Packers chat with Pete Dougherty
Submit your questions for Pete's midweek chat at 11 a.m. Thursday ahead of the Packers-Cowboys divisional playoff game.
3rd & 7 37yd
3rd & 7 37yd
B
S
O
close
close

-





-
-
Hi everybody, let's get started. Yeah, I'd think we'd see more base. That's what he did last time they played, and he even occasionally used Matthews as an ILB. That's what makes Dallas such a tough match-up, they run it so well you want to go with more run-oriented personnel and scheme, but if they put three receivers and a tight end with Elliott, it's tough to match up with the receivers if you go base, you really want to go nickel against that. That's why Dallas is a good team.
-
-
Yeah, I wrote that column, that headline "Packers must pressure Prescott" isn't really what it says. It says they need to put the game in his hands and try to get him to make a rookie mistake or two. They'll probably need to do some of both. It's kind of like with Rodgers, you don't want him getting outside the pocket, he's good throwing on the run and a good runner. So that goes to your point about read and react. Turn him into a pocket passer. But Capers might want to blitz and pressure him some to show him some looks he might not be real familiar with, maybe that will get him to make an impulsive decision that could lead to an interception.
-
-
-
Is it fair to say that our coaching staff is questionable only in the fact that nobody has ask for permission to speak with any of our assistants for all the open jobs? I mean I know on offense at times guys are hindered because McCarthy calls the plays, but it still seems to be at least some negativity towards the staff with so many openings.
-
The point you make about the offense is a big one, McCarthy calls the plays, so that hinders the chances of guys getting head-coaching interviews if they haven't called plays. McAdoo had to go be a coordinator in New York first before getting the head-coaching job. Assistants can't be interviewed for coordinators' jobs until after their season is over, and if they're under contract McCarthy doesn't have to even allow that. He's said no at times in the past. The Packers' defense hasn't ranked near the top of the league for a long time, and Capers has been a head coach twice, so it's doubtful anybody is going to look to him as a head-coaching candidate.
-
-
-
Seems to me unlikely the Packers can "stop" Cowboys - as in, they will score, and score again. Their balance of run and pass is just too good. So, most likely to path to victory is that Rodgers stays hot and they simply outscore Dallas. I think Packers will need 30 points to win. And maybe they will need one turnover. What do you think?
-
-
-
-
Hi Pete, Was there ever any comment from the NFL re the legality of the hit on Jordy that broke his ribs? Will Hall be fined. On the telecast, Mike Pierara noted that a defender cannot hit a defenseless receiver while leading with his helmet. Not that this would change anything but it should be publicized if it was illegal.
-
-
How much do you put into SOS? Dallas was 13-3 and but had the 28th hardest schedule which had to make it easier for the Rookies. GB had the 12th hardest schedule and hardest I think of any playoff team (tied KC) plus their experience has to be a plus vs a couple rookies.
-
I don't discount it, it matters. But I still think Dallas is a really talented team and the best bet to win the NFC. The experience could matter because Dallas is young at the game's most important position, quarterback. Prescott has proven to be uncommonly mature for a rookie QB, he just seems to be a really natural leader and winner. He has not played like a rookie. But he is a rookie, he still might make a young player's mistake that could be the difference in the game.
-
-
-
Going to be a major test for the young guys at ILB - these guards can maul at the second level, and if you guess wrong, you'll see the back of 21 on his way to the end zone. Do you think Matthews may play some in the middle to get some more size back there, with different OLB combos when he does? Or will his shoulder keep him outside?
-
I'd think, as long as Martinez's knee is fine, that he and Ryan will play a lot of ILB, because they're better run stoppers than Thomas. And yeah, wouldn't be surprised at all to see Matthews playing some ILB. He did the last time when Dallas went with two or three TEs. Now, it didn't work well the last time, Elliott had a huge day, so maybe Capers has some other ideas to try this time.
-
-
-
-
Yeah. Of course they'll miss him, but with Cook they at least have a big, fairly athletic target to kind of take his place. Cook didn't play the last time the teams met. And having Cobb back helps. And if Rodgers can keep playing like he has, they have a pretty good shot against anybody.
-
-
Not sure they have a clear-cut best DB. They don't have a cover guy as good as Jenkins. Safety Byron Jones is a good all-around player. Brandon Carr probably has been their best cover guy. Claiborne was playing well before getting hurt in the Packers game, and he's just returning this week. Don't know how rusty he'll be or if he'll even start, though he'll probably be on the field in nickel. The Cowboys have a pretty solid secondary. No stars, but pretty good players.
-
-
-
-
-
-
The onside kick gaffe was by Brandon Bostick, he wasn't a rookie. The rookie who's probably getting the most playing time is Kentrell Brice at safety, him or first-rounder Kenny Clark on the DL. Brice was undrafted and has been playing when Burnett goes to slot cornerback. Dallas might try to pick on him when he's on the field. Martinez might play a lot this week to help stop the run, tough job against Elliott.
-
-
-
Hi Pete,
Great to have you provide this chat session. I think we should take a deep breath here and soak in what has actually had happened with this football team that we are all so loyal to. I have to admit that I was one of those negative critics back when the record was 4-6. To do what this team has done (since then) is nothing short of remarkable. I still question Ted Thompson's GM approach but I have to give ample credit to coach Mike McCarthy as he has shown true leadership.
As we enter this Divisional round, I'm hopeful we win but I'm also proud of this football team regardless. I also want to acknowledge you for fielding negative questions during that tough stretch - I'm sure that was difficult.
As always, great work you do Pete - Go Pack! -
I thought things looked pretty bleak for the Packers too. I actually picked them to beat Philly on our staff picks when they were 4-6, but I figured they'd lose to Seattle and one of those division games, and finish 8-8. Have to agree that McCarthy deserves great credit for holding the team together during and after the losing streak. I too have some questions about Thompson's team building, though I think his success, including this year, shows that his general approach is sound, though in my opinion incomplete. It also speaks to how important quarterback play is, and the difference Aaron Rodgers can make when he's at the top of his game. They can beat anybody, anytime, anywhere when he's playing like this. It's kind of a remarkable turnaround.
-
-
-
-
-
-
That's the best way to put it in his hands, be in the lead by the late second or early third quarter. Then the pressure might start to build. As your interesting stat suggests, it will be a relatively new feeling for him, and unlike during the regular season there's no next week if you lose, so he might feel it. But the tough part is getting up on a team that runs the ball so well and has a balanced offense.
-