Inbox: Training camp is that proving ground

Robert from Verona, WI

I'll root for anybody wearing a Packers uniform, but I find it easier and more enjoyable to root for players that conduct themselves professionally, both on and off the field. Maybe it's the parent in me, but I like being able to point out to my kids that players are more than just guys beating the crap out of each other on the field. Malik Willis is one of those guys I hope can capitalize on his current situation, because I'd like to see him rewarded for doing things right.

I'm with you. Willis sets a great example for how individuals – not just athletes – should carry themselves. It's also why I feel he and Jordan Love bonded so quickly. They're both high-character men who also can chuck the pigskin.

Steve from Cedar Falls, IA

Once training camp starts, it will become more obvious what part of the team needs shoring up. I would imagine that every team knows if another team is loaded at, say cornerback, and watching to see who is cut to scoop them up.

That's what the Packers did last year at kicker, right? Amidst the in-house battle between Anders Carlson or Greg Joseph, Green Bay was actively watching how the other kicking competitions were playing out across the league. But long-term answers could be on this roster, too. We don't know if another Tramon Williams, Sam Shields or Carrington Valentine lurks among Kalen King, Kamal Hadden, and Micah Robinson. Training camp is that proving ground.

Pat from Redgranite, WI

As a fan who remembers the electric receiving trio of James Lofton, John Jefferson and Paul Coffman from the 1980s, I'm getting the same vibes from the potential grouping of Christian Watson, Matthew Golden and Tucker Kraft…bolstered by the reports that Christian is ahead of schedule for a return to full health! Not taking anything away from the others in the stable of great receivers we're blessed with, but Golden's speed adds even more to my hopes for watching the league get smoked by our passing game. GPG!

Watson's videos are as encouraging as they are awe-inspiring, but this again is a process. In the short term, the Packers must plan to start the season without No. 9 and view anything else as extra credit. Quite literally, there is no ceiling on this offense if the Packers can get Watson and Golden on the field together this year, especially with Golden's short-area quickness with underneath routes.

James from Appleton, WI

Do you think part of the thinking behind Bo Melton taking snaps on defense is that a receiver who can be an emergency DB is one more reason to keep an extra WR on the roster?

Sure. He also wasn't taking snaps from anyone in the cornerback room, as King, Hadden and Robinson were all sidelined with injuries during minicamp. So, it was an opportunity for the Packers to get a little creative without bringing in a street free agent with no knowledge of the playbook whom they may not need six weeks from now.

John from Palmdale, CA

Greetings, dead-zone dwellers. Two points regarding Robb from Orlando's post. Sustained drives are equally tiring to both sides, but the rewards are greater for the offense. Time of possession is a big factor in who wins the game. I saw IILAGERS and thought Insider Inbox lagers. Big fan of craft beers when done right. This CA boy has deep WI roots.

Ha, you probably delivered a better answer to that question than the one I provided. But you're right. The rewards are far greater for the offense. I also can't wait for Spoff to release his line of "II-PAs."

Matthew from Madison, WI

Hi Insiders, I've noticed the other pro sports leagues (NBA, MLB, NHL) now feature corporate sponsor logos on their jerseys. How long before the NFL follows suit? I'd love to hear your thoughts. Personally, I've been burned out on advertising for years and hope this trend can be avoided.

I struggle with it, but we live in a capitalist society and sports leagues want to generate as much revenue as possible. I hope the NFL never goes in that direction, though. Modern uniforms are so clean.

Nathan from Fort Wayne, IN

Aww we hurt Caleb Willams' feelings. What a crybaby. What's your opinion of him saying we are the worst fans?

I'd be more concerned if Williams said Green Bay had the best fans.

Julie from Duluth, MN

I think Caleb Williams has gone too far. Are there any consequences for him?

See this is where the pro wrestling fan in me comes out. I don't mind verbal jabs. It builds emotion and adds to the meaningfulness of games, especially in the NFC North. Dirty play on the field is one thing, but the rest is fair game. I mean, who doesn't love a good rivalry? It's what made the NBA during the Jordan era so much fun.

Josh from Fort Myers, FL

Wes, the players draw us in. I was 11 and barely aware of football when the Pack traded for Favre, that started it. Like you, I was a Jordan kid and a big fan of Big Mac in the '90s. The first non-Packer I was ever a fan of was Mike Alstott, and that took my love of football beyond Lambeau. Last year, my son started watching Panthers hockey, and I got roped in by Sergei Bobrovsky and Matthew Tkachuk. Without the personalities on and off the field, or ice, there is nothing to be a fan of.

Exactly. Same genre, different series. Time is the most valuable commodity. Spoff and I owe you all a debt of gratitude for the time you invest in this column and packers.com. Consuming any form of content requires investment and you need to earn those eyeballs. If you don't hook the consumer and reel them in, you've lost the battle.

Hank from Centennial, CO

I spent almost 30 years at daily newspapers before a forceable transition to trade journalism. Given that you two are captive employees of the organization you report on, you are in a similar position. I've found adhering to the same principles of fairness, accuracy and truthfulness still yields the best results. As sports journalism continues to devolve into shouting matches, I admire how you two still take the high road. Thank you.

I could have worked in newspapers forever if it was a more stable business model, but I didn't want to take that risk. My parents allowed me to go K-12 in the same district (shout out Howard/Suamico) and I wanted to give my son that opportunity, as well, if I could swing it. At the same time, I approach this job no differently than my decade at the Press-Gazette. That's still my foundation when brainstorming and executing story ideas.

Jeff from Indian Lake, NY

Well, you started it, Weston. Let's see those journalism credentials, pics or it didn't happen! In all seriousness, it never ceases to amaze me the amount of vitriol you and Mike have to wade through in this space on a daily basis. I read Insider Inbox because I enjoy it, because it's informative, and because I trust your opinions to be informed, but just opinions. We're all entitled to them, just wish more would keep it to themselves. Thanks for all you do!

What was it that Carmen Policy once told his son Ed? "Well, thank God they care?" It's a free Q&A; proceed as you will.

Benjamin from Evergreen Park, IL

I enjoyed the rant about what sports journalism is now anyways. Do you guys ever wish the older model of ESPN would come back? It was much more about the players and who they were as people. It was also more fun and relaxed. Stuart Scott, Chris Berman, Dan Patrick, etc.

The worst thing about journalism in the modern day is ego and this notion of "dunking" on another person with your "take" on a topic that'll expire quicker than the 2% milk in your refrigerator. I miss the days when ESPN and other major outlets provided us with news we wanted through entertaining and fun-loving personalities. I feel like that's what made "Inside the NBA" so timeless. It was the perfect blend of information, discussion and personality.

Donald from Philadelphia, PA

Hey II, I know you guys don't need my validation, but I wanted to send a quick note on the "trusted journalism" nonsense. In my mind, this site in general and both of you in particular are the absolute epitome of trusted journalism. I know when I read something here, it's the truth. That's so meaningful in this day and age. If I ever do anything worth being written about, I hope my Packers fandom is enough of a connection that one of you guys writes the story. Thanks for all you do!

Thank you, Donald. I appreciate that.

Tom from Lisbon, WI

I was wondering if you could help me understand something. You speak often in this space about how the old, six-team-per-conference playoff format was preferable to the current system (I agree completely!). But you also mention how MLB's expanded playoff is a watering-down of things...even though they moved to the exact same format that the NFL used to have. Why is the MLB system a problem when the same system worked so well for the NFL? Thanks for all that you do!

Because MLB plays all those darn games. It used to mean something to make the playoffs, which made a 162-game regular season worth it. I remember jumping on the table in my family living room when the Brewers ended their 26-year postseason drought in 2008. Now, MLB has 12 teams in the playoffs and three-quarters are playing a best-of-three series to advance. To each their own, but that doesn't work for me…brother.

Tom from Southfield, MI

II, I'm responding to the comment from Bill from Clive, IA. If Zeke Bratkowski was better than Bart Starr, do you think for a minute Vince Lombardi wouldn't have started him? That said, I remember that if Zeke was in, I wasn't worried...he was good! But better than Bart? Na.

With all due respect to Mr. Bratkowski and his contributions, there was only one Bart Starr and the Packers were fortunate enough to have him as their QB1. My grandfather, God rest his soul, seared that into my brain.

Dennis from Parrish, FL

"King of the Backyard Brawlers!" Kimbo Slice! I had to look it up, and he was who I thought. He has been gone nine years. RIP Kimbo.

Not enough is written or said about the impact Slice had on the explosion of MMA into the mainstream in the late 2000s and early '10s. I get Kimbo wasn't a traditional martial artist, but his stuff went viral before going viral was cool. He opened the eyes of many to Elite XC, UFC and Strikeforce. That was 2008 and I've watched MMA ever since.

Kent from Homosassa, FL

What is the approximate commute time for each of you from home to the Packers complex? Same question to Austin-Straubel International? Does the airport have a designated parking area for those flying on the Packers charter? Thanks for your consideration.

In Green Bay, you're 15 minutes from everywhere. Except Austin Straubel. That takes only 10.

Jim from Hudsonville, MI

You're Ed Policy. You've been tasked to come up with a fourth "goal" above and beyond the previously mentioned three. What would it be?

To ensure Lambeau Field remains pro football's gold standard.

Jeff from Foothill Ranch, CA

Hi Mike and Wes, I have a dead zone question. Do either of you have a journalistic "one that got away"? Perhaps a story you wanted to write but something changed and you never got to? Or one that you had a great idea for and just could never make it happen?

Jaire.

Brian from Urbana, IL

Hey fellas, your response to Joshua from Milwaukee got me thinking about a quote from Stephen King, specifically some advice to new writers: "Life isn't a support system for art. It's the other way around." As a person who struggles with that himself, I think it's important to remember, and I think the quote works similarly for football, if you replace the word art for any game. Sorry, that was not a question. Just a dead-zone thought. Thanks!

It's true and reminds me of Ethan Hawke’s take on poetry in which he says, "In telling our story, in inviting you to say, 'Hey, listen to me and I'll listen to you.' We're starting a dialogue, and we start to witness each other's common humanity." Like art, sports are a talking point that can bridge the gap between individuals who may not have anything else in common. That's powerful stuff.

Al from Green Bay, WI

Thanks to Dan from Toledo for referencing the Johnsonville brat commercial shot at Lambeau Field. I oversaw the production of dozens of commercials in my marketing career, but from my time at Johnsonville, that was the ad that has withstood the test of time, and I'm thankful that it's somehow linked to Lambeau lore. (By the way, it was 90-plus degrees the day we shot that ad, so no – it wasn't a "cold November Sunday…")

Quality brand-and-marketing always stands the test of time (as you know all too well). I appreciate you providing a little background on one of the most memorable commercials to ever be associated with the Packers and Lambeau Field.

Vinny from Green Bay, WI

Wes, you very rarely disappoint, but your answer today did. When discussing the state of the Packers 33 1/2 years ago, you missed an opportunity to reference the Naked Gun movies. Specifically, 33 1/3. Not sure how many of the II would have caught that if you had.

Ugh, what a missed opportunity. That one is gonna stick in my craw for a while.

John from Stevens Point, WI

Do you II guys ever get a vacation? It seems like the NFL and Packers news cycle is never ending. I worry that you two might not be getting sufficient rest.

It comes with the territory. I am heading to Vegas for UFC 317 this week. I don't know if that qualifies as "getting sufficient rest," but I'm excited, nonetheless. Have a great Tuesday.

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