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1. The Packers are doing the wise thing by bringing in veteran offensive lineman Mark Tauscher, whose 10-month recovery from knee surgery is complete. But in the process, they’ll unavoidably open themselves to criticism that they tried to get by using backups -- with disastrous results -- until Tauscher was healthy. I can only hope that’s not the case. But it’s clear that their plan, temporary or otherwise, hasn’t worked to this point. I would expect Tauscher to be in the starting lineup by midseason.
2. I was surprised at how openly coach Mike McCarthy spoke Tuesday about the role of quarterback Aaron Rodgers in the Packers’ total of 20 sacks this season. We acknowledged Monday night that Rodgers shares some responsibility. But McCarthy spoke extensively about Rodgers’ “time clock” and said there were some plays against Minnesota that Rodgers will “want back.” McCarthy said he wants Rodgers to “trust the read” and said “that didn’t happen all the time.” McCarthy went through a relatively detailed description of his system for quarterback progressions, explaining what he believes is a straightforward process Rodgers should be following. Part of that might have been to protect the offensive line, which is taking a public beating. But it’s interesting that McCarthy focused on Rodgers as much, if not more, than he did the offensive line.
3. The Packers will have to find a new kick returner after Will Blackmon was diagnosed with a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left leg. The likeliest candidate to return kickoffs is receiver Jordy Nelson, and he might also be the first option on punts. But I wonder if the Packers won’t be tempted to use Charles Woodson every now and then on punt returns to spark the team when needed.

Why didn’t the Packers blitz more often against the Vikings and Brett Favre? Woodson was among those who questioned what seemed to be a relatively passive approach Monday night. McCarthy said Tuesday that the defense made some early mistakes in calling pressure packages, so defensive coordinator Dom Capers backed off those calls. But the end result was worse: Favre had ample time to pick apart the Packers' defense. A big part of the Packers’ 3-4 scheme was supposed to be Woodson’s blitz skills, but he estimated he blitzed only twice out of 62 snaps Monday night.