Matt from Minneapolis, MN

To those losing their minds over the AR8 incomplete pass: Matt Stafford pulled off a similar stunt against the Vikings in the playoffs last year which took a defensive TD off the board. Why do I suspect none of us were very upset about that one…?

Yes! I knew I’d seen it before and just couldn’t recall the specifics. Also, to follow up on yesterday, there’s no PI in play behind the line of scrimmage. For those interested, Wes and I tackled other officiating issues in our latest “Unscripted.”

So I’m clear, a WR facing step-for-step coverage can just stop running, causing the DB to run into him, and the DB gets the interference call? I guess I’ve always known this, but it seems decidedly and unfairly tilted in favor of the offense. Such is football I guess.

We all know the league wants points and big plays, and PI and illegal contact are a breath away. But I cannot stand it anymore: the QB throws up a prayer, it’s underthrown, the DB has position, but the WR goes through him to come back to the ball … flag. Please tell me there is SOME interest among owners and the league in not rewarding offense for bad throws and good defensive position.

I doubt it, because they’re also not interested in rewarding defenders who aren’t playing the ball.

On Evan Williams‘ pass interference against Arizona and Keisean Nixon‘s against Pittsburgh both appeared to have had an excellent chance to intercept the pass if they had turned and looked for the ball. One sees this all of the time with NFL defensive backs. Do you have any insight as to why NFL defensive backs are coached to not turn and look for the ball when the offensive player has a step on them?

Because if they don’t know for sure the ball is coming, then the receiver gets more open for a deeper pass, as happened to Nixon early in the Pittsburgh game on the bomb to Wilson. Defenders are trained to get cues from the receiver as to the ball’s arrival, and the really good receivers don’t give them any with techniques like steady eyes and late hands. A defender who doesn’t know the ball is coming can’t just turn around because that slows him down and he risks giving up a touchdown then. It’s not an easy position to play.

Kenton from Rochester, MN

When the Packers are scheduled to wear new throwback uniforms (like they will this Sunday) do they wear them at least once in practice before the game in order to familiarize themselves with the new look? Seems like that would be the sensible thing to do, but maybe not?

They don’t have a whole set of throwback practice jerseys, but they do wear the helmets.

Are the Vikings literally throwing J.J. McCarthy to the Lions in his first game back?

Would that be preferable to the wolves? Er no?

Seeing a Packers team this talented go down by multiple scores two games in a row really reminds me of how bonkers it was that the 2010 squad never trailed by more than seven points in a game.

And that was amidst losing six of their first 14 contests, too.

Mike, love the even-keel approach that you have. There’s no sense looking forward to the next opponent. I do wonder if that mindset applies to most things in your life. My wife doesn’t understand how I don’t get excited before we head for a vacation. I tell her, I’ll get excited when we get there.

Yeah, that sounds like me.

Again, thanks II for this venue for questions, and thanks in advance Mike for your in-game blog. Sunday will be the first game this year that the Packers and Vikings both play at noon, and will not be broadcast in St. Paul. I will be keeping up through you. My question is, do you enjoy doing the in-game blog, or is it just for us fans? And whose idea was it? Either way I love it as there are several games a year that I will not be able to watch.

I started live blogging games in, I believe, 2010. Just experimenting a bit. Vic took over in 2011 when he arrived, making it a more established gameday feature, and then I resumed in 2016 after he retired. I do enjoy it. It’s a challenge, and a highly flawed and imperfect dialogue, but on balance a lot of fun.

Hold up. If we submit a funny enough comment in the game chat, you’ll lean over and mumble it to Wes? Us lifelong class clowns just found a new achievement to unlock. High praise. High praise.

Oh boy, now I’ve gone and done it. Fair warning: The comments come in so fast and furious, no guarantee I’ll see your attempt at humor. In any event, Happy Halloween everybody.