Inbox: The stage is set for something special

Larry from Carney, MI

How often in everyday conversations have you used the word "incredulousness"?

More than I should.

Nick from Wisconsin Rapids, WI

With the offense making noticeable growth coming off last season, and the defense being very solid (especially in the secondary and D-Line), do you think the Packers will be known more as an offensive- or defensive-minded team? Or do you think they could be very balanced and play great complementary football together? Seems that it is rare to find a team that is excelling on both sides of the ball, and when you do find teams like that, they are Super Bowl contenders.

That's the target every team is aiming towards. You obviously want balance, but I think this offense has the firepower and potential to lead Green Bay out of the gate if that's what's needed. That revelation hit me while listening to Rashan Gary talk about the swagger Jordan Love and the offense showed this offseason. Mentally and structurally, the offense is so much further ahead of where it was last spring. That should give this team something to hang its hat on.

Jeff from Indian Lake, NY

We're all expecting the rookie class from last year to make a big Year 1 to Year 2 jump. Who do you think is in line to take the biggest Year 2 to Year 3 leap? Although I expect Romeo Doubs and Christian Watson to be even more dynamic playmakers, I'd rather see it come from Devonte Wyatt or Quay Walker I'm sure Jeff Hafley would approve.

Wyatt has come a long way, but my eyes are on Walker. He could have a huge impact this year in Hafley's defense. Walker has every tool in the toolbox and matured so much the past two years. I think the stage is set for something special.

MB from Ginatilan, Cebu, Philippines

Switching to a 4-3 defense makes me wonder about how the outside linebackers, now playing as defensive linemen and ends, are affected regarding their size as they are generally smaller and now on the line of scrimmage. What adjustments are demanded?

That may be a factor on some teams, but Brian Gutekunst has talked in the past about how the Packers have deployed bigger outside linebackers than most 3-4 defenses. As far as the transition, I spoke with Preston Smith, Rashan Gary and Kingsley Enagbare and all three said they don't expect much of a difference. Those three and Lukas Van Ness have all rushed out of a three-point stance in the past. The edge rushers are eager to pin their ears back and get after the quarterback. That's the name of the pass-rushing game.

Dean from Leavenworth, IN

A tip of the cap to Preston Smith. I think the move to DE vs. OLB/edge rusher will make him even more effective. Annually, I see stories that he may be a cap casualty and every year he only seems to get better. Also, he seldom has injury issues. How many games has he missed in his career?

One. One flippin' game out of 155…and it was done as a precaution after Smith tweaked his oblique. It just so happened Smith's consecutive games played streak ended against his former team, Washington, on Oct. 24, 2021. He returned four days later for that fabled Thursday nighter in Arizona.

Steve from Phoenix, AZ

Perhaps I'm way behind but I just heard that Trevor Lawrence's new contract starts in 2026. He will play out his fourth-year rookie year and then the fifth-year option. That doesn't seem to be a direct comp for what Love "should" make starting in 2024.

Thank you! As I've said before, these QB contracts must be taken with a grain of salt. Yes, Lawrence got paid, but the final two years of his preexisting deal are the spoon full of sugar making the full extension go down as it relates to the salary cap. If the Packers can get a deal done with Love before the end of the 2024 season, they can use this upcoming season to spread out his bonus.

Todd from Brighton, MI

Jordan Love is winning the offseason.

Yes, he is. I'm not a TikTok person, but I enjoyed the videos Love and Ronika Stone posted from their trip to Italy. It was such wholesome content. I hope they had the time of their lives on vacation. It sure looks like it.

TK from Grafton, WI

I ain't no cap-ologist, but it seems to me there are two kinds of NFL teams these days: those are that are paying their QB1 massive money, and those that are looking for one that they will pay big dollar for.

And then there's the Falcons, who did both this offseason.

Tim from Fayetteville, NC

Which GBP tight end holds the team record for receiving yards?

Paul Coffman holds the Packers' tight end record with 814 receiving yards in 1983. His 11 touchdowns that year also are tied with Robert Tonyan (2020) for the most by a Green Bay tight end in a single season.

Paul from West Allis, WI

We drafted three running backs, three receivers, and now back to three kickers again. But out of all of these, three kickers seem to me to be the rarest of all scenarios?

It's a big change, but the Packers have been adamant about creating competition to make sure they bring the right kicker with them to Brazil. James Turner gives Green Bay one more option to consider in arguably the most consequential competition of training camp.

Shilo from Wildomar, CA

The Arena Football League had a minor league? Surely, you can't be serious!

Hey, that's how I got my start in this crazy industry. Did you know? The Green Bay Blizzard – and the rest of arenafootball2 – were included in the Arena Football video game produced by EA Sports in 2006.

Paul from Ledgeview, WI

Wes, do you have any great Red Batty stories? Any "saving the day" episodes involving equipment?

There are so many but I'm not sure they are mine to divulge. I'll forever cherish sitting down with Red on the road and hearing stories about his days with the Houston Oilers, CFL, and his passion for hockey. He's a special dude. I mean, not every retiring NFL equipment man gets a congratulatory post from Wayne Gretzky on Instagram. As far as "saving the day" stories, I'll never forget watching Red work feverishly on the sideline to repair a piece of equipment for T.J. Lang – it was either a facemask or a cleat. T.J. may have missed one play and Red had him back out there. I'm sure Red did stuff like that routinely, but we just never realized it because that was his world.

Michael from Baraboo, WI

How likely is it that there will be a new QB2 by the start of the season?

That's what training camp will decide, but the competition is off and running. Michael Pratt had a good spring for a rookie seventh-rounder while Sean Clifford admittedly had some throws he wanted back, including Zayne Anderson's three-INT day during minicamp. There's still a long, long way to go, though.

Peter from Wellington, New Zealand

Hey guys, I'm looking to come to my first Packers/NFL game while on holiday in the northern hemisphere. Would love to go to the Lions or Texans but it's looking like the Cardinals. My question is where should I sit? I can't decide. Very excited been a Packers fan since I was 11. I'm now 31.

There isn't a bad seat in Lambeau Field, but I always encourage first-time visitors to sit in the original bowl/section 100 seats. You can feel the history there.

Kurt from Sartell, MN

Wait, the Packers have an equipment guy named "T-Bone"? Why did we not know this until now? This changes everything.

Tom Bakken is a legend and multiple-time Salute to Service nominee on behalf of the Packers. I wrote a story about T-Bone’s military outreach during my first year with packers.com.

Caleb from Knoxville, TN

When our new team president takes over next year, he needs to call his monthly column the "Ed-itorial."

Not bad. Not good…but not bad.

Dave from Lake Zurich, IL

Why wouldn't the Detroit Lions be considered a heritage team? The franchise has been in existence as long as any team. Because they haven't been very successful?

Technically, the Steelers came on the scene first (albeit as the Pittsburgh Pirates). While I respect the Lions' history, I wasn't going to start naming every active team from that era to cover my bases. Somebody asked for my "Mount Rushmore" and the Packers, Bears, Giants and Steelers were the picks. Take it or leave it.

Richard from Merced, CA

I don't understand how streaming is going to work. Is that the only way we can get NFL games from now on? I am 91, been a Packer fan since forever and feel left out!!

God bless you, Richard. Streaming is the direction things are headed, but I agree it's imperative the NFL keeps viewers of every age in mind with these decisions. I know the Peacock opener might be a challenge but here's hoping you, or someone close to you, can sign up for a free trial to watch the game. I know no other way for fans out of the local market.

David from Sheridan, WY

A few years ago, you posted a story of a camp player that didn't make the team and he later died tragically. Any chance you could dust off that story for a re-read?

That was our story on Mitchell Henry, who passed away seven years ago this Sunday. I can't believe it's already been five years since we wrote that feature. Nary a week goes by that I don't think of Mitchell and his family.

Hugh from State College, PA

Regards sandwiches, PBJs but replace the jelly with strawberry jam! Also, try peanut butter and bacon. Bread toasted but still somewhat soft, put peanut butter on. Next put in oven lowest heat setting keeps warm and peanut butter slightly running. While this is in the oven, do the bacon. Done. Remove from oven and put bacon on. What a treat! Sorry no football. Hey, it is the slow period!

Nobody enjoys melted peanut butter more than I do. While I've had plenty of burgers with peanut butter and bacon, I've never cut the beef out from the equation. Maybe I'll try it sometime.

Dan from Fenton, MO

What is your favorite pizza restaurant in Green Bay?

Rustique in the 'Mico, my neck of the woods.

Kathy from Wilmington, NC

II, I need help from experts in all things brats related, Packers fans! Apparently, in North Carolina, people boil their brats in Mountain Dew. Since I no longer live in Wisconsin, and don't get brats on a regular basis, is this a new thing everywhere? Asking for a friend.

And here I get ridiculed for putting pickled asparagus on a brat. If Mountain Dew brining is real, thankfully the trend hasn't made it to the Midwest yet. For me, beer or broth are the only way to go.

Dave from Escanaba, MI

"Turkey, ham, avocado, lettuce, tomato, pickles…and BREAD." Where is the cheese?

Oh, there won't be any cheese. But when you die, on your deathbed, you will receive total consciousness.

Milton from Weston, WI

Just wanted to let you both know what a terrific job you do keeping us amused. Thank you! GPG

I'm not posting this for praise. I'm posting this for your hometown. My dream is to have an all-Weston, WI, Inbox one day. Maybe Lori can relocate for a day.

Brandon from Cumming, GA

My wife and I are expecting our firstborn – a baby boy – on Nov. 26, so I am hopeful he is a couple days early or late to be born on one of the games huddled around Thanksgiving. The first one he's in our arms will easily eclipse any other most impactful Packers game in my life. The (future) memories make us rich!

This was too good of an Outbox reply to not share immediately. Congratulations! All the best to you and your growing family.

Dan from Cross Plains, WI

Are we voting for II MVP in OI next week?

I haven't decided yet. There was a lot of consternation over Inbox MVP last year and I'm debating whether to retire that honor. If we pick one, it won't be part of the five Outsider Inbox posts. It would be after I get back from vacation.

Eric from Omaha, NE

Where can I find the Outsider Inbox questions on the website? I would like to participate but don't know how.

Here they are one more time. I'm on my way to Las Vegas for UFC 303. Spoff will take Inbox the rest of the way until Outsider Inbox begins next Tuesday. Again, feel free to submit regular questions for the traditional Friday and Monday column. Have a good weekend everyone.

Tuesday, July 2

Who is your dark horse candidate for Packers breakout player in 2024?

What piece of football knowledge have you gained from Insider Inbox that has most increased your enjoyment/appreciation of the game?

Wednesday, July 3

What two individuals (player, coach, or GM) made the most impact on you as a fan and why? (Erwin from Albany, GA)

What's your most regrettable posted Ask Vic/II question or comment? I know I have a few I wish I could take back. (Shilo from Wildomar, CA)

Thursday, July 4

How has a Packers game impacted a noteworthy event in your life? (Dar from Mansfield, TX)

What would you like to see at the 2025 NFL Draft?

Friday, July 5

In which stadium(s) have you seen a Packers game and what was the final result? (Dan from Tallahassee, FL)

If you could sit in the stands and relive an old Packers game, which one would you pick and why? Regular season and playoff. (Ferdinand from Woodbury, MN)

Monday, July 8

Tell us about your experience randomly meeting a Packers player in the NFL offseason in another country. (Joe from Hampshire, IL)

What is the best part of being an NFL owner (We're referring to YOU, not Jerry Jones)?