It’s the next man up, but he isn’t walking alone

Stuart from Chesterfield, UK

Wes, I trained as a professional actor and once had to understudy on a national stage tour. While I was excited to step up, it was tough to control the pre-show nerves. It took the support of my colleagues to settle me. In your opinion, who in the locker room is going to put an arm around Jordan Love’s shoulder before he steps onto the turf? I hope he knows we’ve all got his back on Sunday!

I expect it’ll be every coach, player and personnel member in the building – from Love’s childhood friend Krys Barnes to team leaders such as David Bakhtiari, Marcedes Lewis and Aaron Jones. The guy has attacked it the right way from Day 1. He’s done everything to be ready to lead this football team.

I’m sure the playbook will be pared down for Love on Sunday. Do you think we might see any flashes of brilliance? I would be happy with no turnovers and no long-yardage sacks. Your thoughts?

June 9, 2021. That date will forever be etched in my mind if Love becomes an elite NFL quarterback because it was that minicamp practice where he took over and became the best player on the field. If that Love shows up Sunday, I think Packers fans will be impressed by what they see.

Wes, usually no math is allowed in the Inbox. However, is missing AR in the Kansas City game <. >, or = to three receivers, two top cornerbacks, an All-Pro left tackle, an All-Pro pass rusher, the starting center and the defensive coordinator who were missing in the Arizona game?

It’s a good question, Lori. What the Packers did against Arizona was one of the more impressive feats I’ve witnessed considering the Cardinals’ 7-0 record coming into the game. If Love picks up his first NFL win in Kansas City on Sunday, however, I’d probably have to move this one past that in the hierarchy of victories because of how heavily the quarterback position – and the way Rodgers plays it – impacts the game.

We’re just never going to get a Rodgers-Mahomes matchup, are we?

Katherine from Milwaukee, WI

Will the defense step up this week without A-Rod under center?

Yeah, the job doesn’t get any easier for the defense this week having to contend with Patrick Mahomes and a dangerous Kansas City offense. But even with Love standing in at QB, the Packers’ defense must continue doing what it’s done all season – stick to its assignments, play fundamentally sound football and make plays when opportunities are presented. That’s how the unit has reached this point despite being deluged with injuries.

Good morning II, with both AR 12 and Benkert out for this week, if the Packers don’t pick up another QB, does that mean Randall Cobb will be the backup Sunday? The Packers must have a “next man up” mentality regardless who goes down. Do you believe in this team to adapt and overcome? I sure do.

The Packers are picking up another quarterback. We’ll likely have more on that later today.

Earlier in the season, tight ends were having a lot of success against us. Lately, we have played them better. Have you noticed any changes to defensive scheme or is it just guys doing a better job winning the one on ones? The matchup against Travis Kelce this week will matter.

The defense has just played better. Plus, the Packers can go a variety of different directions against tight ends with Chandon Sullivan, De’Vondre Campbell and even safeties Adrian Amos and Darnell Savage able to cover them in the middle of the field. As you said, Kelce presents unique challenges that defy his position. The Packers need to keep a hat on him and Tyreek Hill at all times.

George from North Mankato, MN

With limited film on Jordan Love and enough time to change the game plan, I expect ML to have the team ready to go. Could this be a benefit to the Packers?

That’s one way to look at it. The Packers have four days to make turkey soup out of gizzards. To your point, LaFleur and his staff have proven to be creative and malleable with their “emergency” plans over the past two years.