Doug from Neenah, WI
Good morning, Wes. Like many other Inbox readers, over time I have figured out to get 100% of my Packers news from this website. There are plenty of sensational attention-grabbing headlines out there, but the content is mostly wild speculation. For instance, the headline for a recent article about which specialists would make the final 53 implied Mason Crosby would be released. Isn't this blatant kick-bait?
Not bad, Doug. Not bad at all. As much as I enjoyed Canton, I'm happy to be home. Good morning!
Dan from Algonquin, IL
Hi II friends, the starting QB is almost surely determined before the preseason begins, but the top of the depth chart for many other position groups aren't solidified until much later. Do some position groups naturally take longer than others to reveal who the starters will be in Week 1, or is it just based on which groups have the most competition for those spots?
It depends on the position and circumstances. I don't think anyone expected Corey Linsley to start out of the gate in 2014 but then JC Tretter went on injured reserve and the rest was pretty much history. In other years, it was obvious Eddie Lacy and Darnell Savage would start out of the gate.
Bill from Richmond Hill, GA
I'm no DC, but if I'm playing against the Packers in the early part of the season, I'm loading the box to stop the run, and making the relatively unproven WRs beat me. Only question is: How long do they stick with the plan when Allen Lazard makes a key block on a running play, or how many times will they get torched by a WR with little or no film before they have to keep the safeties deep?
The Packers admittedly ran 80% of their offense through Davante Adams last season. While Adams is gone, the element of surprise could be the offense's greatest strength this year. Defenses can do whatever they want but the Packers won't be beholden to one specific look or philosophy. They're going to mix it up. That's how they win.
Bill from Richmond Hill, GA
Jeffrey from Taylors, SC, has me questioning everything. It always seemed to me that the biggest reason that quarterbacks who start off great, then seem to fade, is that the salary cap prevents (most) teams from maintaining a sufficient level of talent around an elite QB. To me, this is the most remarkable thing about what the Packers and Patriots have been able to do for the last 20-plus years.
I think the QB thing is overblown, to be honest. Matthew Stafford was in the Super Bowl last year. Teams stay in contention due to their quarterbacks and the ability to build around those QBs in a fiscally responsible matter. You can't be investing valuable cap space into guys who don't perform. You have to make those dollars count, and the Packers and Patriots have.
Emily from Menasha, WI
Other than your seat in the press box, where would your first choice be to watch a game at Lambeau Field?
Next to Matt LaFleur.
Tony from Marquette, MI
Are we considering any trades for another wide receiver?
After everything the Packers' receivers have done over the past week, that's your question?
Lori from Brookfield, OH
Wes, Coach Matt LaFleur must have decided to take your advice and "give Love a chance." Was anyone surprised Jordan will start Friday night?
I would've been surprised if it was anyone other than Jordan Love, especially after he missed the game last year against the Jets. I expect to see a lot of Love in the preseason.
Derek from Eau Claire, WI
How much of the game do you see Love playing this week?
Into the fourth quarter.
Cindy from Mesa, AZ
Good morning! Going into Year 3, what do you think Jordan Love's greatest strength as a QB is at this point?
His temperament. Love doesn't get too high or low, which is needed to play the position at a high level. Again, Love has every intangible you want to see from a starting NFL quarterback. It's the consistency piece. So, that's what I'm looking for this preseason – three consistent outings.
Frogger from Marinette, WI
What will you be watching for in the game this week? Offensive line, receivers, edge rushers or Love?
It starts with Love and the receivers, but I also want to see Rich Bisaccia's special teams and the returners. The last two or three roster spots could come down to which young guys step up in that third phase in the preseason.
James from Appleton, WI
I expect Jon Runyan, Josh Myers and Royce Newman will start in a preseason game. Isn't it important, even if they've proven their ability, to have them in so coaches can see how various combinations work as a unit?
I would be surprised if the Packers sat any of the offensive linemen against San Francisco. I think even Yosh Nijman could use a series or two.
Cody from Round lake, IL
While the questions about our wide receivers are still there, they've seemingly calmed down a bit. I am surprised people aren't more worried about our line. Elgton Jenkins is on the mend no doubt, but from what I've read he'll most likely be on PUP to start the season. How's David looking/feeling? It doesn't matter if it's Adams or Toure as our No. 1 if Rodgers doesn't have time to get the pass off.
I appreciate how you managed to compliment the receivers while also finding a way to shift your self-imposed panic.
David from Janesville, WI
Insiders, one of the things I've been jealous of on other teams for years were those with excellent team speed on defense. It sounds like we may be getting there ourselves after years of makeover. Will exceptional team speed on defense be obvious in a preseason game even with vanilla calls? I'm really looking forward to seeing what they have under the hood this year.
The defense's sideline-to-sideline speed has vastly improved over the last 12 months, but I don't know how many of those players will be on the field Friday night. In my opinion, I don't think there's anyone in that starting nickel I want playing in the preseason, especially after Darnell Savage's injury. But the unit does come as advertised, particularly at middle linebacker. De'Vondre Campbell and Quay Walker can cover some ground.
Andrew from Burke, VA
Would a GM like Gute ever try to take a second pass at a free agent that he had interest in a few years ago? I don't think we need any more WRs right now, but I was surprised to see someone like Will Fuller still available after being such a hot commodity a couple years ago.
That literally was Campbell. The Packers were interested in him the two previous offseasons, but it didn't work out financially Also, I never want to hear Will Fuller's name again. You guys need to pick a new player to perseverate on.
Peter from Wellington, New Zealand
Can't say I've been more excited to see how this particular team and season play out. Is there something about this team? They seem super closer than previous teams.
The past few clubs have been very close, too, but this year's defense is the difference in my mind. The unit is not only good but also knows how much better it still can be. I think that swagger is going to show up on gamedays. Joe Barry's guys want to be tone-setters.
Kelly from Kaneohe, HI
Would you say that Romeo Doubs' speed is similar to the former No. 87? His 40 time doesn't jump off the page, yet through his college tape and limited reps we've seen, he seems to use his technique and route running to be able to consistently create separation much the way Jordy did. I know it's only August, but one can hope.
Put a pin in this question and I'll tell you at the end of the season. But that's not the former Packers receiver I would compare Doubs to so far (and don't start guessing because I'm not saying until Feb. 13, 2023).
John from Stevens Point, WI
College basketball coaching legend Dean Smith once said the best thing about freshmen is they become sophomores (paraphrasing). With that in mind, which 2021 draft picks (equivalent of college freshmen) do you expect to be key contributors in 2022-23?
Amari Rodgers. It's 110% Amari Rodgers.
Margeaux from Tallahassee, FL
On the edge has any one of Kingsley Enagbare, Tipa Galeai or Jonathan Garvin stood out and distanced themselves as a clear-cut No. 3 if Randy Ramsey isn't ready?
I'd put La'Darius Hamilton in that conversation, too. Hamilton split time between the active roster and practice squad last year for Green Bay. I thought he's had some nice rushes in camp. Maybe more than any other position, I think this answer may come in the preseason. That's how Jayrone Elliott, Reggie Gilbert and Andy Mulumba made the roster.
Arthur from Eau Claire, WI
Just a quick word on Coach Dick Vermeil. I lived in the Philadelphia area when Coach Vermeil was hired. He did an amazing job turning around a bad team and culture. He held some interesting press conferences. The thing I remember most was thinking, "This guy is gonna burn out fast." He lasted way longer than such an emotional coach should have, then to come back after 15 years and do it again. WOW! Much respect for Coach Vermeil and well done, sir!
There was so much to love about Vermeil's speech but easily the best part was the love he showed for his high school players, several of whom were in attendance. Vermeil joked about how he still calls them "his kids," even though most are now in their 70s. It's easy to be excited for your players when you're in Super Bowls but it's special watching an 85-year-old man taking time to appreciate where he started.
Jerry from Luck, WI
Any reason to pay attention to the negative national media attention being given to the offensive line before the first preseason game?
"We haven't even played a preseason game yet."
Jeff from Victorville, CA
Welcome back Wes! Did you get an opportunity to tour the HOF while there? I'm curious…if I submit a question (or comment) and after my name and city but before my question there is an advertisement, do I get a financial kickback at all for that? Maybe even a gift card for the Pro Shop? Heck, I'd even settle for tickets to a game of my choosing with a Spoff and Hod meet and greet!
I did. It was great. The coolest thing for me was walking the Pro Football Hall of Fame's bust gallery. Curly Lambeau's hit me the hardest because I pictured in my mind that photo of him proudly standing behind it at the inaugural enshrinement in 1963, two years before his passing. And no, there will be no financial kickbacks provided. We use that advertising revenue to pay Spoff's salary.
Paul from Ledgeview, WI
Wes, could you recap the HOF pedigree for LeRoy Butler, compared with other players at his position or from his era? Thanks!
LeRoy Butler redefined what it meant to play safety in the National Football League. The way Ray Rhodes and Fritz Shurmur utilized Butler changed the position's job description. He was the first DB to 20 interceptions and 20 sacks in a career, and also invented the Lambeau Leap. Again, the most basic metric I use to judge Hall of Famers is if they changed the game. Butler most certainly did, on the field and in the stands.
Kevin from Lake Milton, OH
What are the best opportunities for obtaining Packers autographs in-person?
If you're a kiddo, the bike corral is a solid bet. If you're an adult, support one of the local card shops.
Neil from Tunbridge Wells, UK
Probably been asked before but how much time and effort do you guys put in for us to enjoy the Inbox?
Too much.
Terry from Green Bay, WI
Good morning, II. Last week I submitted a couple of questions I didn't think would get published in II. So, my question now is: Do you only respond to submissions by posting them or do you occasionally respond back to the email of the submitter? Thanks.
I'll sometimes write back via email. It just depends on how busy I am.
Ryan from Kaukauna, WI
Can we try to have some perspective regarding the guys that have already been written off or are proclaimed the next Hall of Famer before the preseason has even started? The regular season will provide the best answers, so my question is regarding the regular season: Will Romeo Doubs go over or under 2,500 yards receiving in his rookie year?
No expectation means no limitation, right?
