Barry from Valparaiso, IN
Actually, I believe Berwanger was a latex salesman for Vandelay Industries.
I needed that to start my week.
Dylan from Cary, NC
Did the NFL get rid of Week 4 byes after adding the 17th game?
Good question. We'll find out Wednesday how the bye weeks are dispersed with the extra game on the schedule.
Dave from Lake Zurich, IL
Regarding the Packers and primetime games, if the NFL doesn't like the matchup can't a different game be flexed into the primetime spot?
Yes, the league has limited flex options from Weeks 5 to 10, and then it's more wide open from Week 11 on. I guess we'll see if the league and networks hedge on the Packers by scheduling more of their primetime games for late in the year.
Doug from Neenah, WI
Good morning. All 17 players from the Packers' 2019 and 2020 draft classes are still with the team, either on the main roster, practice squad or injured reserve list. What are the chances this year's draftees (and hopefully an undrafted free agent or two) make it? Seems to be getting crowded in the interior O-line meeting room. Thanks.
Routine attrition in this league says not all 17 players you referenced will still be around throughout 2021. That's not a concern for the front office, frankly, right now. A lot can happen between now and decision time. In the end, they'd rather have to cut good players and hope they're available (and willing) to come back to the practice squad than have all the decisions be really easy with minimal consternation.
Tom from Palatine, IL
I haven't heard a lot about Josiah Deguara and his recovery. I was very much looking forward to what LaFleur may be able to scheme for him as he was described as a bit of a Swiss army knife. If he comes back healthy and Amari Rodgers opens up at the slot position and Davante Adams, Aaron Jones, Robert Tonyan, and Marquez Valdes-Scantling do what they did last year, will there be enough footballs for everyone? It sure sounds like a good problem to have, doesn't it?
That's another one nobody is concerned about in May, trust me. As above, it beats the pants off the alternative.
David from Janesville, WI
Insiders, I know there is to be no math in the inbox, but I believe we will have more NFL quality offensive linemen than we have reasonable roster spots for. I know GB loves versatility, what other traits do you think will separate a bunch of promising players? Offensive line seems like a need for so many teams that quality players we may need to cut will have a decent chance of being snapped up before the Packers can lure them to the practice squad. Good problem to have to be sure.
You guys are catching on to how this works. As for the offensive line specifically, I would expect the preseason games to be major factors in the battle for roster spots. We're a long way from projecting various players' chances.
Josh from Melbourne, Australia
Where does the forgotten man Devin Funchess sit in the pecking order? What's expected of him this season?
He's expected to compete for a roster spot. Where it goes from there, it's wait and see.
Dan from Kenosha, WI
Insiders, Anderson Cooper just crushing his "Jeopardy!" stint could not come at a better time! I also would like to say that this draft class has me more excited than any in recent memory. There are multiple immediate contributors in here. Which draft class most intrigued you in the 2000s (excluding 2005)?
At the time the picks were made, I'd probably say 2008. Two QBs were chosen as Aaron Rodgers was taking the reins (Brian Brohm, Matt Flynn), two early picks were used on promising offensive weapons (Jordy Nelson, Jermichael Finley, plus a late-round flyer on another receiver, Brett Swain), two really big guys were added up front in the middle rounds (Josh Sitton, Breno Giacomini), and the two defensive prospects (Pat Lee, Jeremy Thompson) would have some time to develop. Like any draft, not every pick worked out as planned or hoped, but I remember thinking at the time that was a whale of a draft for not even selecting anyone in the first round.
Ron from Bellaire, MI
Could you please explain the ramifications on the cap of a player being cut/traded pre and post June 1?
Before June 1, any prorated signing bonus of said player that has not yet counted against the salary cap accelerates and all counts that year. After June 1, the team has more flexibility to spread out the cap hits of "uncounted" bonus money over multiple years.
Dennis from Parrish, FL
Certain players in the NBA may change things, but in 100-plus years NO ONE has had as different a skill set as Barry Sanders and Lawrence Taylor. NOBODY!
I tend to agree, but why do you sound so angry about it? Just kidding. I feel privileged to have seen Sanders play live, and I regret not being able to say the same about Taylor.
Derek from Eau Claire, WI
I did a little research. Clarke Hinkle had 1,171 carries without fumbling and Bob Monnett carried 510 times without a fumble. Jamal Williams is third on that list in Packers history.
There we go.
Ryan from Appleton, WI
Has there been any announcement about whether or not fans will be allowed to attend minicamp or OTAs?
Nothing yet. As soon as there's an announcement on that front, it'll be on our website pronto.
Joe from Rhinelander, WI
Mike, the question that was asked a lot last fall was, "Did the Jordan Love draft pick light a fire under Aaron Rodgers?" The answer back then on this and other media outlets was usually, "No, Aaron is a professional and it is the second year in the LaFleur system." After what has transpired this offseason, would you answer that question any differently?
I believe when asked that question I said it would be only natural if it did have some effect, but we'll probably never know to what extent, and I wouldn't try to get inside Rodgers' head. I think that answer still holds.
Julian from Gastonia, NC
If the reigning MVP returns to run the Packers' offense, I'm already ready for the media jumping on every little drop-off they may sense in Rodgers' game. They of course will ignore the enormous challenges faced in the Packers' schedule, which include road games at the Ravens, Chiefs and Browns, etc. I suppose that goes with the territory, but understanding it's not always who you play but when you play them. Go Packers.
Rodgers already has dealt with that for years. So has Brady. So did Brees, Rivers, Manning, you name 'em. Tale as old as time.
Thomas from Evansville, IN
Let's try a question besides about Rodgers and if he'll be on the team, I'm sure you've had enough of those. Do you think Justin Fields will help turn around "Da Bears" or are the Vikings more of a threat to us right now?
We don't know yet if Fields is going to start at QB for the Bears this season. He might, he might not. If he does, it's still a big ask of a rookie QB to lift his team to prominence right away. I'm not saying it won't happen, but the odds are against it.
Gary from Davenport, IA
I thought the Justin Fields pick was good for the Bears, but then a co-worker challenged me to name an Ohio State alumnus who turned out to be a good NFL quarterback. I couldn't think of any. Am I missing someone?
The list is underwhelming, to say the least. I don't think it's fair to put that on Fields, though. Notre Dame produced Joe Montana and Joe Theismann. It also produced Rick Mirer and Jimmy Clausen. Quarterback is such a singular position. It can't be viewed the same as Wisconsin churning out offensive linemen or LSU with its defensive backs.
Gary from Sheboygan, WI
Good morning Insiders, do the Packers have someone or multiple people whose main job is to keep track of the news or sportswires? To keep track of who gets signed, cut, injured, as it happens around the league? And if so, who?
The league has an official transaction wire that is transmitted to all teams at 3 p.m. CT each day. Plenty of people in the building have access to that wire the instant it's available.
Matt from London, UK
It was interesting to hear Royce Newman say he started out as a wide receiver and then tight end before becoming a lineman. With that kind of pass-catching ability, I'm sure a creative coach like Matt LaFleur is already entertaining the idea of having Newman report as an eligible receiver in certain situations if he's on the field when the Packers are near the end zone. Who was the last Packers lineman to catch a TD?
I may have missed one as I went back and quickly researched, but I think that distinction belongs to Blake Moore in 1985. The College of Wooster alum caught a TD pass in '84 as well. Maybe it was something Forrest Gregg always wanted to do, so he was fond of the tackle-eligible play as a coach. That would be one for Cliff.
Dan from Leland, NC
As disconcerting as the Aaron Rodgers situation is, I just can't get worked up about it – especially after the challenges and drama we had outside football in the last year. Much of what we read and hear is speculation by media personalities who don't know significantly more than we do. I've been a Packer fan for about 60 years, and that won't change based on the way this ends. I don't think this makes me enlightened; I just don't need more anxiety in my life. Namaste, Insiders.
Namaste.
Chuck from Sun Prairie, WI
Good morning, Mike. Did the bases-loaded, two-outs, dropped-third-strike situation happen to you as a coach or as a player?
As a coach, though not exactly as outlined. Let's just say what transpired made me more diligent to always make sure my catcher knew whenever all she had to do was pick up the ball and step on the plate.
Mark from Bushland, TX
Does liquor ever go bad? Not in my house.
Amen, brother. Happy Monday.
