themselves if this were to happen. Any thoughts along these lines?
That was one of the first things Joe Barry touched on during his Thursday news conference. The Packers must be better against the run this year, particularly when Kenny Clark isn’t on the field. NFL Next Gen Stats had quite the stat this week. Green Bay allowed 1.2 fewer yards before contact/carry when Clark was on the field (1.6 yards) than when he wasn’t (2.8) last year. Their pressure rate also was 11% higher when Clark was out there. That’s a credit to Clark but also a reminder of how the Packers need others to step up alongside him. Wyatt’s insertion into the starting lineup is a big part of that.
Will the defense be better with rotating defensive players? There was time when Kenny was not on the field, we’d get gouged in the run game. What kind of stamina does T.J. Slaton display and who and how qualified is his backup? Can’t wait to see Kenny play in space!
I think Slaton has plenty of stamina to last as the base nose tackle. With Jonathan Ford on the practice squad, Clark can always lend a hand there, too, in a pinch. As far as rotations, Colby Wooden and Karl Brooks are gonna be Green Bay’s “Bash Brothers.” I don’t know how often the rookies will be out there, but the Packers are looking for them to add juice whenever Clark, Slaton or Devonte Wyatt isn’t on the field. I’m eager to see the defensive-front rotations in play. I feel like the depth there can be a strength of this football team.
Patrick from Burlington, IL
When I look at the Packers’ and Bears’ rosters, I see a lot of equality in the secondary (our cornerbacks are better; their safeties are better), in the skilled position players, the LBs and even the QBs. The big difference is the line of scrimmage. On paper, the Packers should dominate both lines of scrimmage. Could that be the key to beating the Bears?
I wholeheartedly agree. The Packers have to win this game up front. The best part is they have the pieces to get the job done.
Our receivers are a little gimpy and we have a young tight end room. I feel the Packers can play multiple ways. Wouldn’t mind Emanuel Wilson active for the game and running the ball down the Bears’ throat using a sixth lineman. It’s a new year but how was the Bears’ run D last year? And did they do anything to overtly help against the run?
Chicago was 31st against the run in 2022 (157.3 yards per game), but like you said, it is a new year with a lot of new faces in the Bears’ defensive front seven. I would be serving Chicago a healthy dose of Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon early. Those are your two veterans who have seen it and done it. Let the offensive line and young skill guys get comfortable, while the thunder-and-lightning rattle the ground. If the Packers also want to sprinkle in Wilson, go for it. We’ll see what gameplan the coaches concoct.
Kevin from Westminster, CO
With both top WR battling soft-tissue issues, do you see any upside for Jayden Reed on the outside this week?
I think he’ll be inside mainly in “11” personnel, but I could see Reed getting work outside if the Packers are in “12” or “21.”
