Thomas from Cedar Rapids, IA

"Lists don't make the list" is one of Spoff's best. Well done.

Move over, Jacob Misiorowski. Spoff returned from vacation with his fastball intact.

Dan from Neenah, WI

We have seen some very good RBs in Green Bay. They leave and the new RBs are just as good. Is this because of the offensive system or the RB coach? Ben Sirmans does a very good job with the RBs. I hope he continues to stay with the Pack.

First and foremost, credit goes to the players for taking advantage of their opportunities. After all, they're the ones taking the hits and making the plays. However, Ben Sirmans has built an impressive resume while working for two different offensive head coaches. His process for developing running backs clearly works and it's made Sirmans one of the longest tenured assistant coaches in team history.

Kerry from Lakewood Ranch, FL

Has the pro game become so complex that a head coach who calls plays is at a disadvantage in managing the overall game?

No, I don't think so. If a head coach puts a good staff around him – which Matt LaFleur has – he'll be just fine. Calling plays and managing the game is a lot to juggle, but the rapid expansion of coaching staffs and football technology departments helps remove some of the burden.

Tom from Woodbury, MN

In your opinion, why is the center position paid less than the guard position? The center seems to have more responsibility such as calling line blocking before each play. They of course also have the job of snapping the ball, which in today's game is more difficult because of the shotgun.

Traditionally, NFL teams place the heaviest emphasis on stopping pass rushers when building and investing into their offensive lines. With the biggest threats often looming at the five- and three-technique positions, tackles (and more recently guards) get the big paydays while centers are tasked with handling run-stuffers up front. That said, centers are sort of like running backs. When you have an elite one – like the Packers did for seven years in Corey Linsley – it can make a world of difference for your offense.

Jeff from Edgerton, WI

Since we're still in the dead zone for a few more days I thought I'd ask this. From the moment you walk into Lambeau to the moment you walk out this time of year, what's your favorite part of the day? Least favorite?

My favorite part of training camp is Family Night. Maybe that's the dad in me, but the atmosphere is second to none. It's such a cool, unmistakable vibe; totally unique and different from any other day at Lambeau Field. My least favorite part is trading the last month of summer for non-stop work. It's by far the most challenging part of this gig, both personally and professionally. It's very difficult to carve out days off.

Juan from Miami, FL

Dead zone intrigue. Ranked best game day stadiums: Lambeau Field No. 5. Ranked fan base: Green Bay No. 2. I guess I am a sucker for clickbait at times...Stadium No. 1 Dallas. Fan base...Pittsburgh No. 1...FYI...Thank you for letting me share...

If you're ranking stadiums and have Lambeau Field fifth, your logic is flawed.

Al from Green Bay, WI

We know that things get real when the padded practices begin. Players from which position groups have the most to demonstrate when pads go on? I'm sure O-line and D-line are among them, but players from which other position groups have the most to gain?

I'm usually stationed at OL/DL, so I don't get to watch this drill with these players a lot, but the linebacker/running back one-on-one blocking drills make for good viewing. Blocking technique and blitz pickup are critical to become an every-down running back. Some, like Jamaal Williams, are naturals, but it can take time for others. Once the pads go on, that blocking period is where Aaron Jones, James Starks and Emanuel Wilson all grew during their time in Green Bay.

Ray from Phoenix, AZ

Do you think all the starters are already on the team? Could there be another move by trade or FA for a shutdown corner or star edge rusher?

Barring something unforeseen, the starters are on the team. I don't think Spoff and I could talk as much as we have about this team's overall depth and that not be the case. It's great when a Rasul Douglas can come in midseason and make a huge impact, but you can't rely on that every season. That's a diamond-in-the-rough proposition.

John from Stevens Point, WI

Remember when news outlets used this quaint phrase, "Lines and odds are only for entertainment purposes"? My how times have changed. Currently, the line on Packer wins for the 2025-26 season is 9½. Where do the Packers pick up that half-win?

I'm not a gambler (nor is such practice allowed in Bushwood). However, this Packers team is more than capable of winning double-digit games again this year with all its returning talent and homegrown players maturing into veterans. The Packers didn't have the youngest team in football the past two years to take a step back now.

Gordon from Newport Beach, CA

Considering the many decades of Green Bay Packers football, what are some of the most strategic losses in franchise history? For example, were there games that led to high draft picks, pivotal player acquisitions, or advantageous playoff positioning that ultimately contributed to future success? Such as a Super Bowl win?

That's an interesting question. Surely, the 2007 NFC title game was a pivotal moment for the Packers and the transition from Brett Favre to Aaron Rodgers. The following year, the defense took a step back and ultimately led to Green Bay switching to the 3-4 and drafting Clay Matthews and B.J. Raji, both catalysts to their Super Bowl XLV triumph. I'll try to think of more, but it's interesting how there are always little butterfly effects that make you wonder. Like Raji walking away at 29 years old, one month before the Packers drafted Kenny Clark in the first round.

Jim from Manitowoc, WI

My son was born in Green Bay and is a diehard Bears fan. I was born in Illinois and am a diehard Packers fan (strange, isn't it?). Who will be happier when the 2025 season is completed, my son or me?

History would favor the father here.

Denny from Lebanon, PA

What didn't the coaches see in Sean Clifford that he got demoted to third team? When I saw him play in preseason games, I thought he did a good job.

With respect to Clifford, who is still here and competing hard for a spot on the 2025 roster, are you really asking that question after everything Malik Willis accomplished last year? The Packers saw an opportunity to improve at the end of camp and took it…and it may have saved their season. We're not talking about a journeyman QB who played OK. Willis was in the conversation to be a first-round pick in 2022 and promptly fashioned a 124.8 passer rating in relief of Jordan Love last season.

Brendon from San Antonio Tlayacapan, Mexico

"Blessed with the strength of 10 because his heart was so pure, Hercules!" Can't help but believe that Lukas Van Ness, like Rashan Gary, will absolutely rock in his Year 3, as will Dontayvion Wicks, Jayden Reed and Luke Musgrave. Have we ever had a team with so much third-year potential?

The Packers have had some solid draft classes during this 30-year stretch of winning, but few with such quantity of talent. Nine of the 13 players from that 2023 draft remain on the roster, many of whom are expected to play major roles this season. If Green Bay makes a championship run this year, that group undoubtedly will play a major role.

William from New Milford, NJ

Why weren't the numbers "5, 24, 75 and 87" ever retired? Mr. Hornung, Mr. Wood, Mr. Gregg and Mr. Davis should have been given that honor. They were/are great Packers.

That's a better question for Cliff, who did tackle the No. 5 part of your quandary in his Mark Murphy column last week.

Brandon from Cumming, GA

I had forgotten to read up on the collusion story, thank you for reminding me to jump into it. Any initial thoughts on the matter? I was surprised to learn the story was broken by Pablo Torre, who was a regular guest on "Around the Horn," which was one of my favorite sports programs and was recently sunset. Perhaps a good OI question for next year – what is your favorite sports show/program?

I don't watch much TV these days but loved "The Sports Reporters" back in the day.

Bob from Covington, KY

Hi, guys. Austin's question about team captains raised this one for me. Does being named a team captain have any extra benefits/responsibilities for the player other than being on the field for the coin toss? Is it mostly a reward and recognition from the coaching staff for a job well done? Or a sign of respect from teammates?

Not really, besides getting to wear cool jersey patches. It's simply a sign of respect from your peers. It doesn't grant you special Sky Club access or 25% off a "Jelly of the Month Club" membership.

Scott from Manson, IA

Wes, you owe it to yourself to watch "North Dallas Forty." It was adapted from the novel of the same name, written by Cowboys ex-tight end Pete Gent. It's a very irreverent but accurate look at pro football. Word was that the Cowboys were not pleased with it, but there's probably more truth to what goes on in the film than they'd want to admit.

I'll be sure to do that. I appreciate Mike cutting me some slack, but "Network" is easily one of my top three all-time favorites and that was made three years before "North Dallas Forty." I have work to do.

Jeff from Edgerton, WI

Wes, food for thought...having just moved here last September from Southern Cal, I thought I was physically and mentally prepared for a Wisconsin winter. I was not. By December, I was buying a heavier jacket because the one I had wasn't nearly warm enough. I was told it was a rather mild winter. What? It gets worse? You have visited the southwest and now feel like retiring there. Be careful what you wish for. 115-118 degrees every day for 100 days is not fun. I'll take the four seasons of Wisconsin.

Oh, I'm three layers ahead of you, Jeff. Two of my good friends, Monte and Tyler, live in Arizona and have prepped for me how dastardly hot it can get. My plan would be to winter out west and summer in Eagle River or Three Rivers.

Gregg from Arlington Heights, IL

Another congratulations goes out to you, Jennifer from Middleton, WI. Your "thank you" acknowledgement was moving and explains why you are "worthy."

In addition to being a tremendously loyal reader, Jennifer is also one of the kindest and most complimentary people I've ever met. She's everything that's good about this forum.

Detlef from Germany

So, with being Fan of the Year, the prize is being able to use more than 500 letters for a submission. Is that a permanent thing or just one-time for the acceptance speech?

Ha. Jennifer sent two submissions.

Mike from Baraboo, WI

Any chance that one of our WRs gets traded before the season?

Sure. Shoot, there's a chance I get traded before the season for a six pack of High Life and a half-eaten pack of gum.

Mark from Omro, WI

Just returning from 14 days visiting the countries in the Baltic Sea area. I happen to pack a lot of Packers shirts, not thinking to attract attention. It's amazing how many people will come up and say hi, or want to talk. Several who could not speak English waved and smiled and pointed to my shirt. Even had a guy wanting to buy me a beer, I thought, WWSD. What would Spoff do? A local beer with a very distinctive taste, and it was so cold! Think Mike will be proud!

Spoff is nodding with pride like Jeremiah Johnson.

Graydon from Menomonie, WI

Only two more sleeps and we have survived another "dead zone."

Indubitably.

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