"Sunday will provide a glimpse into how much fight this team has left, especially if they fall behind, and what they want the rest of the season to look like. It will also reflect the leadership of LaFleur, which has come under scrutiny during his team’s downward spiral."

Oh, boy. This could indeed be a long season. Some teams would run through a wall for their head coach. Others hit the wall because the coach doesn't inspire them.

Since the offense can't be counted on anything this point, including what Jones being "cut loose" means, the spotlight goes on the defense. I don't care who is playing QB, if our patchwork secondary can't hold up and/or our front seven can't exploit the Rams' less tha stellar pass blocking, then we're going to have a tough time winning.

If we're in supposed tank mode, I would like to see a lot more of Van Ness--what do we have to lose?

Yes we will see about the fight in the Pack. But we already know they lack it. How can MLF rally them when his game plans are measurably the worst in football? When his defense knows they need to win the games. And they don't just know it, they say it. Rams up by double digits before the Pack puts points on the board and thus even if Jones is part of the game plan, which I doubt because MLF has said he would be many times before and it hasn't happened, that deficit will eliminate any run game.
It's one more get right game for a GB opponent.

Running jones means love doesnt have to pass.
Running jones means the d doesnt have to be on the field. Running jones means o line doesnt have to pretend pass block .
You can bet LeFleur is wetting himself.

Murphy addressed Love ,Douglass, etc.
Whatever-

Not sure what they mean by "cut loose". I just hope he doesn't get killed trying to run behind that awful offensive line.

What to watch for:

Rams QB- expect Valentine to get targeted frequently, until he shows he can cover his man without safety help. He wasn't great vs Denver, but at least he wasn't ten yards deep on third and eight. Hope to see him improve.

Aaron Donald- they had no plan for Raiders' Maxx Crosby, so I cringe at the prospect of Donald making life miserable for Love.

Aaron Jones- they'll try to finally get him more touches but the O-line will open no running lanes. He'll create some gains on his own, hopefully break off a couple decent gains.

Stay in the fight- they have actually managed to get themselves back into these games in the 2nd half, but when they do fight back finally on offense, the defense collapses and they fall two scores behind again.

Final thoughts- I think the dropped passes last week was an anomaly, most of their guys have pretty good hands and have made a lot more good catches than drops. I will be surprised if the drops continue.

Prediction-
I think they can beat the Rams, especially if Stafford is out.

60 touches if leFleur had his way. LOL

I guess there’s just a lot I don’t understand.

Need to involve Jones? Turn around and hand it to him.

I don’t understand how a “pitch count” helps a hamstring. You can either run full speed, or you can’t.

Alexander’s back injury was/is a “contusion”? Isn’t that just a fancy word for “bruise”?

Saying you will cut Aaron Jones loose and then doing it is a different matter. The coaching staff has been the biggest reason for the position the Packers are in right now. There are many areas that need improvement for sure but it all starts with game planning and preparation. And I just don't see any of this from either side of the ball. There is plenty of blame to go around, no doubt. A well coached team will overcome these adversities and show improvement as the season progresses. It just isn't happening. How can the team learn from mistakes when they keep making the same ones over and over again? It's time for the coaches to quit making excuses and take responsibility and start coaching. Mistakes will be made by a young team, even by a veteran team, But one must learn from the mistakes and improve from it. Not continue on the same path.

On Defense: D-line play will make or break this game. They have to stop the run and provide consistent pressure with the pass rush. If both can't be accomplished our DB will be picked apart.

Offensively, AJ has got to be involved heavily in both halves. MLF better call shorter pass plays for JL. Take what the D gives you. Crossing routes shallow to mid-level will help Love's confidence. Enough with the passes and TE screens to the sidelines. Utilize the TEs between the LB/Safety over the middle. Let the WR/TE catch vertical shorter passes and then go for YAC. Hoping our O-line can hold up for one solid game.

I expect the wheels will be getting wobbly and get worse as the winless season wears on. The backs have to totally fed up with the O Line uselessness. Not NFL standard as are the staff of assistants. Absolutely not one bit of improvement, on the talented &COACHABLE team. Players comments will be popping up in lockerroom Q& A's. If the get TOUGH questions. Just a matter of time. First, indignation will be an assistant firing, then another. Just a matter of time.

twenty touches for jones. 15 or so carries and another 5 through the air. jones has had an intentionally light workload his whole career. time to use him before gutty makes another stupid decision and unloads him this off season. of course, the line probably won't be able to open up lanes for him. we all remember how often rodgers threw downfield to jones and all the spectacular contested catches he made. jones is not only our best runner, but also our best receiver. that on a team without a legit 1 or 2 caliber pass catcher. watson looks like he wouldn't make most nfl rosters right now. hope that changes today.

If they want to get Jones more touches, why not motion him or put him in the slot. Eventually they'll get some mismatches with linebackers or bring a safety down to create single coverage for WR's. Either way it's an advantage for the offense. Plus it's a great way to get him the ball in space instead of plowing him into the line where nobody has created a running lane. Maybe reduce the number of big hits he takes by linemen who weigh twice as much as Jones.