Tim from Albuquerque, NM
Hi Wes. You guys all do such a great job and especially for those of us living outside the state it's great information that we otherwise wouldn't get. Hey, I missed something but where is Mike?
Spoff's at the Mr. Grant County bodybuilding competition. He'll be back for OTAs on Tuesday.
Bill from Raleigh, NC
Hi Wes, I'm a computer engineer for a leading computer cloud company. When you ventured into the cloud, you inadvertently caused a time continuum shift. In simpler words, "malarkey" became a word you thought needed editing, but it was, in fact, the Greek word "malakós" (meaning "mild mannered) from Homer's oral recount of The Odyssey. It also seems likely that "malarkey" is the back door entry into the Malarkey Cloud, like Joshua in "War Games." I'm not sure what you've started nor how to fix it.
Assuming a second "Malarkey" drop-in doesn't bust the Matrix again, I promise to never venture down those dark hallways again. I've learned my lesson.
Scott from New Orleans, LA
What were your biggest takeaways from Week 1 of OTAs?
This offense has a lot more weapons, at a variety of positions, than it's getting credit for.
James from Chicago, IL
I found it interesting you wrote about Rashan Gary and mentioned growing into his body. As a senior at UT, Reggie White was listed at 264 pounds. In the NFL, he was 300. Fans that immediately label a player a wasted pick or bust don't consider these guys are only 20-22 years old when they enter the NFL and could have quite a lot of development remaining. In some cases, their physical potential hasn't even fully developed yet. Fans need to be patient with these kids.
I totally get fans wanting an immediate bang for the draft buck, but Kenny Clark should be used as Exhibit A of what to look for when you draft a 20-year-old lineman. Clark was a solid starter as a rookie but didn't record a sack. In fact, he went most of his second NFL season without a sack, too. But kind of like Giannis, you can tell this kid was gonna be something. Once Clark put it all together, the Packers realized this is a guy who could be a key cog in the defense for the next 10 years. I feel like we're entering the same phase right now with the 24-year-old Gary.
Jon from Andover, MN
Hi Wes! In response to George commenting on Rashan Gary's success and fickle fans, I was one of those fans questioning the Packers picking Gary at No. 12. I questioned his pick because of the belief and understanding he was a developmental player picked 12th. The simple fact that some of us questioned where Packer management choose Gary where he did, doesn't mean we aren't wrong in having those concerns, nor does it mean we aren't ecstatic about his rise and success.
There's a big difference between questioning a pick and doubting a developmental pick, though. I feel like those who "questioned" the pick would be wearing their "doubter" hats if Gary hadn't developed the way that he has.
Scott from Las Vegas, NV
Zach Gentry went to my high school and broke all the QB records at the school. When he was recruited by Michigan, Harbaugh converted him to a tight end and he now plays as a TE for the Steelers. Sounds similar to Tyler Davis' story and I look forward to seeing him more this season.
We often talk about how the Packers take left tackles and convert them to a new spot in the NFL, because usually that player is his college's best O-lineman. It's the same idea with high-school quarterbacks. For example, Alec Ingold was an All-State QB at my alma mater, Bay Port. He originally was going to go to Northern Illinois to play QB before Paul Chryst began recruiting him. Ingold committed to Wisconsin, flirted with linebacker and finally converted to fullback. Now, he's entering his fourth NFL season. It's about finding the right spot for the right prospect. Davis is obviously where he was meant to be.
Derek from Eau Claire, WI
How is it that the Packers are always able to get a joint practice where they aren't the ones travelling?
Teams just need to find the right dance partner. Everyone knows the deal with the Packers – they're not going to move camp practices from Green Bay. It isn't like that everywhere else in the NFL, though.
Ron from Rochelle, IL
How excited should we be about the receiving corps for the upcoming season? Does Aaron Rodgers' absence at OTAs have a negative impact on the rookie and younger receivers, both for the short term and long term of the season?
Did any of you catch what my friend Rob Demovsky said on ESPN the other day? He presented the opposite argument – how maybe this arrangement helps the rookie receivers because it allows them to get more comfortable with the offense until Rodgers is back in town. I tend to agree. Learn to walk before you're running sprints. Right now, it's like a dress rehearsal. There will be ample time for rookies to build a rapport with Rodgers during training camp.
Kevin from Indianapolis, IN
With the Bears potentially relocating to Arlington Heights, should we be excited that the Pack potentially won't have to play on that troublesome turf anymore or sad to see the rivalry change venues after a half of a century at Soldier Field?
I'm OK with whatever the Bears decide to do. While I have ripped on the Soldier Field turf over the years, it's actually gotten much better in recent years. It's also been the home of the Chicago Bears for more than 50 years. It would be strange to envision them playing anywhere else.
John from Stevens Point, WI
What is Jordan Love's job this offseason? Does he prepare as if he's going to be an eventual starter, or does he work on better understanding the subtle nuances of the offense and conditioning?
Echoing what Love said on Tuesday, he's practicing like he's "the guy right now" and that's the right mentality to have. It not only prepares Love for the worst-case scenario but also means he's processing the full breadth of the playbook. Once Rodgers is back, it's his show. For now, however, this is a priceless opportunity for Love to ready himself for the day an NFL team turns to him as a starter.
Robert from Fisher, IL
Wes, good morning! Sorry I am a day late, but I noticed something in yesterday's II: "When Love steps into his throws, he can deliver a ball with the best of them." Have you noticed a glitch in Love's delivery motion? That is a very interesting observation from you. I will also be watching his motion and feet, from now on. Thanks for all that you do!
Matt LaFleur touched on this last year. It's not a glitch as much as just having the confidence to stand tall and deliver the ball. When Love is playing free and in tempo, he has all the physical tools to be an elite quarterback this league. It's just getting all the instruments to play in rhythm.
Ron from Waukesha, WI
Wes: This is an interesting time of year where the roster size is 90 players and every team is signing other teams' castoffs, searching for a player that may excel in its system. Every team has some of these successful finds on their roster. Do you find that part of the game interesting, as well?
I do, because the Packers have been pretty darn good at it. Marcedes Lewis, Chandon Sullivan, Chris Banjo and many others were all signed during this "down" time. While they weren't released from other teams, De'Vondre Campbell and Dennis Kelly were two major summertime signings for Green Bay, too. Waiting for these final roster spots to sort out is like the final tide before sundown.
Terri from Williams, AZ
Thank you for posting an interview with Yosh Nijman. I think that is the first interview l have seen with him. He seems like a shy, quiet, warm, and humble person in a gigantic body. Is that an accurate assessment? He will be in the spotlight this season I think he fights for a starting spot. I hope to see more of him.
Nijman is mature beyond his years. He is soft-spoken but also very thoughtful and eloquent. I think that's why he's so well-liked by his teammates. He's someone who keeps his head down, goes about his business and lives in the moment. That's a rare quality, in both the NFL and in life.
Craig from Milwaukee, WI
Do you think the special teams will actually improve? It takes more than just the coach.
It does, but I also feel like the commitment to improving the unit extends to every branch of this organization – from the front office to the coaching staff to the players who'll comprise Rich Bisaccia's teams. If you build it, they will come.
Gil from Guelph, Canada
Just wondering about coaches who move on to different teams. What's their reasoning or motivation? In the case of Rich Bisaccia (aside from the fact he should be the Raiders head coach). What he did as interim coach last year, he obviously has special credentials. But why the Packers? He doesn't have association with anyone at Green Bay, does he? But I'll bet he took it for the challenge the best ST coaches joining a team at its worst St. You just gotta love it. It's gonna be special!
Bisaccia had a direct connection to defensive coordinator Joe Barry. The two coached together for five years in Tampa Bay and were part of the Buccaneers' Super Bowl XXXVII team. Barry coached linebackers, while Bisaccia led special teams. Bisaccia has been around this small NFL world for a long time, too.
Mark from Rochester, MN
Adding to Christian Watson's freaky RAS score: His score is the highest and was the highest drafted in a WR since: Javon Walker in 2002. Walker's and Watson's testing are almost an exactly copy with their testing.
Before someone makes a mountain out of a molehill with this comp, remember how supremely gifted Walker was when he entered the league. What might have been…
The Green Bay Packers held practice on Tuesday, May 24 at Ray Nitschke Field for the start of Organized Team Activities.
Kona from Kailua, HI
With our current kicker struggling to kick to ball out of the end zones on kickoffs, wouldn't it be wise to pick up a kicker who can do just that? It would fix some special teams woes and defense wouldn't be facing and offense starting with better than average field position.
I've never been a believer in using a spot on a player who only handles kickoffs. Also, this isn't 46-year-old Adam Vinatieri we're talking about. Mason Crosby can still do it, but Pat O'Donnell has experience handling kickoffs, too. We'll see how the Packers feel about it this summer.
Derek from Sheboygan, WI
How about OBJ as a late-season pickup?
I'm operating under the assumption he's going back to the Rams until proven otherwise.
Craig from Elkton, MD
I can't believe you let the St. Elmo's reference slide by without even a comment. Not a single reference to grown men crying. Or even a snarky comment about passing on outstanding steaks in favor of the local Steak 'n Shake. Those big lunches are slowing your down.
They really are. I've only been to St. Elmo's once. It was decent. But Steak 'n Shake…now there's a joint that never disappoints.
Brian from Alta Vista, IA
Wes, are there any new foods you want to try in London? I've never been before so I don't know the food situation or if you will even have time to go to a bunch of restaurants. Maybe you already have some ideas but if not maybe are friends in the UK could point you in the right direction.
I'll need all the help I can get.
Bob from Eau Claire, WI
Can we move on from laser goalposts to the more important X-ray goal line? It would be nice to see where the ball really is when the whistle blows.
Oh, I like that.
Dennis from Ottawa, IL
Wes, first I find out there is an II Manual. Now, I hear of a constitution, which declares everything is secret. You and Spoff have always tried to be open and aboveboard, how did it become so secretive? I find it hard to believe that if this is so the "framers" of this could not have been regular II readers. Those I am aware of are more open and informative and ready to share. If this is the current constitution, I am for a convention to change or amend it. If everything is to be secret and not shared according to the manual, how are regulars and occasional readers going to be able to follow the rules, malarky will always get in. If these are the current rules, we need to get a new manual or constitution or both. That being said, I heartily commend you and Spoff for your frankness and openness. I have been a reader since Vic and greatly appreciate all you do. THANK YOU and Spoff both!!!
The truth is Spoff and I are Inbox freemasons, just waiting on Nicholas Cage to arrive with a No. 88 jersey.
Beau from Indianapolis, IN
II Official Manual, page 88, Article LXXXVIII, Paragraph 88, clearly states that there shall be no math in the Inbox. if there is to be math, the only acceptable math is discussing our beloved Packers trip to LVII.
That explains it. I usually skip that page. Happy Friday!