Tim from Charlotte, NC

My favorite McCarthy quote, when discussing the rash of injuries to hit the team a couple years ago: "Self-pity is a wasted emotion." Makes me verklempt, as I think about my first-world problems. I have so much to be thankful for...

I'm now thankful verklempt has made an appearance in the Inbox.

Mike from Mount Prospect, IL

Gentlemen, who gets your vote for unsung hero for Game 1? I'm going with Jamaal Williams, who absolutely stoned a blitzing Trevathan. Tremendous work by the back there. Imagine Rodgers getting leveled instead of completing the pass to Adams.

This week he'll need to figure out where Harrison Smith will be coming from. It seems like he gets a free-run sack against the Packers at some point every meeting.

Roger from Rice Lake, WI

Due to the outcome of last year's game with Minnesota, and the subsequent loss of AR's and the Packers' 2017 season, do you see the officiating crew being a bit more diligent this year regarding hits on Rodgers? Let's face it, nothing would make the Vikings happier than seeing No. 12 carted off of the field again!

Judging by the three roughing-the-passer penalties against the Packers, the officials are on alert. The Matthews one was an obvious flag, but the calls on Perry and Wilkerson were dubious at best. All pass rushers should take the warning seriously.

John from Sioux Falls, SD

Hello Insiders, I understand Wes's discomfort with the halftime booing, but let's face it, they earned it. This isn't high school and everyone in that stadium paid a lot of money to see pro football from, by all estimations, a very good team. They didn't get that in the first half, and they let the team know it. If that's negative or hurts somebody's feelings, we probably need tougher players or coaches – but it's clear that's not the case.

The paying customer is entitled to watch the game as he or she pleases. I think the reaction defines your personal priority as a fan. Is it more important to you to support the team in the heat of the moment, or give your opinion on the performance? Different strokes for different folks.

Tanner from Tulsa, OK

Remember the announcers at the Detroit game saying "Does he have another vintage moment in him?" I think anyone doubting now knows he has many, many vintage moments left in him.

I don't think it's a matter of doubting, but wondering in the moment whether this is about to be one.

Joe from Bloomington, IN

To me the unheralded defensive play of the game was Reggie Gilbert blanketing Tarik Cohen on the final third-and-1. What's yours?

Seven snaps earlier, Alexander's shoestring tackle of Cohen when he cut that run back to his left on third down near midfield. As soon as he changed direction, I said to Wes, "Look out." Williams was the only defender directly in Cohen's path, and a Bears receiver was there to run interference. Without Alexander barely tripping him up, Cohen might have gone the distance.

Sean from Glen Ellyn, IL

Insiders, I've noticed whenever you post a debate you two have (like the fourth-and-1 decision) I tend to agree with Wes while my dad agrees with Mike. I wonder if all that Madden corrupted us youths into thinking we can just hit the reset button if things don't go our way...

Officially it was third-and-2/fourth-and-2, and I felt the Bears made their decision to kick on fourth down when they tried to throw on third down. It was move the chains now to end the game, or take the three points. If I'm even considering going for it, I'm running the ball on third down to see how close I can get before making a final decision.

Mike from Charlotte, NC

I was pessimistic earlier, but I remember a strange knee injury of my own. I was squatting while rotating the tires and when I stood up my left knee must have been misaligned from the awkward position. It twisted, cracked, and I felt what I thought was a snap. It was awful; I couldn't even get up for at least 10 minutes and it wasn't right for days. Yet, I was alright. Different situation, but I think Rodgers will be fine.

Did the car make it to the Holiday Inn Express, too?

Tom from Douglassville, PA

I'm still puzzled near the end of the first half when the Bears had an injury. They had no timeouts left, so how come they didn't receive some kind of yardage penalty?

The officials can grant a "fourth timeout" in that situation for a legitimate injury. If a team is in need of a "fifth timeout," a 5-yard delay-of-game penalty is assessed.

Terry from Pearl, MS

Has anyone addressed the clock management by GB at the end of the first half? Why pass on third-and-19 deep in your own territory with only 50 seconds left and the Bears out of timeouts? The score should have been only 10-0 at half.

McCarthy explained his thought process and his regrets on Monday.

Sara from St. Paul, MN

Please describe "grading" the players. Who grades them? Is there a checklist for each position? Do players self-assess? Are grades posted for all the players to see or is it a more individual process?

The position coaches grade every play on film of the players under their charge. Elements such as assignment, technique and result are part of the grading system. I don't know how much grades are shared team-wide, or if it's just within position groups.

Wilfred from Superior, CO

Is it fair to say the secondary is fixed? Though based on only one game, I'd say some kudos are in order.