Inbox: that’s where it starts

Whenever I see a reference that I think is from a movie, TV show, book, etc., I just think, “Forget it, he’s rolling.”

Gavin from Albuquerque, NM

Wes said, “I swear Inbox was more positive last year when the team was 3-6 than they are currently 6-3.” Freshman starting quarterback with no expectations against “The Guy” and a full load of expectation cake on the team. Interesting how expectations can influence so much. GPG!

Certainly, and 6-3, tied for third place, with two losses against the division leaders, also plays a role in that.

Looking at how the Packers beat the Bears, I’m not worried about plans or even who might play. If Green Bay cleans up their own issues, such as interceptions, dropped passes and penalties, they should win. The Packers can’t continue to depend on overcoming their own problems.

But that’s where it starts.

Doug from Pardeeville, Wisconsin

With the Bears firing their OC on Tuesday, what new challenges will the Pack face on Sunday? At the very least, I expect we’ll see some new unfamiliar looks, perhaps a different emphasis on running versus passing. We won’t have the benefit of knowing their tendencies from their previous games. Thank you, and GO Pack GO!

They can’t completely revamp their playbook in a few days, but I’m with you on new looks and trend breakers. As I mentioned in our last “Unscripted,” it makes for a strange week of preparation for the Packers, but they also can’t try to guess or chase ghosts. This is where the defense must rely on its core principles and foundations to respond appropriately.

With Brown taking over as offensive coordinator for the Bears, and given his background as a running backs coach and tight ends coach, I would expect to see a heavy emphasis on pounding the ball and making plays action. Not that they have much choice. Their defense is solid, but the offense… well, this week I’ll put the Packers’ defense in my fantasy league and rate my chances.

A running game is a young quarterback and a struggling pass protection unit’s best friend. Always has been.

Dear idiots (I don’t mean that. I get caught up in the moment sometimes), the Bears offense is clearly struggling and firing the OC usually means the beginning of the end for an underperforming head coach. But what are the Bears doing well on defense that the Packers need to overcome? Thank you for everything you do. Don’t take nonsense from anyone. Even me.

The Bears’ defense has allowed more than 21 points just once all season, two weeks ago when Arizona scored 29. It has 16 points (eight INTs, eight fumbles) with one pick-six and a third-down percentage (33%). seventh. Chicago’s special teams have a blocked punt for a TD. The last two games are the only Bears losses that weren’t close in the fourth quarter.

The wolves are howling in Chicago, and their shiny new QB hasn’t been feeling so savior-like lately. If Matt Eberflus wants to silence the wolves and reinvigorate his team, it starts with Caleb Williams doing something Justin Fields was never able to do. Beat the Packers. I know Chicago is hurting, but divisional games are never easy (except for that one time), so I expect Chicago to throw everything at the Packers this week. Including the bean! I also expect LaFleur to have this team ready.

Me too, but I let the Bean hit Wes.

Steve from Halifax, Canada

Not surprised by Preston Smith’s departure. We just hadn’t heard his name. This reminded me of Aaron Kampman’s situation. Both men (very effective) didn’t seem to adapt well to the defensive changes (from 3-4 to 4-3, etc.). Will this be taken into account when appointing a new defensive coordinator?

The plan did not determine the decision. Philosophy and approach are. The Packers didn’t see it as a major schematic adjustment, but there’s no guarantee everyone will get on board with it. Kampman’s situation was much more difficult fifteen years ago, as he was asked to perform responsibilities he had never had before (such as filling in in coverage), and unfortunately he blew out his knee mid-season. It seriously changed the rest of his career.

Walt from Middle Inlet, Wisconsin

We all know that each team has seventeen games scheduled in an eighteen-week season. Apparently players could play 18 games, for example Preston Smith. Will his game day checks be adjusted to reflect the extra game or will he simply not get paid in the 18th week?

Players are paid for 18 weeks. If they play an extra match instead of a bye, nothing will change.