This is what you play for

Drew from Orange City, IA

This weekend saw three of the six games essentially wrapped up by halftime (Bills, Bucs, Chiefs). Thinking back on previous years, it seems like the Packers struggle to just stomp on opponents in the playoffs. Can you help us recall a time when they absolutely dominated a team? It seems like it’s always cardiac craziness when watching the green and gold. I anticipate the game on Saturday being another close one as well.

So, obviously you erased out the Packers routing the top-seeded Falcons from your memory bank? Or the Joe Webb game in 2012? Or the 2016 NFC Wild Card matchup with the New York Giants? I get the tough losses are always the easiest to remember but my goodness people.

Greg from Downers Grove, IL

Given the success the 49ers had to start the game yesterday, if we win the coin toss, what would you do and why?

It’s suddenly become in vogue for teams to take the ball but then look what happened to Pittsburgh Sunday night. So, I defer. You’re at home. Let your defense set the tone.

The No. 7 seeds are now 0-4, three of which weren’t competitive. I don’t think anyone apart from the NFL accountants will lose any sleep that we didn’t get to see Trevor Siemian start a playoff game as the eighth seed

I’m still waiting to be proven wrong on these seven seeds, folks.

Richie from Oceanside, CA

Mike mentioning “Air Coryell” in the ’70s and ’80s. He truly was ahead of his time and deserves to be in the HOF. Overlooked for far too long. Your thoughts?

I think the Pro Football Hall of Fame has overbaked the potato on these coaches they’re letting into Canton. If you want to put Bill Cowher in, whatever. But Don Coryell had a greater impact on the game, in my opinion. Back in the day, that used to be a part of the credentialing process.

Brian from San Antonio, TX

II, Great column – you both should be proud of what you have built. Not so much a question as a statement: For those handwringers worried about the 49ers, I’m reminded of the following quote spoken by Ulysses S. Grant when taking over command of the federal Army and in response to similar handwringing amongst his commanders: “Quit thinking about what Bobby Lee’s gonna do to us and start thinking about what we’re going to do to him.” Fear not.

“In every battle there comes a time when both sides consider themselves beaten. Then who continues the attack wins.” I love Grant – the general, the President and the novelist. One of the truly great men in our nation’s history. He quite literally wrote the book on redemption.

I know we’ve beaten the 49ers since that fateful NFC Championship Game but I feel this is our shot at true redemption.

Make no mistake, it’s not revenge they’re after…it’s a reckoning.