2-MINUTE DRILL
ACCORDING TO... MICHAEL COHEN
A day after the Packers’ 30-27 victory over the Bears, Packers beat writer Michael Cohen fielded questions Monday on JSOnline about the game, the team, the future and the news business. Find the transcript at jsonline.com/packers. Here are excerpts: Q. True or false Mike...of all the aspects that comprise the Packers -- even Rodgers' health -- this team will go as far as the secondary takes them.
A. I say true, this year's team will only go as far as the defense will take them. If the pass rush vanishes in the coming weeks — Perry, Matthews, Elliott all hurt — or if the secondary collapses, then the Packers will be in big trouble against a good playoff QB. Their best cornerback right now is LaDarius Gunter, a player who hadn't even really played at this point last season. Q. Do you think that Montgomery is a long-term answer at running back? A. It certainly seems like Montgomery could be a regular contributor at RB. The two questions I have are 1) Can he hold up for a full season if he were to average 15 carries per game and 2) How many times would he fumble as a fulltime running back over the course of 16 games. Montgomery has had some fumbling issues at times during his first two years. He's been much better in recent weeks, though. Q. What are two things that the Packers need to do offensively and defensively during the next two games to earn a playoff spot? A. Offensively: Continue to avoid turnovers like they've been doing and score points in the first quarter to help their defense. Defensively: Put heat on the opposing quarterback to help a struggling secondary and don't bite on play-action fakes, which has been a problem at times this season.
Q. What's your take on what GB would do if Eliot Wolf is offered a GM position by another team? I would like to see him take over for Thompson, as I am frustrated by the 'draft picks are gold' philosophy now in place.
A. Before Eliot can be offered a job he would have to interview, and Ted Thompson has a history of denying interviews for his subordinates. Eliot was the first choice for the Lions' GM job last year but was not allowed to interview. Thompson and the Packers denied the request. Q. What has happened to Randall Cobb? A. The one thing I have noticed is an inability to create separation. He rarely gets open anymore relative to other receivers. I'm not sure if that's a skill thing, a technique thing or something else.
Q. Anyone pick up Jared Abbredaris yet? A. No.