Jeremy from Lancaster, UK
Any Mitchell Henry stories to commemorate his passing?
I know Mike addressed Mitch's passing in his Saturday column, but I hope you all could indulge me for a moment. I could do this for another 40 years and Mitchell Henry will still go down as one of my all-time favorites. I started talking to him during the summer of 2015 after an NFL scout told me he was his favorite young tight end on the Packers behind Richard Rodgers and Andrew Quarless. I quickly learned there was much more there than just a football player. Henry was so polite and humble. He wasn't a quote machine, but his responses were so genuine. He talked fervently about how he loved his wife, his family, his faith, and the opportunity to live a dream in the NFL. I think the "Catfish" and "Noodler" monikers he developed in the locker room demonstrate how beloved he was by the teammates and coaches. I even made a small wager with him that I'd go down to Kentucky and go "noodling" with him and his father if he made the team. My favorite memory has to be running into Mitch at Austin Straubel Airport in Green Bay after he was claimed off waivers by Denver. I was waiting for James Jones' plane to come in with ESPN.com's Rob Demovsky and WBAY-TV's Kaitlin Sharkey when Henry was heading for his gate. Mitch didn't have to waste his time talking to us. Heck, he might not have ever seen us again. Instead, he was gracious with his time. He talked about how much he loved Green Bay, the fans and all the friends he made on the team. He ended the interview by saying, "One day I may be back here. You never know." I don't understand why things happen like this. I can only hope his family and friends are able to find peace in knowing the type of life Mitch led. It's also a reminder to never take a day for granted and to hug your loved ones a little tighter when you get home tonight. Rest in peace, Mitch.
Nick from Smyrna, TN
There have been a few comments lately about Aaron Rodgers being a master at the hard count and catching 12 men on the field. As much as I love the Packers and respect Rodgers, I get annoyed when he does it. I would rather he just run the play. The game is long enough already. What does that say about me as a Packers fan?
To each their own, but I think you're missing out on one of the best aspects of Rodgers' greatness. It's one more thing that separates him from the rest of the quarterbacks in the league. Are there things the NFL can do to speed things up? Sure, but the hard count and catching 12 men on the field is all a part of Rodgers' allure.
John from Mayville, WI
How do general managers and personnel departments find scouts and how do you know if a scout has that crystal ball ability to see a player's growth before hiring him?
*There is a variety of ways scouts get in the business. Many former players develop connections during their careers, which helps open doors. John Dorsey and Charlie Peprah returned to Green Bay's personnel department after their careers came to a close. There's also some extreme examples like John Schneider, who wrote a letter to Ron Wolf in hopes of securing an opportunity. When it comes to scouting, Wolf said it best when saying guys can either spot talent or they can't. The proof is in the pudding. *
Fritz from York, ME
I think that this year's schedule favors the Pack. Tough games early and only one possible super-cold game during the regular season on December 23. And if they can make it, a Super Bowl site that many fans will able to polka across Wisconsin to get to. How do you see it?
Balance is key. Ask any NFL player. This year's schedule has that. There always are going to be tough matchups when you're a division champion, but the most important thing is how it all lays out. My only potential gripe is having to head back to Detroit for a regular-season finale. I'm not sure how that happens. It's always alternated before this year.
Dale from Selinsgrove, PA
Weighing in on the greatest athlete debate: ABC used to host a "Superstars" TV series where athletes from different sports competed against each other in multiple events. They could compete in any of the events except their own sport. I never saw a baseball player or basketball player win the title, but a number of football players did. Proof that maybe they are the better all-around athletes?
The Packers would do well in such a competition. Quinten Rollins, Demetri Goodson and now Michael Clark who all played Division I college basketball. Davante Adams and Richard Rodgers also are incredibly versatile athletes.
Donn from Murfreesboro, TN
When the opposing team gets the ball at the spot of the missed field goal, teams are taking a risk when kicking field goals from 50 yards and beyond. Why not allow four points from 50 yards out? They take a risk and should be rewarded. So often it seems a team is chasing one or two points. The two point conversion has made a difference in teams taking a risk to make up the point or two they are down. I think the four point field goal would do the same. Risk versus reward. Thoughts?
I'm all for rule changes and adjustments in the best interest of the game, but I'm not a big fan of gimmicks. Anything relating to changing point values is kind of gimmicky in my book. I don't think a team should be rewarded for having a drive halted on the fringe of scoring territory.
Benny from Anaheim, CA
Do you think we are going to be able to re-sign Davante Adams if he has a better season than the one he just had?
How many times have we talked about the Packers taking care of their own? That's the blueprint. That's what everyone wants. You're never going to be able to re-sign everybody, but Green Bay probably has as good of a batting average as any team in the league. If Adams has another Top 101-type season, I'm sure Ted Thompson and Co. will do everything in their power to hold onto him.
Tom from Westfield, MA
As an "owner" who lives so far away, when we do make the trip it is certainly for a game. Would attending a shareholder meeting be worth the trip? Is it an event (i.e. tailgating and other activities)? What does that day look like?
If you have the means, I highly suggest you make the trek at least once. There's nothing like it. Fans will tailgate like it's a game and there's always cool stuff going on around the stadium. It's one of a kind.
Joey from Pottsville, PA
Do you think the significance of such a young team, with as much postseason experience as the Packers have, gives us a certain edge going into the 2017 season?
It's a big plus and that's why the Packers usually play their best football toward the end of a season. First- and second-year players can really develop throughout the course of a five- or six-month season. The playoffs are an entirely different animal. Every postseason game played is a wealth of information for young players.
Isaac from Nashville, TN
If the base defense is now the nickel, how does that change the desired physical profile of tackles and ends? Does the 3-4 still revolve around block-eating linemen?
You gotta do it all these days. A 6-foot-6 defensive end like Dean Lowry has to be able to rush from the inside rather than being a five-technique end in a 3-4. A defensive tackle like Mike Daniels once seen as a situational pass-rusher must be able to defend the run in early down situations. Athleticism and flexibility are the X-factors in this defense regardless of whether you're a nose tackle or safety.
Troy from Madison, WI
Considering Vic's comment, "There's room for a mean good guy on the Packers defense." I think we already have him. His name is Mike Daniels.
True, but I don't think you can ever have enough mean good guys…or offensive linemen.
Kyle from Mukwonago, WI
I believe Mike Daniels is the "mean good guy" for the Packers. Fiercely competitive and wants to hit hard, so that his opponents remember and fear him, but would never want to actually significantly injure another player. An intelligent competitor to recognize he can't continue to compete against the best if he's taking them out of the game for good. What do you think?
There is a thin line between being aggressive and overly aggressive, but Daniels straddles it beautifully. He turns it on when the ball is snapped, but knows how to act once the final whistle is blown. I can't think of many times Daniels has been flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct or an excessive penalty that hurts his team. He's a true pro.
Derek from Eau Claire, WI
When the Packers spend high draft picks in the defensive backfield, are they prioritizing cover over rush, or are they strictly just going BAP?
I think the Packers have drafted just as many rushers as defensive backs during Ted Thompson's time as GM, so I don't see it as favoring one over the other. I don't think you can fault the Packers for turning one pick into Kevin King and Vince Biegel. Both players will be important to this defense in 2017 and beyond. Maximizing the value of picks is the game within a game.
Mike from Mount Robson, British Columbia
Who's the toughest 'ski you ever seen playing pro football?
Nitschke.
David from Guangzhou, China
Is there a Packers tailback that had as long and as successful as a career as John Kuhn had at fullback? I can only remember the successful tailbacks having short 3-5 year seasons riddled with injury.
It's interesting you mention Kuhn, who's entering his 12th NFL season, which matches the 12 years William Henderson spent with the Packers. The fullback position isn't as in-demand as tailback, but also can lead to greater longevity given the nature of the position.
Jack from Bowmanville, Canada
I was wondering what the Insiders think about the "icing the kicker" strategy. I think it's ridiculous for the defense to be able to call a timeout in that situation, and I think that's the general perception, but there must be a reason why the NFL never addresses it. What are your thoughts?
I'm not a big fan of icing the kicker unless you have some analytics showing how a particular kicker struggles under pressure. Then, I guess it makes sense. Otherwise, you're just over-thinking things. Just kick the ball.
Pete from Green Bay, WI
"Wes" spelled backward is "sew." Maybe Wes likes sewing.
Wes-ton spelled backwards is not-sew.
Travis from Fort Walton Beach, FL
Is it fair to compare Green Bay's perseverance in keeping the Packers local to larger cities' inability to keep professional teams?
I don't know the specifics about the relocation of the Rams, Raiders and Chargers, so it would be disingenuous for me to compare it to Green Bay. What I can say is the relationship between the Packers and the city of Green Bay is special. One has supported each other since the very beginning. I hope the community can enjoy this upcoming 100-year anniversary. It's a testament to Green Bay for helping the Packers get there.
Mike from New Orleans, LA
Vic answered a question with a hypothetical "what if Ron Wolf picked Favre" and he mentioned that had we drafted him Wolf would have had an extra pick. I know the Pack would have had a different board, but who did the Falcons take with the traded pick?
The Falcons drafted SMU running back Tony Smith, who rushed for all of his 329 yards in the NFL during his rookie season.
Eric from Sun Prairie, WI
Wes, why don't you wear contacts?
Do you remember when Eddie Lacy missed some practice time few years ago after his contact lens dried out? That's why I don't wear contacts. I don't need that stress.
Fred from La Crosse, WI
I've got a trick play. On third down with short yardage, Aaron takes the snap, looks to handoff to Montgomery and throws the ball down the sideline to Jordy for a 45-yard-over-the-shoulder touchdown reception.
OK.
Jacob from Sun Prairie, WI
Wes, which Packers player's hair do you envy most?
It'd be too easy to say Matthews or Bakhtiari. I'll say Rodgers.
Brady from Milwaukee, WI
Vic, I don't know if you are a boxing fan. If you watched on Saturday, please tell me Pacquiao won that fight.
My name isn't Vic, but Pacquiao won that fight.
Chris from Rhinelander, WI
Vic's column resulting from the worst set of inbox questions in history made me laugh more than any of his columns I can remember reading. To kill time in the offseason, you should pick a day and only respond to the worst questions in the Inbox. Just don't tell anyone about it beforehand to prevent any fake bad questions.
Good idea.
Barton from Yuba City, CA
Who all is playing this year? And who did we get this year draft?
I guess we have our first submission.
Lee from Marshfield, WI
The cold is Vic's kryptonite. What is the kryptonite of Wes and Mike?
Thunderstorms. Hopefully, there won't be any during your Fourth of July celebrations. Be safe out there, Inboxers.
