Inbox: These guys are made outta the right stuff

Jack from Wauwatosa, WI

Hi Wes, it's very apparent that II is a community of its own because the general rapport between everyone is outstanding. I assume that Mike and you need to be in a certain state of mind to answer the questions. I am wondering if you do any warmup exercises before jumping into answers. Maybe a two-minute plank or 15 squats with 100 pounds or so? I think all would like to know your tricks of the trade.

I start with a fresh cup of coffee before sitting down to write Inbox. Some days I'd prefer something stronger, but it probably would be frowned upon inside my masking tape.

Darrel from Pueblo, CO

II, a lot of comments on JL10's ability to run if the opportunity presents itself. What is his 40 time, or do QB's not run the 40?

I've said this for years, but Jordan Love can run. He clocked a 4.74 in the 40 at the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, which was just a couple hundredths of a second off Aaron Rodgers' time. To this point in his career, Love has operated more from the pocket than his predecessors in Green Bay, but it seems like a point of emphasis this offseason for Love to use his feet more – both in his locker room comments and his play on the practice field.

Al from Green Bay, WI

Seeking permission to incorporate just a bit of math in order to frame my question. Each NFL team has a 90-man roster, of which 65 are "non-starters" (counting specialists as starters). 65 times 32 teams mean 2,080 non-starters playing in the preseason in 48 preseason games. How many bodies on Team Gutey are needed to make evaluations and observations of all these players across the preseason? It seems like a daunting task!

Not to sound trite, but this is their livelihood. It's not a hobby. Pro personnel scouts spend day and night surveying the NFL for prospects – even if it's just to build the rolodex for in-season tryouts or practice-squad spots. It's a sea of film and data to consume, but that is the gig. Strong NFL scouting departments like Green Bay utilize a lot of checks and balances to find as much talent as possible.

Klay from Great Falls, MT

Is Isaiah Simmons getting any time with the first-team defense yet? Thanks.

Yeah, he's been platooning in that third linebacker spot with Isaiah McDuffie depending on the situation. Simmons is right there on defense while also carving out a unique role on special teams. I can't wait to watch him play tonight.

Michael from Saint Louis, MO

While reading the article on Javon Bullard's versatility, I couldn't help but think of Isaiah Simmons and his desire to focus on one position instead of juggling multiple roles. How does a coach know when a player has too much on their plate? The Cardinals and Giants failed to recognize that Simmons needed a narrower role. How will the Packers handle Bullard differently?

It's undoubtedly a challenge for Bullard, but you're comparing too very different situations. There is a lot of synergy between playing strong safety and nickel cornerback, including technique concepts that translate to both positions. Simmons was a prodigal linebacker who was asked to be a hybrid in Arizona and a safety in New York. The guy is a linebacker in Green Bay, and if Simmons makes the team, he will do so as a linebacker.

Jennifer from Middleton, WI

A feisty Hod is an entertaining Hod. I enjoyed the discussion about the HOF's gerrymandering of the induction process on “Unscripted.” Spoff mentioned briefly the committee to put forth candidates might go another direction to try someone else since Mike Holmgren was turned down. Can you explain more about that? While I understand being leapfrogged by locks like Belichick, what incentive is there not to continue to argue for whomever is the most deserving vs try someone else?

The Blue-Ribbon Committee could make a statement and present Holmgren again for enshrinement, but usually these things are one-and-done. Here's my only request: When the Pro Football Hall of Fame changes its selection process again – and it will change its selection process again – don't forget about what happened here with Holmgren. He deserves to be in Canton. As I said on "Unscripted," the amount of disrespect the 1996 Packers team has been shown by the national media is deplorable. How soon everyone forgets the dire straits Green Bay and its football team were in prior to Bob Harlan, Ron Wolf and Mike Holmgren. Those men didn't just turn around a wayward franchise. They saved the soul of the NFL.

Adam from Greenville, SC

I just wanted to take a moment to note the death of Billy Howton. He was an underappreciated Packers legend who deserves to be on the short list of greatest Packers receivers ever. Rest in peace.

Howton was another one of those Packer greats from the forgotten 1950s. He had one of the finest rookie seasons in Packers history after catching 53 passes for a whopping 1,231 yards and 13 TDs in 1952. To finish with more than 8,000 receiving yards while playing in that era is remarkable. After his career, Howton also had a major impact as the Packers' player representative and as the first president of the NFLPA from 1958-61. My sympathies to the Howton family but also congratulations to Mr. Howton on a life well-lived.

Jerry from Fort Wayne, IN

This time of year truly puts the "special" in special teams. Besides our very capable kickers, who all seems to be standing out when kicking/punting/receiving? How much does doing something special in that aspect of preseason games count into making the final cut?

It's critical. I've spoken before on James Crawford making the team in 2018 based solely on his play on special teams. The Packers hadn't even made up their mind on whether he was an inside or outside linebacker at that point, but Crawford made himself undeniable with his performance in the preseason finale vs. Kansas City that year. Special teams likely will dictate who prevails in many of these position competitions. It's also something a guy like Bo Melton has in his back pocket as he transitions from receiver to corner.

Alex from Bozman, MT

The Packers now have a game called "Packers Predict." If you had to "predict" how many series that Jordan Love plays tonight, what would your prediction be?

Two.

Max from Annapolis, MD

I think Kitan Oladapo is having one of the quietest camps of any player on the roster (not a good or bad thing). Is there anything you can tell us about his progress or usage? With Xavier McKinney sitting out some practices, is Oladapo getting more reps? Can you tell if he is ahead or behind guys like Zayne Anderson and Omar Brown?

This may be a better question for Mike because he watches the 1-on-1 drills between pass-catchers and DBs, but it can be hard for safeties to garner much attention during training camp outside of interceptions. It's a position where you really need to see them in game action to get a feel for the type of player they are. Oladapo is doing fine. I'm sure he's gonna play a lot tonight with how banged-up Green Bay is at both safety and cornerback.

Doug from Neenah, WI

Good morning, Wes. The weather forecast for Saturday's game looks stormy. Would a soggy tundra change minds about who plays and for how long?

If the starters are going, I don't think rain would change anything. With its drainage system, Lambeau Field can funnel out a ton of water in a very short amount of time.

George from Edinburg, VA

Good morning! I haven't seen a question posted regarding coach's comment about NFL data showing playing in the preseason might reduce injuries at the start of the season. What are your thoughts?

I've not seen this data but have heard about it. It also would track given the old-school mindset of players callousing themselves for the rigors of the season. Naturally, the question becomes how much do you need to play/tackle/etc. for preseason action to have a tangible effect? Because I still mostly adhere to the Law of Jordy (circa 2015). You can't win the Super Bowl in August, but you sure can lose it. I don't envy NFL coaches having to make these critical decisions for their football team.

Rick from Flagstaff, AZ

Hey Wes, following up on Jeffrey's question about practice-squad players. Are you aware of any instances where a Packers player turned down signing with another team's 53-man roster to stay on the GB practice squad?

It happened a lot prior to the 2020 collective bargaining agreement because teams could bump a practice-squad player's salary to the base minimum to keep them from leaving. That's how Green Bay kept Tori Gurley and Diondre Borel in the fold back in 2011. The Packers also did it with Christian Ringo and Matt Rotheram in 2015. Practice-squad contracts now are slotted, though, with maximum compensation pre-determined based on your veteran status.

Jim from Eau Claire, WI

Good morning gentlemen. Thanks for keeping me entertained. Any updates on Collin Oliver's injury?

Nothing new on the Oliver front. We all know how tricky hamstrings can be, though. As arduous as training camp can be, it's barely been two weeks in reality. It all largely depends on when Oliver strained it in the first place.

Tootles from Shoreview, MN

Would you happen to know who the tallest wideout the Packers ever had that played on a regular basis? I see Savion Williams is 6-5.

The Packers list Williams at 6-4, which is the same height as Christian Watson. Michael Clark has to be in the conversation for tallest receiver the Packers have had on the 53-man roster. The former Marshall basketball player stood 6-foot-6.

John from Portland, OR

Mike, consider me a fellow old grouch who is very grateful that you are speaking up about online sports betting. Reputable studies have shown that the money is not coming from entertainment budgets but from savings (or debt), and even that domestic violence increases among those who bet on sports. The NFL and the networks that cover it have completely abandoned the greater good to line their pockets, and it is shameful. Thanks for your voice and for all your great coverage.

I guess that makes me a middle-aged grouch because I agree wholeheartedly with everything Mike said. That's really disappointing to hear about those studies. Whenever I see an ad for all these sports-gambling outfits, all I think is…"Man, that money's coming from somewhere."

Sharon from Lakewood Ranch, FL

Wesley (reaming as a mom and grandma), your "couldn't care less" retort to Chris from Lewis Center, OH, was disappointing to say the least! Not just how you responded, but the fact that it's not important to you that those of us who tune in to those videoed pressers hear the questions! Why videotape them for public consumption, as well as locker room interviews, when we have to try to decipher what the question was to understand the response being given? No malarkey, no more snarky! Go Pack Go!

Or you could, you know, read our stories? But I'm guessing there will be a new audio system in the new media auditorium and I'm sure you all will enjoy it.

Steve from Chippewa Falls, WI

I wouldn't sweat it if you don't get your walls, you can always pull a Les Nessman of WKRP. He had tape on the floor outlining his office walls and made people knock and open his imaginary door to talk to him. You have that going for you, which is nice.

Duly noted.

Robert from Verona, WI

We all love to hear about the individual successes (and challenges) players are experiencing during training camp, but I'm curious to know if there is a palpable difference in the "feeling" around camp? Does this team feel like something special is brewing?

I think these guys are made outta the right stuff (to borrow a Larry McCarrenism) and I can't wait to see them not only play tonight against the Jets but also practice next week against Indianapolis. Things have started shifting into another gear.

Tom from Nolanville, TX

Regarding the ban on smelling salts (ammonia inhalers): I believe the answer lies in the development of scratch-n-sniff photos of brats on a grill that the trainers could whip out of their back pockets.

Tom's playing chess in these streets, not checkers. Enjoy the game tonight everyone. It doesn't get any better than football at Lambeau Field.

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