Davante Adams is a route-running wizard

Dean from Leavenworth, IN

Whew, that was insane. I felt like I watched three different games. Special teams, I’ve been watching Packers games for more than 60 years and I can’t remember ever seeing anything worse or more embarrassing by Packer STs. Next four games I expect opponents to force GB to make plays on STs. No kickoffs into the end zone and no punts near the sideline. When receiving, no fair catch and no taking a touchback. Be aggressive and let the Packers implode. Am I wrong Wes?

It was a rough night for the Packers’ special teams. There’s no other way to put it. They obviously need answers and need them quick because it’s almost win-or-go-home season. Matt LaFleur suggested on Monday using an “all-hands-on-deck” approach for the remainder of the regular season and into the playoffs, with starters such as Allen Lazard and Rasul Douglas working back into the fold.

Moving more “starters” to special teams an option to consider…risk/reward?

It’s a tricky balancing act. Because you want those veterans who haven’t played teams lately to get some reps but you also don’t want to expose them to possible injury at this juncture of the season. Overall, I agree with LaFleur. It’s probably time.

Hi guys, Aaron’s toe has come up again. If the Detroit game is meaningless and they get a bye, wouldn’t there be a window for him to have surgery before playoffs?

Possibly…or it could be another week or two to rest. We should get a better idea about where Aaron Rodgers is at on things this Wednesday.

Insiders, I don’t have all the fixes for special teams, but I can guarantee no more muffed punts. Punt block every punt and rush all 11. If you really need someone back there to catch the ball, put Davante Adams back and only have him fair catch. I bet the long-term results would be a net positive. Just don’t rough the punter.

It’s important to remember a fair catch is a positive play. It means you secured the possession for your offense and didn’t let the ball bounce behind you to lose yards. Everyone wants to run a four-minute mile but most of the time a simple walk will do.

What’s up with our special teams? Why would a guy try to catch a ball going out of bounds at the 5?

I’m not sure if Malik Taylor was trying to go for the old Randall Cobb heads-up play where the returner fields a kickoff with one foot out of bounds to place the ball at the 40 or what? The problem is that ball looked to be bouncing out of bounds on its own, or at the very least, going through the end zone.

Good morning Mike and Wes! With all the difficulties the Packers have had this year finding the right person for their return game, how were the Bears able to acquire a player like Jakeem Grant? To put it another way, why weren’t the Packers able to get him instead?

In October, the Bears traded a 2023 sixth-round pick to Miami for Grant. I know the gut reaction from most Packers fans will be, “Well, why didn’t we trade for him?” when the real question I have is why on earth did the Dolphins agree to that?

Why would anyone ever return a punt from inside their own 5? Probably because he knows he’s going against the Packers’ coverage unit.

I don’t think that had anything to do with it. Grant is just that good. The guy was a second-team All-Pro returner last year. Chris Tabor is one of the best special teams coaches in the NFL. My bet is Grant has full autonomy to make judgement calls on those 50/50 plays.

Mariano from Cerritos, CA

In regards to Mike’s comment on special teams, “Opponents are going to exploit this advantage any chance they get,” is a scary thought with Ravens coming up next week. I am glad it happened now (against the Bears) and not in the playoffs. What are your thoughts on what we should expect from the Ravens’ special teams?

John Harbaugh not only is the best when it comes to special teams but also understanding how strong, disciplined play in that phase carries over to the offensive and defensive sides of the ball. I’m sure the Ravens will be looking to test Green Bay, especially with this game being played in Baltimore. The Packers must respond.