Jacob from Brighton, MI

No more clowning around.

Amen, Barnum.

Scott from Manson, IA

If the Packers get the ball first, do you think ML will try a long strike on the opening play, as he did last Thanksgiving?

Who knows? He did it in the 2022 opener at Minnesota, too. What matters is it's out there for opponents to consider.

Paul from Los Angeles, CA

My offensive play predictions: first play pass over the middle to Luke Musgrave, last play Jordan Love kneel down.

Works for me.

Christopher from Stratford upon Avon, UK

Olá. When was the last time the Pack wore home-green for a season opener?

In 2021 at Jacksonville vs. the Saints.

Yusuf from Brookfield, WI

How many games have the Packers played on Fridays?

I don't know, but the last one I believe was 20 years ago, Christmas Eve 2004 at the Metrodome.

Richard from Caledonia, WI

Has Sean Clifford been elevated to backup quarterback from the practice squad yet?

The Packers have until this afternoon to make that move if desired.

Woody from Cincinnati, OH

What up II, if practice-squad players are pretending to be the upcoming opponent, when do they learn the Packers' plays, should they be elevated to play in a real game?

In the meeting rooms, mostly. If they're a candidate to be elevated, they'll also get rotated in with the reserves taking backup GBP reps.

Jason from Mt. Prospect, IL

I don't know why, but it really annoyed me seeing some comments on X (Twitter) about how the Packers players "didn't look happy" to be in Brazil. Like they didn't just fly for 10 hours? While trying to mentally prepare for a massive season opener? Against a really talented team like Philly? Sorry, my morning commute to work has me on EDGE. This game can't come soon enough!

When I got off the plane, I was in full black sweats, wearing my glasses and with my hair suitable for Halloween. I'm sure I looked thrilled.

Ron from Riverview, FL

Good morning guys! Wes, in response to your comment about your electric football players, those guys were ahead of their time. They were gathering in the corner of the end zone to celebrate in front of the camera/fans. Ever notice how many of them were already flexing back then?

Art imitating then-unknown life.

Chris from Waukesha, WI

Has Brayden Narveson given you any information about what he considers his maximum range on a field goal to be? We know he's made a 59-yarder and missed a 58-yarder in this preseason, and made a 57-yarder in college and a 58-yarder in high school, all of which is impressive. A few kickers in the NFL have hit from 60-plus. Allowing for weather and field conditions and wind patterns in stadia, does a max range stay consistent, or do those factors impact what is considered possible on game day?

Kickers always figure out their range on game day during warmups. It's part of the routine for every kicker I've ever known.

George from North Mankato, MN

I can only imagine the security nightmare the league opened itself up to with playing international games. I'm sure the logistics of such an endeavor are infinitely harder than coordinating an event in an NFL stadium. What will be the most difficult part of this trip for our esteemed II team?

The travel aside, for me it's always a challenge being in a new stadium – Where's the press box? Where's the locker room? Where's the interview room? Where are the buses afterward? The older I get, the more these uncertainties add stress to an already stressful work day.

Dennis from Parrish, FL

I saw a picture of the Corinthians stadium yesterday and I was very underwhelmed. Did I see the wrong picture? Every SEC stadium was far superior, except maybe Vanderbilt's stadium.

I thought it looked pretty cool. Can't wait to get there and see it in person. I plan to embrace the novelty.

Ray from Phoenix, AZ

I really am happy that Gary is back at D-line like he was at Michigan. If he stays healthy, he will have a monster year because he is just too quick for any O-tackle to contain him the entire game. In fact, they may have to double-team him with a back. He will impact the game even if no sacks. Agree?

I thought he did so last year when his sack production fell off late in the season, after his second three-sack game on Thanksgiving, and opponents adjusted. That's what good pass rushers do, create chances for their teammates. He's going to get his share of tough matchups at tackle. The front-line guys at this level are no slouch. But if at times he can make offenses spend more resources on him, the entire defense will benefit.

Mike from Kenosha, WI

I have asked this before and I believe I have never seen it answered. What is the difference (advantage/disadvantage) of a receiver catching a ball with his hands vs. with his body?

Catching with the hands allows for the ball to be caught sooner and is a better way to keep it away from the defender and protect/secure the reception against the body contact of an impending hit.

Tyler from Stetsonville, WI

We know that Christian Watson's been injury-free through camp which is most exciting. He has also said he really hopes to be healthy all season long, we know the offense operates differently when he is on the field. What is the ceiling for No. 9 if he is fit all season long?

That's one of the great unknowns, but it's fun to ponder. Big picture, I look at it this way: If Watson is healthy for a full season, that might not be reflected in his statistics as much as in the way the Packers' offense as a whole operates. He dictates how defenses match up, and when he's not out there, it forces the Packers to adjust more than they'd like to. Find a rhythm with Watson a regular out there? That's the ideal.

Mark from Greenville, SC

I feel bad for AJ Dillon, especially since he apparently put so much work into getting into great shape. Given his unusual one-year contract, will he be a free agent again going into next year? Would we be able to use the same contract type to get him back if he is?

Dillon will be a free agent in '25, and the contract he had signed was specifically for draft picks in their fifth year with their original team, so that ship has sailed. But there are other deals with veteran salary benefits if the Packers choose to bring him back. Honestly, I just want to hear at some point that Dillon is healthy and feeling good about whatever his future holds.

Eric from Washington, DC

Several Eagles players have publicly complained about the Brazil trip, and specifically the high crime rate in the country. I understand why the concerns, but am surprised at the lack of poise or awareness to VOICE those concerns before the game. Critical remarks about the host country aren't going to help win over the crowd on Friday, right? Meanwhile, Ja is embracing the local sports culture with his fashion choices. Has ML coached up our players on media/public relations ahead of this trip?

The vibes team-wide have been positive, for sure. I can't speak for the Eagles and what the media have chosen to focus on with their coverage. If there's been any advance message to the Packers players, it's don't bother talking about any negatives that don't matter once the ball is kicked off.

Paul from Sycamore, IL

What is the atmosphere like in Brazil? Is there a buzz in the air like there is before a season-opening game in Green Bay? Are Brazilians feeling the anticipation like we are here?

There was definitely that sense from the Brazilian media at the Packers press conferences Thursday. They're fired up the NFL is here.

Al from Green Bay, WI

Last year, the rookies on the team contributed early and often. What is your expectation for rookie contributions early in the season this year?

Safety and offensive line, if Jordan Morgan starts or rotates at right guard, are the two spots that jump out. Linebacker could come into play more as the season evolves, too.

Tom from Two Rivers, WI

Hi guys, do you all fly home right after the game on Friday? If so, that's a long, long day. I wish you all a safe flight there and back, and gently remind you that a Snickers bar is good if you're not going anywhere for a while.

Yes, we fly back right after the game. I think we're scheduled to get back to Green Bay around noon Saturday. The question for me is how much sleep I will have managed to procure. I don't get much, if any, on planes.

Greg from Big Lake, MN

Seems Love and Co. have a way of "righting past wrongs" when playing teams a second time. Early losses last year to Vikings and Lions and then later wins, first start loss to KC and then winning last year to name a few. Gives me hope for Friday and future battles with the Niners. Do you see this as a good sign or just coincidence?

It's a bit early to tell, and I wouldn't put much stock in that from last year regarding the Vikings, who were a shell of themselves by New Year's Eve. But the larger question now after a full season as starter is how opponents who have seen Love and had more film to study will look against him in repeat matchups.

Kurt from Germantown, TN

If it's just you and your family, would you rather drive or fly for 12 hours?

Definitely drive. I need those opportunities in the family truckster to stop and see the world's largest ball of twine.

Zak from Huntington Beach, CA

I really enjoyed reading Mike's "Jordan Love: Power of Progress" article from the Packers Yearbook. Those kinds of stories have to be some of the most fascinating to write, since you likely get answers to some questions you hadn't even thought to ask. If you had an opportunity to go through game film with any one player from the last 30-40 years, whom do you choose and which game do you watch with them?

I'd want to pick a game I've covered, so in that vein it would have to be Super Bowl XLV with Aaron Rodgers. With his savant-like, steel-trap memory, watching film of that game with him would be a second-to-none experience as a sportswriter.

James from Appleton, WI

Thanks for letting me learn along with Jordan Love. His comment about pausing to wonder why the receiver is so darn open was a new one to me. We expect a fail like an interception to come from erroneous thinking (or no thinking), but it turns out QBs have to learn not only to avoid mental errors but to trust their good fortune. Would you call the latter the key to gaining confidence?

Exactly, and it's not just trusting their good fortune, but trusting the offense as designed and the game plan as prepared is going to work for them.

Al from Green Bay, WI

Yes, the Eagles are formidable. But I like the Packers' chances. Reasons to believe: 1) While it would be a stretch to claim that momentum from last year carries over, this team is talented, young, and ascending. 2) Health. I'm especially excited about the offensive weapons like Christian Watson being good to go. 3) A revamped D led by Xavier McKinney. They will make their mark under Hafley. 4) Coaching. LaFleur is experienced and talented. 5) Might Brazil feel like home away from home?

I'm especially curious about that last one. The Packers had a home crowd in London two years ago and didn't take advantage of it. Don't let another similar opportunity slip away.

Ben from McFarland, WI

Is "mindless drivel" a redundancy? And is asking questions about mindless drivel mindless drivel?

What time is kickoff?

Charlie from Caledonia, WI

Are we there yet?

So close we can feel it.

Anna from Brighton, MI

I'm ready. I think.

No turning back now. Here we go. Happy Friday.