Ken from Nashville, TN

Why do I have to look at nfl.com or elsewhere to get the latest information on the Packers instead of seeing news first on packers.com? Just saw that we hired a new defensive coordinator, which is obviously a big deal, but couldn't find it on packers.com.

We appreciate each and every one of you who come to our site for Packers news. Thank you for your patronage. But we don't post "5 things" stories, press releases or other analysis until moves are official. Once they are, we will talk about 'em until the cows come back from Sobieski.

Carl from Sheboygan, WI

Morning guys, I know you may not comment on this, but reports are that the Pack will bring in Jonathan Gannon as the new defensive coordinator. If true, I'm curious to hear him speak at his intro; what he thinks of the Pack talent on "D," his strategy, and possible holes that need to be filled via draft or FA. Didn't work out as a head coach in Arizona, but he was a successful DC in Philly. Just curious, do you know if Matt LaFleur and Gannon have any coaching history where they were on the same staff?

The two haven't worked together until now, but LaFleur has frequently praised Gannon and his defenses in the past. As much as the narrative seems centered on how things ended in Arizona, Gannon earned that opportunity to be the Cardinals' head coach after a terrific two-year run as the Eagles' defensive coordinator. That 2022 Philly defense was lethal, finishing second in yards, first against the pass, first in sacks and tying for fourth in takeaways. The Eagles then allowed just 14 points in the NFC side of the playoff bracket. What's more, Philly took a big step back when Gannon left for the Cardinals in 2023.

Paul from Lexington, KY

What can we expect from a Gannon defense? Aggressive? Blitzing?

Gannon actually didn't blitz that often during in 2022 but the Eagles still generated 70 sacks. He utilizes a lot of scheme variation and has developed a reputation for building packages around his playmakers. I'm sure Micah Parsons will be excited to hear that.

Jack from Moweaqua, IL

We've been spoiled as a franchise with postseason, but the knock is always only two Lombardis to show for it. I wonder about Jordan Love's internal clock, meaning do you think he's beginning to feel the urgency of winning in the playoffs? Making it the first three seasons as a starter flies under the radar I feel. He's hard to read because he doesn't seem very vocal, but he's obviously competitive.

Jordan Love has felt that urgency since the hour he was drafted into the NFL. In succeeding Aaron Rodgers, Love was not only tasked with following the footsteps of a legend but also absorbed the fallout of the Packers not getting back to a Super Bowl since 2010. Given everything Love has been up against, I'd say he's done quite well in his first three seasons as QB1.

Tom from Keota, IA

Hi II crew. I respectfully submit that the only people qualified to determine whether another player's demeanor is effective in leading the team are the other players on the team. Non-players can judge measurables like on-field performance. Judges don't have to be figure skaters themselves to score a double salchow. Little ol' me can maybe correctly determine "too many INTs." But "Do those players appreciate that player's demeanor?" seems like a question only those players can answer.

Last thing I'm gonna say on this topic for now…the Packers made one of the biggest investments they've ever made into a player when they extended Love in 2024. They did so because they believe in both the quarterback and the person.

Steven from Wilmington, NC

So, do the analytics consider the second-half weather report?

I'm sure somewhere Spoff was shouting at his television. I get Sean Payton wanting to throw a haymaker there, but a jab would've sufficed with how his defense was playing.

Greg from Perkasie, PA

I don't think I'll ever understand passing up points in a situation like Sean McVay did in the fourth quarter by going for it on fourth down. I understand you need a touchdown, but if you fail, it feels like nine times out of 10, it effectively ends the game. And if you fail, you're going to need a touchdown at minimum anyway. Takes away the potential for a field goal to win it.

Everyone will ask the question when going for it doesn't work out, but it does make you wonder. My gut said to kick it in the moment because the drive already lost some steam and the Rams still needed their defense to get a stop regardless. Harrison Mevis showed a week earlier he could make game-winning kicks in the postseason and taking the points there would've opened up everything for your offense.

Mike from Lake Villa, IL

So, do you think Vic is waving a Terrible Towel for the news of the Steelers' new head coach? I'm pretty sure he is happy with their new "leader of men."

I'm excited for Mike McCarthy. I can think of no better capstone on a career than Mike coaching his hometown Pittsburgh Steelers. He and his family must be brimming with pride right now. All the best to him.

Benjamin from Evergreen Park, IL

A little early for this question...but given our team's history, who is the next Allen Lazard or Tramon Williams from this group? A holdover player who has proven themselves and could work themselves into a much bigger role.

I want to see what a healthy Brenton Cox Jr. can do. Like Emanuel Wilson, the Packers have a decision to make with Cox Jr. as a restricted free agent but there is so much natural ability in that 6-foot-4, 250-pound defensive end's body. He's not a core special-teamer like Kingsley Enagbare and Arron Mosby, but the guy can get after the quarterback.

Ray from Phoenix, AZ

Will the Packers' draft philosophy remain taking the highest-rated player on the board? With cornerback being by far the biggest need, could they take the highest-rated corner on the board? In fact, I could see Brian Gutekunst drafting several corners next draft.

Gutekunst hasn't been shy about overseeding a position in the draft when he feels the need (e.g. receivers in 2018 and 2022-23, and inside linebackers and safeties in 2024), I don't know when. I don't know where. But I wonder if this is the year the Packers dip deep into cornerback.

Charles from Whitewater, WI

Wes, I agree with Tim from VA that defense wins championships. However, I can't agree we need more defensive draft picks. ATMR(WCBW), Green Bay finished 15th in the league in offense yards and 16th in points scored while 12th in defense yardage and 11th in points allowed. To put in perspective, GB was right there with the NY Giant juggernaut. And, if you consider losing players to free agency, I think we need to trust Gutey to pick the best player available – either side of the ball.

For sure, but my response was more believing in Matthew Golden, Anthony Belton and Savion Williams to play a bigger role on offense in 2026. While Golden and Williams got their feet wet, Belton wound up playing nearly 500 snaps. The rookie work is done and those small steps are often what lead to major contributions.

Jon from Arlington, TX

Hi Wes, I believe being "aggressive" has been a mantra of Coach LaFleur during his tenure with the Packers. One thing I've noticed about the other playoff teams is they generally don't seem to shoot themselves in the foot with stupid decisions and the coaches seem to put their players in the best position to succeed. Do you see Coach placing a heavier emphasis on discipline moving forward?

I don't disagree that Green Bay needs to do a better job with penalties, but LaFleur has always emphasized discipline. It's one of the areas in which the Packers really improved and excelled during LaFleur's first season in 2019. Maybe there's a new way to drive that point home, but everyone knows the most disciplined teams typically are the ones with the best shot at playing into February.

Paul from Ledgeview, WI

Wes, stagnation is not my concern. While the results of the last seasons have been comparable the circumstances were very different. The one recurring theme is periods of ineffectual football including bad starts and blown leads. These periods demonstrate the need for complementary football. That these things happen to all teams reflects the week to week nature and the impact of key injuries in the NFL. Can the Packers correct this issue before it becomes characteristic of their performance?

They have to. Because this ain't going away until the Packers get to the bottom of the issues that plagued them this season. Again, these are questions for individuals with a much higher pay grade than me. I'm just the staff writer, but everyone agrees there needs to be measurable progress next season. Hopefully, the injuries subside and the Packers can get back to competing for championships. They have the talent to do so.

Josh from Seattle, WA

Last offseason you were outspoken about the No. 1 priority was to re-sign Brandon McManus. Why are you being so shy about answering questions regarding retaining our current FAs?

First, I haven't really been asked yet. Secondly, the Packers have a boatload of unrestricted free agents this year and I don't have a good gauge of what their fair-market value will be. Re-signing one will have affect the Packers' ability to bring back another. Last year, Green Bay didn't have nearly the number of top-tier free agents that it has this offseason, making McManus a no-brainer - especially when you consider all the Packers' kicking troubles since Mason Crosby left.

Martin from United Kingdom

How does not having a first round picks in the draft affect how the scouting department spend their time and resources? Do they 'ignore' the projected top 20 guys, as there is very little chance that they will still be on the board at 52? I know lots of people had Sanders going in the first round and he dropped to the fifth but that seemed to be an anomaly. Thanks for all you do, providing your insight to all us Pack fans. GPG

The Packers still perform their due diligence on top picks because they might reference those reports in the coming years. Even though the Packers didn't have a shot at drafting Parsons in 2021, you can bet they had scouting reports they revisited prior trading for him.

Shannon from Ovilla, TX

Ben Johnson is getting all the credit for the Bears being better and the Lions being worse. I believe a large part of both is the interior offensive line. The Bears brought in three veterans and the Lions lost two and moved the other into a new role. Watching playoff games this year, I am more convinced than ever that interior linemen on both sides of the ball are the key to winning. Whether it's stuffing the run or pocket pressure by the defense or protecting and opening lanes by the offense.

I couldn't have said better myself. That was the difference.

Mark from Madison, WI

Now that the Packers season is over, what are the important dates and actions for 2026? Start of league year, free agency, minicamps, etc.

Franchise tag window opens Feb. 17 and remains open until March 3. Negotiation period begins on March 9, and the new league year starts on March 11. Green Bay's offseason program kicks off April 20.

Teddy from Eau Claire, WI

Not a question, just a comment. I love being a Packers fan. Seeing all the former Packers hires over on the AFC side, it is nice to have rooting options and will follow a little more closely.

I'm with you. The NFC and AFC coaches speak on different days during the NFL Annual Meetings in March. It'll be fun to pop in and chat with Jeff Hafley. It's cool seeing LaFleur's coaching tree grow another limb.

Ed from Williams, OR

Hey Wes, just wondering if any fields are 'OSHA' approved. After all, player safety should be paramount. I have been a reader since Vic.

Great question I've never been asked me before. OSHA technically does have jurisdiction over professional sports as a private entity but never really imposes itself. From everything I've read, OSHA views players as "independent contractors" and not direct employees. Obviously, the NFL and NFLPA have set criteria for playing surfaces, though.

Mike from Geneva, IL

On a "lighter" topic (pun intended), are you aware of any punter/place kicker combination that has weighed more than the Rams kickers? Combined they weigh 495 pounds based on the official roster. Those are BIG men for kickers!!

Just wait till you see Gabriel Nwosu.

Rob from Wachula, FL

Do you guys have a pulse reading of what the majority of players think of the 17-game schedule? Or even the talk of 18? Is it a possibility that they could hold up the next collective bargaining agreement if they are against it? Or do they like the extra games to pay more? I know what I think.

I'm sure young players don't mind. This is how the NFL has played games for five years now, so they don't know any different. I feel like veterans have more trepidation to expand to 18 games, knowing what it was like to play a 16-game season.

Andy from College Grove, TN

As you have correctly pointed out, hate is a strong word. It is worth noting to Kerry from Canyon Lake that the NFL has shown it is completely fine with being hated, as long as the fans continue to love their own team and pay for the privilege.

You're not wrong.

Austin from Appleton, WI

I heard one of the thousand Packers-related podcasters say today that he would rather see the team go 3-14 than win 10 games and lose in the first round of the playoffs. Spoiled doesn't even begin to cut it. It's a good thing the players don't have the same competitive spirit as that fella. I'm just as disappointed as anyone, but you can't dance with the prom queen if you don't have a ticket to the dance.

Disappointment is fine. I totally understand. But sometimes perspective is fleeting, especially in these cold Inbox streets.

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