Good morning Wes, what do you think of Jaire Alexander’s comment on Justin Jefferson? Gameplay or bear poking? thanks.
understand how the industry works, I think That Some of Alexander’s comments will be taken down as headlines on Friday. When it comes to the NFL’s top receiver, Alexander’s respect for Jefferson is hardly ever played, since he shares the same name as Davante Adams. Jefferson is one of the best players in the game. Unfortunately for the Packers, they’re going to be dealing with him for a long time. Alexander usually excels in big games. It’s going to be an interesting game.
Sitting at Lincoln Financial Field a few weeks ago watching the Packers go 14-0 early on the best team in the NFC, I thought to myself I’d get to know this team for the next three quarters, and I did . They started by pushing a straight down arrow into a slightly more favorable position and have been doing so ever since. Let’s hope it continues this weekend at Lambeau Field.
The Packers have a long way to go in the playoffs, but I find it interesting that this potential rivalry starts in Philadelphia — as it did in 2016. Now, the Packers didn’t win this year against the Eagles, but they come from a very different team. That was the moment Green Bay could pull off. They choose not to, and here we are.
The Packers didn’t play defensively against Jefferson in Game 1. Has DC learned from this mistake?
I agree. The Packers coaches and players recognized their shortcomings in Week 1. Honestly, the defense has played pretty well since Philly. Jefferson would get his catch. He’s been one of the league’s greatest playmakers over the past month, and it’s a big reason why the Vikings are 12-3. The Packers couldn’t give him the freedom to play and run in the open. It’s not just matchups, I think that’s where the opener went wrong. Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill were a good test last week in Miami, and hopefully Green Bay’s performance against those two elite receivers in the second half will pay off in this one.
Robert from Corpus Christi, Texas
Congratulations to Aaron Jones for moving up the Packers list of all-time rushing leaders. He and AJ Dillon are an excellent one-two punch. Can Jones stay healthy enough to get us to the playoffs?
It depends on the ankle. He had some problems in the second half of the year. Jones touched the ball just eight times in Miami’s 25 snaps. It would be ideal if the Packers could double those numbers on Sunday. In eight games with Minnesota, Jones rushed for 587 yards and five touchdowns on 108 carries (5.4 yards per carry). In four wins, he rushed for 412 yards and four touchdowns on 70 carries (5.9 ypc). In the loss, he had 175 yards and 38 carries (4.6 ypc) with 1 touchdown. So, you tell me how important Jones is to this offense.
Patrick from Newmarket, MD
I’m surprised to see that Edgar Bennett-Dorsey Levens isn’t among the guys 1,000 yards from the scrimmage duo. Never checked, but they’re a great tandem in there. To my question, does Cliff have an article on Buckets Goldenberg (Packer in the 30’s and 40’s)? Buckets is my uncle’s friend.
Bennett and Levens were very effective running backs for the Packers but really only played together in Super Bowl XXXI season. Bennett ruptured his Achilles tendon the following year and moved to Chicago, while Levins didn’t really make a difference until the 1997 campaign.Also, here is Cliff’s entrance at Fort Gordon.
Keith from Dodgeville, WI
Guys, I can’t believe Allen Lazard was fined for taunting after being thrown the best block this season by WR and not calling the PI, come on guys!
I expected nothing less from the NFL. It’s a bit like the league’s MO emphasizing calls on areas that affect the actual game.
Lori from Cherry Valley, IL
Do Green Bay and Minnesota players and coaches have a curfew when they play on New Year’s Day? Go pack and go. Happy New Years to all of Wes and Mike’s staff, coaches, staff, trainers, players and fans. Cheers to 2023!
Matt LaFleur was actually asked that exact question on Friday. The Packers know what’s at stake here and will act accordingly. The team also has a full workday on Saturday. I doubt many will stick around until midnight.
Wes, if you’re going to give any team an edge based on health, why is that team? Which team will have more of its first-choice starters in Sunday’s lineup?
I’d say the Vikings have the advantage there. Minnesota has 10 people on IR right now, but only four players are listed on the injury report. This will also be Austin Schlottmann’s fourth straight start at center for Garrett Bradbury.
What if the Pack and Vikes tie?
I head to the cabinet with Advil.
Peter from Morganfield, KY
David, from El Segundo, said he expected to drop the bomb on Christian Watson in Sunday’s first offensive game. While that would be amazing (if it worked), I think if the coaches are trying to be likable, it’s more likely that Watson will run that route as bait, while the expected focus of the game is elsewhere. ML and AR can always circle back to the depths of Watson in a second or third drive. Can’t wait to find out!
I just want to see Watson on the field. It’s not like the No. 9 the Vikings faced back in September — and that player was pretty good. Patrick Peterson has had a terrific year since getting burned at the line of scrimmage at U.S. Bank Stadium. Watson made his rookie mistakes, but the Packers offense was different when he was on the floor.
Richard from Flabo Lake, WI
Hey Mike and Wes, would you be nervous if the Packers lead 32-0 at halftime?
I have more confidence in Matt LaFleur handling this situation.
