It will just have to wait

Dave from Lakewood Ranch, FL

Do you think the NFL will ever go back to the old rule that doesn’t allow offensive linemen to push the ball carrier forward? Why do you think they ever changed that?

I have no idea, but I think it’s ridiculous. That’s not football in my view.

Immediately after humiliating loss, ML: “We have to flip the script and move forward.” While I do get that there’s another game looming, if someone doesn’t take the time to closely examine this loss while the sting is still fresh, come opening day next season we’ll be 3-for-3. In the other games I watched, none of the teams looked as feeble as the Packers did. Even the Bears looked better. Vince: “What the hell is goin’ on out there?” Sorry. I just had to let all that out…

The Packers can’t win their 2023 opener this week. They can beat the Bears. Compared to last year, LaFleur changed his practice plan for the time between the last preseason game and the first real game, but it didn’t produce better results. I’m sure he’ll review it all again at the appropriate time.

Win the coin toss and defer. Go for touchdowns on fourth-and-goal. I believe in both choices because even if they don’t take the ball or make the TD, I thought the defense would get three-and-outs or turnovers or maybe a safety. I think it’s the way to go, but it defeats the purpose in either event (of course) if not successful. Do you think they will stick to this approach and trust the D not to let them march down the whole field?

Yes. The defense had allowed the Vikings just one first down on their last two possessions combined when they took over at the 1-yard line. Then suddenly Cook ran three straight times for 22 yards and Jefferson was wide open for a 64-yard gasher. The defense needs to pick up the offense after a letdown and vice versa, and those moments were not seized.

I’m counting six division games in Week 1 off the top of my head.

Yes, but only two in the NFC, as Wes noted.

Terry from Rogersville, MO

With knowing preseason is for non-starters for the majority of the league, I got to thinking about having Game 1 with a non-conference opponent. Bills-Rams was great and though the Rams lost, they lost out of conference which can minimize the loss in my mind. As opposed to laying an egg against a divisional opponent. Do you think it would be realistic to have all teams play out of conference on Week 1 as a pseudo warmup game?

I think it would make a lot of sense, but the league will never go for it.

It’s only Week 1, it…