The season depends on it

Margeaux from Tallahassee, FL

Mike used the word “perspective” in an answer on Monday. The Lions have four wins as do the Packers. I imagine their fans have a different perspective. What is it other than Happy Thanksgiving that should be on the tip of our tongues?

“Good morning!” But no, it has been interesting reading the clips out of Detroit this week, especially after the announcement that Jameson Williams will start practicing. The Packers gotta get back to it. There’s no time to feel sorry for themselves. There’s plenty of other hungry teams playing catchup, too.

Nathan from Philadelphia, PA

Good morning, Wes! I am excited to attend my first NFL game in a few days here. Ryan from Santa Claus mentioned last week that the Commanders provided a blueprint for beating the Eagles. I agree they got lucky with some takeaways, but we could learn something from the other part of their gameplan: convert third downs, move the ball, and keep Jalen Hurts off the field. Who needs to step up for the Packers to win that kind of a game? Because I don’t see us winning a shootout against these guys.

Everyone. Every player, coach and staffer wearing a “G” has to step up. The Packers didn’t lose to Tennessee because of a specific phase, position, or player. They lost because the Titans played football better. Period. If you want to beat the most successful team in the NFL through the first 11 weeks of the regular season, then you have to play complementary football. No ifs, ands or buts. The season depends on it.

Frank from Lake Zurich, IL

OK, “backs against the wall” and “every game is like an elimination game” sounds like where the Packers are at. How does this actually impact preparation or execution as every week one should prepare to win with the right plan and mindset. Do they come out of the tunnel with a greater sense of urgency? Where do you see this desperation specifically impact what we see on the field?

It’s not urgency or desperation. It’s just acknowledging there is no safety net. It’s just you and the tightrope…and your two feet are the only thing getting you to the other side. Nobody else’s.

Weird stat: Christian Watson has more TD receptions in the last two games than any other rookie receiver has had all season. With that said, I believe it’s best to temper expectations for the young wideout moving forward. There are hopefully more TD catches in Watson in the games ahead, but it will be enough if he simply helps his team get some wins! Let’s start with this week at Philadelphia – a good team that has looked vulnerable the last couple weeks.

It’s just great to see Watson healthy, stacking success and building momentum after a rough start on the injury front. It’s good to keep expectations realistic but Watson looks every bit like the lengthy, fast playmaker we thought he was. We’ll see which direction this season goes for Green Bay, but Watson and Romeo Doubs have given the Packers plenty to like about the future of the WR corps.

Bill from Bloomfield Hills, MI

With Jamaal Williams leading the league in TDs, something Aaron Jones has done as well, are they on track to be the best two RBs the Packers ever drafted in the same year, staying with GB or with exits? Even more kudos to the front office considering the rounds those two were picked in. When have we ever drafted two RBs in the same year, or even one period that had six-year careers and counting?

It might be, especially in my lifetime. I’d be interested to hear Spoff’s take on this, too.

Byron from Santa Clara, CA

No question. Just a comment. As our season unravels Green Bay may get a chance to do something they haven’t done for quite some time. Play spoiler. As fans we’ve been fortunate it’s usually the other way around: Jan. 1 against Minnesota. GB wins, denying Minnesota a first-round bye. Dreaming’s free.

We’ll see where the chips fall over the next seven weeks. But with all due respect to the Vikings, because they are what their record says they are, I wasn’t surprised at what happened Sunday. A talented Cowboys team played angry coming off the loss to Green Bay and that tree was ripe for the picking.

What does the mini-bye look like for the players? Do they get extra days off? Go to practice but less physical and more mental? Does it change with how the team is doing? I imagine it is hard for the coaches to decide if the team needs to keep pounding through practice or have a couple days away to clear their heads.

The Packers were off this weekend, which I think was important to take a step back and recharge after a three-month gauntlet. As we said from the beginning, that late bye can be an opportunity or an obstacle. Last season, Green Bay survived that gauntlet to the December bye and captured the No. 1 seed. Unfortunately, the Packers are seeing the other side of the coin this year.