Tom from River Falls, WI
If, God forbid, there are no NFL games this year what do you think of a virtual season? Games would be played by a member of the coaching staff every week on "Madden" following the regular-season schedule. Playoffs to follow and a virtual Lombardi Trophy presented.
Coaching staff? Not interested. Team employees? Then, I would volunteer Ryan Hartwig as a tribute and look forward to getting my ring finger sized.
Jeff from Sioux Falls, SD
I read recently where the Bears have had 50 different starting QBs since the Packers won the initial Super Bowl. I am wondering how many different QB starters the Packers have had since Bart Starr? Also, how many of them made All-Pro?
Believe it or not, it's half. Exactly half. The Packers have had 25 quarterbacks start at least one regular-season game for them since winning Super Bowl I. The Packers have had two AP All-Pros over that time. I think you know who they are. We talk so much about the last 30 years but the truth is the QB position has been synonymous with Green Bay since the advent of the forward pass. It's a special position in a special place.
Miguel from Monu, CO
Wes, could you comment how each of the following could win the "other" ILB spot next to Christian Kirksey? To me, it's the most intriguing camp battle. I think it could be any of the following, and would like your thoughts. Oren Burks (penciled in, but has disappointed in the past), Curtis Bolton (UDFA last year who looked good until injury), Ty Summers (promising second-year player), and Kamal Martin (rookie fifth-rounder with an injury history).
The key with that second linebacker position isn't necessarily "winning" a starting job. It's going to be convincing Mike Pettine that individual is a better option than moving a safety into the box on passing downs. Otherwise, that linebacker is just playing 200-250 base snaps. Like the past two summers, I think Burks has the inside track on the job but Summers, Bolton and Martin will push him for it during training camp. The defense needs one of these inside linebackers to seize the opportunity like Blake Martinez did in 2017.
Paul from St. Paul, MN
Realistically, what can the Packers expect to get out of Robert Tonyan this season?
It's a good question. Tonyan has kind of been the forgotten tight end with how much pub Jace Sternberger and Josiah Deguara have received this offseason. But he's still right in the thick of things for playing time this year, especially now that his hip has healed up.
Kent from Lewiston, ID
II, since you both have the podium and microphone, what singular message can you send to all of Packer Nation that can and will encourage each of us to tread forward with blind faith into the unknown?
Stay patient, be smart and keep an open mind. That's all anybody can do right now.
Peter from Ashland, WI
Not sure if it's a lack of sports or 'cause its Wednesday but I was thinking about audibles. I assume they change the names (words) they use often, if not weekly, so other teams don't catch on. Are they part of the weekly game plan installs? Who comes up with the names? "Big Dog" is one of my favorites. Does the whole offense/defense need to know every one or do some apply to a specific position/positional group? Happy Fourth everyone! Have fun and stay safe.
Yes. It's something the offensive coaches and players go through each week. As far as the specific calls, I'm sure it's a blend of what the coaches come up with in game-planning meetings and the players having a little fun with the verbiage. "Big Dog" is an all-timer.
Paul from Madison, WI
Since we have nothing to talk about, what do you think is the costliest dropped pass in franchise history? On defense, I would say Micah Hyde's dropped interception during the freezing wild-card game against San Francisco. On offense, I can't think of any big ones that cost us a game.
I still say that wasn't a drop. I've said that to Micah directly. He smiled and still took ownership for it. But that's Micah Hyde. It wasn't a gimme by any means, though. I can't think of many on offense. Maybe Jordy's in Buffalo 5½ years ago?
Randy from Sheboygan, WI
Where do you see this team finishing the season?
I don't know but did you guys see PFF had the Packers ranked like 12th? That was one spot behind Cleveland, by the way. And I'm sure it'll be a "fluke" again if Green Bay compiles another season with 10-plus wins.
Robert from Katy, TX
Most concerning free-agent signing for Packers with other NFC North teams?
Michael Pierce. I felt like that was a strong signing for Minnesota.
Nate from St. Francis, MN
How much impact do you believe the COVID pandemic will have on the NFL's international expansion plans? My gut is telling me that it will push them back multiple years.
Yeah, I don't think it's controversial to say that at all. The international series already has been canceled for 2020. Now, I think that momentum can easily be regained but it definitely puts a pin in the league's desire to expand the game's international footprint temporarily at the very least.
Ashley from Chicago, IL
Depending on what happens health-wise with baseball, will this influence the NFL's season in terms of precautions and timing?
Yeah. Like Spoff said, the situation is ever-evolving but each day is a new lesson learned. So you can bet the NFL is paying attention to what the MLB, NBA, UFC, Premier League and other organizations are doing and taking notes. It'd be foolish not to.
Bart from Point Roberts, WA
Hey guys, can you explain Reggie Begelton's reserve/futures contract?
All it means is that player has signed with a team for the following season and now counts towards its 90-man roster. It often happens with street free agents, practice-squad players whose contracts expire after the season, and CFL alums like Begelton. It's a ticket to the party.
Mike from Mount Prospect, IL
Gentlemen, I'm wondering how strong your predictive acuity is. Not for a single game or even an individual, but are you able to sense the strength of a unit for a season? Have you ever watched a defense in training camp and thought, "They're gonna surprise some people," or "This unit will struggle"?
For sure. Training camp is huge. When you spend 24 or 25 hours watching practice each summer, there are things that stand out. Allen Lazard, Darrius Shepherd and Chandon Sullivan all stood out in practice before they made plays in a game. That being said, there also have been years where I've wondered if the offense or defense was going to struggle in certain areas for the same reason.
Al from Pasadena, CA
As far as speedsters are concerned, are you forgetting Bill Schroeder who ran a 4.26 40 – the "Sheboygan Flash" who graduated from my alma mater, Sheboygan South HS?
Bill definitely deserves to be in that equation, too. It's tough to compare previous generations of Packers players without having official 40 times like the combine provides.
Dale from Port Washington, WI
How can we discuss the great career of Ezra Johnson and not discuss hot dogs?
Because we choose to focus on the former?
Nate from Pueblo, CO
Any chance you can post the 360-degree dunk Davante Adams did? There are players in the NBA right now who can't do that. I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw it. It not only showed me just how much athleticism he has but also how difficult it must be to play WR. On the flip side, it shows what type of athlete a DB has to cover.
I posted the link above. Adams is an incredible all-around athlete who happens to play receiver in the NFL for a living.
Dennis from Beavercreek, OH
So baseball is not going to allow high-fives, fist bumps or hugs. Does that mean they can still give a pat on the butt?
Only if it's with the foot, not the hand.
Ryan from Colfax, WI
Wes, just curious, are you and Mike back in the confines of 1265 Lombardi yet? If not, when do you think you will be back to the office?
I'm still in my attic. I don't think I'll be back at Lambeau before I go on vacation in a few weeks. Trust me, I want to be back in the office but the reality is I can do my job from home until there's actual media availability and practices going on.
