Hannes from Glendale, WI

Thank Hod the Spoffseason is over. Time to Rock!

Well, that's a new one.

Roger from McGrath, AK

Wes, if you kicked a 58-yarder in high school you would have been "the coolest person in your hometown." I mean, at my high school in Baraga, MI, that would have been at least a par 3. Will II be interrupted given this week's logistics?

We'll be churning out Inboxes like usual. The only change is Spoff will be handling Saturday morning's column and I'll be penning Monday's. And if I could kick a 58-yarder in high school, Mike Williquette would've pulled me off the couch and told me to throw some pads on.

Lori from Brookfield, WI

Wes, will international travel affect the timely arrival of II, especially Saturday morning?

Just a friendly reminder we don't publish the post-game Inbox until 11 a.m. CT following night games. There's a ton of content on our website already we don't wish to bury.

Sandy from Green Bay, WI

Do the players regard the upcoming game against the Eagles any differently than a usual season opener, due to it being played in Brazil? The NFL and media outlets attach so much attention to the "firsts" associated with this game. Does that carry over to the team or is this game regarded similarly to any other game, only played on a new NFL international stage?

The Packers are trying to keep things as normal as possible, focusing more on the primetime aspect of the game than the international showcase. The world obviously will be watching and it's only human to let that reality seep into your brain. In the end, however, getting that first win of the season is the only thing that matters on Friday night.

Dean from Leavenworth, IN

Like the team, I find myself eager! Eager to see the new defense with new parts and new coordinator Jeff Hafley. Eager to see if the offense can pick up where it left off last season. Eager to see the new kicker and the new kickoff rules in real action. And eager to see the new backup QB Malik Willis. Do you think Willis will be active and if he is, is it possible Matt LaFleur might have a few trick plays especially designed for him in the gameplan?

I like Willis a lot but respectfully am not as eager as you to see him. Jordan Love is now the highest-paid QB in NFL history. If Love is available for 1,200 offensive plays this year, I want him on the field for 1,201. Maybe LaFleur and Co. dial up a trick play or two with Willis, but Love is the guy now. Green Bay will go as far as No. 10 takes them. But I, too, am eager to see how this 2024 season will unfold.

John from Palmdale, CA

Greetings, II. I'm excited to see what Malik Willis can do after attending GB quarterback university for a year or two.

That I am very much looking forward to. Willis is a smart guy who seems eager to learn. He has a great opportunity this season to learn from two of the NFL's brightest QB minds in LaFleur and Tom Clements.

Jerry from Rockford, IL

Good morning, Insiders. It seems like special teams are pretty special. On punts, we have defensive players on the kicking team for protection. On returns, we have offensive players blocking. Kind of curious of the dynamic of how this works. Is it more of a skill set? Or is it just playing to the speed of the game? I'm excited for this season. Thanks for all you guys do in the digital era. Four days. GPG.

It's a little of everything but offensive and defensive players fill their respective roles because of the natural carryover of their positions. In simplest terms, defensive players are often more apt at covering kicks and punts because they're used to breaking down to tackle the ball carrier to the ground. Conversely, offensive players such as a Ben Sims, Malik Heath and Tyler Davis (when he was available) may be a bit more natural at throwing blocks on returns. The best obviously can do it all.

Lori from Brookfield, WI

Wes, which facet of the Packers' roster are you most excited to watch in game one?

Anything and everything on the defensive side of the ball. We were talking with Xavier McKinney at his locker on Sunday and he echoed that excitement to finally get out there and put this scheme to use. The expectations are high but so too is the ceiling. Jeff Hafley talked last week about wanting to let it rip. These Packers defenders want the same exact thing.

Philip from San Lorenzo, Italy

Philadelphia's RB1 is the sort that has in recent years been our Achilles heel. What does our refreshed defense need to focus on if they're going to keep him in check?

Staying fresh and staying focused. The Packers did a good job against Saquon Barkley last December but lapsed on the direct snap that led to a 32-yard gain in the second quarter and also let the 34-yard gain rupture in the fourth before Carrington Valentine's fumble recovery. Having a deep rotation of defensive linemen should help that unit keep its foot on the gas for four quarters whether it's rushing the passer or keeping tabs on an elite back like Barkley.

Scott from Noblesville, IN

Jalen Hurts and Barkley, followed by Anthony Richardson and Jonathan Taylor to open the season. I read about our new DC TALKING about "letting it rip," and I get a little worried. I know, I know; "it takes all 11," "it's about lane integrity" and "it's easier said than done," etc. etc. BUT. PLEASE. JUST. STOP. THE. RUN!

They're getting a good look in practice at a QB with legit speed in Willis. Ultimately, it comes down to trusting your training and playing instinctually. It wasn't a live situation against Lamar Jackson last month, but Green Bay's defense succeeded in winning its one-on-ones and rushing the QB as one. Both are required to survive this early gauntlet.

Dennis from Parrish, FL

I saw MarShawn Lloyd practiced today! Is it too much to ask that he gets 3-5 carries Friday?

LaFleur said the Packers are taking the week to monitor where Lloyd is at with the hamstring after resting it for the three weeks. The team has to play the long game here, especially with AJ Dillon down for the season. Emanuel Wilson also is more than capable of spelling Josh Jacobsfor a couple weeks if it means having Lloyd for the entire season.

Camden from Altoona, WI

Do you think the Packers will struggle not having AJ Dillon? Or will the new vet fill the gap better?

It really depends on the health of Jacobs, Emanuel Wilson and Lloyd. That's still a strong backfield if the Packers can keep them all on the field. Green Bay took out a little insurance policy with signing La'Mical Perine to the practice squad. Ellis Merriweather has been here for quite some time, as well.

Paul from Ledgeview, WI

Wes, the Rock has described this team as young, deep, and talented. We know how young (the youngest). You could argue that three players picked up on waivers is an indicator of how deep, but do we have NFL-caliber depth across the board? Compared with the embarrassment of riches at WR, LB, DE, DT, how do you feel about the depth at RB, QB, and OL? Soon we will have an idea how talented. I think 1-0 would be a great start! Safe travels to Brazil, and a safe trip all around.

Questions will be questions until you get answers. A year ago at this time, the Packers didn't know what they had in Rasheed Walker. Now, he's the unquestioned starting left tackle. As I've said before, the Packers have depth where it matters most and options at the lesser proven positions. That's still well above the curve for the NFL.

Chris from Wauwatosa, WI

I love hearing about the logistics of an operation. "The Good Morning Football" crew was talking a little about the logistics of the Eagles sending a boatload of supplies to Brazil two months ago; not sure if they were exaggerating? With this in mind how do the Packers prepare the players to travel to a foreign country; specifically, how do they get passports and travel visas especially with roster additions? Obtaining a passport can take a long time!

The Packers arranged passports for new players months ago. The only new addition to the 53 – kicker Brayden Narveson – fortunately got his passport earlier this year after going on his honeymoon in Mexico this summer.

Nicole from Baraboo, WI

Now that the preseason is over, how do you think the Packers stack up against the rest of the NFC North?

I'd say they're formidable, especially compared to what public perception was heading into last season.

Jim from Hudsonville, MI

"Pressure's a privilege." I need that on a shirt…or a hat…or better yet, a "44" jersey!

And it's the perfect mentality for an NFL kicker.

John from Livermore, CA

And here we go, so what hidden gem do you have to share for the first game in Brazil?

Kenny Clark went to Rio de Janeiro two years ago during the Super Bowl and had a great time.

Ryan from Sun Prairie, WI

Who decides the gameday roster moves? Head coach or general manager?

If you're talking who's on the active roster, that's up to Gutekunst. If you're talking about who suits up in Brazil Friday, Matt LaFleur makes the final call. GMs provide the ingredients. It's the head coach's job to cook.

Brendan from Fort Collins, CO

Being a head coach seems like a gig with plenty of early mornings and late nights; working from the moment you wake up to the moment you go to sleep. Any idea how many hours Matt LaFleur puts in each week during the season? I'm curious how people like him manage their time. If I can match a fraction of that, the sky is the limit!

One of the maxims I've developed and lived by – if you can tell me how many hours you work every week, then you're not focused on the right things. Whether it's 40, 80 or 100, all that matters is what you get accomplished in that time…and LaFleur has accomplished quite a bit.

Kyle from Los Angeles, CA

Back in the day, teams always wanted the ball first. Deferring has since gained league-wide traction. Since Thanksgiving, it seems that we're back to wanting the ball, which makes the toss a win-win. Do you have coin toss stats? Has it become a defer league? Did Mike McCarthy make it vogue? What does Sirianni do? And doesn't getting the ball first increase the average number of total possessions?

Some coaches like Kyle Shanahan staunchly defer. Until midway through last season, that's how LaFleur handled things. We'll see what the Packers do this year but the decision to start taking the ball during the latter half of the year marked a turning point in Green Bay's season.

Steve from Flagstaff, AZ

Good morning II, did you catch the piece on ninth-year collegiate player Cam McCormick (TE at Miami)? What a story on his comeback from his injuries. What perseverance. It makes you wonder why he kept coming back but if you watch his story you understand. You can catch the piece on espn.com.

I knew a little about McCormick's story before the piece but didn't realize just how many injuries he's sustained. I probably would've tapped out by now.

Flavio from São Paulo, Brazil

Hi, Mike and Wes! Just so you know, the air has been hazy here in São Paulo, about as much as I experienced in LA last February, for comparison. The forecast calls for a cloudy day on Friday, with a high of 19C or 67F and around 14C or 57F at gametime. Just like Green Bay...Wishing everyone a safe trip, and that your busy days here in Brazil conclude with no injuries, a great Packers win, and a safe return to Green Bay. Hopefully, you get to see and feel enough to entice you back some day. GPG!

It's going to be a busy 84 or so hours, but it's also a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a small-town Wisconsinite like me. I'm embracing the trip for everything it represents.

Caleb from Knoxville, TN

If you were a coach taking your players out of the country, many for the first time, what are some things you'd tell them?

Stay hydrated, get proper sleep and win the (bleepin') game.

Herbert from Palm Desert, CA

Good morning, Wes. Before you board your flight to Brazil, I just want to thank you and Mike for your great coverage of the offseason. You guys kept us informed and entertained. Find a way to get some rest on the flight because the lunch meat hits the road as soon as you land.

The headphones are charged, and the neck pillow is fluffed. I'll talk to y'all from the sky.