Marty from Rancho Cordova, CA

Do orangutans eat apples?

And once again we're off, so we might as well get going.

Dan from Rice Lake, WI

A full stadium for a preseason practice event. Had to be an awesome atmosphere. GPG!

Always is, and it doesn't disappoint as long as the weather cooperates.

Mike from Baraboo, WI

What are the key takeaways from Family Night?

Funny you should ask.

Bill from Sheboygan, WI

In your 5 things from Family Night you said Brandon McManus was 8-for-8 but I could swear that he missed one to the right early on.

I wondered about that, too, because it looked like the one kick he took at the end of warmups, before practice officially started, might've missed based on the reaction of players on the field. But I don't know for certain and I forgot to follow up afterward. (Update: McManus did indeed miss the kick at the end of warmups.)

Nic from De Pere, WI

Who is the one player you are most interested in watching during the first preseason game?

After Family Night, safety Omar Brown certainly tops the list. Barryn Sorrell, Warren Brinson, Nazir Stackhouse and Ty'Ron Hopper are on it, too.

Jerry from Des Moines, IA

Who could have predicted that a young DB would steal the show at Family Night? Is there anyone else in camp who is stacking good days that you haven't really mentioned yet?

It always seems to be a young DB who shines in that practice, but three INTs puts another level of brightness on that shine. I don't think we've overlooked anybody in our coverage, if you're reading our practice recaps daily. I'll be interested to see if Kalen King's INT Saturday night jump-starts him.

Ben from Cripple Creek, CO

I think Carrington Valentine has been making some statements this weekend.

Since camp started to be honest. He's taken a strong finish to last season and continued building on it this summer. Plenty to like about his game right now.

Josh from Playa Majagual, Nicaragua

Color me surprised by the lack of accuracy displayed by the QBs on the drill where they were throwing to the stationary basket in the end zone. Is that normal? That drill sure provides perspective to the role a receiver plays in a successful reception or TD.

Funny how that works. Trying to throw a football from 30-plus yards away into a roughly 18-inch diameter hoop is no easy task. Rodgers made it look easy sometimes, but that's why he'll be in Canton someday.

Ed from South Beloit, IL

I enjoyed Friday’s “Three Things.” The "things" were interesting as usual, but behind you was some thoroughly entertaining punt catches! Jayden Reed caught a few. As Wes was mentioning Romeo Doubs he was taking his turn. As the segment ended I had him at five catches, catching six while hopping with a ball between his legs and just missing number seven. I don't see him as punt returner. I think they were just having fun. I encourage you to take a look, entertaining. Thanks.

Next thing you know we'll have a ring around this circus.

Steve from Bloomington, IL

I have officially added the term "WR1" to my list of sports items that should be relegated to the history pages of sports and unlike the Packers' simulated leather helmets – never brought back. Others include "the wave," Gatorade baths, and sideline interviews. Any you would care to add?

The coaches' postgame handshake doesn't do anything for me. It comes off as meaningless ceremony now. Except in special circumstances, you can tell no one really wants to do it anymore.

Samuel from Skokie, IL

I hate to nitpick but Scott from Palos is overlooking Leslie Frazier, CB for the '85 Bears. He was a top notch CB who led the Bears in '85 with six interceptions and 18 in a three-year span before his career was cut short with a knee injury returning a punt in the Super Bowl. Bears still suck.

I think what Scott was getting at is that vaunted Bears defense had four Hall of Famers in its front seven, six Pro Bowls and four All-Pro selections between the two safeties, but zero such accolades with the starting corners, Frazier and Mike Richardson. Facts are facts. That said, I don't think a pre-free agency defense from 40 years ago when the game was played very differently serves as any kind of realistic model for today.

Chuck from Appleton, WI

Wes mentioned that U.S. Bank is one of the coolest all-around venues in the NFL. Just wondering, are there a couple things about that stadium that you think the Packers should emulate?

Not really. The best stadiums are the ones that have a singular vibe. Lambeau has its own. So does U.S. Bank, where all the seats are purple and they lean heavily into noisy, indoor football. It's not about emulating anyone but building a stadium experience that stands on its own. Only a handful do it well without it feeling contrived.

Eric from Rush City, MN

Should have been 34 for No. 21!

Ha, definitely. But statistically, playoff games don't count in a player's career numbers. They're separate. So the "Tuck Rule" game wouldn't have given Woodson 34 forced fumbles on the all-time list.

Jerry from Lancaster, PA

Anytime contracts are discussed, we hear about Russ Ball and his magic with negotiating and restructuring of contracts to keep the Packers in good shape on the salary cap. We all also know that 70 is the mandatory retirement age for Packers personnel. How many years before Russ Ball is required to retire, and is his replacement already working for the Packers?

The mandatory retirement age of 70 only applies to the board of directors and executive committee. So it does not affect someone like Russ Ball, who is about to turn 66, I believe. His second in command in player finance, Melanie Marohl, has actually been here longer than Russ has. She joined the team as a cap analyst in 2001.

Klay from Great Falls, MT

Are either of you going to be in Canton for Sterling's enshrinement? Go Pack Go!

I did not go, but I did write this story recapping Sterling’s speech, which I thought was pretty good.

Doug from Ames, IA

I am so happy for Sterling being inducted into the Hall of Fame! Always thought he was the best and toughest receiver ever. The most interesting thing about him was I watched his whole NFL career and never heard his voice, he never spoke. Why was that?

He disdained the media throughout his playing career, and I don't think that's too strong a word. I always thought it was ironic he went into media work after he retired.

Jim from Prairie du Chien, WI

Good morning all! LeRoy Butler had three sacks in his first six years in the NFL. In Year 7 (1996), he had 6.5 sacks. From 1996-2001 he had 17.5 sacks. Can you take yourself, and the rest of us, back, and share any thoughts that you have on Butler, his sacks, reasons for the sharp increase? GPG!

The easiest explanations are that Butler played cornerback most of his first two seasons before switching to safety, and Fritz Shurmur didn't become his defensive coordinator until 1994.

Richard from Farmington Hills, MI

I have no recollection of seeing the "2022 Total Packers special on LeRoy Butler's Hall of Fame induction." Could you provide a link to it?

Here you go.

John from Crivitz, WI

Wondering if the smoke from the Canadian wildfires has been an issue with training camp.

The air quality around here hasn't been great for the last several days, but I haven't seen any players with issues.

Bob from Jensen Beach, FL

With multiple receivers vying for their chance to shine, do the plays called adjust based on their individual strengths or are they all expected to be able to fill in at any of the positions?

In training camp, the coaches will push boundaries and see how much players can handle, in terms of lining up in different spots and executing concepts. Once the season starts, the focus (health permitting) is on putting players where they perform best and dialing up plays geared toward their strengths.

Phillip from Wonder Lake, IL

If Matthew Golden and Christian Watson would line up together, who would become the primary receiver?

Depends on the play call.

Richard from Santa Ana, CA

How has the No. 2 offense with Malik Willis stacked up against the No. 2 defense? To the eye, does he appear to have a better understanding of the playbook with a full offseason to digest it?

It's been impressive watching Willis this summer. You can see how much command he has of the offense. He's standing in the pocket firing with conviction, and he's keeping the defense on its toes with the occasional zone-read look in the run game. He got a little overly aggressive on Family Night and put the ball in harm's way too often, but I sensed he was pushing to discover just what he can and can't do in this system.

Jeff from Ogden, UT

Who is the best blocking tight end on the roster?

Tucker Kraft.

CJ from Marshfield, WI

GM Mike, I'm not going to attempt to rank the biggest position battles, but DL certainly has my attention too. Lost TJS but drafted three and UDFA Stackhouse was expected by many to be drafted. And, I realize there are many examples like Golden and Brown, but the OL and DL are just different. It's crazy that Brinson and Stackhouse were college roommates, played side-by-side, and now are lining up together with GB. It's got to be a very rare thing. Hafley will be dialing up that Coneheads package.

The best part about the D-line depth is the Packers don't desperately need any of the young additions – Sorrell, Collin Oliver, Brinson, Stackhouse – to come in and play 600 snaps this season. If they earn it, great, but the guys in front of them are still growing and developing, too.

Dale from Green Bay, WI

With all the questions on how GB will improve the pass rush/pass defense, I believe it's the LBs that will take us to the next level. Edgerrin Cooper, Quay Walker, Isaiah Simmons, Isaiah McDuffie, and Hopper. Wow! Hafley's job is to maximize what we have and I think it will start with them. It's really tough on a QB to have to throw over guys that size up the seam and/or have your checkdowns and flats taken away. They all can offer to the pass rush as well. Thoughts?

Cooper and Walker are the only ones I'd say offer a lot to the pass rush. We'll see about Simmons there. He's the real wild card in this mix. What I like is the range of body types and strengths. McDuffie isn't all that big or fast but knows the defense and diagnoses plays to put himself in the right spot. Hopper is a thumper. The other guys can attack, run and/or chase in any direction asked. It's an intriguing bunch.

Ryan from Centre Hall, PA

I know it's been impressive the consistency of the Packers fielding very good, competitive teams over the past three decades, but I guess it's never really sunk in fully that they've largely done that year after year without guys selected in the top 10 of the draft. I guess that's about as close to full consistency as you can ask.

In the last 30 years, the Packers have selected in the top 10 just three times – 2001 (Reynolds), '06 (Hawk) and '09 (Raji) – and they've made the playoffs 24 times. That's what good QB play and sound financial management will get you.

Dominic from Chesapeake, VA

Mike, it was a genuine pleasure to meet you and Wes after training camp on Friday. I appreciate you both taking the time to chat. My wife and I are in GB for our first training camp and Family Night. The whole experience has been so much fun. I have to say I've been impressed with so much of how camp is run and I think my highlight was McManus kicking that 53-yard FG into a pretty stiff wind, after his first miss. Any special highlight for you so far? Thanks!

Great to meet you as well, Dominic. I guess I'd say my highlight has been watching Golden. He's looked like he belongs from Day 1 and he's barely getting started.

Robin from Ashburn, VA

Best rookie performance?

See above, and it's not close, which is no knock on the other draft picks. He's just made that strong an impression.

Patrick from Ashland, WI

It sounds to me like Manfred is trying to do something in baseball with a salary cap. Wes and Mike, how did the NFL get it done?

By offering the players free agency in exchange, which they hadn't enjoyed before. Baseball has had free agency for around 50 years now. I don't know what the owners can offer the players in order to get a cap, which would also need to come with a floor to really help baseball.

Jerry from Green Bay, WI

Whoever set up the fireworks show doesn't read II. Otherwise those lasers would have been set up on the goal posts. Excited to see next Saturday.

Almost 20 Family Nights now and I still have yet to see the fireworks show. Occupational hazard I guess. Happy Monday.

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