2-MINUTE DRILL
A.
Ryan Wood of USA TODAY-Wisconsin answered questions in a chat Tuesday. Read the full transcript at jsonline.com/packers. Here are excerpts:
Q. Was the success of the Packers’ short game due more to execution or the Eagles’ defense?
This is actually something the Packers offense does quite well, when they do it. I’ve been writing about the need for the Packers to ditch their worthless run game for a spread, quick-pass attack for about a month. Let’s see if Mike McCarthy keeps going to what works.
Q. Should the Packers consider asking Clay Matthews to take a pay cut after the season? He will be 31 next year and it looks like all of the injuries are starting to take a toll. A.
Fat chance of that happening. Nor should it. He’s still their best defensive player.
Q. Aaron Ripkowski looks like he’s taken up where John Kuhn left off. Would you say he’s ably replaced Kuhn or does he still have a way to go? A.
He’s showing the same reliability, the same hard hits as a ball carrier, even the same nose for the end zone after last night.
Q. Spriggs looks like a brawler. He wasn’t perfect, but he seems tough and willing. Do you see a scenario where this spells the end for T.J. Lang? A.
I wouldn’t call Spriggs a brawler. He most definitely isn’t a guard, but you can play him on the interior when you drop back as often as the Packers do in their spread offense. Spriggs is able to overcome weaknesses with his athleticism, which helps him recover. As for next season, I could certainly see the scenario of moving Bulaga inside at guard and putting Spriggs at right tackle.