What to do now? Do we change things up?

[lambeaulambo]

how about trying quay on the edge..

 

[gopkrs]

how about trying quay on the edge..

You could try it. Wouldn't be worse than putting Wooden in coverage.

 

[milani]

Well, for the most part, I'd say that has been our norm. I want to change things up. Scare em.

This depends on the defenses and the blocking schemes as well. MLF has to start putting a blocker in the backfield or slot. Defenses will key on that single back and it will be like hitting a brick wall.

 

[mradtke66]

how about trying quay on the edge..

He's just not big enough to do that. He makes hay (for the most part) by winning with speed against a center or running over a running back. Offensive tackles are practiced against speed rushers. They'd likely get a hand on him and it would be over.

The odd ball stunt? Sure. Designated pass rusher on 3rd down? Probably not.

 

[rmontro]

Can we get Clark back until Parsons heals up?

 

[OldSchool101]

You could try it. Wouldn't be worse than putting Wooden in coverage.

Hey now! Where would we be without dropping BJ Raji into pass coverage ??

 

[gopkrs]

Can we get Clark back until Parsons heals up?

Only fair

 

[GreenBaySlacker]

I agree with this. Just didn’t want anyone to think I didn’t notice we’re missing a top reigning DPOY candidate etc.

What’s weird is we lost Clark and Wyatt. So a common thought would be we’d get decimated in the Run. That seems to be the most prominent argument anyways when the iDL breaks down. Yet in the last 2 weeks without either player we just held that pair of opponents to 3.6 per carry. That would currently rank….
#1 in the NFL.
GB’s season average yards per run allowed is 3.8 yards per carry (#2) in 2025. So then naturally you’d think it must’ve been against poor rushing teams. Just a natural conclusion to a #1 league ranking. In 2025 Chicago and Denver combined have rushed 815 times for 3,799 yards and 4.7 per carry. That would currently rank #8 in the NFL. So any argument that GB’s interior has regressed against the Run without Wyatt and Clark is actually wrong. It’s not an accurate statement across 2025 AND it’s not an accurate assertion across the last 2 weeks. It’s a fact that the GB Defense has actually improved against the Run since Wyatt being out. The current GB team has allowed just 1 Rushing TD on the ground since Week 13 and would rank #1 in yards per rush. Yet we all act like we’re being ripped to shreds at iDL. Either we have the best group around the iDL since the league started 100+ years ago.. or our iDL is actually pretty darn good against the run against at the #5/#15 ranked opponents in YPC without Wyatt or Clark in the field.

It’s our D Pass coverage that’s been our demise recently. Although in the last 2 games we’ve only allowed a 61% completion %. Denver and Chicago made that 61% count. 6 TD’s to 1 INT.

Very interesting.... What I've seen. And this really stings to say, because I'm a big interior DL advocate. Forever searching for the next 300 pound DE Reggie White clone...lol Kind of like the Giants when they won their two Superbowls on the backs of their Dline. That's my fix.

But, this defense was built with speed... Lots of speed. And they're getting to the ball. And I'm seeing how in today's NFL. These QBs with elite speed. Offenses in general are just faster now days. The good Offenses are at least. So it doesn't do any good beating the Olineman, when the QB runs a 4.3 and is gone. Lol But our guys with their speed is getting it done...

The thing about speed, is you usually have to give up size and physicality to have it... I'm not seeing that with GB. We just have some great athletes I think... Our guys are the aggressors. They're attacking the ball. Staying healthy doing so, for the most part. Minus the non-contact acl heard around the world... That sucks but we get van ness back at the same time. That's not a huge drop off if LVN can pick up where he left off. Cox I read had 4.5 sacks down the stretch last year. And I honestly was loving what McDuffie was bringing, as far as physicality. He deserves some more rotation imo, and maybe a blitz called for him , or two. .

 

[milani]

Very interesting.... What I've seen. And this really stings to say, because I'm a big interior DL advocate. Forever searching for the next 300 pound DE Reggie White clone...lol Kind of like the Giants when they won their two Superbowls on the backs of their Dline. That's my fix.

But, this defense was built with speed... Lots of speed. And they're getting to the ball. And I'm seeing how in today's NFL. These QBs with elite speed. Offenses in general are just faster now days. The good Offenses are at least. So it doesn't do any good beating the Olineman, when the QB runs a 4.3 and is gone. Lol But our guys with their speed is getting it done...

The thing about speed, is you usually have to give up size and physicality to have it... I'm not seeing that with GB. We just have some great athletes I think... Our guys are the aggressors. They're attacking the ball. Staying healthy doing so, for the most part. Minus the non-contact acl heard around the world... That sucks but we get van ness back at the same time. That's not a huge drop off if LVN can pick up where he left off. Cox I read had 4.5 sacks down the stretch last year. And I honestly was loving what McDuffie was bringing, as far as physicality. He deserves some more rotation imo, and maybe a blitz called for him , or two. .

Ironic that there were 75 points scored in a game with 2 great defenses.

 

[Heyjoe4]

It’s obviously not good losing Wyatt and Parsons let me state that first. That said GB hasn’t played with a healthy Lukas since week4. Lukas looked ok in his 1st game back but he was limited and probably a little rusty, which you’d expect.
Another under the radar + is Brenton Cox Jr. Now just because I suggest him doesn’t equate to he’s better than Micah or anything like that. It might even take him a minute to get going like Lukas. In week 16 of last season Brenton Cox Jr Was the highest rated Edge Defender in the NFL. Literally. He was an instrumental piece in our Packer Defense stretch Run in 2024 after coming back Week11. It’s my opinion that we could get sizable contributions from Cox Jr. within a couple weeks at most. His return from IR is very “under the radar” ideal. Really could’ve used him last week but near PERFECT timing.

Cox finished his last 7 games of 2024 equal to Preston Smith peak season strength. He’s not a backup anymore, we just forgot about him for obvious reasons. He’s a starting level Pass Rusher who was highly disruptive (by far more than Lukas) late last season. It’s not will be contribute, it’s more how quickly can he shake the rust as he missed Camp, PS and 14 contests.

You must be logged in to see this image or video!

So here we have a DT, Edge go down
Yet we have Lukas, who can anchor pretty well as a pseudo DT
+ a bonus 6’4” X250lb Edge who runs a 1.62 10-yard (88%) returning. While Lukas is different than Wyatt style, he’s a formidable addition ti that group and at ideal timing.
It’s very rare we see that and actually quite lucky in timing. So with all due respect, GB is nowhere near as bad off as the surface media and pundits portrays them. We’re being very disrespected and I wouldn’t doubt at all that we win another 1-2 games. Like 10-6-1 or maybe maybe 11-5-1.

Chicago MUST win this week imo or they’ll lose the Division race and be a 6th seed.

Any Detroit loss + any Packer Win is an automatic Postseason birth for GB.

Good points OS. Parsons cannot be replaced, period. They have other guys who now have a massive chance to step up. I can't think of any player who would benefit more than LVN. His career so far has been unremarkable. He can correct that by stepping up and playing to his draft position.

I like Cox as well. And I hope Stackhouse can plug the middle against the run, Brinson as well. Engabare has been very good of late, or so it seems to me. Gary should see his sack count rise as well. There aren't any excuses. There are a lot of opportunities for guys to make a name for themselves - and to increase their bargaining power.

This isn't technically a must win for the Packers in Chicago. But I see it as must win. The Packers have a much better shot at winning the North and getting a #3 seed. Sounds obvious, and it is. Time for a statement W at Soldier Field.

It's time for the offense to carry the game. Sounds like Watson will be back, and his importance to the O can't be overstated.

 

[Heyjoe4]

Very interesting.... What I've seen. And this really stings to say, because I'm a big interior DL advocate. Forever searching for the next 300 pound DE Reggie White clone...lol Kind of like the Giants when they won their two Superbowls on the backs of their Dline. That's my fix.

But, this defense was built with speed... Lots of speed. And they're getting to the ball. And I'm seeing how in today's NFL. These QBs with elite speed. Offenses in general are just faster now days. The good Offenses are at least. So it doesn't do any good beating the Olineman, when the QB runs a 4.3 and is gone. Lol But our guys with their speed is getting it done...

The thing about speed, is you usually have to give up size and physicality to have it... I'm not seeing that with GB. We just have some great athletes I think... Our guys are the aggressors. They're attacking the ball. Staying healthy doing so, for the most part. Minus the non-contact acl heard around the world... That sucks but we get van ness back at the same time. That's not a huge drop off if LVN can pick up where he left off. Cox I read had 4.5 sacks down the stretch last year. And I honestly was loving what McDuffie was bringing, as far as physicality. He deserves some more rotation imo, and maybe a blitz called for him , or two. .

Good points GBS. It's interesting how much the game has changed since the Giants won the two SBs. Guys are bigger AND faster, and that's the new model NFL player. Even the 300 plus pound DLs and OLs are incredibly fast for their size.

And this is a fast Packers' defense, as you note. They swarm around the ball and it's rare that anyone gives up on a play. I think Parsons set the standard for that. Play every play as if it were the last, and do it for 60 minutes.

So even with the huge loss of Parsons and Wyatt, there is still a lot of talent and speed on D.

Big, big game at Soldier Field. I like the Packers for the W. They have every reason to be motivated. Make it so MLF.

 

[mradtke66]

Very interesting.... What I've seen. And this really stings to say, because I'm a big interior DL advocate. Forever searching for the next 300 pound DE Reggie White clone...

You're going to be waiting forever on that one. Reggie was truly one of a kind. He was a combination of everything. He shouldn't have been possible.

lol Kind of like the Giants when they won their two Superbowls on the backs of their Dline. That's my fix.

Heh. Amusing to me that you pick the Giants like this in the same breath as 300 pound DEs. Their strength on the line was having so many good pass rushing ends, they would go undersized and use all 4 of them at once in obvious passing downs.

We actually had the personnel to do at the start of the year with Parsons, LVN, Gary, and either Enegbare or Wyatt. I think we tried it handful of times before the injuries piled up.

 

[Heyjoe4]

You're going to be waiting forever on that one. Reggie was truly one of a kind. He was a combination of everything. He shouldn't have been possible.



Heh. Amusing to me that you pick the Giants like this in the same breath as 300 pound DEs. Their strength on the line was having so many good pass rushing ends, they would go undersized and use all 4 of them at once in obvious passing downs.

We actually had the personnel to do at the start of the year with Parsons, LVN, Gary, and either Enegbare or Wyatt. I think we tried it handful of times before the injuries piled up.

This leaves LVN, Gary, and Engabare as the primary DEs. I'm sure that with Parsons out, and Chicago coming up, Hafley will use the DEs to maintain the edge with the elusive and fast CW. That means he'll likley blitz with Cooper and Walker. I'd add Williams but I think he is out for the Chicago game.

Who is the backup for Williams? Thanks.

 

[McKnowledge]

Hafley needs to get creative and deceptive with this defense, more blitzing and disguises. T

This team has depth and athletic players on every level; it's time to incorporate positionless schemes.

 

[OldSchool101]

Good points OS. Parsons cannot be replaced, period. They have other guys who now have a massive chance to step up. I can't think of any player who would benefit more than LVN. His career so far has been unremarkable. He can correct that by stepping up and playing to his draft position.

I like Cox as well. And I hope Stackhouse can plug the middle against the run, Brinson as well. Engabare has been very good of late, or so it seems to me. Gary should see his sack count rise as well. There aren't any excuses. There are a lot of opportunities for guys to make a name for themselves - and to increase their bargaining power.

This isn't technically a must win for the Packers in Chicago. But I see it as must win. The Packers have a much better shot at winning the North and getting a #3 seed. Sounds obvious, and it is. Time for a statement W at Soldier Field.

It's time for the offense to carry the game. Sounds like Watson will be back, and his importance to the O can't be overstated.

I agree. I also enjoy being an underdog. Sometimes the pressure of being favored puts that target on our back.
I meant to correct when I said “everyone acts like our iDl is being torn to shreds” that I don’t literally mean 100% etc. It’s actually mostly outside GB I’m noticing that the supporters have flip flopped. It happens internally also but not as much I think.

I do think it’ll take time to adjust to Pardons out. However I trust Hafley more than the bulk of DC’s. I’m not sure what to make of Caleb. He’s not been accurate until recently but he’s scrappy good. I just have this gut feeling he’s going to eventually meet too much resistance. Also The focus is always on the QB but the Bears are susceptible on D. This isn’t the Rams or Texans here.

This game will come down to the Packers ability to limit stupid flags, keep the takeaways even or + and just overall be a little more consistent. I’m getting tired of playing 1/2 games later on season. That shouldn’t be happening this late in season and some of that is on Matt’s play calling and putting Love in position to succeed. Last week we were rushing for 6.0 per carry and we completely got away from it in a 1 score game. Too impatient unless it’s 9+ points etc. I said the same thing in 2020 whrn we had 1st n goal from the Tam8 and Quadzilla was rushing for like 6.1 per carry. Thats 4 down territory inside the 3 yard line. That + 3 tries to get 5 yards. We completely abandoned the Run to save time, but we HAD to score there. Expecting to give it to Brady was not smart at all. That is Brady’s strong point is closing games.

 

[mradtke66]

This leaves LVN, Gary, and Engabare as the primary DEs. I'm sure that with Parsons out, and Chicago coming up, Hafley will use the DEs to maintain the edge with the elusive and fast CW. That means he'll likley blitz with Cooper and Walker. I'd add Williams but I think he is out for the Chicago game.

They may not even choose to blitz. It might be best to rush-contain, keep Caleb in the pocket, and make him beat you with his arm. By keeping 7 in coverage, picks are possible.

A spy would help, of course. I think both Cooper and Walker are fast enough and would allow us to disguise who's the spy/late rusher and who's dropping into coverage.

Who is the backup for Williams? Thanks.

I'd guess they'd want to move Bullard to SS and let Hobbs play nickel, but I don't know if either of them are banged up right now.

 

[gopkrs]

This leaves LVN, Gary, and Engabare as the primary DEs. I'm sure that with Parsons out, and Chicago coming up, Hafley will use the DEs to maintain the edge with the elusive and fast CW. That means he'll likley blitz with Cooper and Walker. I'd add Williams but I think he is out for the Chicago game.

Who is the backup for Williams? Thanks.

I'd say Anderson, who has looked good when given a chance

 

[GreenBaySlacker]

Reading about Cox having 4.5 sacks down the stretch last year. And I personally don't hear McDuffies name mentioned enough. When he came in for walker, he looked good. All over the field making big hits.

Still curious what we actually got in those 3 interior Dlinemen we picked up after Wyatt went down. It's possible we got a gem in there.

 

[El Guapo]

And I personally don't hear McDuffies name mentioned enough. When he came in for walker, he looked good. All over the field making big hits.

McDuffie has been playing above his pay grade IMO this season. He generally is a good thumper who has struggled in space defending the pass. This year he has thumped more and gotten closer to an average LB in coverage. I don't if that is sustainable, but it's been great to see.

 

[Heyjoe4]

I agree. I also enjoy being an underdog. Sometimes the pressure of being favored puts that target on our back.
I meant to correct when I said “everyone acts like our iDl is being torn to shreds” that I don’t literally mean 100% etc. It’s actually mostly outside GB I’m noticing that the supporters have flip flopped. It happens internally also but not as much I think.

I do think it’ll take time to adjust to Pardons out. However I trust Hafley more than the bulk of DC’s. I’m not sure what to make of Caleb. He’s not been accurate until recently but he’s scrappy good. I just have this gut feeling he’s going to eventually meet too much resistance. Also The focus is always on the QB but the Bears are susceptible on D. This isn’t the Rams or Texans here.

This game will come down to the Packers ability to limit stupid flags, keep the takeaways even or + and just overall be a little more consistent. I’m getting tired of playing 1/2 games later on season. That shouldn’t be happening this late in season and some of that is on Matt’s play calling and putting Love in position to succeed. Last week we were rushing for 6.0 per carry and we completely got away from it in a 1 score game. Too impatient unless it’s 9+ points etc. I said the same thing in 2020 whrn we had 1st n goal from the Tam8 and Quadzilla was rushing for like 6.1 per carry. Thats 4 down territory inside the 3 yard line. That + 3 tries to get 5 yards. We completely abandoned the Run to save time, but we HAD to score there. Expecting to give it to Brady was not smart at all. That is Brady’s strong point is closing games.

I think GB is a 1.5 pt favorite. Not that it matters. Those spreads are made to generate the most betting.

It feels like an underdog game for GB. And even that doesn't, or shouldn't, matter to the coaches and players. I expect it will be a low-scoring game with a lot of running plays on both sides.

Great news for GB is that Watson will play. He changes the defense all by himself.

 

[Heyjoe4]

I'd say Anderson, who has looked good when given a chance

That's him. Thanks gopkrs. And yeah, he has looked good the few times he's been on the field. Another chance for a guy to step up with a lot more snaps.

 

[Heyjoe4]

Hafley needs to get creative and deceptive with this defense, more blitzing and disguises. T

This team has depth and athletic players on every level; it's time to incorporate positionless schemes.

Hafley is a v sharp DC and I'm sure he has some surprises for the Bears. Unlike Joe Barry, he's not afraid to try something new.

 

[milani]

I think GB is a 1.5 pt favorite. Not that it matters. Those spreads are made to generate the most betting.

It feels like an underdog game for GB. And even that doesn't, or shouldn't, matter to the coaches and players. I expect it will be a low-scoring game with a lot of running plays on both sides.

Great news for GB is that Watson will play. He changes the defense all by himself.

Last night I was at a sports betting location ( not that I bet ) to watch the game on the big screen since they have Prime. On the leaderboard for all the games it showed the BEARS are the 1.5 pt. favorite.

 

[gopkrs]

That's him. Thanks gopkrs. And yeah, he has looked good the few times he's been on the field. Another chance for a guy to step up with a lot more snaps.

Well, problem for him is Williams is so good. But yeah, he get a chance maybe, to show he can play.

 

[OldSchool101]

Reading about Cox having 4.5 sacks down the stretch last year. And I personally don't hear McDuffies name mentioned enough. When he came in for walker, he looked good. All over the field making big hits.

Still curious what we actually got in those 3 interior Dlinemen we picked up after Wyatt went down. It's possible we got a gem in there.

McDuffie has had a really solid season. His updated PFF grade is 74.4 (23/88) or just shy of their top 25% LB’s grade.
He has 212 Run snaps and 19 Pass rushes
In pass coverage he’s posted 174 snaps and held opposing QB’s to a paltry 76.1% Passer rating and 1 TD from his AOR (area of responsibility)
He’s got 11 Blitz with 1 QB knockdown
and 3 hits which resulted in .5,.5,1.0 for a total 2.0 Sacks. He’s also very reliable interfacing with the ball carrier with a low 6.3% missed tackle rate. He’s what I’d label “very efficient”. While McDuffie isn’t Eric Wilson, He’s stepped up nicely in the wake of losing Erics’ 5 Sacks and highly efficient numbers.