Hey folks, let's get this live chat started. On Jared Cook, I'd certainly think so. Yeah, he's been injured much of the year, but he's clearly their only big-play threat as a tight end. The Packers could re-sign Jared Cook and still need to address that position high in the draft. The most glaring weakness on this roster is lack of depth and production from tight end.
Christmas Eve games can't be flexed, so the Packers and Vikings will keep their noon kickoff. As for Packers finale at the Lions, if the NFC North title is on the line, that's certainly a possibility. So stay tuned. If a game gets flexed, it must be announced 12 days before kickoff.
Did you see what Chicago almost did in Detroit yesterday? It would be foolish to overlook the Bears on their home field in a game the Packers need to win every bit as badly as they needed to beat the Seahawks. Only way Aaron Rodgers sits is if the Packers have a blowout lead.
Jake Ryan only played 8 snaps yesterday. Best guess is the Packers wanted Morgan Burnett as their nickel linebacker alongside Joe Thomas in dime personnel (six DBs on the field) to better match up against Jimmy Graham. Burnett did have an interception, cutting underneath a pass intended for Graham.
It'll be very interesting to see what's fined and what's not from last night's game. Don't forget, T.J. Lang took a punch from Cliff Avril to the sensitive area. Yeah, I'd expect some fines.
Agreed. I think Ty Montgomery fits that Theo Riddick, Danny Woodhead mold. That hybrid role could be a nice home for him going forward. Might need a number change, though.
And the Cubs won a World Series. The end is near.
Asked Mike McCarthy today if Ty Montgomery was his starting running back going forward, and he said it's important to play everybody. He said James Starks can start. He said Ty Montgomery can start. With that said, I'd expect what you saw yesterday to be the Packers offense down the stretch. That's the closest thing to an idea offense I think they can achieve.
Maybe. Probably. But not a lock. Teams can miss the playoffs at 10-6, which is where the Packers would be if they win out. If they "run the table," as Aaron Rodgers predicted, there's a good chance they'll win the NFC North. I think Detroit has a tough schedule going to New York and to Dallas in consecutive weeks. Still, the Packers absolutely need some help, even if they take care of business.
Haven't given it thorough thought, but my top 3 off the top of my head would be: TE, RB, WR/OLB/CB.
If Jayrone Elliott could just play the Seahawks every week, he'd be a Pro Bowler. Had the late interception last season, a sack Sunday. Splash plays. He's gotten better, taking advantage of injuries at OLB. Alas, he's pretty far down the depth chart when everyone is healthy, and his value on special teams is most significant.
You mean, it might be a good thing the Packers didn't have an owner to walk into Lambeau Field on the Monday after Washington and fire somebody just because?
They still should be considered the best team in the NFC, and the Giants could simply be a bad matchup for them, but the Cowboys have an entirely rookie backfield. That's never a sure thing. They're having one hell of a season, though.
He isn't quite one of a kind, but he's on a short, exclusive list of pass rushers. That's for sure.
The clearest difference is injuries. Everyone thinks they're an excuse when key players are out of the lineup and a team is losing, but injuries have a very real impact on a team's performance. With that said, it can't entirely be injuries. There has to be something. Wish I knew. You're right, nobody who's paid attention to this team all season honestly saw yesterday coming. I'm not sure anyone knows the definitive reason for why this team is so far removed from where they were in the midst of their four-game losing streak. Two things did stand out, though. T.J. Lang said yesterday the team had more energy and juice than they had in a long time. Also, I can't remember a time this year when I heard the offense and defense talk about feeding off each other like I did yesterday. The Packers defense responded to the early lead, and the Packers offense responded to their defense getting six turnovers. The Packers converted three of their five interceptions into touchdown drives. That's how a good team operates.
I think it has more to do with Jordy Nelson (further removed from returning after knee surgery) and Davante Adams (over his sophomore slump) playing better than it does Aaron Rodgers' injury changing how he plays, but maybe the lack of mobility is a factor. Jared Cook has given them a little more at tight end, too. It's hard in this league to get nothing from that position for weeks on end.
I think it's because everyone is comparing this Jordy Nelson to 2014 Jordy Nelson, when the guy was ripping off 70-yard touchdowns most weeks. That's just not realistic for anyone, no matter if you're returning from knee injury of not. I do think Nelson has probably lost a step since 2014, which is to be expected, but he's such a refined receiver that he more than makes up for it with route running, footwork, body control and consistent hands. The Packers are putting him in the slot more than ever, getting matchups against safeties and linebackers, and he's exploiting mismatches. Put it all together, and the season he's having certainly is surpassing my expectations.
Great question. I think his early-season struggles will probably eliminate him from serious contention. So much of the MPV race hinges on narrative, but it would be interesting to see if they win out, win a division and Rodgers keeps putting up these numbers. When you factor the production with how much this team has had to lean on Rodgers given the dearth of running backs, it's not as crazy as it would have seemed a month ago.
It all depends on how the offseason goes, especially the draft. If things fall right, I'd expect he'll have to earn a spot on the 2017 roster.
That'll depend mostly on matchups, and what they think Blake Martinez is capable of doing. Against teams with stud tight ends like Jimmy Graham, I think there's a good chance.
Yeah, I could see that. Like the burst Christine Michael has as a runner. It all depends on how quickly he continues learning the playbook. Can't have him going the wrong way on third downs. I do think the Packers want to avoid giving Ty Montgomery 15-20 carries a game, so it's easy to see a clear role for Michael down the stretch.
No. He wasn't getting fired even with a loss.
It's a week-to-week league. If you thought the Packers were winning yesterday, you were either going off blind faith, or you're lying. You want better predictions than picking NFL games? Have a fortune teller read your palm.
He has been on the injury report with a hamstring.
Jared Cook has actually been a picture of durability through most of his career. Just having one of those seasons. It happens to almost everybody in this game. Plus, he's the best tight end on the Packers roster by a mile.
All right, that's a good place to wrap the chat. Thanks to everyone who participated. If I didn't get to your question, scroll back through and read the replay. Until next time, take care.
