Inbox: Because that's what the best do

Austin from Manassas, VA

Can you shoot the next "Unscripted" with Wes in a cold tub? Prediction: That'll be the shortest episode. You heard it here first.

I suppose that's one way for Spoff to shut me up.

Markus from Sea Ranch, CA

Expanding on Mike's answer from Lori of Brookfield's question. I would add putting the QB in the best position for success in the most crucial moments involves certain personnel groups for a down/distance situation, dependent on what you think the defense will be doing with their personnel group, and knowing your players are ready (e.g. a WR not being gassed from previous consecutive plays). This is chess, not checkers, and four-dimensional chess at that.

To that end, it's on the individual position coaches to help keep tabs on their skill-position players. I remember Ben Sirmans talking in the past about knowing the right time to give Aaron Jones a breather. The play-caller and the QB stand under the brightest lights, but everyone must be locked in during winning time.

Rudy from Rhinelander, WI

Many have stated that tight end is one of the most difficult positions to play. What is the status of the TE at this time? What does the depth chart look like?

It's a like a lot of positions on the roster – solid with room for growth. Luke Musgrave and Tucker Kraft are a good starting point for any offense, and Ben Sims complements their skill sets well. I'm excited to see what a healthy Tyler Davis can bring to both the offense and special teams. Meanwhile, Henry Pearson received a lot of first-team work this spring while competing for the H-back role and Messiah Swinson is a massive prospect at 6-7. So, it's an intriguing bunch.

Bryce from Lorain, OH

I'm not sure if you'll be able to answer this question, but when Jordan Love has the ball and is looking for an open receiver, does he know who he's looking at, or whom he's throwing to, or does he just see green-and-gold open down field and throw a dart to that player?

There are progressions to every play and also a hot read in case of an all-out blitz. It's rare for him to be throwing at green fabric out there.

Jon from Stambaugh, MI

All this talk of the longest TD only being a tie made me think back about the shortest TD. I can't recall the specifics, but I believe it was a pass put into the record books "in the day" of 6 inches. It can never be tied as only 1 yard is acceptable now. I know it was a Packers TD.

What you're referring to is **another Cliff Christl special**, written last year for packers.com. Don Hutson and Cecil Isbell once combined for the shortest touchdown pass in team history (4 inches), but it was later expunged from the record books.

Joe from Eau Claire, WI

How about a cap on guaranteed money? I've read and understand why it is unlikely there would ever be a cap on a QB's earnings relative to the salary cap. It seems like more and more of contacts are guaranteed, and we've seen a lot of dead cap hits as a result of signing bonuses and whatnot. Maybe it would be a feasible compromise?

It would be foolish to put a cap on guaranteed money considering the NFL is one of the only leagues where contracts aren't already fully guaranteed for both skill and injury. I don't know what the NFLPA will target in the next round of negotiations, but it will be interesting to see what each side prioritizes. Clearly, owners desperately want that 18th regular-season game. In my opinion, they're gonna have to give up more than just a preseason game to get it done.

Dan from Maquoketa, IA

Not to disparage Joshua from Milwaukee, WI, about pumping the brakes, but isn't the team predicated on all gas, no brakes? I don't know if I can remember how to use the brakes.

You're not alone there. All I'm asking is readers stop submitting clickbait trade proposals for "name" veterans who once led their fantasy football team to a consolation title.

Jerry from Des Moines, IA

Gentlemen, I'm regularly impressed by how well the players handle their interview sessions and how well spoken they are. Do the Packers provide tips and training to the players to handle their media obligations? It's pretty easy to stumble in those situations yet the players handle themselves really well.

The Packers have an esteemed communications staff, but interviews also come with the territory for players. When you do something enough, you (usually) get better at it.

Arn from Kenosha, WI

Good morning. Which position is most likely to have season-ending injuries? I would think it's an offensive lineman.

I don't want to oversimplify a complex question, but offensive linemen would be my first guess. During my time on the beat, the Packers have lost O-linemen for the year because of knee injuries, torn biceps, and broken legs. I also know of many Packers O-linemen who battled through significant ankle and back injuries to stay on the field. It's a thankless job.

Jim from Mundelein, IL

Much is made about getting the "best five" OL on the field. Could the same strategy apply to DBs? Is there more role specialization required for DBs than OL? Thanks for making days better for Packers fans.

I think the secondary is more specialized. There's some synergy between safety and slot cornerback, but only on a limited basis. As I discussed last week, playing on an island is an entirely different beast. At the same time, success on the perimeter doesn't guarantee a cornerback will thrive in the slot, either. Each DB is playing at a certain spot for a reason.

Roger from McGrath, AK

The article on Malik Heath makes me wonder about how many receivers we'll keep. I suspect special-team contributions will play a role. Of the eight WRs on last year's roster, who played regularly on special teams in positions other than returner?

The Packers didn't use many wideouts on teams last year. Heath actually played the most snaps (71) while serving as a blocker on kickoff return. Other than Jayden Reed (42 snaps with 11 punt returns), the next closest was Bo Melton (12).

Robert from Brookeville, MD

Any insights into why we don't see more players on the bubble traded in the pre-training camp period between teams with a relative surplus in different groups? As Wednesday's story on Malik Heath suggests, he has shown enough to contribute but may get the boot. Of course, we'd like to see him compete to make the best decisions and injuries might cause regret, but those issues are even more acute in areas of weakness. I'd love to see AFC team(s) we routinely swap with.

I'm not sure what the average is around the NFL, but the Packers have pulled off plenty of preseason trades under Brian Gutekunst. Over the last six years, they dealt Brett Hundley, Cole Van Lanen, Reggie Gilbert, Justin McCray, Josh Jackson, Lenzy Pipkins and Ka'dar Hollman for future picks or players, and acquired Corey Bojorquez, Antonio Morrison, and B.J. Goodson. So, it's quite common in these parts.

Paul from Ledgeview, WI

Wes, can you see Kalen King earn a spot on the 53?

Absolutely, but he'll have to earn it just like Carrington Valentine did last year. That push starts in earnest July 22.

Benjamin from Evergreen Park, IL

Do guys ever stay around the facility, to have that structure and discipline to just be all about football? I know we all love mom's home cooking, but is there support from coaching and training staff to accommodate said players? Or is that a violation of the CBA?

Not at all. As I've written before, Jaire Alexander routinely sticks around Lambeau Field during the offseason. Mike Daniels used to train here year-round, too. Players are on their own at team facilities, though. There can be no instruction outside of that nine-week window for the offseason program.

Steve from Flagstaff, AZ

With Willie Mays passing, rumors are going around he should be the MLB logo. Jerry West, the NBA logo, just passed away recently too. Do you feel anyone should be the NFL logo? Curly Lambeau, George Halas, Jim Brown, Johnny Unitas? Or is the shield the NFL logo forever?

First, a tip of the cap to Willie Mays. What a life lived to the absolute fullest. To your question, I feel like the NFL logo should always be the shield. It's timeless and honors the eight divisions. There also are so many positions in the NFL with different responsibilities…how do you pick just one to highlight? Sure, it's a quarterback league but what about the ball-carriers and pass-catchers who run with the ball and score touchdowns?

Jim from Portsmouth, NH

No question, just a shout out to Willie. Sometime last century, I was a young lad attending a Braves-Giants game at County Stadium. A few other kids and I hung out in the parking lot pregame hoping to snag some autographs and along came Willie. I furiously backpedaled as I stuck my autograph book and pen towards this giant of a man. He signed and inadvertently stepped on my brand new white Keds...left a beautiful smudge. I saved them for years until mom accidentally threw them out.

I hope you kept the autograph book at least.

Thomas from Edgewood, NM

I have been seeing a lot of talk from the Chiefs about how they are going to be the first team to three-peat in the NFL! I think the Packers need to correct them as the Pack has done it more than once. The NFL is just as guilty as the Chiefs as they don't seem to recognize the Pack either. We just need to ball out this year, go to the Super Bowl and shove it down KC's throat and bring the Lombardi back home. I know it is the dead-zone time and I really feel it!

The pro wrestling fan in me would love nothing more. The story writes itself.

David from Janesville, WI

Gents, I've had the occasional question answered, but now I've had two days in a row (and they both appear to have driven the lede!) and my mind has gone blank. When the pressure ramped up, I failed to rise to the occasion. If I can't come up with a single pertinent question in the dead zone, how on earth does an NFL quarterback perform at their best executing a game-winning drive as the final seconds tick off the clock? These guys truly have a different mindset.

Because that's what the best do – in any walk of life. Congrats on authoring another headline/lede.

Pat from Hudson, WI

I enjoyed the callback to Tony Dorsett's 99-yard TD run against the Queens. As a Packers fan living in Vikings territory, it was a wonderful talking point to take into work the following day, and the fact that the Cowboys did it with only 10 players on the field added a little salt to rub into the wound, such a great memory!

I've quickly learned this was a highlight for many Packers fans during the lean 1980s.

Scott from Sussex, WI

I just watched Tony Dorsett's 99-yard run. How was that not a false start by the entire offensive line five seconds before the snap?

Probably because it was 1983.

Megan from Noblesville, IN

Since it's the dead zone and y'all have plenty of time since you're just "keeping the lights on," why not do some fun stuff for your Packers fans? Maybe doing "Unscripted" from different locations such as the ice tub or in the weight room while training. If not "Unscripted," it would be a highlight if y'all did video competitions to post. You know your readers and coworkers would love it (e.g. longest ice-tub challenge, curls/bench reps, field-goal challenge, JUGS catching challenge, etc.).

People really wanna see me in the cold tub, huh? We're not running short on ideas, Megan. The dead zone is by design (and appreciated). We're getting our primary responsibilities done and taking as much PTO as possible before camp begins.

Paul from Hewitt, WI

Why wish the summer goodbye for football? Enjoy the short summer being outdoors with friends and family. The football season will be here sooner than you think.

I'll drink a root beer to that. Have a good Thursday.