Confessions of a Polluted Mindset - Everyone's 0-0
The Weekly Packers Brain Drain from Jersey Al.
By JerseyAl
We made it, folks. The long arduous journey known as the NFL regular season is behind us. Players and coaches on eighteen teams are spending this week cleaning out their lockers, polishing their golf clubs and making travel plans. For the Packers, those things can all wait - the playoffs are on their doorstep and the Chicago Bears and Soldier Field await them. Few NFL seasons go as predicted and this one was no exception. Big wins, disappointing losses, catastrophic injuries, they were all there for Green Bay. Personally, I have to remind myself that a month ago, this team was 9-3-1 and looked like a sure thing to win the Division.
Four straight losses (well three where they were trying, anyway,) landed them in what has become a too familiar position - the 7th seed into the playoffs and no chance of a home playoff game at Lambeau Field. That last part really annoys me because it means I haven't been to Green Bay any of those years. At this point in my life, if I'm going to travel to Green Bay, it needs to be for that incredible playoff atmosphere (days of it!), which compares to little else I've experienced in the world of sports. The vibe and energy around town, the partying and tailgating, the pep rallies, the legendary players who return, the 100% total focus on the Green Bay Packers. Nothing else matters during those days ( the world could be ending and your main concern would be "just hold off until after the game)." The energy you absorb is truly invigorating and can even make old men feel somewhat young again.
But all of that will have to wait. The Packers will be playing in Soldier Field Saturday Night, certainly a historic place in its own right, but it can't come close to Lambeau. So much so, that the Bears want to leave. They want a new stadium (a dome stadium for those wussies!) and may even be moving out of the state to get one. The Indiana Bears sounds great, doesn't it? Of course they'll still call themselves the Chicago Bears, just like the Giants and Jets still say they are New York teams even though they play in my home state. But Lambeau is Lambeau as it always will be - I'm confident of that. Make improvements, build a vibrant Titletown around it - that's all fine and good. But keep the guts of the place as they've been forever and never ever a roof - always, always, let it snow on Lambeau Field because there is no more magical feeling than being there for a "snow game."
OK, my mind veered off the road a bit there, conjuring up fond memories of playoff games at freezing Lambeau Field.
But getting back on track, the NFL Playoffs are a brand new season. Records don't matter. It's clean slate and a chance for underdogs to surprise and favorites to disappoint. The Packers are certainly an underdog to be crowned Super Bowl Champions (around 25-1 odds, same as the Bears). Only four teams have longer odds (Chargers 30-1, 49ers 30-1, Steelers 50-1, & Panthers 200-1). This, of course is all based on what these teams did during the regular season. But as they say in the investment community, "past performance is not indicative of future results."
Are the Packers a good enough team to prove the oddsmakers wrong? I believe they were - with Tucker Kraft, Micah Parsons and Devonte Wyatt on the field. I don't now that I would place a wager on them right now to win the Super Bowl (although I actually did before the season). But I do believe wholeheartedly that the Packers are a better team than the Bears. They gifted Chicago the last game and much to their credit, the Bears accepted the gift, made something of it, and won the game. They say beating the same team three times in the same season is one of the hardest things to do in the NFL, so maybe that was a blessing in disguise?
And that my friends... is a Polluted Mindset.
Go Pack Go!
Which of the last three Packers losses bothers you the most?
By JerseyAl
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__________________________
"Jersey Al" Bracco is the Editor-In-Chief, part owner and wearer of various hats for CheeseheadTV.com and PackersTalk.com. He's a lifetime Packers fan living in the land of the Giants (and Jets). Follow Al on twitter at @JerseyalGBP.
__________________________
Comments (94)
Bearmeat
January 07, 2026 at 05:59 am
GPG and BTHO the Bears - who do, and always will, suck.
We should win. We were in the lead for 118 out of 128 minutes played in the season series. And it took several acts of God for them to win in Chicago. Even with our injuries, we are the deeper, better team with the better QB.
WD
January 07, 2026 at 06:43 am
Granted , but Malik was the starting QB, Just sayin.
dobber
January 07, 2026 at 07:51 am
No, he came in during the second quarter and played about half the game...virtually all of it with a lead.
T7Steve
January 07, 2026 at 06:07 am
I don't really consider this a "brand-new season". If it was, I wouldn't be so sore and tired. Everyone is 0-0, however. Call it a clean break.
RCPackerFan
January 07, 2026 at 07:32 am
And we are essentially coming off a bye. This will be the healthiest our team has been since the bye.
dobber
January 07, 2026 at 07:52 am
We'll see. The only DNP yesterday was Bo Melton.
Coldworld
January 07, 2026 at 12:01 pm
Now on IR, sadly.
murf7777
January 07, 2026 at 06:11 am
“a dome stadium for those wussies!“. That comment gave me a chuckle this morning:). Someday Lambeau might be the only open stadium, which will make it that much more iconic!
I was rooting for the Bears to win or Philly to lose this past weekend for two reasons: 1. As you stated, we are better than da bears. 2. It will give me great pleasure to eliminate da bears from the playoffs.
GPG
SicSemperTyrannis
January 07, 2026 at 11:16 am
Who sucks?
Da Bares
Who sucks the most?
Da Bares
Who sucks because they won enough games to win the division?
Da Bares
That's not "a chip on the shoulder," that's more like a CONTINENT! I hope everyone on our roster feels that weight on their shoulders and hits the Chicago player across from them with it. Cleanly and without penalty.
GPG!
Savage57
January 07, 2026 at 06:28 am
My heart says these guys will have a little somethin', somethin' for the Bears.
My head says Matt will be repeating a lot of familiar phrases about not having them ready after the game.
dobber
January 07, 2026 at 07:55 am
Playoff games tend to be all about momentum, and Chicago is a momentum team. They rely on turnovers and kicking the afterburners in late. Packers need to start fast and keep pouring it on to keep Chicago from turning the tide. They need to make it so that the game is essentially out of reach at the start of the 4th. If the Packers win, I suspect it will be a game that looks a lot like the playoff win in Dallas a couple years ago.
Savage57
January 07, 2026 at 08:36 am
Let's hope so. They're just so damn beat up.
jannesbjornson
January 07, 2026 at 10:34 am
No doubt, the fear is LaFleur's third quarter performances. This team needs to remedy the unforced errors, keep their head on straight and focus for 60.
SicSemperTyrannis
January 07, 2026 at 11:19 am
Playing at their best, every player on every down for 60 minutes, will be necessary and a big component of winning this game. Something I'm not sure we've seen in any game this season? That's not momentum, and neither is it an engrained habit on this roster.
I don't know how that happens or why, but they need to "get hot" at the right time, and that time is NOW.
dobber
January 07, 2026 at 11:50 am
As we were asking a little while ago: does this team have another gear? They'd better find one.
Lphill
January 07, 2026 at 06:33 am
if the Packers go 1 and done maybe its time to let MLF go, put Hafley as head coach, bring in some new coordinators to shake this team up.
dobber
January 07, 2026 at 08:28 am
I have no idea what management thinks of Hafley or whether he's valued internally as a potential HC for this team. None of us does. But if you're looking for culture shift, it's hard to do that when many of the faces are the same. This is in part why dismissal of a HC is usually why most of the coaching staff is let go. I suspect Hafley would keep most of the defensive staff intact (assuming they weren't hired away), and it seems likely he would keep a lot of the offensive staff, too.
One significant reason to promote from within would be that this team has a significant chunk of its personnel in place, and radically changing schemes with a completely new staff could set this team back a year or lead to detrimental mismatches in players and schemes.
I just don't see them dismissing LaF even if they go one and out unless they leverage (through extension) a resignation.
murf7777
January 08, 2026 at 07:47 am
I like how Hafley talks and his demeanor, but the reality, if using DVOA, his defenses aren’t any better than the past! That doesn’t show me he can lead a whole team.
SicSemperTyrannis
January 07, 2026 at 11:24 am
Picture Harbough as GM with normal NFL GM duties and responsibilities, Gutey retained as a new position like maybe chief scouting advisor or something, and also keeping Hafley. In that situation MLF might do well and worth keeping as HC? I still think all his strengths fall within the OC job description while all his weaknesses are within HC responsibilities.
dobber
January 07, 2026 at 11:52 am
If you mean John Harbaugh, he's going to have his pick of HC spots.
WD
January 07, 2026 at 06:39 am
Most people agree that the most important position on the field is the QB.
So who is the better QB between Caleb Williams ans Jordan Love?
If you had both whom would you start?
What about the wildcard Malik? Somebody like Miami will pay a fortune for him.
.
No one knows the answers at this time; but Saturday night will speak volumes.
Let the games begin.
BuckyBadger
January 07, 2026 at 07:59 am
Love has been better so I would start Love. Caleb without his run game wouldn't be much, his completion % isn't good. Miami won't be paying a fortune since they still owe Tua a ton.
Starrbrite
January 07, 2026 at 02:57 pm
Just as long as Malik goes to an afc team—the Raiders I hope.
I wish we could package Willis, Gary, Doubs, and a draft pick or two for Crosby.
Bohj
January 07, 2026 at 07:02 am
Time to get behind our team. I know the end of the season was a letdown. And we lost Parsons. But here are some optimistic facts for at least one more week of football while the lions and vikings sit at home.
- We were 9-3-1 just a few weeks ago and everyone was talking about Love being an MVP candidate. And we still had a chance at the 1 seed.
- Then we went toe to toe with arguably the best team in the AFC in their house and lost by a little, but were within 3 in the 4th Q.
- Then we dominated the Bears but lost Love…..and by a few flukey bull&$@ things lost in Seahawks fashion. (But with Willis) to lose our shot at the division.
- We basically lost our last three with a backup QB to get the 7 seed. Which is better than where the Colts, Washington, Baltimore and Cincy are after losing their starting QB for big parts of the season.
- We got to rest some dudes and get some back while the Bears are on a short week after losing 3 of their last 4.
- We get Tom back. Wicks back. A better Jacobs knee. We added Diggs which is better than any CB we have on the roster. Ford could be a big body to help stuff the run or at least spell some dudes.
- Stop with this 7th seed narrative. We made the playoffs in Love’s first year. Who cares what seed it was. That’s impressive. Then we were an 11 win team last year and got the 7th seed. That would have been good for the 2 seed this year…..so it goes. And this year we are the 7 seed because we lost Parsons and Love for a 3 game skid. But we’re in!! Now let’s do some damage!!
dobber
January 07, 2026 at 07:59 am
"Then we went toe to toe with arguably the best team in the AFC in their house and lost by a little, but were within 3 in the 4th Q."
The bigger losses weren't the game but the personnel.
"the Bears are on a short week after losing 3 of their last 4."
Should've been 4 straight.
"Ford could be a big body to help stuff the run or at least spell some dudes."
If he's active. The Packers should have at least two widebodies active and Hafley needs to use them. Colby Wooden needs to sit on run downs, and in a perfect world, the Packers would have someone with a little juice to play run downs in Brooks' place, too. It seemed like Hafley was moving this way with Jordon Riley before he got hurt.
Coldworld
January 07, 2026 at 10:45 am
If Ford isn’t active, we aren’t learning. The ultralight line has been pushed back by Chicago before and without significant penetration to compensate.
SicSemperTyrannis
January 07, 2026 at 11:33 am
I am again pining for TJ Slaton, and very glad to see Ford back. Some of our rookies played well in week 18, others played respectably for a rookie. I'm not sure if any were outright bad other than the QB who was released?
Coldworld
January 07, 2026 at 12:06 pm
I hate to say it, but if we actually want to rush the passer, then Sorrell and Cox may be our best bets from the front. Both play the run well too.
dobber
January 07, 2026 at 11:53 am
I think he's the better candidate of him and Stackhouse. Brinson has been getting his share of snaps.
Coldworld
January 07, 2026 at 12:10 pm
Brinson is a 3T. He’s not yet good against the run, though he’s harder to move than Brooks. It was interesting to me that Sorrell, when asked about his sack on Sunday, attributed it to the opening made by Stackhouse.
In my view, if you aren’t getting penetration from the IDL, and we haven’t been, then not being pushed back becomes the primary goal. It was noticeable that Ford/Stackhouse were not moved last week. I will take that over the fantasy that Woodrn and Brooks can hold up and disrupt too.
SicSemperTyrannis
January 07, 2026 at 11:29 am
This season can aptly be described as our Cinderella year; the glass slipper was found and then deliberately broken in two. Over the past few weeks it was then shattered into a zillion pieces. If the coaches can melt those pieces down and fabricate something new, it will necessarily be substantially different than what anybody was thinking of in August.
What a test for any coach :(
GPG!!
Starrbrite
January 07, 2026 at 03:14 pm
A good way to analyze it.
RCPackerFan
January 07, 2026 at 07:31 am
Gary Bears has a nice ring to it I think.
Serious question about the playoffs. Is there any team that you can look at and say that we have 0 chance of beating? I can't say that. I'm not saying we will beat every team, but looking at every team they are not flawless.
This will be the 3rd time we will have faced the Bears in a month. And just being honest our team has changed significantly in each of those 3 matches. The first one we had Parsons. The 2nd one we didn't. And this one we have changed like 1/4 of our roster since. Its crazy to think about from the first meeting tiil now how many players they have changed.
The last game they basically gave the game away. Hopefully we have learned from that. Hopefully they know that no lead is safe and they need to keep their foot on the pedal the whole game!
dobber
January 07, 2026 at 08:03 am
"Gary Bears has a nice ring to it I think."
Every time we make the drive back to see family in Wisconsin, we drive right past the plot in Arlington Heights the Bears' bought as another potential site. It would be demoralizing to drive past it and have it remind me that the Bears might actually be good.
barutanseijin
January 07, 2026 at 02:16 pm
Just think of it as the former site of Arlington Racetrack and forget about that second rate football team.
Alberta_Packer
January 07, 2026 at 05:20 pm
I have some fond memories of Arlington Racetrack. Unfortunately a downgrade of the area with the Bears purchase of the property.
Handsback
January 07, 2026 at 07:58 am
Read an article from SI with Bill Belicheck and he said the Packers were either world beaters or being pushed around like ragdolls this year. I'm paraphrasing him but you get the gist. I think all of us have seen that happen this season. So which team will emerge? I hope the world beaters, but in the playoffs you only get one chance at a time to win.
I have a funny feeling that a surprise player will open some eyes and help the Packers...Golden. He's healthy and will be open and Love will be looking for that open guy.
JMHO
SicSemperTyrannis
January 07, 2026 at 11:41 am
Belichek is right again. Not having #0 9 and 11 on the field in the same play has been a crime against football. There is no NFL rule saying you can't have two deep threats in the same play.
Who's going to cover all that?!? Given that #11 is fast in the slot, shifty, and as tough as woodpecker lips. #8 or his backup are also serious weapons who need to be accounted for. While JL10's running style has been aptly described as "silly body," he's still a good runner. And #2 had a 40 time of 4.37; #9 is 4.36 for comparison.
In short, this team is still capable of at least one more win. (At least one odds maker has GB favored to win in the divisional round)
GPG!!
Packers0808
January 07, 2026 at 08:00 am
According to the Chicago extended forecast of high wind gusts and rain mixed with snow, GB should have some running QB schemes rolled into this game for Willis to take a few snaps on longer or short 3-4 down plays! Seems to me Willis is better on run plays thatn Love especially when short gains are needed on broken third down plays!
dobber
January 07, 2026 at 08:04 am
Yeah, the weather is supposed to be crap, but it might be clearing more toward game time. The last game in Chicago was windy, too.
If they play some special sets for Willis, the Bears will likely key run and be expecting RPO. They'll be ready for this.
HawkPacker
January 07, 2026 at 09:07 am
Yes, they will be ready for this and then we pass!
Coldworld
January 07, 2026 at 09:36 am
Personally, I’d rather see Willis on the field with Love. Willis adds a 225 pound runner with real speed. That will be what the Bears need to defend primarily. That opens up the D in a way we can’t otherwise as well as anything Willis could be schemed to do through the air.
Alberta_Packer
January 07, 2026 at 10:12 am
This would require some unpredictability and ingenuity on LaFleur's part. So unlikely to happen.
SicSemperTyrannis
January 07, 2026 at 11:44 am
Sad but true, based on several years :(
dobber
January 07, 2026 at 11:55 am
They did it in the playoffs against Philly last year.
All I'll say is that the "other" QB is just a guy and you open him up to hits and cheap shots.
Coldworld
January 07, 2026 at 12:31 pm
Which is why one doesn’t do it unless the season is on the line. Your 2nd QB is essentially a RB.
Willis is 6’ and 225. He’s physically very similar to a bigger RB prototype (and to both Jacobs and Wilson). He also has the balance through contact of a RB and can make people miss as we have seen and he showed in college.
SicSemperTyrannis
January 07, 2026 at 11:47 am
I'm surprised to read you saying that, and I note that this is not synonymous with claiming that #2 is a "better" QB than JL10; in scare quotes because that's a very subjective term as used in this context. I agree with you that #2 is beyond good, and could be effectively used as an element of surprise as well as a way to stress Chicago's defense which could likely open up something ...
Coldworld
January 07, 2026 at 12:42 pm
The use of Willis on the field with Love is not a comment on respective QB merits. The pairing simply doesn’t work the other way around. Love is mobile but he’s not a genuine threat to run. Willis is a RB body playing QB, and not only that, runs like a RB (but faster). In a playoff scenario that’s not something to overlook as a wrinkle in my opinion, if Love is healthy.
Packers0808
January 07, 2026 at 11:15 am
My thoughts as well. Willis throws a nice spiral, low trajectory and accurate as hell on the run!
SicSemperTyrannis
January 07, 2026 at 11:43 am
I'd love to see creative use of wildcat QB ...
Coldworld
January 07, 2026 at 12:54 pm
This game is being played at Soldier Field. If the weather is as suspected, that’s likely to be a pretty grotty surface, wind or no wind. It’s likely to make the pass rushers less effective and put a premium on the IDL holding up. It may not favor Williams’ out-of-the pocket style either. A big day for the big men is suggested and for the power RBs.
Packer_Fan
January 07, 2026 at 08:11 am
This is a start of a new season. The Packers can play with any team in the playoffs. So time to get hot, play well and run the table.
LeotisHarris
January 07, 2026 at 08:33 am
I believe this Packers team can beat the Bears, and am very much looking forward to the LaFleur-Johnson drive-by handshake after the victory. Take care of the football, contain Caleb, force a turnover or two. GPG
Starrbrite
January 07, 2026 at 03:17 pm
Yes—the beauty of seeing their “cordial” greeting following the game will be a highlight to remember.
NAMVET
January 07, 2026 at 08:40 am
I don't understand how the NFL has a playoff game on Prime....living in northern AZ., I will only have the Pack radio network which is always excellent, but why ?? $$$ are everything for the NFL....screw the fans.
stockholder
January 07, 2026 at 09:22 am
Go get a fire stick.
Alberta_Packer
January 07, 2026 at 10:57 am
And consult reddit for alternatives.
Swisch
January 07, 2026 at 09:40 am
Instead of slogans like "Inspire Change" and "It's Nice to be Nice," it would be more appropriate for the NFL to be honest about its beliefs and motivations: "Greed is Good" and "Bilk the Fans" and "The People are Peons" and "Even More for the Rich."
To avoid the real horrors of socialism, we have to reform the real abuses of capitalism. The NFL is discrediting capitalism by acting the part of a heartless mega-corporation with no regard for the ordinary Americans who truly love and support the game. I doubt that wimpy woke whiners are a good market for football.
Nowadays, it's not only outrageously expensive to attend the games, but we have to subscribe to a new streaming service each week just to watch on television.
The NFL believes in equality only in the sense of gouging people of every color. We are not only equally dismissed as lowly, but equally despised as lowlifes.
Hey, but we can all get rich by incessantly betting on games at the instigation of the NFL. That's so very kind of the owners and execs. Everyone wins at gambling, right?
Starrbrite
January 07, 2026 at 03:23 pm
Yep.
LeotisHarris
January 07, 2026 at 10:42 am
NAMVET, I live in western Wisconsin in an area the NFL deemed the Vikings TV market, so no broadcast for me either. NO, I will not join Prime for this game. Fuck these guys. Fuck the greed.
Oxymoron 3339
January 07, 2026 at 11:07 am
Go to a bar
SicSemperTyrannis
January 07, 2026 at 11:53 am
That's what I'll be doing. I might even also do that to watch what could prove to be AR12's last game on Monday night. Would be wild if he goes on a winning streak, he's been playing well lately. (No I'm not pining for him back in case anyone's wondering, and I have no doubt that JL10 deserves to be the face of this franchise. Whether he eventually makes it into the HoF or not)
LeotisHarris
January 07, 2026 at 04:06 pm
The second to the last place you want to be is in a bar in Wisconsin on a January Saturday night. The last place you want to be is driving anywhere in Wisconsin after the Packers play a night game.
Wayne and Larry it shall be.
Coldworld
January 07, 2026 at 12:48 pm
“There is nothing quite as wonderful as money!
There is nothing quite as beautiful as cash!
Some people say it's folly, but I'd rather have the lolly
With money you can make a splash!
There is nothing quite as wonderful as money!
There is nothing like a newly minted pound!
Everyone must hanker for the butchness of a banker
It's accountancy that makes the world go round!”
Monty Python is still relevant.
Starrbrite
January 07, 2026 at 03:23 pm
It’s stupid and a NFL greed move.
Meanwhile a matchup that will generate a huge national audience is subjected to a 2nd streaming outfit.
Hate it.
frankthefork
January 07, 2026 at 09:03 am
Go Pack Go, Prove me and the rest of the doubters wrong.
Win the next four games and bring the Lombardi trophy home.
Just beat the (da) Bears.
stockholder
January 07, 2026 at 09:13 am
Monsters are imaginary creatures.
Ben Johnson is throwing sucker punches.
Resting players or playing them.
Already suggest the cheap shots that
they want to bring pain.
Conduct detrimental to the League
should include Intimidating.
Johnson knows if they knock out Love,
they’ll win the game.
It’s like every time a packer is a key to winning the game,
they set out to hurt them deliberately.
Johnson Punched the clock and it’s MLF move.
The more effective strategy =-
“Winners never quit and quitters never win.”
Footnote*
The NFL announced the Packers-Bears will have a flag-happy referee.
Seems they're more worried about physical altercations and retaliation.
I just hope their impartial , and won’t cost us the game.
SicSemperTyrannis
January 07, 2026 at 11:55 am
Please clearly define what you're referring to as "intimidation?"
stockholder
January 07, 2026 at 02:23 pm
Unsportsmanlike conduct.
dobber
January 07, 2026 at 11:57 am
"The NFL announced the Packers-Bears will have a flag-happy referee."
We'll see how they respond to the "second season". Some ref crews change their stripes in the playoffs.
Alberta_Packer
January 07, 2026 at 02:57 pm
I have long been perplexed why refereeing has become such a large factor in the outcome of games - when it needn't be. To help mitigate the impact of bad calls - the NFL should expand its challenge system to include penalties. If Coaches in the NBA can challenge personal fouls - then NFL Coaches should be able to challenge holding and pass interference calls. Of course the NFL will resist for whatever feeble reason.
Ihappydirt
January 07, 2026 at 04:10 pm
I did hear that the NFL is considering expanding by quite a bit what can be challenged.
I did like it that the announcers weren't covering up for the terrible calls favoring TB in their game with Carolina. I think that can help foment change.
Starrbrite
January 07, 2026 at 03:31 pm
I shudder at the possibilities and/or credibility of several of the officiating crews; especially the Hoculi group of cement-heads.
‘75 doesn’t much like my complaints about the officiating, but how can you ignore many of these ridiculous game-changing calls.
Oh-well, “it is what it is”(overused phrase).
Pack88
January 07, 2026 at 09:22 am
This has been a season where when the wind blew GB really struggled so I'm hoping they pass early and run late, Williams has great arm talent but is not accurate- if they don't get trucked in the run game and keep Caleb in the pocket I don't see Chicago winning. Maybe Oliver will be key in keeping Caleb looking.
Swisch
January 07, 2026 at 09:44 am
Clog the middle of the field against the Bears offense to quash the run, and stop their QB from rolling out to the right.
Maybe that's simplistic, but maybe it's a good place to start.
Coldworld
January 07, 2026 at 10:54 am
It’s a very good place to start. Without Parsons, they need a spy at ILB or a S probably though. I think asking Oliver to hold an edge as a DE might be unrealistic.
Alberta_Packer
January 07, 2026 at 11:51 am
As a "spy" - may I recommend E. Cooper - who was an exceptional QB spy in College. Perhaps Jalen Milro of Alabama could also provide a reference.
SicSemperTyrannis
January 07, 2026 at 12:01 pm
I think Cooper is the better choice as an actual LB and #7 would be the better choice to vacate typical LB duties and have him play downhill, as spy, or something aggressive. He's been at his best getting into the opponent's backfield ...
Alberta_Packer
January 07, 2026 at 12:18 pm
My understanding is that a spy mirrors a QB - which may require significant lateral movement and a quick diagnosis of a play. We know that Cooper can do it but uncertain about Walker. So is this the game to discover that he (Walker) can't?
SicSemperTyrannis
January 07, 2026 at 11:58 am
Would Oliver make a good spy? It will be interesting to see how Hafley uses him, I think he fits the bill for a tweener position and ultimately versatile anywhere in the DE / LB / S range. Here's hoping he emerges as an effective football player ...
Coldworld
January 07, 2026 at 01:11 pm
His tackling needs some work. He’d also have to be playing behind the line. That might be a stretch at this point, particularly if it’s not obvious it’s a pass. It’s more likely one of the ILBs or Oladapo/Bullard, depending upon formation. Bullard is the fastest, but sub 200. Oladapo is 216 pounds.
Swisch
January 07, 2026 at 05:43 pm
I appreciate the replies.
Maybe mix it up with the spies to keep the Bears guessing.
Alberta_Packer
January 07, 2026 at 09:25 am
Interesting - that some betting sites have the Bears as 1 point favorites . While some others have the Packers as 1.5 favorites. Either way the spreads predict a very close game - especially when considering the Packers injuries to key players and a 4 game losing streak. So I'll take a 50% probability of the Packers winning this game.
Ferrari-Driver
January 07, 2026 at 09:30 am
I hope the Packers beat the Bears into total humiliation. For those of us who live around the country, we have to sign up for Amazon to watch the game which seems a little disconcerting so I signed up. This is one victory I want to watch from start to finish.
Alberta_Packer
January 07, 2026 at 09:45 am
Once again the NFL doing business at the further costs of their fans. Which is why free unauthorized sports streaming sites have grown in recent years.
Starrbrite
January 07, 2026 at 03:33 pm
Exactly Alberta.
Btw-I grew up 20-yds from the Saskatchewan border.
Alberta_Packer
January 07, 2026 at 04:52 pm
Awesome. Saskatchewanians are among my favorite people. I never met one that I didn't like. Perhaps living so close to them you'll know what I mean.
SicSemperTyrannis
January 07, 2026 at 12:03 pm
Doesn't matter where you live, nobody is watching this game on broadcast TV. I join the chorus of those screaming "this ain't right"
dobber
January 07, 2026 at 12:27 pm
My understanding is that there are limited markets in WI where the game will be shown on broadcast TV.
Coldworld
January 07, 2026 at 01:22 pm
Nielson designated local markets for any team always get terrestrial TV of any team games as a result of long standing NFL contract protections. The Packers, unusually, are granted 2: the TV markets associated with Green Bay and Milwaukee.
Milwaukee includes Milwaukee, Dodge, Jefferson, Kenosha, Ozaukee, Racine, Sheboygan, Walworth, Washington, and Waukesha counties Green Bay includes Green Bay, Appleton, and surrounding counties in Northeast Wisconsin. So essentially most of the eastern third of the state.
Starrbrite
January 07, 2026 at 03:33 pm
Right Sic
Boneman
January 07, 2026 at 10:06 am
I truly believe this is MLF's Super Bowl. A loss here and his seat goes from hot to blazing. That said, there is no reason that they shouldn't win other than giving the game away in some familiar fashion. Except for small stretches of the two games they played the Packers have looked the better team. If they avoid or survive the conservative butt clenching moments, they win. Then it's on to Seattle where we can excise an old demon. All gas no brakes?
SicSemperTyrannis
January 07, 2026 at 12:04 pm
I agree with you except I'm not sure anything can cause this FO to dismiss MLF
Starrbrite
January 07, 2026 at 03:48 pm
I supremely confident that we beat the Bears. Both games were near Packer blowouts.
I thought Hafley’s 2nd game defensive plan was brilliant and I think he’ll have another devised for the bears.
If our red zone offense delivers we will not lose.
Moreover, I think the bears will hope to win the toss and receive the ball; they know the pressure is them on to score. I generally prefer to defer, but perhaps we should receive if we can?
I also like Al’s concept of using Oliver on obvious passing downs and limiting Caleb’s scrambling.
In addition, I hope we put LVN as a DT-bull rush with big body Ford next to him.
I agree with those who believe this should be win or done for LaFluer—this is “your time!”
We’re gonna win!!
Go Packers!!!