Packers need to stay one step ahead of Brian Flores defense

Wes Hodkiewicz

Alex from Lake Forest, IL

Insiders, did you receive a record-low number of submissions for Friday? Or is this Inbox not affected by the Outlook outage?

The beauty of Insider Inbox is there's always enough questions to answer. We received them alleventually.

Steve from Birchington, UK

Minnesota's defensive approach presents a very different challenge to most teams in the NFL. How much preparation goes into identifying and reacting to defensive disguises and blitz packages, and how important willJordan Love's ability to make quick decisions be in Sunday's game?

The Packers need to stay one step ahead likeSpoff outlined on Wednesday. Brian Flores' no-holds-barred approach to pressure challenges a quarterback's eyes, rules and instincts, requiring Love to make the right decision in an instant. Also, it's a whole different ball game this time around at Lambeau than U.S. Bank, where the silent count plays into Minnesota's defensive favor. Green Bay needs to survive the plays when the Vikings win up front which will happen and maximize the moments when it beats the rush.

Troy from Westminster, CO

Considering the Vikings' blitz tendencies and theChristian WatsonandMatthew Goldentandem taking the top off, I'm expecting this game to beSavion Williams' coming out party.Tucker Kraftis getting stronger but he's still not working the middle of the field like a speedster like Williams can. Watson and Golden drawing attention past the sticks and Williams making them pay for blitzing, which seems to be a lot of juice to account for if Love finds the matchups he likes. Thoughts?

Screen passes and deception are excellent counters to blitz-heavy fronts. Kraft, Williams,Chris BrooksandSkyy Moorecould all help the Packers in that regard. Love and Matt LaFleur, collectively, must be the hammer in this one and know exactly when to strike.

Chase from Diamond Springs, CA

In a way, isn't this Packers offense the kryptonite to Flores' defense? Love gets the ball out fast, helps negate the pass rush. Minnesota is great in the red zone, but the Packers can score from anywhere. That said, if the explosives are contained, we could be facing our kryptonite. Then again, that should open up opportunities for Kraft and Williams.Josh Jacobsgot a lot of checkdowns in his first game, soKaleb Johnsondoing the same could be the new wrinkle. So yeah, 3D chess...with wormholes.

Great points all around, and if the Packers were more consistent in the running game, I would agree wholeheartedly with that because no team is churning out more explosive plays through the air than Green Bay this season. But if the Packers can't get things going on the ground, then the momentum flips to the Vikings. Alan from Fresno tried to be cute Friday while ignorantly failing to recognize you can't build on quicksand. The Packers don't need to run for 200 yards against Minnesota. They may not even need 100, but they need something to keep the Vikings from punt-rushing.

Dylan from Kansas City, MO

On New Year's Day 2023, Kirk Cousins rolled into Lambeau with a 12-win Vikings squad thinking it would be an easy win. Instead,Keisean Nixonran a kickoff back 105 yards, Darnell Savage housed a pick-six, and Jaire Alexander held Justin Jefferson to one catch while hitting "The Griddy" right in his face. Four turnovers and a 4117 blowout later, Kirk got benched before the clock even hit zero. New players, same goal. Oh wait, Kirk is back? I don't know. He's not my cousin.

That was an all-timer from Nixon on Thursday and a cool reflection from you on Aaron Rodgers' 147th and final win as Packers quarterback. I'll always remember that one.

Lenny from Glendale, AZ

Your thoughts on how important special teams will play Sunday and keeping them on long, as opposed to a short field, due to long returns?

Critical and probably the biggest storyline that few are talking about. Myles Price is a problem and a bona fide All-Pro in my book. He burned the Packers in the opener and will do so again if afforded the opportunity.

Jennifer from Middleton, WI

Hey Wes, do you think Jonathan Gannon stays with zone and creative blitzing knowing the Kirk Cousins to Justin Jefferson attack is coming? The "stress" of that is holes in the zone and unlike Kyler Murray, I think Kirk will find him (and Jordan Addison for that matter). The "stress" may be riskier if the "strength" doesn't get home. Would it be possible to see man?

I think the Packers will mix it up. Like Gannon always says, every defense will have its staples. For example, I doubt you'll see Flores dropping eight and rushing three anytime soon on third down at midfield. Green Bay can still be aggressive against Cousins and Co. but also must be smart and not fall into patterns. I still fully expect to see the Packers sending an extra rusher or two at a 38-year-old quarterback who has never been known for his mobility.

Jim from Eau Claire, WI

Javon BullardandLukas Van Nesswere both designated as did not participate on Wednesday's and Thursday's injury report. Please tell me some good news that they are just resting.

Both returned Friday in a limited capacity and are questionable. That said, Bullard told reporters on Thursday "Hell yeah" when asked if he's playing Sunday. I wouldn't bet against Bull.

Benjamin from Bear, DE

Sorry, anotherMicah Parsonsreturning question. From what's been published as well as recent remarks from Parsons himself, it looks like the return will be the Week 12 Rams matchup. I like all Packers fans would have loved seeing Micah suit up for the Vikings. Is the delay a conditioning matter or does the reconstructed knee need more time to heal? Additionally, how has "1" looked in the limited practice he's participated in so far?

Team periods are not open to the media in-season which is why we've still yet to see Parsons in 11-on-11s during his time with the Packers but Matt LaFleur said Friday that "he looks great." The biggest thing right now is getting Parsons practice reps as he progresses in his ramp-up.

Tom from Baldwin, WI

Team A trades their starting QB before they reach their bye week. Team B who acquires said QB has already had their bye week. The QB then plays in 18 games that year. Is an asterisk added to his records?

I don't think so because we've already messed with so many single-season records with the NFL's expansion of the regular season over the last 50 years. If anything, I tip my cap to any quarterback who starts 18 games in a season.

Brandon from Dallas, TX

This Friday's article reminded me of something I learned from the original Ask Vic which has stuck with me ever since, the use of "that" when it's completely unnecessary. Who is the most important player this weekend, outside the obvious?

I used to hold to "that" rule when I was at the newspaper and column inches mattered. On a website, however, I've reverted back to using it more regularly.John Williamsis the most important, non-obvious, player in my estimation.

Matthew from Racine, WI

What happened toTy'Ron Hopper? And do you expect him to play this Sunday against the Vikings?

Hopper fell ill during warmups on Sunday. He's fine and will play Sunday.

James from Chicago, IL

Have to admit I am concerned. I am concerned about the well-being of the "Golden is a bust" crowd and the "We should've kept Malik Willis and traded Love" crowd. I've not heard from any of them this season. I hope they're OK. Also, it's rather amazing how much improved Love's completion percentage is when 2-5 additional passes are caught and not dropped each game.

Anyone who actually knows Packers football and watched at least half their games last season could tell you Golden is going to be a player in this league. He just needed to get healthy, caught up on the playbook and thrown a few more opportunities. In many ways, the same applies to Love. He's been there and done that now and is no longer just one of the top young QBs in the NFL he's one of the best at his position. Period.

Scott from Issaquah, WA

I know the credit for this defense most often seems to go to JG, the D-line, and the linebackers, but it seems obvious to me the DBs are the reason this thing works. They aren't missing tackles, so the completions that happen don't actually get many yards. Any DC in the league would love to be able to play these pressure games and know he's not giving up a 70-yarder every fourth time.

It all fits. The scheme helps the secondary, and the secondary puts the pieces together for the puzzle Gannon wants to build. As he fully admits, Gannon puts a lot on the safeties' plates and asks his cornerbacks to play with physicality and toughness while covering the best athletes in the world on the perimeter. Green Bay faced so many questions entering the season in the secondary and that room has answered all of them through nine games.

Jesus from El Paso, TX

To my untrained eye, it looks like Gannon sometimes calls the same blitz twice in a row and it surprises the heck out of me. What have other coordinators said about going up against this unpredictable, aggressive, super-fun-to-watch defense?

I have never seen it before. I askedEvan Williamsabout it two weeks ago and he said the same thing. The call is the call, but Gannon trusts his guys to execute. I gotta assume it's frustrating for the opposing offense because it makes a play-caller think, "He's not really gonna do it again, is he?"

Mike from Novato, CA

I had a chance to rewatch the Packer game last night on NFL Network. I kind of concentrated on the running game. Couple things.Anthony Beltonseems OK. Not great, but certainly serviceable. And on rushes where Johnson wasn't swarmed (not hit, swarmed) in the backfield, he gained 78 yards on 11 carries. Even taking away the 34-yarder, that would be at least an adequate run game. IMO, we may have a starting running back.

Johnson has a lot of talent. You can see why he was an All-American at Iowa. He's still got a ways to go to be a three-down threat, but there's no question Johnson has been the Packers' most effective runner out of the backfield. He's getting what's there and then some, which is what good running backs do. Green Bay needs Johnson's best Sunday.

Mike from Seattle, WA

My daughter made these observations: The Super Bowl is on Valentine's Day, Feb. 14. Green Bay gets their 14th title on the 14th? Quarterbacked by Jordan LOVE? Coached by La FLEUR (flower)? Are the stars aligned?

I was today years old when I learned "La Fleur" is French for "The Flower." Hopefully, your daughter's observation is a good omen for the Green and Gold.

Mike from New Orleans, LA

Has there ever been a player traded after a Thursday night game, who then played again on Sunday or Monday? If any position could pull that off (other than specialists), which would you put your money on?

In this way, the NFL is no different than fantasy football. Their roster is frozen until after the weekend. So no, players are not eligible to play for two teams in the same week.

Richard from Madison, WI

If your best offensive weapon is the 40-yard bomb, but you can barely run the ball at all, is it fair to say that being in the opponent's red zone is poor field position?

It wasn't last week. The Packers have improved in the red zone and goal-to-go, but they undeniably are facing their stiffest test of the since inside the 20. You gotta finish.

Sue from Three Lakes, WI

The Minnesota defense has been very stingy in the red zone. I sure hope ML takes the field goals rather than going for it on fourth downs. So often these division games come down to three points or fewer. Take the points. Let's hopeTrey Smackcan deliver.

I love you Sue and am so happy you're part of our Inbox community, but the Packers need touchdowns. I'd say a third of the reason they lost in Week 1 is taking FGs over TDs. Six plus one is always more than three. Again, finish.

Randy from Lebanon, KY

No question, just a comment. I want to throw my hat in the ring forWes's "The Takeaway" segmentcontinuing. Very entertaining and informative also. Great job Weston.

We're building it up, piece by piece. The credit goes to our social media content coordinator Thew Donley, who makes me look and sound a lot better than I am.

Glenn from Mechanicsville, VA

Thanks both of you for all you do! I have been a Packers fan since the Lombardi era. (I can probably name more players from that roster than today's squad.) Your column not only keeps me apprised of everything Green Bay, but you have taught me so much about football as well! My understanding of football has grown tremendously thanks to your knowledge and insight! Thank you, Glenn Turner.

Heck yeah, Glenn. We appreciate your readership. It's folks like you who make this column a community.

Al from Green Bay, WI

Yes, the Vikings will be better with Cousins. But isn't it great the reasons to believe the Packers will win continue to grow? Here we go: 1) J-Love = MVP-level play. 2) Watson/Golden comprise the top NFL receiving duo. 3) With Johnson and improving O-line the GB running game is showing some life. 4) Gannon's defense is attacking and forcing opponents into fatal mistakes. 5) Things continue to look up on the health front. 6)Xavier McKinney/Williams (and friends). 7) Lambeau Field. GPG!

So many ways for both teams to win this one, which makes it compelling for a midseason divisional matchup. Like Kraft talked about on Thursday, Green Bay's offensive front has more synergy than nine weeks ago and that adds an important wrinkle to this rematch.

Derek from Eau Claire, WI

Fall turns to winter, Time turns to crunch.

The Vikings ink Cousins, it won't matter much.

Love rides the wave, defense imposes.

The Packers keep winning, at least me supposes.

Time for some crisp November football at Lambeau, baby. Green Bay's one and only shot in 2026. Enjoy the game, everybody.

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