Inbox: That standard is part of the Packers' identity

Dan from Hayward, WI

Hey Wes, Beloit has an airport…Runway 07-25, 3,300 feet and paved.

Update: Rockford has an airport (that I've flown through).

Rick from Trempealeau, WI

I know the dual speed threats of Christian Watson and Matthew Golden will be tough to defend, but I harken back to the Aaron Rodgers era with five wide as a big part of the game plan. Put Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs and one of the other capable youngsters on the field at the same time and make the defense sweat. How would you cover them all?

That's where it's fun to have Tucker Kraft and Luke Musgrave, too. You can use a spread alignment but still have the tight end component because of Kraft's and Musgrave's athleticism and ability to split out. Jermichael Finley was highly effective in those packages in the early 2010s. The big picture here is everything is on the table for this offense.

Christopher from Stratford Upon Avon, UK

There's been some banter about our OL recently, mainly about the ability to pluck diamonds from among the mediocre and then develop. My point is that, once recognizing the initial potential is there, surely the biggest factor from then on...is the quality of coaching? Have we just had great OL coaches over recent years? I've believed for a while that coaches are the most important ingredient to a player's development.

The Packers have had excellent offensive line coaches over the past 25 years, beginning with the late Larry Beightol. In a way, it feels like that standard is part of the Packers' identity. After Joe Philbin was promoted to offensive coordinator in 2007, James Campen coached the position for more than a decade during one of the longest runs for an assistant in team history. Matt LaFleur has since kept that tradition alive with Adam Stenavich and Luke Butkus.

Rod from Chugiak, AK

My II topic awhile back about probability of Kenny Clark's toe injury causing his 2024 falloff is now in the air on other Packers beat sites since Kenny has brought that it into the light. Some criticized him for lack of disclosure during the season, opining it's owed to the fans. What big invitation to opposition to target it! Plain to me, they're armchair QB types who've no experience trying to burst off injured toes.

Whether it's speed or power, everything in the trenches starts from the feet up and Clark was at a significant disadvantage all season. Clark isn't one to make excuses, but I'm glad he talked about it. He should. Context matters.

Barb from Marengo, IL

Wes, two questions for you…I'm surprised the Steelers were patient and frankly chose to pursue Aaron Rodgers. He has certainly not shown that's he's up to the challenge. Do you think a team would ever grab someone simply to boost ticket sales? And in order to help you stash some root beer, what's the most intriguing animal you have never written about?

I don't know…maybe a platypus? The Steelers don't need any help selling tickets. They have a diehard fanbase like Green Bay. What surprised me most is how many eggs Pittsburgh put in the Rodgers basket, though. The Steelers not only let Russell Wilson and Justin Fields walk but also didn't draft a quarterback until the sixth round (Ohio State's Will Howard). It was all or nothing with Rodgers and his desire to return for a 21st season, which was why Thursday felt more like a press release than breaking news.

Jeremy from Rendon, TX

Hey Wes, per Jennifer's challenge…do you think there will ever be an NFL game in Australia? They have really interesting animals as well. One particular animal is a mammal that lays eggs and is venomous but also has a duck bill…I just can't recall the name of this animal. Thanks for all you guys do, and you're welcome on winning the challenge.

I learned today platypuses were venomous. The Rams are set to play the first game in Austraila at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in 2026.

Stan from Pensacola, FL

I never had a doubt AR would play this year if for no other reason than to pass Brett Favre for career TDs since he only needs six to pass him for fourth place. I don't think he will move any higher up the list since he would need 37 to pass Peyton Manning. Ticket prices will soar for the AR return. Hopefully fans show their appreciation for what he gave to the Packers. Now is that the game you are looking forward to most? To me it's a toss-up between that game and the Eagles game after the tush push fiasco.

I'd be lying if I said this wasn't the game I'm looking forward to the most because it's historic. The Packers are the only team Rodgers hasn't played/beaten, and a Rodgers-Jordan Love matchup is a throwback to Rodgers' games against the Favre-led Vikings in 2009-10. The NFL is built on marquee matchups and unforgettable moments, and this matchup personifies that.

Jim from Prairie du Chien, WI

Good morning, all! With AR8 (that sounds quite weird) at Pittsburgh, how many Packers on the current roster were teammates with him? GPG!

Sixteen, though eight came via the 2022 NFL Draft. Only five veterans remain from the 2020 NFC title game.

Curtis from Moreno Valley, CA

So, Week 8 should be fun...

That whole week is stacked, beginning with J.J. McCarthy facing his former college coach on Thursday Night Football. To cap it all off, Jayden Daniels leads Washington into Arrowhead to face Patrick Mahomes for the first time on Monday Night Football.

Phil from Madison, WI

Why all the mental gymnastics around the kickoff rules? Let's see, if we move the touchback spot to the 35, that will disincentivize kicking to the end zone, therefore teams will intentionally kick short more often. Just move the freaking kicker back, and you'll get more returns! Seems like the real intent here is to get to the point where the offense can just start at the 50.

I'm officially taking Keisean Nixon's stance on the kickoff changes: "I don't really have a comment on that because it doesn't really matter."

Paul from Farnborough, UK

Dear Wes/Spoff, it might sound like a silly question but do all players have Super Bowl aspirations or do they just go where the salary is the highest and hope a ring might just come their way?

I can't speak to the personal motivations of every NFL player, but I was around Marcedes Lewis and Julius Peppers enough to see what winning a Super Bowl ring means to veterans. While the goal is to provide for you and your family, all these men are competitors. It doesn't matter how much you're getting paid if you're constantly losing. Guys want to win it all.

Theresa from Sylvania, OH

I noticed Brian Gutekunst on the sidelines in some recent OTA photos and was curious about how frequently he attends and if is there are certain times he is more likely to make an appearance? I find the role of the GM fascinating and love to see him watching the work "live."

Gutekunst is almost always there during the offseason, along with the Packers' top personnel executives. Most of the college and pro scouts are in town during the offseason, too, until their college and NFL commitments ramp up.

Derek from Lexington, KY

I know you've likely said this already, but I can't remember. Do you have access one day during mandatory minicamp?

The media is allowed to attend all three minicamp practices, so plenty of stories and videos coming your way on packers.com next week.

Allen from Mound, MN

Who do you expect to have a bigger impact on the Packers' success this season, Edgerrin Cooper or Matthew Golden?

Golden has a lot of long-term potential, but I think Cooper could be one of the best players on this team next season after what I consider the most encouraging rookie season from a Green Bay defender since Clay Matthews.

Dustin from Kansas City, MO

The Packers have had some great draft classes over the years. If you had to pick one single draft class as the most impactful in franchise history, which would it be and why?

The 1958 draft class slightly edges out 1956 in my book. The latter saw the Packers net two Hall of Famers in Bart Starr and Forrest Gregg. However, that '58 draft really set the foundation for the Lombardi era with three future Hall of Famers (Jim Taylor, Ray Nitschke and Jerry Kramer) and Dan Currie. The Packers also took Ken Gray, who became a seven-time All-Pro with the Cardinals.

Chili from Pacific Beach, CA

I don't know what all this talk is about stadiums and funding. I'm 68 and been a Packer fan my entire football life and been to three games. Candlestick, the Oakland Raiders and the 2018 Rams game at the LA Coliseum. Honestly, they were all miserable experiences. I much prefer watching from the comfort of my sofa with cheap drinks and food and a 20-foot walk to my bed. Maybe stadiums will be obsolete at some point. Although Lambeau is on my bucket list. That my change my mind.

If it's within your means, I'd put Green Bay on your bucket list. There's a lot of history at Candlestick and the Coliseum, but nothing compares to tradition and amenities of Lambeau Field. I'd say give it one more shake of the dice.

John from Rhinelander, WI

Hi Mike and Wes. Do you ever have writers for other professional sports teams contact you about how to organize and manage a column like Insider Inbox for their team? I hope we don't lose you until you retire!

I've had conversations with several writers from NFL teams and it always comes back to their surprise we receive enough submissions to do a daily Q&A. It can take some writers two weeks to get enough questions to fill a mailbag. We need a few hours. That says a lot about all of you (and Vic).

Dennis from Parrish, FL

It is collectively bargained that no contact at OTAs, yet some players wear a red non-contact jersey, and not just quarterbacks? Is that like some kind of double secret probation? Do they share a secret handshake?

You can still thud up in shells at jog-through pace. The red jerseys are just a simple reminder to defenders in 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 to keep your hands off the target.

JD from Madison, WI

A key to the Packers' success this year will be their performance in the NFC North. History tells us NFL games are wonderful in the trenches. Considering all the changes all four teams have made on both sides of the ball, what are your thoughts on how our lines will perform vs. our division rivals'? Who has the best of the lines?

The Packers. They're young and have the most returning players on both sides of the line.

David from Janesville, WI

Gents, if Rodgers is on a quest to play for teams who've retired the No. 12 for a QB, he's off to a good start. He's covered the Jets and Steelers, so I assume next season will be played for either the Dolphins (Griese) or Bills (Kelly). The Cowboys don't officially retire numbers, but they don't hand out Roger Staubach's number, so I guess they remain an option. Interestingly enough, the HOF records have Arnie Herber down as wearing No. 12, but he wore No. 38 in GB, and I didn't see a 12 in the NYG photos.

I get the NFL social media team had to put Rodgers in a number in its jersey swap photo, but No. 12 was an interesting choice given everything that's been in the media regarding the man for whom the number is retired (Terry Bradshaw). I thought it was fairly obvious Rodgers would keep wearing "8." Regarding Herber, players wore all sorts of numbers in the 1920s and '30s. The Packers' media guide reflects any number a player wore at least once in a game.

Ben from McFarland, WI

As to the Beloit Fairies...they were named after Beloit's largest employer at the time, Fairbanks Morse. Growing up there in the 1950s and '60s, Fairbanks was still very important economically. They had a whistle every morning to signal the shift change at 6:50 a.m., and as we lived about six blocks away that was our signal to get up and ready for school...so my mom didn't have to do that for us four kids. Today's trivial history lesson!

One of the coolest things about legacy/defunct sports teams is hearing the background of how they got their name. You learn something new every day.

Matt from Hawthorne, NJ

One guy with two things: 1) The Beloit Fairies is an elite team name. 2) When one of you writes "what's more" in a response, I read it in an extremely excited Billy Mays-esque voice. My brain is weird.

I stole that writing mechanic from Cliff. I'm sure he says it with equal enthusiasm as Mr. Mays once did.

Scott from Lincoln City, OR

Hey Wes, what's your view on fishing? Is it ever something you look forward to doing?

My grandfather was my fishing partner. I haven't touched a reel since he passed away in 2015. It's doubtful I will again.

Jennifer from Middleton, WI

"High-character writers." That was gold, CJ! Gold! In all seriousness, I wholeheartedly second everything said. And if I may say, you two add value in ways you don't even know. Example? I was getting ready for a job interview, and I was nervous. I put on an episode of "Unscripted." I had already listened to it, but your voices and easy conversation relaxed me, allowed me to take a deep breath, and then I felt ready. If I get the job, you guys will have helped. Regardless, thank you.

I'm glad we're good for something other than putting people to sleep…intentionally or unintentionally. You're the G.O.A.T., Jennifer.

Kevin from Hermansville, MI

Nuke Hod…has a ring to it!

Better than "Meat," I suppose. Have a good Monday.

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