Inbox: I'm sure the Packers would be cool with that

Jim from Eau Claire, WI

Let’s hope we aren’t “Sleepless in Seattle.” Sorry, I will see myself out.

Just couldn’t help yourself, could you?

Al from Green Bay, WI

Yes, we know. The Packers have had some dark moments in Seattle. Ancient history, and this young Packers team doesn’t care. They are looking for a rebound win. Reasons to believe: 1) Have you noticed? The offense has posted 30-plus points three games in a row. They’re rolling. 2) Health. Getting Romeo Doubs back is huge. 3) The ‘Hawks home-field advantage has faded, as they are 3-4 at home this year. 4) No picks thrown by Jordan Love in three straight games bodes well for this and future games. GPG!

That was then, this is now. Not only is nobody left from the 2014 roster or coaching staff, but Kenny Clark and Jaire Alexander are the only two players who have even played in Seattle while wearing a Packers uniform. Likewise, Lumen Field has been a difficult place to play, but as noted the Seahawks are 3-4 there this year. Vibes are different these days. Hopefully, Green Bay starts a new streak Sunday night.

Dan from San Antonio, TX

With Alexander and Javon Bullard ruled out, how do you think the secondary lines up? Does Keisean Nixon go to the slot with Carrington Valentine and Eric Stokeson the boundaries? Or could we see Kalen King in the slot and leave Nixon outside?

I think it depends on the status of Corey Ballentine (knee), who’s the only questionable player for Sunday night. Ballentine has been a key reserve on both the perimeter and slot the past two years and could play either position depending on where the Packers want to line Nixon up. It’s possible Green Bay rolls with Nixon inside, too, and uses Valentine and Stokes outside. The Packers have a plan but Matt LaFleur wasn’t showing his cards Friday.

Doug from Salem, OR

I record every Packers game I can and watch multiple times when I can’t sleep. If that doesn’t make me a Packers lunatic, I don’t know what will! Despite all the weapons, I think the offense really misses Romeo Doubs. It’s probably scheme and talent, but he is very skilled at getting open in the middle of the field. Hopefully, he will be back on the field Sunday (obviously) and his presence will also help open more opportunities for his fellow receivers.

Doubs is a big piece. Like Al said, it would be big for Green Bay to get the third-year wideout back for the stretch run.

Craig from Sussex, WI

We’re seeing the true Matt LaFleur offense with Jordan Love at quarterback, more run-oriented. I see a lot of similarities with 49ers and Rams. And that is a good thing!

And it makes Love better. For whatever reason, there’s this narrative that teams with franchise quarterbacks must ride those QBs into the dirt. It’s not true. There are 10 other guys on the field contributing to the success of the offense.

Mike from Winchester, TN

Hi II, I haven’t seen Seattle’s “12th Man” mentioned as much this season. I assume it’s still a thing, but is it something that the Packers are concerned with?

I fully expect that stadium to be rocking. The Seahawks bring a ton of momentum into this game after winning four straight.

Dan from Algonquin, IL

Hi Wes, I believe this week’s game against the Seahawks will be won in the trenches, which is the foundation where most good and bad outcomes are made possible during games. How does our O-line match up with their D-line, and how does our D-line match up with their O-line? Any tasty mismatches to exploit?

It’s a favorable matchup, but Seattle did good things on both sides of the ball in last week’s 30-18 win over Arizona. Geno Smith has been sacked 40 times for 272 lost yards this season but was barely touched (no sacks, two quarterback hits). The Packers’ defensive front has been playing better as of late, too. I think Kenny Clark and inside pressure are going to be huge in this game. Offensively, the Packers must keep tabs on Leonard Williams’ location and where he’s rushing from.

Theresa from Sylvania, OH

Xavier McKinney started the season on fire with his interceptions and then cooled off recently. How much of the cooling could be correlated to the loss of Jaire? Does the defensive game plan have to shift which limits the X factor? Or are offenses scheming differently and we need to counter?

I think that has do with teams not throwing deep. McKinney only has defensed a pass (two vs. San Francisco) in one of his last five games and picked the pass off.

Tim from Pepin, WI

Do you think Josh Jacobs can get as many yards as the last time he played Seattle?

Jacobs played the Seahawks once (2022) and produced 303 total yards with two touchdowns, including a career-high 229 rushing yards. I’m sure the Packers would be cool with that again. “It’s pretty fun to go back and see how it goes this time,” Jacobs told reporters Friday.

Ted from Findlay, OH

Who would you consider the Packers player “most under the radar” so far this season? I am talking about that non-flashy, steady performer who just does not get a lot of recognition. Thanks, and keep up the great work.

Dave from Hollywood, MD

The Packers will be wearing their white helmets in Seattle. Do they practice with them in the days leading up to the game so the players, especially Jordan Love, get used to the look of them while running plays?

The Packers have been practicing with them all week. I assume it’s to work out any potential kinks related to wearing their usual helmets.

Ken from New Berlin, WI

It looks like a “Winter Warning” in Seattle!

I prefer a “Seattle Squall.”

Andrew from Chicago, IL

I must be very old, or the readership must be very young. Both options are possible, begrudgingly. I remember the record of the 2013 Packers. The NFL taking a home game away from the Packers after that game in Chicago to win the division might’ve sent some of the readers into a decades-long hysteria. Let’s all try to keep some semblance of historical perspective in mind.

I’ve never understood the narrative about taking away a home wild-card game from a division champion – especially this year where every leader has a winning record. To get where they want to go, Minnesota and Green Bay will need to beat Detroit and/or Philadelphia on their home field. So, what’s another road win over a nine- or 10-win champion from the South or the West.

Jerry from Ramsey, IL

Who is your pick to be the “James Starks” of the stretch run this year?

He’s not a rookie but Luke Musgrave.

Tom from Raleigh, NC

Any insight into why DK Metcalf is not a top 2-3 wide receiver? Size, speed, hands. I know Seattle has had good other WRs but still he should be great.

Metcalf is great. But like Green Bay’s offense, the passing game doesn’t run through one receiver. Anyone who watches Seattle knows what Metcalf means to the Seahawks’ offense.

Jarle from Tromsø, Norway

Is Jeff Hafley eligible for the Tom Mulhern Stand-Up Guy Award, or is that for players only? Say whatever you like about the defense, but his interviews are probably the most engaging and educative I can recall seeing on this site. They seem to be enjoyable for you guys as well.

You know how I feel about Hafley and the conversations we’ve had with him this year. The Mully is a player award and there are a ton of worthy candidates this year. But I am appreciative of all the time and insight Hafley has given us this season.

Mike from Baraboo, WI

What do the Packers need to improve upon in order to make a deep run in the playoffs?

Third-down efficiency. The offense is 19th and defense is 20th.

Oliver from Berlin, Germany

Hi Insiders, question to relax before the nailbiting last four regular games. When will the Packers play in Berlin? Not as important as the remaining games but would be like a “Super Bowl” and a dream come true. GPG from Germany.

My batting average is so low on trying to predict anything related to international games. I think the Packers will play in Germany at some point, but I highly doubt Green Bay would be considered for the Berlin game in 2025 after going to Brazil this year.

Steve from Scranton, PA

As often as it’s mentioned, I still don’t believe that most Packer fans fully appreciate the Favre-Rodgers-Love lineage. Watching the Niners score six points at home in a must-win game Thursday night, I saw a young QB who had difficulty making adjustments against a defense he has already seen multiple times. Contrast that with the second-half play of QB10 in Detroit, which we have come to expect in less than two years as the starter. And SF blew multiple high picks to draft Trey Lance previously!

Quarterback is the hardest position to play and the most difficult position to find. Spoff and I actually discussed prior to “Final Thoughts” on Friday how difficult the decision will be for the 49ers regarding Brock Purdy, who may need to play his fourth NFL season without a contract extension.

Dan from Rice Lake, WI

All the discussion re: playoff format and byes will be moot in a few years. The NFL will move to an 18-game schedule and a 16-game playoff with no byes. The owners will determine that a slight increase in shared revenue with the players will still increase each team’s profit margin. Because, ATMR, WCBW, the average tenure for an NFL player is approximately 3½ years, the players will vote to maximize their income in this short window, which is why we now play 17 games. Sorry, money talks.

If the NFL does that, it’ll ruin its sport. No cap. An 18-game regular season may be inevitable, but eliminating byes altogether would be an unmitigated disaster. Right now, Indianapolis would be the No. 8 seed in the playoffs. Imagine losing Kansas City’s shot at a three-peat in the wild-card round while an 8-9 Colts team moves on.

Vince from Sioux Falls, SD

Well, at least our playoff nemesis is done. GO PACK!

I really thought a tie might be possible there for a second.

Robert from Saginaw, MI

Had the official made the correct call and blown the play dead when Reggie White’s heel came down out of bounds before he lateraled the ball to LeRoy Butler, we might not have the Lambeau Leap. Just a thought.

I get why people always mention this, but few talk about how the game itself wasn’t particularly close. Butler’s fumble return for a touchdown came in the fourth quarter of a 28-0 shutout. Vince Evans and Jeff Hostetler were sacked a combined eight times, as well.

Randall from Grand Junction, CO

Wes, you’re flying solo at the pep rally in Seattle, what’s up?

Spoff has a family who actually likes him.

Brooks from Moore, OK

II, I know NFL teams like the same routine. For road games does the plane leave at the same time regardless of destination, or does it leave so it will arrive at approximately the same local time?

It depends on the game time and destination. We’re leaving a scooch later for this one because it’s a West Coast trip and Sunday night football.

Thomas from Cedar Rapids, IA

“We want the ball and we’re gonna score.”

I can’t believe that moment is almost old enough to drink a beer.

Dean from Leavenworth, IN

What’s done is done and the future never certain
The journey continues and its road straight ahead
Focus and keep eyes on the prize, Green and Gold

Dean has a poem. That can only mean on thing: It’s winning time. Before I go, I want to offer my well wishes to outgoing Packers Pro Shop assistant manager Darren Lohr, who stepped out of 1265 on Friday and into a well-deserved retirement. Darren is one of many here who were incredibly kind and welcoming to me when I first started. It’s been an honor to call him a friend and coworker for the past 8½ years. Happy retirement, sir. Enjoy the game everyone.