Inbox: That's the most fascinating part of this game

Ryan from Sun Prairie, WI

How do the receivers improve their drop rate? I get practice with intention, but I have to imagine they do that all the time. How did James Jones improve and maintain it?

There is plenty NFL receivers can do to improve their hands, beginning with individual work on the JUGS machine. However, most drops are simply a product of lapses in concentration and pass-catchers trying to do too much. That's where intentionality comes in. Make the catch, then the play. Mark Andrews' drop on the two-point conversion was sort of like that. It's a pretty routine grab on the surface, but we're all human.

Shannon from Ovilla, TX

The classic rest vs. rust argument from Week 18 this year is interesting. ATMR (WCBW), eight playoff teams played their starters either for seeding reasons or to get into the playoffs while six rested their starters entirely or most of the game. Of the eight that played starters, seven lost their opening game and the one was Baltimore who played a fellow team that played starters in Week 18. The six teams resting starters were 6-0 in their first playoff game. Baltimore lost Zay Flowers and GB lost Christian Watson, as well.

At the end of the day, coaches have to do what they believe is in the best interest of their players. But like I said before, what makes me step back and survey things is the impact of losing Marquez Valdes-Scantling in 2021 and Watson this year may have had on their respective offenses.

Dustin from Kansas City, MO

Awfully bold of Ben Johnson to come in taking swipes at us on his first official day on the job. Should help kick the rivalry up another notch going into next season.

Sure, fine, good, whatever. Listen, a lot of words have been spoken in Chicago over the years. Maybe Johnson is the one who finally puts some action to them, but I've grown tired of these fruitless barbs. I'm sure it'a headline-grabbing quip talking heads will latch onto, but it's just a headache to me.

Phillip from Wonder Lake, IL

What will it take to get the offense back to the strength of the New Orleans Saints game?

Not a whole lot. Johnson talked Wednesday about how loaded the Bears are with talent. Well, I think that's definitely the case with the Packers, Lions and Vikings (depending on whom they re-sign). Of the four, Green Bay is poised to return the most top young players who'll be another year wiser in 2025.

Steve from Scranton, PA

Wes, yesterday Mike addressed several comments regarding "dual-threat" QBs given the conference championship matchups. A distinction needs to be made among Jalen Hurts, Josh Allen and Jayden Daniels who will have designed rushes called, as opposed to Patrick Mahomes simply breaking contain. One of Aaron Rodgers' most unsung traits was scrambling for five yards on a third-and-4, which is a backbreaker for the defense. In my opinion, there's no need for more designed RPOs to further expose Jordan Love to injury…just tuck/run/slide when the opportunity arises.

I agree and Love scrambling for 11 yards on third-and-12 (to set up a successful Tucker Kraft sneak) against Philadelphia is a good example of that. Love and Rodgers have comparable speed. Although finding the open receiver is the quarterback's primary job responsibility, tucking and running can be an effective way to demoralize a defense. Nobody knew that better than AR12 in his prime.

Rick from Trempealeau, WI

Looking back at the offense's play-calling this year, it feels like some of the creativity and design from 2023 was left on the cutting-room floor. For example, I don't recall seeing the fake screens to the left and right and then hitting a wide-open tight end the whole year. I get that the run game came first and Love was out for a couple games and then somewhat limited afterward. But is it just me or did the offense look somewhat (gulp), vanilla?

To me, uttering the "V" word is so disrespectful to NFL coaches and everything that goes into building a game plan. I'm not saying that's what you're doing here, but these schemes are so complex and multifaceted. Sure, there could have been more bells and whistles but we're also talking about the most explosive offense in the NFL that ranked fifth in yards and sixth in scoring. To me, Green Bay's issue wasn't creativity (e.g. the Kraft sneaks). It was efficiency and identifying plays it could hang its hat on in those gotta-have-them moments.

Rick from Punta Gorda, FL

A reader since the Vic days. I want to express my gratitude to both of you for the wonderful work. This is my first time asking a question, and I do not want to belabor the point about the Eagles game, but I did not see anyone mentioning this. There was a play where Hurts took off and six Packer defender were after him, three on each side. Instead of tackling him, it sure looked like they were escorting him so no one could touch him. They seemed scared to tackle the whole game. Thoughts?

That's the plight of defenders in today's NFL. Did you see how cautiously Houston approached Patrick Mahomes when he was near the sideline? I felt Green Bay did a good job against Hurts in both encounters this year. For anyone who questioned how big of a threat Hurts can be on the feet, just turn on the film from the Eagles' opening drive of the divisional game against the Rams. Hurts ran for more yards on that one 44-yard touchdown alone than he did in either game against the Packers.

Tucker from Belton, TX

Let this be your yearly reminder that none of us reading Insider Inbox have the ability to make any sort of determination on Jordan Love. As an example, the interception to Zack Baun over the middle looked to be clearly Love's fault, but on review LaFleur mentioned that Malik Heath's route was run five yards short, meaning he was too far into the middle of the field, meaning the LB was able to get to the pass. Looking at stats isn't going to tell you that.

And like Matt LaFleur, Love is going to point to what he can do better rather than blaming others. It's a team game. It requires all 11 to make the car run. While we can push fast forward and rewind on the tape, we're not the ones in the movie. The Packers know what they have in Love and are doing everything in their power to develop those tools.

Pat from Hudson, WI

The whiny II writers complaining about JL10 just boggle my mind! This past season he was 268 of 425 for 3,389 yards, had a completion rate of 63.1% with 25 TDs and 11 INTs in 15 games played. His final QB rating was 96.7, and according to FOX Sports online, the Packers ended the season with the fifth-ranked offense in the league, averaging 370.8 yards per game, so just what are these naysayers expecting out of our young QB?

Packers fans are so accustomed to watching an MVP quarterback I think some forget how difficult the position can be. Justin Herbert threw just three interceptions during the regular season and then unfurled four in a single playoff game. Does that mean the Chargers are looking to replace him? Heck no. The Packers' approach with Love is no different. What Love did during the second half of last year is not a mirage. It's a glimmer of the type of QB he may consistently be one day.

Jeffrey from Eveleth, MN

If you could pluck any player of another team right now, QBs excluded, whom would it be and why? Current contract issues don't factor in.

Myles Garrett. The Packers have a premier pass rusher in Rashan Gary but having an established dual threat helps (e.g. Za'Darius and Preston Smith).

Dean from Leavenworth, IN

Every team wants that great DT who can consistently sack the QB and stop the run. Reality is that the great ones are truly rare and hard to find. I appreciate a defensive tackle who can stand his ground or even take a step back, stay in the passing lanes, keep hands and arms ready and follow the QB's movement and eyes. They can play the run or draw and deflect passes and they're easier to find. Why isn't that player and technique taught and appreciated more around the league?

It's the dirty work all top performers have to welcome. Gary and Kenny Clark probably didn't have the monster seasons in terms of sacks, but both turned in great all-around seasons when factoring in their contributions to the run defense. Sacks get contracts, but selflessness wins championships. The defense was the Packers' best, most consistent phase this year and those two veterans were a big part of that. But yes, improving the consistency of the pass rush in 2025 obviously top of mind for Green Bay.

Larry from Green Valley, AZ

I would love to see GB land Kacy Rodgers as their new D-line coach. Tampa Bay's defense has always been tough, and Rodgers is a primary reason. Maybe he can change "52" into more of a threat. Thoughts?

I'm learning about these candidates the same as all of you, but the Buccaneers have had a formidable front throughout Rodgers' five years in Tampa. I also like when coaches have long tenures in their previous stops. It's no coincidence Ben Sirmans has coached for just two NFL franchises over the past 13 years.

Jake from Regina, Canada

While I think the combos of Isaiah McDuffie/ Eric Wilson and Emanuel Wilson/ Chris Brooks performed admirably this year, I'm incredibly excited to see what Ty'Ron Hopper and MarShawn Lloyd can add to this team moving forward. I think both of those guys will prove to be key contributors if they get their shot next year.

That's the most fascinating part of this game. It's understandable for fans to lock onto incoming rookies every fall. Shoot, look at what Edgerrin Cooper did. But it's the Hoppers and Lloyds of the world taking a step in Year 2 that often make the biggest overall difference for a team. Hopper is a solid all-around player who pulled his weight when called upon on both defense and special teams. As we discussed last week, Lloyd has an immensely high ceiling. Green Bay just needs to keep Lloyd on the field.

Mike from Winchester, TN

Hi Wes, while looking at players that the Packers are looking to re-sign, I noticed that both Daniel Whelan and Emanuel Wilson are exclusive rights free agents. Does this status give the Packers more leverage when negotiating a contract?

There's nothing to negotiate since neither has three accrued seasons. Exclusive-rights contracts are just procedural. To play in the NFL next season, both must sign for the minimum for a third-year player. Next offseason, Whelan and Wilson will be eligible for a restricted free-agent tender from Green Bay.

Bob from Rome, NY

Wes, with a backfield of Josh Jacobs, Brooks, Wilson, MarShawn Lloyd, and AJ Dillon, do you see an odd man out? Maybe Dillon because of age, durability, and/or contract? Your opinion matters! Thank you!

Dillon told reporters during final locker room he plans to keep playing after getting a series of second opinions.

Frank from Beaverdam, VA

Good morning, guys. I'm sure everybody's thinking it, I'm just asking it. When is Mike going on vacation? We all know what happens when Mike goes on vacation. Stay warm.

We need to get that sorted out here soon, so Brian Gutekunst and LaFleur can proceed with the offseason.

Caleb from Knoxville, TN

Is the Bears passing on Mahomes for Mitch Trubisky the most consequential draft moment of the last decade?

For now.

Brian from Sugar Land, TX

There are seven officials on the field, 14 eyes to watch 22 players at all times. Calls get missed, sometimes blown. Given the unblinking eyes of television, their rules experts, and the thickness of the rule/interpretations book, perfection is an impossible standard. But the fans demand perfection. I'd suggest the critics try to even officiate a Pop Warner game to see how easy it is. Hope they're prepared for the instant analysis from the stands by parents.

That's not it, Brian. If that's the way my arguments are coming off, I'm here to correct them. My issue is not with the officials on the field. They have a near-impossible job to do. My problem is the NFL's reluctance to use common sense and technology to make sure we're getting the game-altering calls correct. It's 2025. We need to start acting like it. I no longer can stomach an "aw-shucks" excuse for two Houston defenders colliding and getting flagged for a helmet-to-air hit on Mahomes.

Dennis from De Pere, WI

If Coach McCarthy doesn't end up with a head coaching role, maybe he should come home and be a QB coach...

If McCarthy doesn't land a head-coaching gig in this hiring cycle, I'll be curious what his next move will be. He's a football coach first and foremost, but he's also been running his own shop for two decades now.

Spencer from Minneapolis, MN

Do all 32 teams have an Insider Inbox? Does the NFL mandate it? Which team has the most readers? And is it possible Ask Vic kicked the whole thing off? Thank you for keeping us all entertained. Stay warm.

Many teams have mailbags, though most are just monthly or bimonthly. We have Vic to thank for our daily Q&A format.

Markus from Aurora, CO

This is the time of the year I usually start tuning out of all the chatter and pay closer attention again once tax season ends and the draft gets close. Wishing all the best to everyone to stay committed to all the speculations and little news.

This time of year, the challenge is having meaningful conversation amongst constant conjecture. We do our best, though. Have a great Thursday everyone.