Chris and Dave,
In your last podcast you talked at some length about the balance between winning and resting players. I am wondering who (specific names) would be cycled in, and how MM goes about it ?
I'm happy to see backups, not as starting players, but cycled in and out during the game. If we are struggling, more starters go in, if we are cruising, more backups get to play.
First off is the most controversial use of backups. I'd expect Barbre and Moll get some time. I don't expect everyone to agree with that choice, even if they are not cycled in at the same time, because it rolls the dice somewhat, with the QB. My feeling is that playing time is valuable learning time, while (more importantly) giving an easier ride to the starters, and giving them all the best possibility to get over chronic hand, leg, back etc hurts. Even if our QB were hurt, he would have several weeks to recover. It's one of those tough choices that looks inspired if it works, and truly horrible if it doesn't.
We may be able to see Krause and Franks at TE, and plenty of Kuhn at FB (Hall has hip trouble – what they call a hip pointer maybe ?).
We already make good use of 5 receivers, so Bodiford will see little playing time, unless the Packers look to rest Robinson and/or Blackmon on returns (unlikely).
Morency got some good yards last year, so he and Jackson could both take a few snaps.
I'd like to see Rodgers ready to go, but I suspect he will not be ready this week, so if we are cruising, then Craig Nall should garner some 'garbage time' late on, and may have the backup tackles in when he does.
We pretty much know that Harrell is getting more time with the DT injuries, but I haven't seen much of Muir this year, he just seems to sub in for the odd play or two. I'd like to see a little more of him, to try and see what it was about him the coaches liked enough, to keep 6DT's.
I would particularly like to see Bishop at MLB, for a decent length of time.
Ends Montgomery and Hunter could also play more than usual.
Finally Charlie Peprah and Frank Walker could have some time to showcase their talent. Hey, this is beginning to have the feel of a preseason game, as I type this.
If the Packers keep on doing what they have been doing all year (subbing guys in), only just a little bit more so, with luck we can start the playoffs with improved health for many starters.
I do need to emphasise that these guys are not getting subbed in all at once, just a few here, a few there, while the guys around them help them to play well.
The only rider to all this, is that if it goes wrong, then bite the bullet and accept it, don't whine about what 'could have been'. Like so many things, it is a calculated risk.....