George from Edinburg, VA
Thank you again, Mike and Wes, for Packers content for all fans. While you appease the majority with the no-math rule in II, Mike takes care of us geeks with the Crazy Stats columns. Something for everyone!
Instead of “Here’s a crazy stat” … we should’ve titled the series, “I was told there would be math.”
Bill from Menominee, MI
Isn’t an opponent’s strategy of “get the ball out quick,” aka dink-and-dunk, a compliment to a defense? For so many years, it was preached to limit the big play and not get beat over the top. This defense is designed to discourage deep passing. Offenses have responded accordingly by playing the short game. Call it a win and be satisfied with giving up 10-20 points per game. Keep in perspective this team is two blocked kicks away from being undefeated.
It is a compliment, but it also goes back to that adage about not getting tired making the routine play. If the offense is lulling you into a staring contest, the defense must stay disciplined and not blink. When the offense makes a mistake, the Packers gotta capitalize. Green Bay is giving up too much production in the fourth quarter and it’s up to the coaches and players alike to find answers.
Kyle from Los Angeles, CA
Like three-pointers in basketball, some teams “live by the turnover, die by the turnover.” Our D is top 10 in many categories after six weeks with only two turnovers? An object in an unnatural state will eventually return to its natural state. When that happens, this D will go from “very good” to “incredible.” One or two turnovers on Sunday and this game could snowball into an avalanche in the desert. Is my optimism unfounded, Mike?
Strangely, the Packers and 2008 Giants are the only teams to have a .700-plus winning percentage with two or fewer takeaways through their first five games. New York won 12 games that year. I feel like that next takeaway is gonna go a long way for this defense, like a batter working through a hitting slump.
Andrew from Richmond, VA
Am I the only one who would rather face Kyler than Jacoby?
Echoing Matt LaFleur’s comments on Wednesday, the challenge with the Cardinals is Kyler Murray and Jacoby Brissett are solid quarterbacks but for entirely different reasons. Murray still concerns me more because he can stretch a defense with both his arm and feet. He’s Arizona’s leading rusher right now. Brissett can keep a defensive front honest, but Murray can change the complexion of a game fast. That gives the Packers a lot to consider.
Bob from Rome, NY
Wes: Not a question but a statement. This is going to be the game where all three phases play consistent complementary football. Arizona has a deceiving record with a dropped ball before the goal line and a valiant effort with their backup QB against the 5-1 Colts. Time to check all the boxes! Thank you!
I’ve watched the Cardinals quite a bit this year. They’re a feisty bunch on both sides of the ball. This would be an opportune time for the Packers to tie everything together, especially with Pittsburgh on the horizon.
James from Appleton, WI
In the Bengals game, it looked like “see a run, take a run” moved up on Jordan Love’s mental checklist. I’m eager to see how that continues. Love’s runs weren’t long, but they were effective. Will defenses adjust by shifting someone down out of coverage and risk leaving a gap, or just accept those runs as the cost of doing business against a prolific deep passer?
Like Aaron Rodgers before him, Love is fast enough to make defenses pay if they don’t respect his feet. Any adjustment the defense makes – specifically if it entails a linebacker spying Love – should create opportunities downfield. It’s good to see that element reintroduced to Love’s game.
Jim from Hudsonville, MI
The Cardinals have such a long and storied history, it’s a shame they’ve moved around so much! That seems to have taken away some of their “coolness,” would you agree?
Perhaps, but the Cardinals have been wildly inconsistent regardless of where the franchise has been located. They haven’t won an NFL title since 1947 and have made the playoffs just six times since moving to Arizona in 1988.
Brian from Charlottesville, VA
I think the Packers need a very clear hierarchy and protocol for throwing to receivers with “0” being WR1. Call it the Golden rule. What do you think?
All the best to your fantasy team this week.
