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Well, let's just get this thing started. Throw everything out the window, we need this game on so many levels.

Biggest game of the season so far easily. Is Harris able to return? I know Matthews should be able to along with Bigby(I think) and Starks. Them coming back will help a ton, especially Matthews. Pressure Favre, hit him constantly and don't let AP have a big game.

I liked that the Packers threw more screens and short passes to Jackson today, they need to keep doing that. Make adjustments if things aren't working and stay with things if they are working.

Bigby isnt playing.

Minnesota lock of the week.

If we win 1 more game the rest of the season, I want it to be this one.

I think it was Bedard who said they thought Harris was really close and would probably be ready to go right away but Bigby was further away than expected/hoped and wouldn't be ready to go. Hence the trade for Anthony Smith.

We will win this game, resulting in 2 outcomes, 1 positive, and 1 negative:

1) We win

2) MM saves his job

At least they have an equally inept coach. But they also have a lot more talent (right now).

Clay will be back for sure. Hopefully Pickett, Neal, chillar too.

Depending on how Harris looks in practice, I would strongly consider playing Woodson at safety. Lee/Shields have been sufficient as the nickel guys this year and Woodson's coverage abilities have slipped a little. He's great in run support and has big play ability still and could be useful at the safety position. With Rice still out and Berrien playing poorly all year, it might be worth it.

The main concern would just be putting Harris on Harvin or Moss, he might not be ready for either situation. I just don't know how smart it is to put Woodson on Moss given that he is just going to run thirty fly patterns. Harvin's speed might also be an issue for Woodson, though he could try to just jam him at the line.

If Pickett, Neal, Matthews and Harris can play, thats three starters and a key bench player. That obviously should help. Sadly, the key will be if the offense can finally find a rhythm and play well.

One thing that scares me is Jared Allen. He doesn't have a sack all season but the Packers offensive line has been atrocious thus far, especially the left side (aside from this game). Even if he doesn't get a sack, he could easily (and probably) have a Peppers like effect and induce the offensive line into numerous penalties. Knowing MM, he'll probably have a lot of five to seven step drops and won't help Clifton, but hopefully they can devise a smart game plan for once to effectively deal with Allen.

I don't like using the term "must win" but this game is obviously important. At the very least, it shows what this team is made of. Three (almost four including the Lions game) losses in four (five) weeks is tough to deal with. A team with Superbowl aspirations wins this game. A team destined to either miss the playoffs or lose early losses this game. I guess its early, and maybe its an overreaction, but I think the Vikings game should indicate a lot about this mentality of this team.

MickeyDavis wrote:At least they have an equally inept coach. But they also have a lot more talent (right now).

Clay will be back for sure. Hopefully Pickett, Neal, chillar too.

if harris can play too, i think it'll be a good game. rival games are always entertaining. even though we've been totally playing **** for a month, i will forget MOST of it if we win on sunday (except for the bears game, that still needs to be redeemed week 17).

This is going to suck. Epic, epic loss.

We do not match up well with Minny and we're not playing well. I see Minny by 10+.

I'll gladly take a 3-13 record this season if Clay can lay out Brint once and for all Sunday night.

ugh...

This sounds like our leadup to the Dallas game from last year in which we had our best defensive game of the season.

I have no idea what to expect. Logic would tell you Minnesota would win but the NFL, especially the NFC, has been so screwy this year. Hope and pray that we win this game and knock out Brent.

Logic says Vikes win but... i'll wait & see actual injury situation

I doubt Harris, bigby or starks play.
also doubt chillar & neal play

pickett & tauscher probably play.

worst is I doubt clay plays

PackBuckGophZag wrote:

Greg_A_Bedard Greg A. Bedard
Harris, Bigby and Starks will practice this week, and then they'll see where they are.

Heard that on the MM press conference while I was out of the office grabbing lunch.

Also saw that Poppinga will undergo arthroscopic knee surgery tomorrow, these injuries are almost to the point of comical.

Adam_Schefter Adam Schefter
Like Packers TE Jermichael Finley, LB Brady Poppinga has torn meniscus and will undergo surgery tomorrow to determine how long he'll miss.

So Poppinga will probably be back in a few weeks or out for the rest of the year. I know he isn't Clay Matthews, but the Packers could use all the depth they can get right now. Hopefully he can come back this year...I mean just tear out the meniscus, we don't need Brady long term.