I think both teams have good reasons to be a little conservative at the start of the game. Hurts hasn't practiced or played because he's been in concussion protocol, and their meat and potatoes is on the ground with Barkley and Hurts (who might not run very much against us).

Meanwhile, Green Bay has had a couple of slow starts this year that have put them in the hole and they couldn't get out. They absolutely can't go out there and have a turnover early in the game, and their meat and potatoes is also on the ground with Jacobs & Co. We haven't thrown over 30 passes since the bye week, and Love has only thrown 1 interception since then. Coincidence? More likely, a conscious decision and focus on requiring less from Love. It has worked. He has played better and the team has done better.

Here's my prediction. The first time the Packers have the ball, they need to call Jacobs number and try to run over people. It's what we've done all year, it's what got us into the playoffs, and we're going to have to do it Sunday if we're going to advance. Expecting/hoping that Love is going to air it out 40 times for 370 yards and 3TDs isn't really going to happen.

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Factoid Nugget: The Packers are 2-4 in games where they throw 30 or more passes.

1) RUN THE BALL!!! And not on the jet sweep.
2) Go to Kraft and Musgrave often. I want to see the double screen fake then hit Musgrave up the seam. Still the best play I’ve seen all year. Bring it back.
3) Never rush 3. In any situation…ever.
4) Plus one in the TO ratio.
That should do it.

It would be helpful if the defense got off to a fast start in the down sequences by limiting the gains on first down as much as possible. Once the Eagles get in position to execute their "formula" at third-and-short, they'll have two cracks to get the first down; the tush push has been very difficult to stop, and since this is the playoffs, they won't hesitate to use it with Hurts. Now he may be a little hesitant to take off in the open field with the concussion, so the Packers defense will have to get a feel so they can choose what level of containment to play.

It's too bad we don't have Watson in dual aspects: we lose our home run threat, and the Eagles' defense can creep a little closer to the line of scrimmage not having to worry as much about a speedy receiver getting behind them. So we probably going to need a heavy dose of "next man up" to pick up the slack.

No drops and no fumbles on the early drives - that kills both the drives and the whole team spirit.

The Packers will go only as far as LaFleur and Hafley will take them

If I'm MLF and win the toss I defer and try and set the tone with my defense. Stop Barkley and pressure Hurts early. Like in Brazil, pressure up the middle caused him to heave one up down the middle the X picked off. I'm also looking for my DBs to pressure and grab as much as possible. Be physical on their receivers. Coop will be a difference maker stopping Barkley with his speed and anticipation filling gaps. GPG!!!

I'll take anything that doesn't result in the post game, HC/DC compound stupidity of "That's on me" and "It will never happen again."

How many times have we heard this? I don't know any team that wouldn't want a fast start. What, they should come out flat?

Given the choice...DON'T TAKE THE DAMN BALL FIRST!

See what they can do on the ground first, if it's working, don't go away from it. And work both TE's into the game. LaFleur talked like he had a dilemma with Musgrave coming back, like it was too much talent to handle. Then get 'em both out there and make sure "Jump ball" Jordan hits them when they're open.

Other than that, best of luck.

Defer if you win the coin toss—!!
Go Packers!!!

Time for Love to step up as the veteran he now is. IMO, he’s regressed slightly so far this season, time to change that. I know he’s not Lamar Jackson, but he’s a good athlete, use your legs once in a while. GPG!

Love has long, skinny legs-Hurts, Jayden Reed, even Rodgers, are lower to the ground, like soccer players.
Hurts has powerful legs, Rodgers built up his legs too. I think Love needs to work on his leg strength/musculature and footwork. When he runs, I hold my breath--

Can the Packers win? Yes, on any given Sunday, as they say. Will they win? No, and no knowledgeable fan truly expects them to. That said, this has been another successful season for the publicly owned team. The Packers were entertaining, if frustrating at times, and they made the playoffs. With the enduring dominance of the Lions, the ascendance of the Vikings, and the potential for Chicago to elevate its play (with a competent coaching staff) to playoff level, the Packers will struggle for relevance in the foreseeable future. So enjoy the ride as long as it lasts, celebrate the wins, move on from the losses, and be grateful for a thriving NFL team that is the cornerstone of the Green Bay community. Here’s to 2025!