Inbox: We all know the stakes in the NFC North

John from Stevens Point, WI

It's the beginning of a new Packers season. Lambeau Field and the practice fields are abuzz with excitement from the promise of a new season. Hope springs eternal. What are the keys to the Packers making the playoffs? Which veterans will need to take a step up for the Packers to reach their goals? Which rookies will surprise and turn into major contributors? Can't wait until the start of the season!

You know what's great? Starting this week, baloney is no longer on the menu. Come Wednesday, we trade in the narratives for on-field football.

Jennifer from Middleton, WI

In addition to the normal factors that tip the NFL teeter totter (injuries, bad calls, weather, etc.), all four NFC North teams have additional intrigue. Can the Lions maintain with two new coordinators? Will J.J. McCarthy be the guy? Will Ben Johnson bring his magic to the Bears? Will the Packers shake the mental errors (drops, bad interceptions, pre-snap penalties)? Can you think of a year where the division has been so hard to predict going to training camp? How fun! Here we go boys.

And so hard to predict for the right reasons. We all know the stakes in the NFC North. The division is uber competitive and it feels like every game will have consequence this year. In my eyes, all four teams have a legit shot at the NFC North crown depending on how McCarthy and Caleb Williams perform. While it might be easy to count out the Vikings amidst a huge change at QB, I also pegged Minnesota to finish fourth in the division in 2024.

Olin from River Falls, WI

If I'm not mistaken, the Packers have roughly $35 million in cap space which puts them around fifth in the NFL. This feels like a huge opportunity to me, and I keep hoping to hear about a big move from my beloved team every time an alert from the four-letter network pops up on my phone. It's getting harder and harder to not take the clickbait articles. I'm wondering if there is a real feeling that a move is coming, if so what and when, or if they are more likely to carry the cap space forward?

I seem to answer this question every year, including last summer when the offseason conversation centered on a Jordan Love extension. The Packers are stealth pilots when it comes to doing contracts and extensions. They don't negotiate in the media. They absolutely have space to make some big major moves and I'm sure they'll use it sooner than later. But when it happens, it will happen.

Paul from Ledgeview, WI

Wes, is there a darkhorse candidate to earn a roster spot or starting role for the 2025 Packers? What is the likelihood the starting LT is anyone other than Rasheed Walker? For me, I consider the positions along the OL unsettled at this point, understanding LG, C and RT have been heavily handicapped. Setting injury aside is there any chance Aaron Banks, Elgton Jenkins, and Zach Tom aren't among the top five?

There are two starting jobs up for grabs right now once everything gets worked out between the Packers and Jenkins. The rest could hinge on where Jordan Morgan is at in his development and what's his strongest position.

Thomas from Cedar Rapids, IA

Watching the "hot name" in preseason is fun but we know there are no guarantees. Trusting in that guy to make an impact or even make the team is like trusting in the guarantee fairy. Next thing you know there's change missing from your dresser and, well, you know the rest. We've seen it a hundred times.

Spoff hit his response out of the park. To add onto that response to Max, however, breakouts gotta start somewhere and August is where the Emanuel Wilsons and Brenton Cox Jr.s of the Packers universe receive their first big opportunity to show what they can do. Our coverage reflects that. I think the key for the casual fan is rejoicing when Green Bay finds hidden gems without placing Paul Hornung-size expectations on those players' shoulders.

Jason from Ammon, ID

Mike's response to Chip reminded me of several years ago watching a young phenom named Stephen Strasburg pitch for San Diego State against the Utah Utes. First six innings he didn't seem like anything special, then in the seventh he struck out the side and looked like a different human. The difference in velocity was audible. To this day I wonder if the early innings were him working on things and not going all out. We see what we see, but we don't know what was asked or being coached.

That's why we talk so often about development not being linear, right? Every athlete goes through an endless series of trial-and-error experiments to improve. Again, Mike raised a salient point with his one-on-one example. It's a drill any player, of any experience level, can get something out of. I remember talking to Preston Smith about how he used one-on-ones as a sandbox to experiment with new moves and techniques against the Packers' starting tackles.

Kenton from Rochester, MN

I've currently recovering from a sports injury and so have been reading up on all the latest science regarding exercise and recovery and have been blown away on how complex and exacting the process can be. My question is: Do the players understand all this themselves or do the conditioning coaches closely supervise all their off-field and weight room routines?

Every NFL player handles their preparation and recovery differently. For example, Marcedes Lewis had a very strict ice tub/sauna routine he adhered to that Rashan Gary later adopted. But the Packers' strength and conditioning coaches and training staff are there for a reason. They're the ultimate resource for these players, particularly when they're in the building during the NFL season. Players know their bodies best, but world-class support is always available.

Dustin from Kansas City, MO

Which Packers rookie are you most excited to see during training camp, and what would you consider a successful camp for them?

I got a fever and the only thing that's gonna cure it is more Matthew Golden. His performance in OTAs was the grocery store sample causing me to buy every box on the shelf.

Jeff from Indian Lake, NY

I kind of forgot during the dead zone that not only did we select Mr. Golden in Round 1, but there was another exciting receiver prospect taken in Round 3. An explosive playmaker with a body type that can't be coached, making him a potential force in the run game, too, as a blocker. Golden gets the hype and deservedly so, but my hot take is Savion Williams could very realistically have just as much if not more of an impact in Year 1. Should the Packers hire me as a scout? Time will tell.

If Golden is the rookie I'm most excited to watch, then Williams is a close second. On paper, there's little Williams can't do on the football field. I'm just curious to see where he majors in Matt LaFleur's offense.

Jerry from Fort Wayne, IN

Sports are "the gift that keeps on giving the whole year," and training camps are where potential stars are discovered based on individual performances. As a lifelong fan of both football and baseball, I realize outstanding solo play can make or break a player's status. However, as our Packers play the ultimate team sport, I've always wondered how and how much the qualities of being a great teammate are measured in camp, and how that differs between the diamond and the gridiron. Thoughts?

Great point. Training camp may be the greatest indicator of all in regards to determining a player's selflessness and commitment to the team. Every summer, three-fourths of an NFL roster is competing for either starting jobs or spots on the 53-man roster. You can learn a lot about the men on your roster by how they handle that. I look at a guy like Bo Melton, who fought hard to make the roster in 2023 but came up just short. Based on how Melton conducted himself, though, there wasn't a person on the roster who wasn't happy for him when he finally received his opportunity. He exemplified what it meant to be a team player.

Phillip from Wonder Lake, IL

Will the Packers have more than 10 wins in regular season?

Yes.

Kerry from Lakewood Ranch, FL

Is there any team in the league that has more riding on their first two games than the Packers?

Pound-for-pound, Detroit and Washington could be two most difficult opponents any team is set to face in Weeks 1-2. But it's still only two games at the end of the day. Win or lose, there's a lotta ballgame left as Aaron Nagler would say.

Doug from Neenah, WI

Good morning, Wes. Do you see any similarities between Packers HOF linebacker Clay Matthews and this year's new pass rushers Barryn Sorrell and Collin Oliver? Thanks.

That's pretty lofty as comparisons go, but Oliver is similar to Matthews in that he's a bit of a tweener who won at the college level with explosiveness, speed and finesse over pure power. Unfortunately, Oliver has been injured, and we haven't been able to see it yet, but I'll be watching him closely once he's back.

Vince from Mableton, GA

I just watched the "Invite Three to Dinner" episode of "Meet the Rookies." Just when you thought Barryn Sorrell could not possibly impress more with his down-to-earth character, he tops himself. What a response from this charismatic young man! We don't need a "hot name" to root for; this kid has already ingratiated himself to Packers Nation.

No spoilers, but Sorrell's response felt so genuine, too. Such a cool way to end the video.

Steve from Scranton, PA

Much has been written and said about Mark Murphy in recent months and his many contributions to the Packers organization, both on and off the field. As we approach the end of his overwhelmingly successful tenure, I can't help but think of what Bob Harlan said at the end of his. He described himself, not as president or CEO, but as a "steward" of the club. Godspeed, Murph…all the best to you and your family! And may Ed Policy continue the legacy of outstanding stewardship that preceded him.

It's kind of surreal this is Mark's last week on the job. The future is inevitable.

Mike from Woodbury, MN

Good morning gents, trying to squeeze another dead zone question in before camp starts. With the transition to Mr. Policy, what issues/challenges will he face in his first year at the helm of this team?

He's getting in at a good time. Not that there won't be obstacles and challenges straightaway, but the Packers organization Policy inherits from Murphy is on solid footing. So, I see Policy's challenges as more external. The Packers will forever be the smallest fish in the NFL ocean. If you need a reminder of that, read (or re-read) Cliff’s column on Murphy from two weeks ago. But Policy knows this league inside and out. He's his own man but still a continuation of Bob Harlan and Murphy in terms of character and how he's viewed across the NFL landscape.

Dwight from Brooklyn, NY

Over the years, Super Bowl-winner rings have gotten bigger and more elaborate. The latest example being that of the Eagles with pop-out wings. So, when the Packers win the fifth Super Bowl in franchise history, I'm picturing one where the cheesehead stands alone. (Yeah, yeah, I'll see myself out.)

By the time I retire, the Super Bowl ring is gonna look like a diamond-studded boxing glove.

Nathan from Williamstown, MA

I saw last week the Lions placed a player on the reserve/PUP list instead of the active/PUP list, guaranteeing he will miss the start of the regular season. I don't remember seeing this at the start of training camp before. What is the benefit to doing so? Does it open another 90-man roster spot now?

It was a procedural move, freeing a spot on the active (90-man) roster. Levi Onwuzurike tore his ACL and is out of the year, hence why the Lions placed him on reserve/PUP now.

Dean from Leavenworth, IN

Will you and Mike be attending the joint practice in Westfield, IN, on Aug. 14? Hope to see you there.

Good lord willing.

Robert from Verona, WI

Wes, how did your 5K run go? We made the trip so my son could run, and it was a great experience. He set a nice PR and really enjoyed the course, particularly getting an opportunity to run around the field. We'll definitely be back next year, and we encourage other Insiders to consider making the trip, as well. It was a well-run event and a fun atmosphere.

I'm glad to hear it, Robert. I managed to PR it, finishing in 25 minutes, 6 seconds. I assume your son was among the 340 men, women and children who finished ahead of me. Congratulations to everyone who participated.

Mark from Hudson, WI

To Colleen from Blair, NE – Just watch "Caddyshack" carefully, perhaps several times, and you will receive total consciousness of many, many of the references in II, then you'll have that going for you, which is nice ...

If Insider Inbox were a college class, binge-watching every Chevy Chase movie would be in the syllabus.

Jim from Hudsonville, MI

In some strange and twisted way, I might actually miss the offseason. Am I sick or what?

I already miss it and it's technically not over yet.

Jim from Westland, MI

Since the dead zone started, the most-used response in regards to projecting what players will do has been "Wait till the pads go on…" It's time.

That it is…almost.

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