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Inbox: That's what separates Romeo Doubs as a receiver

Momentum is the fuel that powers progress

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Margeaux from Tallahassee, FL

"Love set the table, it's finally time to eat!" Do I sense an II T-shirt that could be worn at dinner parties and so much more?

Your move, Packers Pro Shop. We cookin' and lookin' to serve the masses.

Evan from Durango, CO

I thought the PUP restriction was only four weeks now. I think with our depth at edge and with Rashan Gary being in line for a massive extension, it would behoove both parties to give it that extra month unless he's at 100%. We all want him on the field ASAP, but I'm more concerned with keeping him on the field as much as possible.

That's correct. Players can be activated after only four games now (sorry, I forgot myself there for a second). Either way, the Packers want the best, healthiest version of Gary on the football field. Once cleared, Gary will be back out there. That's the main thing.

Brian from Columbia, MO

I'd be curious as to whether you gents have an opinion as to which other NFL teams most closely align with Green Bay's historical philosophies (e.g. draft and develop) AND which might be comparable in their current team composition. I'm looking for a "control" team against which to measure the Packers' performance this year.

Pittsburgh. GM Kevin Colbert recently retired, but the Steelers' organizational philosophy reminds me the most of Green Bay in the post-Wolf era. Today, I still think that's the best comparison with the Steelers transitioning to Kenny Pickett under center.

Thomas from Madison, WI

Due to some inexperience at WR and TE, there is an overwhelming notion that the running game will be a large part of the Packers' offense this year. Typically, this time of year we're wondering which two or three RBs will make the team. Hypothetically, if we kept four RBs, which position group of the current roster do you think would take the hit?

Receiver. The last two times the Packers kept four running backs on their Week 1 roster they carried only five receivers (2020 and 2017). The other time the Packers went with four RBs was in 2012. Green Bay kept six receivers that year but just seven offensive linemen. With the new gameday roster rules, I don't think we'll ever see the Packers enter a season with only seven O-linemen again.

Rodney from Gladstone, OR

Why does everyone assume Romeo Doubs will be WR2? I know, I know. He was a fourth-round pick who showed a lot of promise. He has one year of experience in the system. I am a big fan of Doubs, but Jayden Reed is a second-round pick taken less than 20 picks after where Christian Watson was taken. Does he not have a chance to be WR2?

Of course, but I think Doubs' overall consistency is what makes him the frontrunner for WR2. Frankly, that's what separates him as a receiver. Doubs' chemistry with Jordan Love is also undeniable. Whatever happens, though, all three are going to play a lot for the Packers this season. Green Bay is counting on Doubs and Reed regardless of how they're labeled in fantasy football circles.

Andy from Wisconsin Rapids, WI

This time of year, we hear the mantras of "carry over from last season" and "every season is a new season" about various performances for the upcoming season. Is there any truth to either of these cliches? Or is it just coach-speak that depends on the perspective of last year's performance and this year's goals?

Oh, it's real. You've seen it with the likes of Jordy Nelson (2010-11), Kenny Clark (2017-18) and Rashan Gary (2020-21), young players who used a strong finish to a season to catapult themselves to a breakthrough year. Energy is real. Momentum is real. It's the fuel that powers progress.

Dwight from Brooklyn, NY

Is the kick return the only major rule change for this upcoming season?

Pretty much. The NFL also will automatically review all failed fourth-down conversions, similar to how they handle turnovers.

Steve from Phoenix, AZ

I was reading another rankings article: best starting combos across the league. I'm thinking that it's entirely possible that the end of year rankings may identify the Packers as having one of the best tackle pairs with either two fourth rounders or a fourth and an undrafted free agent.

The Packers have succeeded on the offensive line like few others since the turn of the century. Every year, teams are investing top 10 picks into their left tackle position. David Bakhtiari has had that spot locked down for Green Bay for a decade now. As far as left sides are concerned, I'd put him and Elgton Jenkins up against anyone. To your point, I do think whoever prevails at right tackle will be a stellar complement to Agent 69.

Aaron from Miami, FL

Morning fellas, I agree that the Ahman Green trade was Ron Wolf's best outside of Brett Favre. I have always wondered how much of an impact Green had in the longevity of Favre's career. Having Green in the backfield seemed to revitalize No. 4, and those were some fun seasons even if they ultimately fell short. It's impossible to say, but without him do you think that there is a chance the Ol' Gunslinger may have hung up the cleats earlier than he did?

That's a question for Favre, but Green undeniably made his quarterback's life easier. In addition to his productivity on the ground, Green also was one of Favre's top receiving targets from 2000-04, with 282 catches for 2,188 yards and 13 touchdowns. He moved the chains for this offense, especially during that transition from Antonio Freeman to Donald Driver as Favre's top receiving option.

Brian from Sugar Land, TX

Last year, the Chiefs were Super Bowl champions with a rookie running back who was the NFL's 25th leading rusher with 830 yards. The Chiefs played in three of the past four Super Bowls, winning two of them. The Packers' leading rusher averaged 1,028 yards each of those years. The Chiefs' averaged 672 yards. The last RB Super Bowl MVP was 1998. Since then, QB has won 16 times and WR five. It is apparent that RB is not the premier offensive cog it once was. And the market sets the price.

But NFL teams still need a running back. Kansas City just lucked out that Isiah Pacheco worked out in the seventh round after Clyde Edwards-Helaire didn't two years earlier.

Gary from Davenport, IA

I realize the Vikings were hoping to draft a speedy receiver with their first-round pick, but I don't think they had 140 mph in a 55-mph speed zone in mind. Do you know if speeding and reckless driving are topics that are discussed with incoming rookies? I think it should be a mandatory discussion along with gambling and maybe even what not to say on social media.

These are off-the-field topics the Packers and every NFL team go over each offseason with their players and employees. But ultimately, we all make our own decisions and it's up to the individual to act in a responsible manner. This is totally unacceptable from Jordan Addison, especially after everything that happened with Henry Ruggs two years ago.

Bryan from Madison, WI

"The memories make us rich" is one life lesson that II has helped me incorporate into my everyday life. As odd as that may sound, it's true. What life lessons or insights have you gained from covering the Packers for a career?

Be where your feet are. Because time is moving faster than you could ever process.

Johnny from Salt Lake City, UT

Wes, if you could be on the sideline, standing next to the head coach, for any moment or game in Packers history, which moment(s) or game(s) would you choose? Let's exclude the obvious answer (The Ice Bowl).

The 2015 Hail Mary in Detroit and the 2013 finale in Chicago were the first two games to come to mind.

Neil from Tunbridge Wells, United Kingdom

Wes, what in your opinion is the worst ever NFL jersey? Past or present accepted in the answer.

The Denver Broncos' yellow-and-brown throwbacks were atrocious. The lime-green Seahawks jerseys are a close second.

Mike from Baraboo, WI

Are you looking forward to the scrimmage on Family Night or the fireworks at the conclusion? Which event will be more entertaining and memorable?

Believe it or not, I've covered 12 Family Night practices and never once seen a firework. I'm always working. My favorite Family Night was two years ago, though. I just happened to be down on the field during the steady downpour during the final two-minute periods. Rob Demovsky, Matt Schneidman, and I were completely drenched during the post-practice news conference. Those are the memories that make you chuckle.

John from McHenry, IL

Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday! I cannot wait for the start of training camp. I'll see all of you there and hope to meet some fellow Inbox contributors.

As a McHenryian (or is it McHenryianite?), tell me you made it to at least one Packers practice when Robert Tonyan was on the roster.

David from San Antonio, TX

So why not let the Rock make some guest appearances answering Inbox questions? Could be entertaining. Of course, someone would have to do his typing because, well, you know.

As strange as this may sound, there isn't a long line of Packers employees begging to write this column.

Julian from Gastonia, NC

Please do me a favor when the Packers are in camp. If one of the players happens to vomit during practice, please do not consider it newsworthy. Thank you for your consideration.

Deal. I did one story on a vomiting receiver (Allen Lazard) and that was enough for a lifetime.

Lee from Citrus Heights, CA

Maybe I am clickbait or a talking post, but I see the Packers at 12-5. Oh wait, we still have to play games. I like Caleb Jones; good chance for him to be on practice squad?

I think the Packers are hoping for a lot more than just that from the second-year tackle. Jones didn't play last season, but he was on the active roster for most of his rookie campaign. I think they want to see him take a big step this summer and solidify himself as a potential "next man up."

Jeffrey from Eveleth, MN

Since training camp is just around the corner, do you think it is possible that Caleb Jones borrows some little kid's bike?

That would be a sight to see. Over the years, I've seen a few larger linemen having to carry bikes or walk alongside their kid because they were just too big to ride. I always respect the kids who bring larger bicycles to accommodate the linemen. Corey Linsley and Dean Lowry both had long-time riders who planned accordingly.

Dar from Mansfield, TX

Wes, at the risk of sounding like Dear Abby or Ask Your Neighbor (Southeastern Wisconsinites over 45 will know), it's still the dead zone so I'd like to ask an off-topic question. How did you get Kevin, your Great Dane/wildebeest/border collie mix, to stop jumping up on people? Nickel's younger brother is a 7-month-old sheepadoodle already over 70 pounds, and we need to curb his puppy enthusiasm before anyone else gets obliterated. I'm afraid he's going to start doing the Gravedigger sack dance.

We just tried to reward good behavior (telling Kev to sit when new people entered the house and giving him treats) for not jumping rather than chastising him when he did. He never lunged at people, though. He was a stationary jumper and luckily only on adults. Once he got a little older, Kevin stopped doing it. Best of luck!

Drew from Dubuque, IA

Weston, have you watched "Quarterback" on Netflix? I started watching it the other day. I noticed myself thinking of Kirk Cousins differently – I started viewing him as a human being, and a decent one at that. So, I turned it off immediately.

OK, I laughed. But no, I have not watched it yet. Is it worthwhile?

Ethan from La Crosse, WI

"Love didn't sit. He learned." How do you know it's the dead zone? When we're arguing semantics. No one in their right minds believe Love 'just sat' for three years. It's the same as if we're arguing if it's a rebuild, reset, retool, recalibrate, restart. etc. It's none of those. It's just preparing for the next season. But it makes fans feel better if the semantics match their emotions, even if the reality behind the words doesn't change. Can we just have the season start already? Happy Friday.

*I hear ya. The good news is we're another day closer to camp. Enjoy the last weekend before the Packers retake the practice field. I know I will. *

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