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Inbox: If you build it, they will bring it

Competition will bring out the best in the Packers’ offensive line

CB Rasul Douglas
CB Rasul Douglas

Sam from Greendale, WI

So Wes, what you're saying is the cloud...ate your lunch?

Correct. Fortunately, I had a few Saltines in my bookbag to tide me over until dinner at Casa de Hod.

Paul from Ledgeview, WI

"Field of Dreams," Shoeless Joe Jackson, Ray Liotta reference in the II today. Can't be happenstance.

Rest in peace to one of the best character actors to ever do it. I re-watched it on Thursday night. I'm not sure if it's just me being older now, or possibly being a father, but I had goosebumps for two straight hours.

Bill from Raleigh, NC

Hi Wes, when you discussed the Packers' strong commitment to special teams, you ended it with, "If you build it, they will come." Apologies to Kevin Costner aside, maybe we really need this instead, "If you build it, they will bring it."

That may be headline material. Wait, you've read this far, so you already know it's the headline. But these young players are hungry to learn and eager to listen. As most of you know by now, Rich Bisaccia most certainly has a voice you can hear. Message sent. Message received.

Tracy from Little Rock, AR

Hi fellas, I believe Aaron Rodgers chooses not to attend OTAs for reasons other than him knowing the playbook. I believe he also wants the young guys to know the language, so he doesn't pull that long hair of his out. What do ya think?

I'm not going into Rodgers' head, but like I wrote on Friday, sometimes it's good to walk through things with the teaching assistant before the professor starts class. Jordan Love knows this offense and what the expectations are on the practice field. What's more, I kind of echo what Lamar Jackson tweeted Friday – are we talking about OTA attendance because it matters…or because there's nothing else to talk about right now?

Matt from Oshkosh, WI

No one knows right now whether Jordan Love will be a starting QB in the NFL. What we do know is that he is all class and has handled a difficult start to his career like a true professional. I hope that GB can hang onto him until No. 12 retires and he gets his shot. He has earned it!

Simply put, Love couldn't have handled the past two years any better than he has. He's a pro's pro who's controlling what he controls.

James from Appleton, WI

The Lions' offensive line is getting a lot of respect from the analysts. Does it mean anything to the players to prove themselves as the best O-line in the division?

Maybe there. I doubt it's that way in Green Bay. The starting five wants to perform optimally to keep the Packers at the top of the NFC North. Where analytic syndicates rank them is the least of their worries. If you concern yourself with what the crowd is barking, you're going to get beat by the guy in front of you.

Paul from Rockford, IL

How do you see our O-line being this year?

Solid, especially once Elgton Jenkins is back. The Packers have nine former draft picks on the O-line. That might be a record. With so much competition and depth, I think it's going to bring the best out of every lineman in that room.

Doug from Neenah, WI

Good morning, Wes. Enjoyed your feature article about Randall Cobb. He was one of the very few players I accurately predicted the Packers would draft way back when. Does he have college or pro wide receiver coaching in his future?

I don't know what Cobb intends to do once he calls it a day, but with his personality and intelligence, Cobb will be successful in anything he pursues. But certainly, I think he'd be a fantastic coach. He's mentored some of the game's best.

Lori from Brookfield, WI

Wes, thank you for the article on Randall Cobb. While Randall may be "... impressed by incoming rookie class," what impresses you most about him?

Cobb personifies what it means to play receiver in Green Bay. He's humble, hard-working and has carried a massive chip on his shoulder for the past 12 years. Cobb is right when he stated on Tuesday that all athletes are competitors, but he is a true gamer. As I wrote a few months ago, he's 5-foot-10, 196 pounds and absolutely fearless.

Jack from Knoxville, TN

Hey guys, a Packers fan since 1957. Now that you have seen our receivers in practice, I was wondering if you think Romeo Doubs has the talent to match up with Christian Watson. I have watched a few videos of Dobbs he looks really smooth with great hands. I totally enjoy Insider Inbox!

Doubs isn't as big or explosive as Watson in terms of pure athleticism, but he's a wide receiver through and through. A four-year starter, Doubs' numbers skyrocketed during his final two seasons at Nevada and the Packers took notice of that. I don't know where it will lead, but I left rookie minicamp with a very positive first impression of Doubs. Like Darnell Savage in the secondary during the 2019 offseason program, the Packers are throwing both him and Watson in with the first-team offense.

Jayson from Fayetteville, NC

To add to Wes' response to Kona from Kailua, HI. It is not his age, some of those non-touchbacks occur during the late fall and winter in Lambeau. It is no easy place to kick a ball whether a punt, kickoff, field goal or extra point. Mason Crosby still has a lively leg for his age, and he's done it consistently for a long time. Also think of the possibility that Crosby was told not to kick a touchback on some kicks. Why do you think teams always kick to us, because of a poor return unit?

If you need a reminder of how difficult it can be kicking at Lambeau Field, be sure to read Cliff’s story on Chris Jacke from Thursday. It's no kick in the park.

Kenton from Rochester, MN

During an appointment with a bank officer this morning, I noticed an North Dakota State coffee mug on his desk. I inquired and he said both he and his wife were Bison alumni. When I mentioned that's where Christian Watson was from, his face just fell. Christian was his very favorite player at NDSU and he was hoping and praying (his) Vikings would draft him. He was absolutely crushed when instead he went to the Packers partially due to an assist by the Vikings. He's convinced Watson will dominate.

These stories are the best. I always love hearing the recollections of diehard college football fans. They know their stuff.

Joe from Whitefish Bay, WI

Wes, I think you've coined a new phrase for what happens after the Packers score a touchdown in the game in London — the extra pint. Well done, sir.

I'm here all week. Try the chicken parm.

Rob from Hartland, WI

Wes, do you recall the moment or player that first made you feel comparatively old? It was Cobb being drafted that started it for me, realizing that he was my age and entering the NFL. It then seemed to quickly flip from seeing NFL players as herculean adults to all of a sudden referring to them as "kids" like you did in today's II.

It happened for me again last week during my friend Haylee Elwood’s interview with Chargers running back Isaiah Spiller. It made me feel like the oldest man on the planet. These incoming rookies really do seem like kids to me now. My mouth dropped when I saw Spiller was born in 2001.

Chris from Greensboro, NC

Wes, just read that diabetes runs in your family. I'm reading a great book called, "Fast, Feast, Repeat" by Gin Stephens. Basically, it's about all the benefits of intermittent fasting. Kicking Type 2 diabetes in the butt is one of them. Might be worth a read?

I'll check it out. Thanks Chris!

Frank from Rochester, MN

Spoff's at the Mr. Grant County bodybuilding competition.? What have you been putting in those lunches Wes?

A lot of protein shakes.

Gary from Davenport, IA

I entered the Mr. Grant County bodybuilding competition 40 years ago when I was a student at UW-Platteville. If Spoff listens carefully, he can probably hear the echoes of the judges' laughter still bouncing around the building.

Don't sell yourself short, Judge.

The Green Bay Packers held practice on Tuesday, May 24 at Ray Nitschke Field for the start of Organized Team Activities.

Dan from Kenosha, WI

Wes, I just finished reading the Inbox and it occurred to me how big a part of my life the Packers are. My wife and I were fortunate enough to attend eight games at Lambeau last year. I can't remember the last time I missed watching a game. I read the Inbox daily, and the first thing I Google is Packer news. Just wanted to say thank you to the Packers organization for being so easy to root for and to you and Mike for making them seem even more accessible. I can't wait for game time!

Neither can we, Dan. After a little R&R this summer, I'm excited to get back to work and see what the 2022 season has in store for all of us.

Jeff from Victorville , CA

Good morning, Wes! I wanted to let you know they built a Steak 'n Shake in my town about 7-8 years ago (the only one I've seen out here). It was in business maybe for just a few years then closed down. Steak 'n Shake must be a Midwestern thing. Out here, it's hard for burger joints to compete against big dog In & Out Burger. Have you ever had an In & Out burger when out West, Wes?

I have. It's fine, but it's no Steak 'n Shake. I don't think In & Out holds a candle to Culvers, either. In fact, on my list of "hyped" burger chains, I'd put In & Out is car lengths behind Wahlburgers and Shake Shack.

Roger from Lakewood Ranch, FL

Good morning, Wes. I liked Bob from Eau Claire's X-ray goal line, just like you. Why didn't someone come up with that one sooner? Don't you think that should warrant a nomination to the II Hall of Best Ideas? I'll happily second the nomination

Sounds like another great Outsider Inbox topic. My running list of ideas is starting to fill up.

Linda from Lakewood Ranch, FL

Good morning, Wes. On this Memorial Day weekend, I hope that all II readers will take a few (or more) moments to contemplate what this holiday is all about. We are so lucky to live in a country that provides us with all the freedoms we enjoy. We should be so grateful to all those who have sacrificed to preserve those freedoms. So please honor all the women and men who gave the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.

Well said, Linda. It also has been a difficult few months for our country. Personally, I am looking forward to pausing a bit this weekend and recalibrating, while appreciating the freedom our departed servicemen and women have afforded me and my family. I wish you all a peaceful and reflective Memorial Day weekend. I will see you on Monday.

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