Every Sunday is sacred in this league

Linda from Lakewood Ranch, FL

Good morning, Wes. Indeed, it is a good morning! Due to Ian, my power has been out since Wednesday. It came back yesterday evening, but I missed my connection with packers.com. What did I miss? (So glad to be back, as packers.com is my only source for Packers news.)

I am glad to hear that. I hope all of our Floridian friends, and their loved ones, pulled through Ian OK. This week’s topic of conversation has mostly centered on Green Bay’s special teams. While that unit is much improved, I feel like that’s a reflection of all being quiet on the Northeastern Wisconsin front…which is a good thing for the Packers.

So, with the Patriots coming on a road trip with their backup QB, you are still saying that they’re… nobody’s underdog?

I appreciate the reference, but regardless of whether it’s Mac Jones, Brian Hoyer or Tom Brady starting at quarterback for the Patriots, the Packers must stop Rhamondre Stevenson and Damien Harris. If those two get going, Bill Belichick and his play-callers will take the rest from there.

Ivan from Little Chicago, WI

If Belichick is going to key on our two A.J.s, then I would counter with plays to our tight ends. Big day for those guys, I think. Game on!

That’s how these games are played. If the Pats stack the box with a safety, the Packers have to make ’em pay through the air. If New England plays two high, Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon gotta get going underneath. The Pats are going to give the Packers a lot of window dressing. Green Bay needs to be itself, stay true to the scheme and win the one-on-ones.

James from Charlottesville, VA

I haven’t seen anyone in the Inbox point this out as of yet but Matt LaFleur *still* has yet to lose back-to-back games. I know it’s still early but as he is in his fourth season as HC. Is that some sort of record or streak or is he getting close to another HC who did the same thing?

I have to imagine it is, but that’s a better question for the Elias Sports Bureau than Hod Stats & Information. My database is running a 404 error.

Is the best offseason addition so far Pat O’Donnell?

The Packers have had some talented punters, but they all were pretty young. With O’Donnell, there’s been no learning curve. The 31-year-old veteran has stepped in and soared out of the gate. The most surprising thing is how well all these additions on special teams have gelled with Green Bay’s returning players and rookies. Keisean Nixon, Dallin Leavitt and Rudy Ford have been godsends.

Tom from New Braunfels, TX

In yesterday’s Inbox, Mike fielded a question regarding only one INT thus far this year and was there a concern. His answer here, “Well, the coverages were a mess in Minneapolis, Chicago attempted only 11 passes, and then the Packers faced Brady. That’s about all I’ve got for you,” had to be the most succinct and perfect answer to a question I have read in the Inbox for a long time. If I had some sort of award to give for best most concise/accurate answer, I would award it for this one!

I would’ve answered it the same way, but Mike beat me to it.

In regards to the lack of interceptions, it always seems to me they come in bunches. Don’t you agree?

I do. With all due respect to the quarterbacks Green Bay is set to face over the next month, the defense should have some opportunities in October. Gotta capitalize.

Tom from Douglassville, PA

So, who is going to be the biggest surprise in this Sunday’s matchup?

Eric Stokes. He played well against the Bucs, but I say he gets a pick on Sunday.