In this week's episode of The Wisconsin Sportscast, it’s a Packers playoff preview as they take on the Eagles this Sunday with some losses on both sides of the ball. Jaire Alexander is still out on the defense, and Christian Watson went down with a no-contact injury against the Bears on Sunday. Looking at the NFL today though, they should be considered lucky they haven’t lost more top players. Watson is certainly a great player, who’s greatest skill might be his ability to dictate how the defense is going to play. He’s fast, he’s a deep threat, and he has a skill set that isn’t found anywhere else on the team. But his absence won’t particularly hurt the Packers on Sunday, Oates says. It’s not Jaire’s or Watson’s fault that they’re out, but they need to be available to play if they want to stick it out in the NFL. Because of that, and because both of them have a history now of debilitating injuries, their futures are murky at best. Yes, Jaire has certainly made some people mad from time to time, but if he gets cut loose, it will be because of the injuries.

Moving to Sunday, the Packers have a chance to redeem themselves after their loss in Brazil. That loss, Oates says, should not be considered by fans this weekend as both teams have changed dramatically since week one in Brazil. Still, there’s something up with Jordan Love. He’s looked pedestrian and straight mediocre in recent weeks. He can’t blame his injury anymore, at least any injury that we know about. Lucas suspects he’s gotten conservative and isn’t dynamic in any way. Yes, he’s throwing significantly less interceptions, but he’s also not playing great like everyone hoped at the end of last season. But who knows what that’ll mean against the Eagles with Jalen Hurts who, as of Tuesday, remains on concussion protocol. Even if he’s healthy by Sunday it’s been nearly a month since he’s last thrown a football, which could be significant on Sunday. Whatever happens, it’ll likely be a great game and it is by no means a lost cause for the Packers.

That said, especially after Sunday’s loss to the Bears, the criticism of Matt LaFleur has grown significantly in recent weeks. Oates says it’s not unwarranted, so long as you ignore some of the “body language” arguments. He’s suffered some serious clock management issues in recent weeks, and Oates thinks it’s because of his biggest head coach complaint: he is trying to call too many plays. A coach needs to be thinking three or four plays ahead, and you can’t do that when your head is buried in the play cards. Sunday’s game against the Bears was a great example of that. Now imagine if he did that during a game that actually mattered?

Finally, moving to Badger Men’s Basketball, Greg Gard’s team put up 116 points against the Hawkeyes while holding Iowa to just 85. An amazing game, says Oates, from a team that if they hit their stride will be really hard to beat. Gard’s coaching has changed for the better in recent years and it’s turning the team into a real powerhouse. He’s blending styles in his offense and loosening the reins on the players. Players aren’t looking over their shoulder everytime they miss a shot. Gard is adapting to the world of college basketball today, and hopefully they can keep up their steam.

The Wisconsin Sportscast with Lucas & Oates is a Cap Times podcast produced by Nate Wegehaupt. Find it on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

Packers Playoff Preview: Watson Out and LaFleur Frustrations

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