Caleb from Knoxville, TN

Can we take a moment to celebrate Tom Grossi's selection as the official 2023 Packers Fan of the Year? The guy is incredible – from the $500,000 he raised this summer for St. Jude with his stadium tours, to how hard he works his (expletive) off livestreaming games and making Packers content on YouTube. Tom is an absolute treasure and an incredible ambassador for this team. Long live the Grossi Posse, and as always … *finger pistol* GO PACK GO!

I have no words. Tom is the real deal, man – and an O.G. reader of the Ask Vic column. The only thing bigger than Tom's Packers fandom is his heart. His "30 in 30" project was incredible but it's just one example of all the chaotic good he's done in this world. Tom brings out the best in humans. It doesn't matter if you're a Packers fan or not. So, I was absolutely thrilled when I found out the Packers nominated him for NFL Fan of the Year. I hope he wins the whole darn thing. I cannot think of someone more deserving.

Mike from Baraboo, WI

How do the Packers intend on slowing down the pass rush from T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith?

You better have a plan for both. Echoing Spoff, Watt is one of the best pass rushers of his generation, but Highsmith is a game-wrecker in his own right. Containing Watt and Highsmith isn't only on the offensive linemen. It's the tight ends and running backs chipping and Jordan Love being cognizant of the pass rushers' positioning at all times.

Barry from Green Bay, WI

How serious was Kenny Clark's injury? I probably missed the updates, but I really would like to know! Thank you!

Clark practiced on Wednesday after saying earlier in the week that he should be OK. I dove into that with my story on the Packers’ smothering performance against the Rams' run game.

Bil from Stateline, NV

I sure hope Yosh Nijman is going to be OK. Any word, yet?

Nijman (back), Jon Runyan (neck), Quay Walker (groin) and Jaire Alexander (shoulder) didn't go Wednesday. On the positive side, Christian Watson (chest/back) and Rudy Ford (calf) both practiced.

David from Janesville, WI

"Stifling run defense has Packers pointed in right direction." I'll take story headlines I'm happy to see for $600, Alex.

I find it wild this is the first time the Packers have held their opponent to less than 70 rushing yards on 25-plus attempts in back-to-back games since 1945. Our communications department does an incredible job of little details like that. I had a hunch the Packers' performance the past two weeks was something special but had no idea it'd been that long since Green Bay restricted an opponent to that few yards on so many attempts.

Rick from Trempealeau, WI

Karma: "destiny or fate." Sitting at home, I felt like I was watching a different defense against the Rams. Then I realized that De'Vondre Campbell was back. Am I overstating the effect of his presence on the field?

Not at all. This defense is different when No. 59 is on the field, and I think the past two weeks have proven that. The Packers are as deep at inside linebacker as they've been during my 12 years covering the team and it couldn't come with better timing. Campbell and Isaiah McDuffie came up big for the Packers against LA and the defense may need to lean on them in Pittsburgh if Walker can't go on Sunday.

Al from Green Bay, WI

Last year, the narrative on the Vikings was "not as good as their record." That seems to be the narrative this year (so far) on the Steelers. What differences do you see between the '22 Vikings and the '23 Steelers?

That's an interesting question. First, it's hard to win in this league. So, if you're 5-3, then that's exactly what your record is. You played eight times and found a path to victory on five occasions. That deserves respect. That said, the Steelers have lived and died by turnover margin, comebacks and close wins. That last piece is the biggest parallel to what the 13-4 Vikings achieved a year ago. I do like this matchup for the Packers, though.

John from Phoenix, AZ

There have been several mentions, in the Inbox as well as Mike's Mid-Week Chat, of players in backup roles making progress and, in some cases splash plays, supplanting current starters. While in most cases it would be premature to do so, this is exactly what you want. The small wins benefit the player and the team. The reps and successes fortify depth. I hope to see this kind of "controversy" for the remainder of the year.

There's so much strategy involved with not only setting your 53-man roster but also the practice squad 16. The situation at safety is probably the best example of the Packers seeing the forest for the trees this season. Yes, Rudy Ford "won" the job alongside Darnell Savage, but Jonathan Owens and Anthony Johnson Jr. likely will play big roles for this defense in the second half. The tougher decisions become, the better your team is more likely to be.

Steve from Ankeny, IA

I see many fans' comments on Twitter (yes, I should just stay off there!) about Jordan Love being in his fourth year in the NFL. In my opinion, sitting on the bench has nothing to do with playing in an NFL game against unknown opponents and at game speed. To me, he is a rookie on the field. Comments?

I can see both sides, but I view Love as a veteran player who's a first-year starter at the game's most difficult position. To quote the esteemed Edgar Bennett, "It's taking what you learned in the classroom and applying it out on the field." That's what Love is doing every gameday. There are nine more guaranteed opportunities for Love and this football team. Let's see what they do with 'em.

Brad from Watford City, ND

True, Dontayvion Wicks was not down by contact. But obviously he was "giving himself up" in reaching for the first down. Does that rule only apply to QBs?

The only way a quarterback "gives himself up" is by sliding. If that was Love, it still would have been a fumble. The player must be either touched down or the referee's whistle must be blown for the play to be over.

Drew from Dubuque, IA

Jaire Alexander got a hand on the ball a few times against the Rams. Against the Steelers, can he pick it?

"Pickett" would've been a nice play on words here, but Drew dropped the ball. Interceptions are always the goal, but Alexander is a veteran who understands the value of PBUs to the defense. In this case, it led to Anthony Johnson Jr. generating the takeaway. If Ja keeps playing like he did on Sunday, his own INT will come soon enough.

Jake from Marina del Rey, CA

Pick off Pickett on a pass intended for Pickens.

Now that's the spirit.

Jason from Austin, TX

Tush Push, Tush Smoosh. Unpopular opinion (maybe), but it's allowed in the rulebook, so I don't blame teams for doing it and I'm glad the Love Shove is in the cards. To go even further, I think if the Eagles needed one first down to close out a game, they could Tush Push themselves four times to get 10 yards. I also think they would never do that unless it's in the Super Bowl, because that's exactly how it would get banned. Talk about an anticlimactic finish.

In the end, the Packers finally pulled it off in the fourth quarter. Hopefully, Green Bay makes the necessary adjustments and can pull it off if needed later this season.

Steve from Flagstaff, AZ

So being at the game this past Sunday was fun especially seeing a win. Every time I am back in the area I am amazed by the new things around the area. The new scoreboards are fantastic. I am wondering though how much crazier this place will be than game day when the draft is there for three days. I can only hope to be there. I guess I gotta start looking at hotels soon come 2024. What are you guys most excited to see during the draft weekend in 2025?

How this city and the surrounding communities rally around this event. I have so many fond memories of the Packers opening the 2011 NFL season against the New Orleans Saints and the sea of people who descended on Green Bay. It's a once-in-a-generation opportunity and I have full confidence the NFL, the Packers, Green Bay, and the entire state of Wisconsin have what it takes to do the event justice.

John from Byron, MN

A "Blues Brothers" and an "Airplane" quote all in one Inbox! One win truly can change the tone of everything, even the mood of the II writers.

Win, lose or draw, Spoff and I both bring the '80s pop culture references. It is our creed.

Eric from York, PA

To Jay from Wilmington, NC, make the trip to Pittsburgh. Wonderful stadium and setting. I highly recommend it. The Steeler fans are very hospitable, unlike the city in the eastern part of the state. I've been to two games in the 'Burg, one a W and one a close L. Had a great time both times. They have a lot of respect for our team and history and I'm positive you'll have an enjoyable time being there. GPG!

Pittsburgh is one of my favorite cities in the entire country. I smile every time I see the Steelers on the upcoming schedule.

Bill from Wilmington, DE

Wes, to Jay from Wilmington, NC – I went to the GB vs. Pittsburgh game in late November a few years ago and the fans were great to the Packer fans. The city was also great, but I was freezing! We lost on a last-second FG. GPG!

The one drawback to playing in Pittsburgh is the Packers' lack of success in the Steel City over the last 50 years. But if you're looking for a good time in a place that lives and breathes football, Pittsburgh is at the top of my personal list.

Nikos from London, UK

I'm glad the '50s all-green outfits are back. But why not an all-gold outfit (green numbers and trim)? Even if only a practice kit historically, it'd still be recognizably "Green Bay," but it'd zing out there (so much, that Love might even find his receivers?)

I don't think all-yellow uniforms look as cool as they're made out to be (see: the Rams' Minion uniforms). The Packers have always used their third/alternative uniform to honor their past and tradition. All-yellow just feels too gimmicky to me.

Andreas from Schopfheim, Germany

In "Packers Daily: On the run," I noticed a sticker with a German flag on Aaron Jones' helmet, that sure is cool to see. Any idea why he's wearing that?

Hundreds of NFL players wore flags on their helmets last month to honor their family heritage or own home countries. Jones spent a portion of his childhood in Germany while his parents were on deployment.

Curt from Pine Island, MN

Who is the Packers' emergency place kicker?

Maybe Matt Schneidman? It definitely ain’t me.

Joe from Wausau, WI

Nice hold. Should Daniel Whelan be nervous?

Hey, I had to come through in the clutch for my kicker. But no, I'd say Whelan can rest easy.

Tony from Davenport, IA

"Except it's the Cubs, so I hope he and his new team fail miserably." Great statement! The real definition of Cubs, Completely Useless By September!

I appreciate how I saved the Counsell questions for Spoff and he let me handle the Grossi news. That's true teamwork making the dream work. My only two cents on Counsell-gate…this is why I lost my Brewers fandom in 2011. MLB has a broken system. I'd argue the sport's declining ratings bear that out.

Stephen from Menomonee Falls, WI

"It's a constant process of refinement." Another II lesson to live by.

That line also spoke to me as a writer who's still looking to improve.

Neil from Cheddar, UK

Hi II! Do you think what we need for clearer offside officiating is your two laser beams redirected to show the neutral zone? Asking for a friend!

Now, there is somebody using both sides of their brain.

Jonathan from Richmond Hill, GA

Maybe Mike doesn't like WWE because he doesn't know whose game it is. Yeah! Or maybe he's too busy finishing his own stories. Anyway, that's my soap opera, and I'm gonna keep watching regardless of age. Tell him not to grow too quickly or he might face his judgement day sooner than later … Yeet!

Tell 'em whose column this is – with everybody saying, "WES. LEE. HOD. Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeah." Have a great day.