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Inbox: Denver will be a great opportunity to get some work in

Cooking doesn’t require every ingredient in the cupboard

Denver Broncos QB Bo Nix
Denver Broncos QB Bo Nix

George from Kennebunkport, ME

The "No. 1 receiver" question Coach LaFleur responded to recently reminded me that you don't need that "one guy" to succeed. Having multiple viable options is often better. It worked last year for the Pack and Kansas City won it all without anything resembling "a No. 1" WR. In fact, we have seen how forcing the ball to one guy – no matter how good – can limit your offense. A diversified attack is more difficult to defend and that's the beauty of our WR room.

It's like my grandma always used to say – why have one No. 1 receiver when you can have four?

Al from Green Bay, WI

It's clear that blocking ability is a key attribute that GB receivers must learn and execute. Allen Lazard was the "goon" from a couple years ago. Which of the receivers currently in camp impress you the most with their blocking? Do you have a top three?

I haven't seen nearly enough to identify a top three. Christian Watson probably has the most experience given the way North Dakota State operated on offense, but Dontayvion Wicks and Grant DuBose have also caught my attention this summer. They've both displayed great effort.

Brendyn from Howard, WI

With the very exciting abundance of receivers the Packers have, how do you see them using Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs, Watson, Wicks, Malik Heath, etc.? 10-yard line goal to go, do you see them going five-out, empty set? Does Watson maybe take a seat during that scenario as the other guys may be a better option in short-yardage situations like such? How do you get all of these guys on the field?

Cooking doesn't require every ingredient in the cupboard. It's mixing and matching and seeing what works best for what you're preparing. Drawing up an offensive gameplan is no different. The Packers won't limit themselves to set schemes or personnel. Everything is on the table and every wideout who makes the 53 will have a chance to add some spice…just like Wicks, Melton and Heath did last year.

Jim from Hudsonville, MI

Greetings II: I read where all 17 of our free agents (UFA, RFA, and ERFA) from 2024 were signed with either the Packers or another team. Is that a testament to our roster depth and the job our coaches do in developing young talent, or is it a fairly common occurrence?

It's rare for every free agent to sign somewhere, which happened for Green Bay with Rudy Ford's signing in Carolina on Wednesday. There are usually a few free agents who'll cycle out of the league every year. While Matt LaFleur and his staff have done an exceptional job of developing players, I think it speaks a lot to the overall talent of this team. That's a credit to Brian Gutekunst and his scouts.

Bruce from Jackson, WI

Morning Mike/Wes, I imagine the Broncos fans were encouraged after their win over the Colts last week. While it was the preseason, Bo Nix had a good showing, and their running game carried the day. This weekend will be a good test for our backups and our new defense against the run. Sound about right to you? Anyone in particular we should watch this week? Looking forward to this season and your coverage!

Denver will be a great opportunity to get some work in this weekend, especially the defense getting to compete against the Broncos' three quarterbacks. Nix looked great last week in Indianapolis, and Jarrett Stidham and Zach Wilson have both played a lot of football.

James from Panama City Beach, FL

Hats off to Gutey for bringing in a roster stacked with great competition! I'm looking forward to how the RB field shakes out! I'm an AJ Dillon fan, he's a true professional. I was a huge Aaron Jones fan and hope Josh Jacobs can fill his shoes! Best of luck to all the RB!

Jacobs is such a smooth runner. I can't wait to see him in actual games.

Tyler from Cross Plains, WI

Hey guys, last year pass pro was one thing holding Wilson back from playing time, curious how he's looked so far in camp? From what we've seen between the last two preseasons, and the few carries he got last year, Wilson can be a big-play threat if he rounds out the rest of his game.

That's not unusual. That's typically the path for rookie running backs, especially someone like Wilson who's making the jump from the Division II level to the NFL. He has the frame for it at 226 pounds and one of the league's best teachers of the position in Ben Sirmans. Standing his ground in pass protection will be as critical as breaking off 20-yard runs during these next two preseason games.

Travis from McCordsville, IN

Great answer about the whiskey question. Being 11 months sober this made me smile. Hopefully one day I'll be able to drink like a gentleman again. I'm already looking at the Eagles. What changes have they made to their roster and what were their strengths last year?

All the best to you, Travis. The Eagles lost Jason Kelce but return a supremely talented offense. What I wonder most is how they'll bounce back from a sluggish second half. Philadelphia went from Super Bowl favorite to an NFC Wild Card team in a matter of weeks. But the challenge the Eagles present on paper is still very real.

The Green Bay Packers held training camp practice at Ray Nitschke Field on Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2024.

Tom from West Palm Beach, FL

Do you think the NFL would've outlawed the "tush push" if it saw more success leaguewide? The way I see it, they've left it legal because it would unfairly penalize one team who happens to do it much more effectively than the rest.

More or less. It's also not an overly dangerous play.

Jerry from Green Bay, WI

The interesting part of the new style kickoff will be cold-weather games. The ball doesn't travel as far, and wind can also play havoc with it. Snow and rain will be a factor as well. Looking forward to the fun.

That applies to every facet of football, though.

Richard from Caledonia, WI

Which of the newly drafted players is making the biggest impact in practices so far?

Javon Bullard and Evan Williams, though that's partly born out of attrition with Jordan Morgan, Edgerrin Cooper and Ty'Ron Hopper dinged up. Bullard and Williams have been impressive, though. If it's not one's day, then it's the other's.

Carver from Meridian, ID

Good day Insiders! It has been a while since I have heard any news on Kitan Oladapo. If I remember correctly, Oladapo returned to practice at the end of July. Has he made his way into any 11s reps, or is he still working his way back with individual drills? Finally, do you feel he can make a push for that spot next to "X," or is it too late in camp? Go Pack Go from Idaho!

There's always time, especially with two preseason games remaining. Oladapo is back in team 11-on-11, as he puts the broken toe behind him. It may be hard to overtake Bullard and Williams at this point in camp, but Oladapo absolutely can still have an impact on this year's team.

Ken from New Berlin, WI

What's more valuable, joint practices or preseason games?

Joint practices for veterans. Preseason for young players.

TK from Grafton, WI

The league wants returns. It doesn't want injuries. However, I'm not sure kicking into the end zone and putting the ball in play at the 30 still isn't a bad strategy.

It's not a coincidence the measure finally passed after the language was changed to push back a kickoff downed in the end zone to the 30 instead of the 35.

Dustin from Kansas City, MO

People are way too quick to try to move on from AJ Dillon. We aren't going to find anyone as good as him for as little as he's making this season. Plus, he knows the system and is a great culture fit with the city and the team. As a manager, it would take a whole lot to get me to move on from an experienced employee who gets along with everybody. If one of these other backs doesn't absolutely blow me away, Dillon would be on my 53 every time.

I don't have time for these questions anymore because I don't think it matters what I say at this point. I can only write "Dillon is a solid, dependable NFL running back" so many times. Dillon, MarShawn Lloyd and Emanuel Wilson all have something to offer. Like the receiver position, all three complement Jacobs depending on what the coaches want.

Doug from Neenah, WI

Good morning, Wes. Have you ever had an Inbox question so inane and repetitive that it made you want to vomit?

See my previous answer.

Matt from Kula, HI

In past years there seemed to be more reporting on the results of one-on-one "Oklahoma" drills between individual offensive and defensive linemen. Is this due to these drills now being less frequent in training camp?

First off, they're not "Oklahoma" drills. They're just 1-on-1 pass-rush drills. I chart them but don't publish my results. One, because I am no expert. Two, because I don't feel there's always a true "winner" and "loser." I use my findings to track how the linemen are doing and if there are any developing trends.

Dan from Bergen, Norway

Can you refresh an old Packers fan's memory with the 2011 receiver corps that was described as being like a basketball team? Thanks in advance and GPG!

Jordy Nelson, Greg Jennings, James Jones, Randall Cobb, Donald Driver, and tight end Jermichael Finley.

Jason from Mt. Prospect, IL

Looking at the season the Browns had last year, it makes me think that Green Bay could really use a proven vet in the QB room behind Jordan Love. I would feel much more confident in this Packers team making the playoffs, God forbid we lose Love for an extended period of time, if we had somebody that has a more proven resume than our current backups. Disregard the development and "potential" that our current backups have, wouldn't you say it's a much safer bet having a guy like Joe Flacco? Ryan Tannehill?

No.

Ted from Findlay, OH

Just an observation: While watching “Three Things,” Mike looks at Wes as if thinking "I wonder what he brought for lunch." When Mike looks at Larry he appears to be thinking "I had better hide my lunch."

Fair.

Terry from Elroy, WI

Isn't "Straight, No Chaser" the name of a professional a cappella group?

It's the only reason I remotely understand the phrase.

Jessi from Sterling, KS

Guys were extra loud in the locker room during the J-Love interview. At the end, it sounded like they were playing ping-pong? What was all the excitement about?

Pretty much ping-pong.

Lori from Brookfield, WI

Wes, on Wednesday you admitted you pulled a hammy thinking about Christian Watson doing a standing backflip. Will you be available to travel to Denver for team coverage?

I'll manage. I always do. We'll see ya in the Rocky Mountains.

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