Kerry from Canyon Lake, TX
Mike, you recently made a comment about refs not calling holding because it slows the game and reduces scoring. Not the first time you and Wes have made similar comments and I don’t disagree. But what does this say about the integrity of the game? I mean, what are we watching here?
I don’t think it’s a commentary on the integrity of the game as much as it’s that adage about offensive linemen holding on every play. I get you can’t pull over every car going five over the speed limit, but it would be nice if the officials looked down at the radar gun occasionally.
I think I counted six players from Georgia that have played major roles on the 53-man roster this year. Does Brian Gutekunst have any connections with the Georgia program or is it just one of those things?
That’s a byproduct of Georgia having one of the best football programs in the country. The Bulldogs have produced a ton of NFL talent under Kirby Smart, and the Packers are one of several teams tapping heavily into it. Philadelphia has seven Georgia alums on its roster.
The Falcons won despite having 19 penalties for 125 yards called against them Thursday night! Is that some kind of record?
It was. First, those 19 penalties were a franchise record. Second, Atlanta became the first team in NFL history to win a game in which it had at least 14 more penalties than their opponent and trailed by at least 14 points. According to NFL Research, the Falcons improved to 1-104-1 when trailing by 14-plus points in the fourth quarter since 2000. So, they have that going for them…which is nice.
Richard from Greenwich, NY
Hi guys. Just read an interesting article in The Athletic about NFL “Directors of Game Management.” The job is largely about statistics, tendencies, challenges, and situational strategies. Some of those have access to the HC headset (that must be some intense communication network), others to the coordinators. Do the Packers have that as a coaching position? Appreciate you.
Connor Lewis has handled those duties here for years while working from the coaches’ box. I believe he and Ben Sirmans are the only coaches still on staff from the Mike McCarthy era. The Packers also have a football tech dept. that provides analytics for LaFleur and the coaches.
Jennifer from Middleton, WI
Hello Wes, so Hafley is down to help get things done for the beat writers. I love his press conferences. He’s such a joy. Let’s get crazy. What would the luxury of all luxuries be to help you get your job done on gameday? Dream big! The sky’s the limit. I’m thinking you need a temperature-controlled, massaging leather seat with built-in powered laptop table and personal TV monitor plus armrest cooler for root beer.
I’m still chuckling over Boston coach Joe Mazzulla giving the Celtics beat writers a hard time after getting new chairs in their media auditorium. Root beer is always appreciated, but what I pray for more than anything is a steady bus ride to the airport after games. I suffer from motion sickness but need to transcribe to stay on schedule.
Good morning, Wes. Are you younger than any NFL quarterbacks?
I sincerely enjoy reading the insightful questions and answers in II regarding how best to scheme to beat the next opponent. Perhaps color me simple, but I’m a firm believer in Lombardi’s perspective: “Football is two things. It’s blocking and tackling. You block and tackle better than the team you’re playing, you win.” Just execute.
It’s hard to find daylight to run to if the blocks aren’t there.