Kat from Jacksonville, FL

How do you maintain a positive attitude, especially when things are rough (like cold weather in the Frozen Tundra)?

Writing this column.

Michael from Alameda, CA

I'm very excited about Trey Smack and his potential. Aside from his solid field goal and PAT kicks, I saw another part of his game that impressed me. My local coverage didn't show the game until the second quarter, but from then on, I saw his kickoffs (maybe four in a row) that the returner fielded at the 2-yard line. Can't help but think that will be very beneficial for our special teams.

Chatting with Smack after the game, I thought it spoke volumes about the rookie's mentality that he was far more annoyed about the early kickoff that went for a touchback than he was celebratory regarding his four made field goals. The Packers really struggled getting kicks deep into the landing zone last year and Smack wants to be the one who solves that riddle. He's less than four months into his NFL career, but you can tell Smack is a total professional when it comes to kicking. It's trending in the right direction.

Darrel from Pueblo, CO

II, with Smack's potential to score from longer distance, how does that affect MLF's play calling?

A lot depends on down-and-distance and game situation, but I'm sure it makes a head coach feel a lot better about sending his kicker out for a 58-yarder on fourth-and-8.

Austin from Manassas, VA

Regarding Matt LaFleur playing rookies, the difference I see is multiple rookies with a real chance to edge out presumptive starters for Day 1 contributions. Most of the early rookie contributions I recall have been expected from draft day or because of injury. This feels different.

I would agree with that. It started as an interesting note from OTA practices in the spring, but the Packers' rookie class has played its way into the conversation this summer. Who knows who starts in Minnesota? But it wouldn't surprise me to see Brandon Cisse, Chris McClellan, Jager Burton and Dani Dennis-Sutton all contribute in Year 1.

Steve from Ankeny, IA

I haven't heard much said about Jordan Morgan, but I thought he played well against Denver. I think the Packers knew what they were getting when they drafted him. He's not huge but has quick feet and has obviously learned better fundamentals over the last year. If he can stay at that position all season, we may end up with two of the best offensive tackles in football.

The fact you've rarely heard Morgan's name this summer should be everything you want to hear. To his credit, Morgan did everything the Packers asked the past two years. But he looks different at left tackle.

Burford from Cross Plains, WI

I agree that Pierre Strong Jr.'s return was a very good one. But I would also like to say it was very well blocked. I know my grammar is suspect so I kind of hope Wes gets this one. I`m very coachable.

I agree and we talked about that with Skyy Moore, who is highly encouraged by what he's seen from the blocking units. We'll have more on that in a special teams story in the coming days.

James from Appleton, WI

This preseason, when a Packers tight end has caught a ball in space and been tackled, I have taken a moment to imagine how Tucker Kraft would have turned that opposing player into a poor, beleaguered soul. Mostly, Kraft gets noticed starting when the ball reaches his hands; what's been the consensus on his route-running?

Kraft is a better route-runner than he gets credit for, and he wants to prove it. I think a lot of what Kraft does on intermediate routes gets overshadowed by what he does when the ball is in his hand. Kraft can run the seam with the best of them, and most importantly, he is a nightmare for defenses in the red zone. He's too elusive for linebackers and too physical for most DBs to handle.

TK from Grafton, WI

How good is a fully healthy Aaron Banks? Is tendinitis manageable during the regular season?

I think Banks could be really good in this offense when healthy and hopefully the Packers guard can get closer to that target with the plan he and the training staff have put into place.

Dave from Gwinn, MI

Can I start a petition to get Anthony Campbell a new number if he makes the team? Isn't No. 60 like the lowest number he could have for his body size? Six-foot-6, 307 pounds, I feel like he needs a bigger number.

Jonathan Ford said the same thing last week. It's odd seeing a defensive lineman wearing a number in the 60s in today's NFL – sort of like a tight end wearing a number in the 40s. I imagine both would have an option to switch their number if they make the team.

Gordon from Newport Beach, CA

Eisenhower said, "Plans are useless, but planning is indispensable." If preseason wins and losses don't matter, what should Packers fans actually be watching for that tells us the planning is working?

I wouldn't look at preseason games like that. The Packers' plan is happening behind the scenes, and we glean whatever we can on the practice field about what it means for their season. In preseason games, however, it's more about watching players make the most of their moment, whether it's a guy trying to win a starting job or an undrafted rookie vying for a roster spot. You'll start to the larger picture when Green Bay takes the field at U.S. Bank Stadium in a few weeks.

Mike from Winchester, TN

Hi Wes, I read that Tom Dempsey's 63-yard field goal in 1970 was a record that stood for 43 years. Elam, Janikowski, and Akers tied it, until Matt Prater kicked one 64 yards. Cam Little holds the current record at 68 yards. I wouldn't be surprised to see that record broken this season. So now there is talk about making field goals more difficult: narrowing the goalposts and/or raising the crossbar. I say leave it alone and let the records fall where they may.

The NFL has debased so many records with an expanded regular season and rules that favor the offense. But sure, let's draw the line at field goals. We have more individuals dedicating their lives to kicking footballs with power and accuracy than ever before in this country's history. Coincidentally, they're making more kicks. Go figure?

Shannon from Ovilla, TX

I think most of us pull for Kristian Welch since he is from Iola. Being this is his fifth or sixth year in the league, is he still eligible for the PS? We have seemed to need him in past years especially on ST due to injuries.

Welch has been a beneficiary of the expanded practice-squad rules, which allow teams to keep up to six "veteran" players on their 17-man scout team. He's been a solid insurance policy who still can play. In addition to Welch's special teams background, it was funny watching him do the old Jaire "Sword" celebration after breaking up a pass against a tight end in red zone Monday.

Steve from Flagstaff, AZ

Is it possible that neither Keisean Nixon nor Carrington Valentine are on the roster?

You guys are overthinking this, methinks. Nixon had his best day, Valentine is back to full participation and Benjamin St-Juste missed practice with a hamstring. What does that tell you? Green Bay needs all its corners. Regardless of what's said on the outside, the only voices that matter are within in this building.

Orv from Myrtle Beach, SC

Just a comment. Our field goal kickers past and present sure have interestingly last names mirroring the game of football: Ryan Long and Well; Mason Cros'bar and now Trey Smack. Amazing.

I never thought about it like that before.

Patrick from Paducah, KY

After a solid performance for each in Denver, I have been impressed with the play of Will Sheppard and Isaiah Neyor. Taking this last game and their work in camp into consideration, where do you see their chances of making the cut and possibly playing a role in the offense this season?

I've been impressed by the entire receiving corps. That's partly a product of Kyle McCord being so effective with the third-string unit, but Sheppard, Neyor and J. Michael Sturdivant have all made plays.

Jim from Green Bay, WI

When did the change come to only one cutdown date and do you know why? Really makes for a scramble to acquire or change personnel.

The NFL has fiddled between having one or two cutdown days for the past 15 years, it feels like. It went from two to one and then back to two. It's better with one single cutdown day in my opinion. It not only gives teams a deeper bench for the final preseason game but also doesn't throw an unnecessary scarlet letter on hard-working guys who don't make the initial cut to 75.

Caleb from Knoxville, TN

On the subject of the player last week who suffered dehydration, I work an outdoor job in the South and heat stroke/dehydration is absolutely a thing. I almost passed out one day and have had a coworker who did. Hope our players are drinking lots of water and staying cool!

Hydration is critical. Green Bay ain't Phoenix, but it can get deceptively hot up here. That's the Packers' message to players since Dennis-Sutton experienced his heat-related illness. Credit to the Packers' locker room and training staff, I don't think anybody cramped up during a 90-degere day at altitude in Denver.

Gábor from Hungary

Good morning, gentlemen! Am I right in thinking that teams select their own preseason opponents? Could the new kicker have played a part in this, or was it just a coincidence? (Pittsburgh is considered a tough venue for kickers, and Denver's high altitude makes it unique.)

Teams used to have a lot more say in scheduling preseason games – Remember when Green Bay would always close against Kansas City? – but it's my understanding the NFL mostly handles it now. Teams can still make requests.

Neil from Altamonte Springs, FL

With final roster cuts coming up after the Broncos win, which position group do you think presents the toughest cut decisions for the front office, and is there a surprise name you could see making the 53?

I don't cut the roster or give surprise names. I say this every August, but I made that mistake my first year on the beat in 2012 and vowed to never do it again. Heavy.com can find another rube from which to aggregate some clickbait. I do believe Brian Gutekunst will have tough decisions to make at receiver, in the secondary and on both lines.

Arthur from Eau Claire, WI

For the bus tour each year do the participants volunteer or are they invited? If invited, who makes up the invitee list? Will we ever have the chance for a Spoff or Hod to be on the tour? Inquiring minds want to know.

It starts with an invite but sometimes players fall in love with it. I believe Elgton Jenkins and Rasheed Walker went on the Tailgate Tour in consecutive years. It's unlikely Mike and I will ever partake, though. With only two writers and 52 weeks in a year, it's darn-near impossible for either of us to be gone for a week unless we're burning PTO.

Jeffery from Monticello, WI

Hi guys, I get it, don't touch the QB but why punish hustle when a player bull rushes his guy into the QB? Maybe the O-lineman should get punished for not doing his job instead!

Because there are (pass-rushing) rules, Donny. It's like sparring. So, you set up a one-two combo perfectly but the point isn't to knock out your partner.

Brian from Oregon, WI

Can you confirm how Tyrod Taylor pronounces his name? On the game broadcast and "Unscripted," I'm hearing "TIE-rod," but I think I recall seeing an article a few years ago that he prefers "tuh-ROD."

I've heard from Taylor's own larynx that it is indeed "TIE-rod," reflected in the news conference when the Packers signed him.

Mark from Bettendorf, IA

Will you guys be checking out the ND vs. Wisconsin game in person? I'm coming up and can't wait!

I'll be enjoying my final Sunday off at home, but I'm sure it'll be a great event.

Jim from Pewaukee, WI

Wes, I'm pretty certain Mike is too modest to post this, so I'll toss it to you. Doggone, that man has nice hair, I am envious. Knowing that Mike's hair is spectacular, can you reveal if it is real?

Oh, it's real, all right. I've tugged.

Teresa from Las Vegas, NV

What does the Packers' training day look like?

King Kong ain't got nothin' on Nitschke.

Bob from Emmaus, PA

How strong is the sibling rivalry between the LaFleur brothers? Would they be fined if they had a brotherly spat?

Keeping my eyes on that 50 this Wednesday. In the meantime, enjoy your Tuesday.

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