Not sure what “56” would do for Larry McCarren. Now, “54” might be something he’d talk about.
Shaun from Kampala, Uganda
You mentioned the painful NFC Championship loss to Seattle in the 2014 season as one of the worst three Packer losses ever. Which are the other two? I would count the shocking 37-20 playoff loss to the Giants at Lambeau when the Pack was 15-1 and 14-point favorites as one of them. What would be the other?
In my opinion, the others are SB XXXII, when the Packers couldn’t stop Terrell Davis and became the first NFC team to lose the Super Bowl in 14 years, and the 1960 NFL title game, when the Packers outgained the Eagles by more than 100 yards and were plus-two in turnovers but squandered multiple scoring chances in a 17-13 defeat (which of course became the only postseason game Lombardi ever lost). The 2011 divisional playoffs would be in the very next tier, but without a conference or league title on the line, it doesn’t quite rise to the level of the others, in my opinion.
Mitch from Belleville, IL
ManningCast or traditional telecast on Monday nights – what do you watch? I enjoy the ManningCast and I’m bummed we won’t get to hear what Peyton and Eli have to say about the Packers vs. the Saints.
I enjoy the Mannings as a change of pace because I generally tune out the traditional TV announcers anyway.
So (last night was) the first game flexed from Sunday to Thursday. As someone who comes from out of town and tries to make it to 1 Packer game at Lambeau each year, I would be absolutely livid if I had figured out plans, booked hotel rooms, planned to take Monday off work, etc., and then the game I had planned to attend moved to Thursday. The NFL really does not seem to have much respect for the fans who actually go to games.
We all wanted a Micah Parsons in the 2024 draft. Edgerrin Cooper is looking like our prayers have been answered. Great times are coming with this stud! Thoughts?
Cooper has won two NFC Defensive Player of the Week awards already, but comparing him to a three-time All-Pro and annual DPOY candidate is a bit much at the moment. There’s reason to be excited about him, for sure.
At the extreme risk of raising an eyebrow and I know he’s just a rookie, but I can’t help thinking that Edgerrin Cooper is playing like a very young Lawrence Taylor. I know it sounds crazy but watching his speed, agility, instincts and physicality, it just jumps out at me. If he stays relatively healthy, he’s going to be very special. GPG!
And now we’re comparing him to a HOFer who doesn’t even play the same position. I’ve already used “Serenity now” today.
I loved the acquisition of Xavier McKinney in the offseason, and through the first games of the season, he seemed to be the best defensive back in football. His production has dropped off, but do you see things from your vantage point during the game that indicate he’s still a top back, even though his interceptions have fallen off?
When’s the last time an opposing QB took a deep shot against Green Bay’s defense, where the ball is in the air for 3-4 seconds? Hard to think of any off the top of my head.
Just my opinion, but it feels like Gutey has really improved in drafting “ready to play” players the last couple years. Cooper, Bullard, and Williams have all contributed mightily this season. Last year it was Jayden Reed, Tucker Kraft, Dontayvion Wicks, Karl Brooks, Colby Wooden, and Lukas Van Ness. Pretty impressive.
I would argue that perception, as well as those players’ contributions as rookies, is more a product of opportunity than anything else. The Packers haven’t changed how they evaluate draft prospects. The overall construction of the roster, and the opportunity/necessity for young players to play right away around here, certainly has.
Could the MN game still be flexed?
Yes, but only to 3:25 p.m. CT. The league would have to announce that by next Tuesday.
Stephen from Menomonee Falls, WI
When do you figure the date/time of the Bears game will be announced? As a Gold Package ticket holder, I need to figure some things out.
It could always come sooner, but I wouldn’t expect it until after most of the Week 17 games are played a week from Sunday, and it might not be until the day after that.
Eva from Forest Grove, OR
What is your favorite part of your job?
Gameday. It’s the most extensive and exhausting, with live blogging for three hours, writing the Game Recap and Rapid Reaction, and then diving into the next morning’s Inbox. But gameday is what all the rest of the work is for. It’s when our audience is largest and people care the most, so I gear up for it every time.
Thomas from Cedar Rapids, IA
Catching up on rest is on Mike’s Christmas list? No problem! Give me your press pass Monday, point me toward the booth, and you can take the night off. Christmas wish granted. You’re welcome, Mike.
I don’t think my bosses would appreciate your suggestion, holiday spirit notwithstanding.
Pushing/pulling ball carriers. Monochrome color uniforms. Waiting for kickoff returners to catch the football before moving. The NFL is getting more and more like old-time Electric Football every day.
This legit cracked me up. Happy Friday.