Dustin from Kansas City, MO

What has you fired up the most about this week's matchup with the Lions? Other than the fact that football is finally back.

It doesn't get much bigger than this in the NFC North these days. In the Dan Campbell era, the Lions have gone from a relative pushover to perhaps the Packers' fiercest rival. As Matt LaFleur said, Detroit has been the standard for the past two NFL seasons. If Green Bay wants to make a statement, there's no better way to do so than by turning back the Lions in front of 78,000 at Lambeau.

Craig from Brookfield, WI

Detroit has to be the favorite, going in. Chicago is improving (at least on paper). Minnesota has a question mark at QB. The Packers once again can legitimately think "this could be the year." How do you see the division? The rivals must hate the Micah Parsons acquisition! Oderint dum metuant, I say.

I've said it all offseason – the Packers have the highest ceiling of the four NFC North squads. But again this division belongs to Detroit right now. The Lions have earned that right. But as a wise man once said…to be the man, you gotta beat the man. Green Bay has its first shot this Sunday.

Jim from Tempe, AZ
Wes mentioned something on “Unscripted” I was going to bring up about Micah Parsons, which was he wore the green dot helmet as a rookie. So, I think it's fair to think he will get up to speed learning the defense very quickly. Also, a lot of talk about where to play him. As a rookie, Parsons played off the line and had 13 sacks. He's not 270-plus pounds like Rashan Gary and Lukas Van Ness. He's 250 and can run a 4.39. Parsons stated in his presser he prefers not to be in one spot on the line. Let him pick his lane and use his athleticism.

Let the man cook. That's it. And I'm sure Jeff Hafley will.

Matthew from Marion, IL

Where does Micah Parsons rank in sacks and QB pressures in his first four years compared to some of the Packers greats?

Better than all of 'em since sacks became an official statistic in 1982 and analytic sites started tracking pressures. Only Reggie White (with Philly) has more sacks in his first four years than Parsons, but he was already 24 years old when he broke into the NFL in 1985 after two seasons in the USFL. Parsons will play the entirety of his fifth NFL season at 26.

Doug from Salem, OR

There has been a lot of talk about Parsons taking an injection to play Sunday. Feeling pain is the body's way to protect us from doing further damage. It seems to me this is a risk for additional injury for Parsons. And then to turn around and play Thursday is quite concerning. What is your take on this?

The Packers have said since Day 1 they'll be smart with Parsons. I'd take comfort in that given how careful Green Bay's track record is with players. Parsons will only be out there if he's ready and physically capable of being out there.

Don from Mauston, WI

With the addition of Micah P. will this help or hurt Lukas Van Ness' development?

I think it 100% helps Van Ness and all the edge rushers. Not only do they get to work with one of the league's premier pass rushers daily, but Parsons also will make their lives easier on Sundays. Speaking with guys in the locker room the past few days, this defense is hungry and ready to eat.

Chris from West Allis, WI

Did I understand from Gute's press conference that he personally called Kenny Clark to inform him of the trade? If so, what a class move.

Correct. I'm sure it's common practice for Gutekunst anytime a key player is traded or released, but obviously Clark was a big part of what the Packers built over the past decade. It's only the right thing to do.

Kirsten from Madison, WI

I'm hoping you'll allow one more Parsons trade question, because there's an aspect I haven't seen addressed: I don't get Dallas trading Parsons, and I do get the Packers going for him. But why wasn't there a feeding frenzy? It seems like we struck a deal before anyone knew there was one to be had. If there was a lot of wheeling and dealing with other teams, I'd think it would have leaked. But literally everyone seemed shocked.

We were getting into the 11th hour here and I think it behooved both sides to get a deal done ASAP. The Packers admittedly struck early and offered a package that evidently satisfied Dallas. From there, the Packers worked quickly to get the extension done with Parsons and here we are today.

Ricky from Alexandria, VA

Hi Insiders! Maybe this is a stretch, but I see some parallels to 2016 when the Packers unceremoniously cut Josh Sitton, and a little-known player named Lane Taylor took over the starting job. Replacing the legendary Kenny Clark won't be easy, but the camp reports on Colby Wooden were solid, Karl Brooks has already shown a pass-rush penchant, and then the two rookies from Georgia have to factor into the rotation as well. How do you see the DT2 rotation playing out in the opener?

It's tough losing a leader like Clark on a personal level. Professionally, it's a massive opportunity for everyone in the room. Keep in mind, Wooden was a healthy scratch a couple times last year simply due to the D-line being Green Bay's healthiest position. Now, he's listed as a starter. I've mentioned a few times how the Packers committed themselves to develop the young guys behind Clark for a few years. Now, we get to see the growth chart.

Austin from Manassas, VA

I hope we set the tone and get an early turnover on downs. The Lions love to go for it on fourth down and we know they'll want to test our interior defensive line. If we don't stop it, we'll be playing in fourth down all game long.

Historically, the two times the Packers have beaten Campbell's Lions they've used their over-aggression against them. I think that first fourth down will be critical because it's a chance to let some doubt creep into Detroit's mind.

Caleb from Knoxville, TN

Are the Lions dealing with any significant injuries at present?

Detroit lost a couple cornerstones during training camp but is relatively healthy now. Linebacker Trevor Nowaske and running back Sione Vaki were the only DNPs Wednesday.

Luke from Dubuque, IA

This season now has a renewed sense of excitement thanks to the Micah trade. In your time covering the Packers, which season were you most excited for going in due to overall expectation or anticipation?

It's still the 2023 season for me because of all the unknowns and just my personal excitement to cover a first-year starting quarterback. But this year is close…and very, very interesting.

David from Janesville, WI

Gents, if this offense can control the line of scrimmage and produce long, time-consuming touchdown drives early in the game, then the run defense so many seem concerned about may only need a couple of early stops. The sheer size of the O-linemen isn't an accident. Get ahead, eat the clock, force the opponent to go to the air and turn the dogs loose on their QB.

Just score points however you get them. I think everyone agrees the more points the Packers put on the board, the more it will allow Parsons and the pass rush to pin their ears back and do what they do best.

Pat from Redgranite, WI

In response to Chris in Tustin, methinks you've scrambled your Goldens…while Tate was a great receiver as well, ours is Matthew…and he's going to be every bit as golden in our offense! That said, would you agree, Wes, that the Packers' O could be as close to a 50/50 blend of run to pass this year (barring injuries of course) as we've seen in years? I get the feeling that this team is poised to surprise some, even with the brutal schedule. Thanks for all you and Mike do! GPG!

It depends on matchups, but last year left me wanting more of Josh Jacobs. Not in terms of pure touches but just seeing what he can accomplish with a year in the system and an offensive line maybe built more towards his running style. If Jacobs produces, that's only going to help open up the downfield pass game for Jordan Love, Matthew Golden and eventually Christian Watson.

Mark from Westminster, CO

I liked looking through the team photos, one gets a real sense at how big these players are. For some reason, I just look at Chris Brooks and think, yea…I don't want to be run over by him or get blocked by him. I wonder what opposing players think.

Brooks reminds me so much of Jamaal Williams as a tall and lean running back who does all the little things right. While Brooks isn't a 230-pound power back, he'll still drop his pads and lower the boom on defenders, too.

Ray from Clark, NJ

Micah Parsons wore No. 11 at Penn St. and for four years in Dallas. Was there any consideration to ask Jayden Reed for '11'? Reed may have been receptive to switching to No. 1, which he wore at Michigan State.

Reed told Bill Huber on Monday he was open to giving Parsons '11,' but the unsold inventory of No. 11 Reed jerseys would have to be bought out. That was the holdup there. As Reed also said, "It's a number, man. You make the number; you don't let the number make you."

Tyler from Cross Plains, WI

So, with Golden changing from No. 22 to '0,' does he have to purchase all No. 22 jerseys that have been printed?

It's my understanding jersey numbers for rookies lock in once the regular season begins.

Ray from Phoenix, AZ

If Elgton Jenkins cannot go, what will O-line starters look like?

Based on training camp, I assume Sean Rhyan slides to center and Jordan Morgan plays right guard.

Al from Green Bay, WI

Wes, yesterday Spoff named Edgerrin Cooper as his player to watch besides Parsons and Golden in the opener. Any additional guys you are especially interested in watching?

Tucker Kraft.

Glenn from Newark, DE

It seems that all the national media is making a big deal about the Packers not having a No. 1 receiver yet having multiple options should create more issues for defenses. I don't see much talk about our TE position and the dual threat of Kraft and Luke Musgrave. Do you see one or both having a significant season with the WRs being the primary focus of the opposing defense?

I do. Making an impact is more than just box scores, especially at tight end. I consider Mark Andrews one of the best of his era and he's only had one 1,000-yard season and two 10-TD campaigns.

Robert from Chippewa Falls, WI

Mike, excellent article on Xavier McKinney and Josh Jacobs!

Co-sign. Be sure to check it out if you haven't already.

Dale from Prescott, WI

Now that the season has started and the bologna is over, how often can the players practice in pads from here on?

The Packers are limited to 14 padded practices, with 11 in the first 11 weeks. Matt LaFleur told reporters the team will practice in pads on Wednesdays when they didn't have a game the previous Sunday. On those occasions, they'll practice in pads on Thursdays. Obviously, Green Bay won't practice in pads next week with the Thursday turnaround.

Deryk from Aston, PA

Have the Packers ever drafted anyone from NMSU?

How soon they forget…the Davon House, fourth round in the 2011 NFL Draft.

Patrick from Forest Lake, MN

Wes, I'm smoking some chicken wings for the game Sunday. Do I leave it as a dry rub or dabble in the sauces?

Yes.

Paula from Apple Valley, MN

This may be too somber to include in II, but the obituary for Fletcher Merkel, the 8-year-old boy killed in the Annunciation shooting in Minnesota, was published today. It includes the following: "He was looking forward to going to his first Packers game at Lambeau Field this fall, with dreams of being an NFL player one day himself." Rest in peace Fletcher and may the Packers honor you with a W in whatever game that was to be.

I broke down reading Fletcher's obituary. Another kiddo with his entire life ahead of him lost to senseless violence. May God rest his soul. My heart aches for his parents. I cannot imagine the pain they must be feeling.

Rick from Woodstock, GA

Recently saw the new Tostitos commercial with LeRoy Butler's "Lambeau Leap" creating a tradition and closing with Go Pack Go in the commercial. Refreshing to hear Green Bay referenced in a national spot! Having cataract surgery tomorrow, so I hope the vision is clear enough to watch the game on Sunday!

All the best to you, Rick.

Steve from Middletown, KY

Good day II. Listening to the podcast, Wes said he considers KC a friend. I think that's awesome that you can develop those relationships with the players. Did you call him or send him a text after the trade was announced? Is that something you have done with other players?

I traded texts with Kenny last Friday. We're gonna try to meet up before the Cowboys game next month.

Mick from United Kingdom

After months of drafts, trades, coaching changes, predictions, rehab, contracts, drills and reps – what do we get to do this week? We get to play football.

And I am more than ready to get this show on the Lambeau.

Eric from Ankeny, IA

Baloney season is over! The NFL buffet opens today, and it's time to start the feast. Go Pack Go.

Meaningful NFL football is back…and hopefully a couple KC Bout Them Sacks, too. One way or another, it's all football from here on out.

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