Kevin from Indianapolis, IN
So you're saying winning the SB will still be hard? It's supposed to be hard. If it wasn't hard, everyone would do it. The hard is what makes it great.
Not quite Kennedy. But sorta close, I guess.
Charles from Santa Ana, CA
Was really excited to see there will be a Packers Everywhere Pep Rally in LA. These are great events and contribute greatly to the close community that all Packers fans have with each other. Look forward to meeting you and Wes (again). As for the game, at least we know 88 won't be running the kickoff out of the end zone.
The Packers Everywhere crew is going all-out this year with six (!) pep rallies, which is the most ever. I don't know if Wes and I will attend every single one (we may trade off here and there), but I have no doubt GBP fans will bring it at every stop.
Ross from Summerville, SC
Gents, any of the UDFAs stand out in minicamp that you are anxious to see in camp?
I have to confess I didn't observe the undrafted rookie class much in the spring. I am intrigued, though, by Wisconsin long snapper Peter Bowden trying to beat out veteran Matt Orzech, and whether the latest kicker entry, James Turner, can make a run at the job.
Doug from River Falls, WI
Gents, what is the status of Tom Clements' contract? Is it open-ended and he can coach as long as he wants? His impact on the success of our QBs has obviously been tremendous. It would be great if we could retain him for a couple more years before we turn over the reins to Connor Lewis and/or Sean Mannion. GPG!
I don't know his specific contract status, but LaFleur has indicated Clements is year-to-year based on his desire to continue coaching. When I talked to him for a Yearbook feature this spring, he didn't give any hints about his future. For now, he still enjoys coaching and working for a team in the hunt.
Dan from Richmond, VA
We've all seen plays stopped before the snap when an O-lineman barely twitches a muscle and the ref throws the flag for a false start. So how is it that other times, we see O-linemen (not just the center) coming completely out of their stance before the snap, pointing to the defense, and no penalty is assessed? It amazes me we don't see more D-linemen jumping offsides with all the bobbin' and weavin' and pointin' going on right in front of them.
If the O-lineman's movement doesn't simulate a snap, it's legal.
Julian from Gastonia, NC
If Mike turns out to be correct that Rasheed Walker will be the LT for the Packers in 2024, then I would see the only question being if Jordan Morgan will also start. I would think we will have the same five starters from last year or just one new starter in Morgan. Thoughts?
That's how I see it as well, though to be accurate, Sean Rhyan has never actually started an NFL game, so the Packers technically have four returning starters. Rhyan's time at right guard last year came in a rotation with Jon Runyan, who was the regular starter.
Carl from Onalaska, WI
If Rasheed Walker can continue to start and do well at left tackle, what an incredible seventh-round gem at a premium position.
No lie told.
Koleman from Wausau, WI
Mike, can Carrington Valentine do enough this year to make your list of "all-time" best seventh-round picks of the Packers? What will you be looking to see from Valentine this year? Starter? Nickel? Third boundary corner? Special-teams regular? Maybe some of all of the above?
I probably could've included Valentine on my seventh-round list but I want to see his Year 2 progress first. He very well could beat out Eric Stokes for a starting spot, and if he doesn't, I see him as the third boundary corner and a special-teamer at the least. His remade body was impossible to miss in the spring. His story is far from written.
Mike from Ames, IA
I remember a lot of people, maybe even Packers brass, mentioning that we were very high on Aiyuk when he got picked before Jordan Love in the 2020 draft. Both great talents and hopefully longtime stars in this league, but is it fair to look at their current negotiations and feel very lucky things fell the way they did for the Packers?
The fortunate part is the Packers got their next franchise quarterback. That's it, that's all. I look at their contract situations without judgment or comparison of any kind. Successfully finding the next guy is all that matters as far as the 2020 draft is concerned for Green Bay.
John from Stevens Point, WI
It was a nice profit year for the Packers. Revenue sharing made the difference, thank goodness. What do the Packers do with the profit? Reinvest in facilities? Devote it to player salaries in an attempt to keep the team competitive? Bump in pay for the hardworking Insider Inbox staff?
The Packers have invested a ton of money in Lambeau Field over the last 20 years, and most recently that includes the new football space (offices, meeting rooms, indoor walk-through facility, etc.), video boards and concourse renovations. Construction on new office space for the rest of us is ongoing. The team also made substantial donations this past year to its foundation and corporate reserve fund. The latter will become even more important as a strategic financial asset if the league approves private equity investments for clubs, because the Packers can't participate in any private equity offerings due to the corporation's structure.
Brian from Urbana, IL
To piggyback off the piggyback via Mark from Carlsville: I worked for an HC who GA'd for Woody Hayes. He made us do film analysis by hand (drawing every play). He made us get numbers of players on each play, including lineman. It was a major pain. So, when they hired a new HC, I told him about it, and he decided to make the coloring on our numbers for away jerseys extremely light, because against the white, it's very difficult to see on film. Just to mess with our opponents.
I have to admit, from my own film study, the fonts used for some jersey numbers these days make them awfully hard to decipher.
Bart from Wausau, WI
I love how many receivers the Packers have vs. one star wideout, but watching Netflix's "Receiver" made it clear that those ambitious stars want big numbers, both in stats and eventual contracts. How will Green Bay keep all these talented young players motivated to be a team, rather than striving for individual glory?
That mostly falls on the players themselves and the mindset they bring to their jobs and the team. From the coaching side, players must earn their playing time and opportunities. It has to be merit-based. Then the players must cash in on those opportunities knowing others are waiting for their chance. The players are in every meeting and at every practice and game. They know who's earning what and why the opportunities are doled out in a given way.
Rich from Grand Rapids, MI
The "Receiver" series on Netflix shares a great deal of behind-the-scenes materials on injuries, personalities and the like. But the parts detailing Adams' frustrations with the Raiders are remarkable. Some observers are now suggesting that players (esp. WR) should consider circumstances more than money in FA. Do you think the series is eye-opening for players, too, or do you think they already know about ALL of that ... but value money over situation anyway? What would you suggest they value?
I doubt there's much of anything eye-opening for players. What they value most is an individual choice. Usually money takes priority, not just because it's money, but because so much about a player's circumstance is beyond his control anyway. Players are wary of sacrificing for a certain "situation" when that situation could change next week, month or year as it relates to team success, coaching, teammates, injuries, and everything else.
Clem from La Crosse, WI
How is it even possible for Josh Jacobs to catch nearly 200 NFL passes and not score a single TD? That stat has to be a record of some kind. It has to be on his mind going into 2024. Imagine that celebration when he scores his first receiving TD.
Running back Gerald Riggs (Atlanta 1982-88, Washington 1988-91) holds the record for most receptions without a receiving TD with 201. Jacobs is at 197.
Jim from Westland, MI
John Madden suggested to watch the line of scrimmage before the ball is snapped and after … on TV. Run or pass the camera will follow the ball so nothing is missed, but the telltale work begins there, and like pre-snap motion, the rest is eye candy.
On running plays, watching the LOS in general (not any specific players) and seeing which way it moves, also helps determine how much confidence a play-caller has or doesn't have in his ground game.
Jerry from Des Moines, IA
Not to belabor the "identifying the Mike" questions, but what do defenses do to disguise the Mike or disrupt the blocking scheme when they know the offense is trying to point him out?
They're not worried about disguising the Mike. That's immaterial to the defense. They're just trying to keep the offense guessing as to who's rushing or dropping.
George from Edinburg, VA
Mike, did the NASCAR package we used to run, I believe under Capers, make identifying the Mike linebacker confusing for offenses?
Not really. They just identified a starting point in the middle and worked the protection call out from there. That package put a ton of speed on the field up front, forcing the offense to prepare for everyone to rush, in a hurry, when at times not everyone did.
Dan from Maquoketa, IA
With the switch to the 4-3 defense and the outside linebackers becoming defensive ends, will their experience in pass coverage make zone blitzes more effective? Do you expect to see Hafley implement this?
Wouldn't shock me. Aside from overwhelming an offense with pass rushers, which carries monumental risk, nothing challenges a protection unit more than constantly making it adjust. The blitz capabilities of Edgerrin Cooper and Quay Walker from off-ball positions give Hafley a lot of options.
Dean from Leavenworth, IN
There seems to be a high level of excitement in and around the Packers regarding Jeff Hafley and the new defense. The players seem excited about the new changes. I don't remember seeing/hearing that level with the Joe Barry defense. I did to some degree with the Mike Pettine defense when he joined the Packers, but this seems different. What do you see in the locker room compared to the last two DCs and their schemes? How important is it for the players to be all-in?
It's vital, but I'm not going to suggest players weren't all-in when Pettine or Barry took over. There's definitely more change with Hafley, and change can fuel renewal and rejuvenation. I think that's why the excitement feels different. As I said during the spring, though (many times), it'll still come down to results. The right attitude is a great starting point, but outcomes are the ultimately judge.
Caleb from Knoxville, TN
There's always a surprise division winner every season. Last year was the Texans with the AFC South. Who is 2024's surprise division winner? I'm going with the Commanders in the NFC East!
That's bold. I don't have one for you. I'm just hoping there's not a surprise winner in the NFC North.
Dwight from Brooklyn, NY
Following up on reporters' reactions in the press box, I'd like to do a reverse. Did you ever witness a low-key reaction that really stood out because it was so understated in response to a spectacular play? For instance: AR12 throws a Hail Mary. Completion. Response: "Just another day in the office for AR12."
Not really. Though the moment I'll never forget was the Hail Mary TD to Janis at the end of regulation of the '15 divisional playoff at Arizona. Most of the GBP contingent in the press box had headed downstairs during the fourth quarter. Former social media manager Ryan Hartwig and I were the only ones left in our entire row. Staying professionally restrained, I remember Janis coming down with that ball, looking at Ryan with a smile and just quietly saying, "Holy cow." Only I didn't say cow.
Craig from Sussex, WI
You're J. Love and you just signed for $250 million, what do you buy first? I would buy a condo/house in Florida and a Heath blizzard.
Good call on the Heath blizzard. Highly underrated. I worked at a Dairy Queen in high school. It's even better with butterscotch mixed in. You wanna know what Peyton Manning said when he was asked, right after being drafted No. 1 overall, what he wanted to do with all the money he was about to get? He said, "I want to earn it." Best answer ever.
Bill from Fort Worth, TX
Mike, show a little optimism. Paul Skenes'll be a Dodger or Yankee before we know it.
Not for at least a handful of seasons.
Mark from Plano, TX
Good day Mike/Wes and fellow IIers. More of a question for Spoff. When going to Am Fam to watch the Crew, where is your preference to sit? I've never been, only been to old County Stadium and usually bleachers. My kids have been there several times. I'm hoping to go on July 27. Thanks. Go Crew and GPG!
For the combination of value and birds' eye view, I'm often in the first few rows of the terrace box near home plate. Or I'll sit in the loge level down one of the baselines as long as I'm not too many rows back.
Gary from Sheboygan, WI
Insiders, went to a Brewer-Cub game this year (Brewers won) asked an attendant where I could get a program, I wanted to score the game. The guy looked at me with a blank stare. They don't make programs anymore?
Haven't for a long time now. I've been taking my own scorecard to games for years.
Brandon from Kronenwetter, WI
The center/quarterback may call out a different mike before every play, but we Inboxers know where the One True Mike resides.
Flattery will get you nowhere with me, Brandon. But I appreciate the sentiment. Wes is back tomorrow. Happy Thursday.
