What looks like the same old rival in your inbox may actually be the clearest opportunity you’ve had all along.QQ

Everything the Packers have worked for is right in front of them

Al from Green Bay, WI

“The Power of 11” from Larry in “Three Things” brings renewed hope for this team. Said another way, the whole is greater than the sum of the parts. If this Packers team has cohesion, selflessness and drive, the sky remains the limit. What words of encouragement would you like to offer for those still in the camp of “devastated” following the Micah Parsons injury?

It ain’t over ’til it’s over.

John from Spring Hill, TN

I appreciated the optimism yesterday. Can I add that Matt LaFleur has proven himself to be a great adversity coach? How do you think the injury issues the team is facing now compared to last year when he worked wonders with Malik Willis?

I think LaFleur and his staff have done some of their best work in times of supreme adversity. It doesn’t get much more difficult than what happened at the beginning of last year when a brand-new backup quarterback had to start on 19 days’ notice against Indianapolis. Like Larry said, it takes all 11 on any given play. LaFleur, Jeff Hafley and the rest of the coaches have had a (mostly) full week to determine the best course of action after losing Parsons.

Ben from Charlottesville, VA

Micah Parsons 10000% lived up to his billing. Hopefully, he will heal. Not only for us, but for himself. We have, with such a young squad, a long championship window. I’m 100% in this year, but we are set up for many years of championship football. I’m buckled up.

Micah Parsons was worth every pick, every player and every penny.

Danny from Glen Ellyn, IL

I’m done feeling sorry for myself on the outcome of Sunday. I hope this team is fired up to try and get one step closer to sweeping this division. This team has been successful with less firepower than this roster. Yes, the injuries are tough but it’s gut-check time. What is the energy in the locker room this week getting ready for the bears?

I think it’s overwhelmingly positive. This team’s confidence goes beyond just one player. It’s rooted in being the league’s youngest team three years in a row while making back-to-back playoff appearances. Everything they’ve worked for is right in front of them.

Oliver from Germany

Hi Insiders, nationwide coverage is that Micah Parsons was the missing piece for us to get to the Super Bowl. Now he’s missing time in our defense. Alternatives? Maybe Brenton Cox Jr… or do I miss something?

Cox is absolutely an option. The third-year veteran was a full participant in practice again on Wednesday. I wrote about all the possibilities in my Wednesday morning story.

Mal from Australia

I have a feeling that No. 52 is about to silence a few of his critics … just a feeling.

I feel like we’re going to see the best version of Rashan Gary these final three weeks of the regular season.

Adrian from Oregon City, OR

It’s Bears week. Run the ball and stop the run. I’m cautiously optimistic Lukas Van Ness and Kingsley Enagbare will stand tall and make them earn it. Key to the game?

Same rival, new opportunity. So, I don’t think much changes from the first go-around with the Bears. The Packers gotta stop the run, don’t allow Caleb Williams to extend plays with his feet, be ready for Ben Johnson to call anything and protect Jordan Love.

Hannes from Glendale, WI

We’ve talked plenty about Luke Musgrave showing promise before the injury during his rookie campaign. While he hasn’t had a monster game, Musgrave continues to get open and gets more and more involved. Is he due?

We’ve all been somewhat spoiled seeing what Tucker Kraft has been doing the past two seasons, but Musgrave has made some big-time catches the past few weeks that have helped this offense sustain drives. That’s all you can ask given the circumstances.

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Bo from Cincinnati, OH

Good morning! Obviously, the Pack is being doubted after the loss of Parsons, however, I believe a healthy Jordan Love with all his pass catchers (excluding Kraft) is enough to make a deep run. Think 2021 Bengals; our mediocre defense can still be enough if our offense puts petal to the metal. Do you think something in the offense has to change to increase production, or will we play our same game and hope to score enough to make up for the loss on defense?

The Packers still have a very good defense even without Parsons. The difference without No. 1 is it reduces the margin of error. There were a lot of instances where having Parsons on the field might have covered up an issue here or there. Green Bay must lock in and win with the guys still on the field.

Joe from Bozeman, MT

Lots of fans like to compare the injury lists for this year with 2010 but there are two significant differences. The 2010 team had one of the best secondaries in the league and the offense had Aaron Rodgers, who was one of the most accurate passers in NFL history. The current team is lacking in secondary street and passing accuracy

Rodgers was very good during the Super Bowl season, but he wasn’t dominant by any means that year. He threw for 3,922 yards with a modest 28 touchdowns against 11 interceptions, which were the most he’d thrown in a single season between 2008-22. The Packers don’t need Jordan Love to play at an MVP level to win a Super Bowl. They need him to be QB1 for a talented team with the potential to win it all.

Steve from Scranton, PA

Wes, if I told you in August that GB would obtain Parsons for Kenny Clark and two first-rounders, but would lose him along with Devonte Wyatt (Clark’s replacement), Elgton Jenkins and Tucker Kraft to season-ending injuries, lose your WR2 (Jayden Reed) for two months while your WR1 starts the year on IR, and never have your RB2 available, while CHI stands at 10-4, MIN is coming off wins vs. WAS and DAL, and DET (following up a 15-2 season) puts up 34 in LA, what would be your prediction of our record now? Maybe 6-8, last in the North?

I offer no predictions, but I’d say that’s a slick road to gain traction. This season has tested the Packers’ mettle. Despite the losses, Green Bay remains one of the NFL’s top teams. It speaks to the Packers’ depth, resiliency and unwillingness to fold.

Clayton from Slinger, WI

How soon after having a major injury do players typically have their surgery done? Do they get some kind of jump in line assuming it’s done at nearby surgery centers or is it a matter of waiting your turn like the rest of us?

If it’s not an issue with swelling, they usually get it done ASAP. I’m sure Parsons will have his here sometime in the coming days.

John from Jupiter, FL

Morning Wes. The hope I cling to is the fact this was considered a pretty good defense before the surprising acquisition of MP. Not saying I wouldn’t want him on the field but if we limit the penalties and make the plays when presented to us, I think we could be effective. Thanks.

It’s a good observation. The Packers didn’t lose in Denver because Parsons got hurt. They lost because of penalties, poor red-zone execution on both sides of the ball and not rebounding well after Parsons exited.

Bob from Rome, NY

An issue I would like to see fixed is the wearing down of the “D” late in games. Not sure how this gets “fixed” a week before Christmas (Did I just say that?) but it has been an issue in several games this season. We know most games come down to the wire, so here’s hoping for the big stop starting Saturday night. Expert response awaits! Thank you.

It’s a combination of physically and mentally grinding through those 60 minutes and playing complementary football. The less time a defense is on the field, the more gas it’s going to have left in the tank in crunch time.

Donna from New Auburn, WI

The injury report is daunting. It actually looks like you could start to put together a pretty good team just with the injured. That being said, any word on when Savion Williams will be back? We could use him. And by the way; Just beat the Bears.

We shall see. Williams is still practicing in a limited capacity.

Fredrick from Okatie, SC

Quick question about a possible receiver. If we need one, what about Allen Lazard?

You’ll find few bigger fans of Lazard than yours truly inside Lambeau, but the Packers literally just let go of a homegrown, third-year receiver three weeks ago. Unless we’re talking postseason insurance on the practice squad, I’d say Green Bay is set at wideout for the time being.

Michael from Novato, CA

Morning, II. We’ve been reading a lot about Gary’s hot start with the sack numbers not being maintained, and how he now has to “step it up” with Parsons out. IMO, this game it’s going to be much more important that he (and the rest of the defense) maintains pocket containment against Caleb Williams. CW’s not a great passer, but he’s about as accurate on the move as in the pocket, and his receivers are really good on the scramble drills. Thoughts?

I’d say you must’a watched Spoff’s segment on “Three Things.”