Matt from New York, NY
Spoff, the phrase "whether or not" is redundant. Just saying "whether" implicates the possiblity of something not happening: Whether Taysom Hill will get more snaps will depend on how the game goes, and whether Aaron Rodgers plays.
Don't make me angry, Matthew. You sooooooooooooo won't like me when I'm angry. For that, I'm also not helping you out on the correct spelling of possibility.
Ana from Brasilia, Brasil
There's a lot to be said about edge rushers, and how they can be difference-makers in today's game. But in a game in which we see increase in passing plays and restrictions to contact from defenders, that position is getting harder and harder to play, although it's still vital to a team's success. But we are also seeing the value of mobile quarterbacks – not necessarily runners, but QBs who are getting faster, stronger, and able to avoid tackles and throw on the run (Aaron Rodgers being the greatest of them all). My point is, if QBs are getting better and better at avoiding sacks, how important will an edge rusher be in a few years?
Pass rushers are vital. It's been that way since the game was invented. The evolution of the quarterback position puts more stress on rush techniques and concepts, but the objective remains the same: to generate pressure and negative plays. If anything, I think it stresses the need for proper fundamentals and technique. When you have a quarterback in your sights, you can't let him go.
Tim from Lancaster, PA
If the league/fans really want to make the game safer, wouldn't a return to bump-and-run coverage and tightening the field lead to fewer high-speed impacts? But then the casual viewer would be unhappy.
It starts with placing an emphasis on fundamentals and reiterating the importance of player safety. Tightening the field could help, but it gets trickier when you start talking about altering key facets of the game. I think trial-and-error is critical to finding answers. A good example of that is the changes the league has made on kickoffs.
Paul from Milwaukee, WI
I noticed after King got beat badly on that deep ball, he immediately made two really big tackles on the next two plays. Do you think he was playing angry or trying to make up for the blown coverage? It's interesting they kept throwing flat to that side of the field afterwards, like they were targeting King.
I was impressed with King's physicality. As fast and lengthy as he is in coverage, his willingness to step into tackles is what could make him a complete corner someday. Mentally, he has the game down. He just needs the reps now. King knows he's going to be tested. It's up to him to learn from those experiences.
Doug from Burlington, WI
Who is having the best camp among the draft choices? How about the undrafted free agent rookies? Thank you.
I like what I've seen from Jamaal Williams. He runs with a purpose. If Montgomery doesn't play Saturday, I'd expect we'll see Williams get a good amount of work in Washington. It's hard for me to single out one particular undrafted rookie right now. It seems like a new player emerges each day of practice. Tuesday was Montay Crockett's day.
Domingo from Milwaukee, WI
With the Packers having so many options at WR, instead of having to cut some of them or place them on the practice squad, would it make more sense to try to trade them to a team in need of WRs like the Jets? Sheldon Richardson would be nice to have.
And I'd like to drive a tricked-out Suburban to work every day. It doesn't work like that. Trades can be difficult to arrange this time of year because most teams face their own tough calls when cutting to 53. When it happens – like the Packers dealing Lerentee McCray last summer – it's usually for a conditional pick, not a Pro Bowl defensive tackle.
Bergeron from Scandinavia, WI
For Ice Bowl players who'd be great fits in today's NFL I'd like to offer up Bart Starr. Vic once answered a question saying Starr's skill set would be perfect for today's NFL and giving the last drive in the Ice Bowl as an example of reading defenses, checking down, and a strong arm. More interesting to me, could today's O-lineman have succeeded in the '60s and '70s?
I'm fairly confident in saying 6-foot-4, 315-pound tackles such as David Bakhtiari and Bryan Bulaga would have been effective in the '60s and '70s. The game has changed, but big, athletic linemen never go out of style on either side of the ball.
Brandon from Appleton, WI
I respect the opinion of T.J. from Tampa on not liking the "inorganic" Lambeau Leap. However, I feel as I am sure many do, that the Lambeau Leap has become another aspect of the special relationship between the players and the fans that makes the Green Bay Packers a unique team to play for AND cheer for. I actually get pretty disappointed when a player forgets and doesn't do the Lambeau Leap after a touchdown is scored.
I guess I never looked at it like that. To me, touchdowns and celebrations always are organic because of the emotions and exuberance involved in scoring plays. It's also a great way to get your fans into a game. Everyone is looking to the stands when the Packers score at Lambeau.
John from Austin, TX
Does the NFL levy fines during preseason? The Eagles safety would be a candidate; still amazed he wasn't flagged.
They do. I looked into this matter a few years ago. If memory serves me correctly, I believe the fine is taken out of the first Week 1 paycheck (pending an appeal). If a player doesn't make a roster, I don't believe he's forced to pay it.
Barry from Skokie, IL
First we loved the backup quarterback (Hundley). Then we loved the backup to the backup (Callahan). Now it's the backup to the backup to the backup (Hill). Where will it end?
The anticipation never ends. Fans try to find the next hidden gem to rally behind every summer. It's not just in Green Bay, but in every major sport. Quarterback is a particularly fun position to discuss because of how important it is to winning consistently. Thankfully, the conversation has been about an overabundance of skilled players recently rather than a lack thereof.
Matthew from Lincoln City, OR
All the talk seems to be about the new guy Taysom Hill making the team. I may be missing something, but I'm really interested to see Callahan make the roster, especially considering his rollercoaster of a rookie season. Is the competition more evenly balanced than I'm observing?
No disrespect to any of the quarterbacks the Packers have had behind Aaron Rodgers in Green Bay over the last five years, but I believe this is the most talented group they've had during my time on the beat. There was a time not too long ago when they signed Seneca Wallace off the street after final cuts. The coaches have confidence in Hundley and Callahan. There also was plenty to like about how Hill played in that two-minute drill against the Eagles.
Jeff from Farmington, UT
The fact that Janis caught the touchdown on an audible is really important. Hopefully he is letting everyone know he can be trusted to be in the right place. Rodgers and the coaches have said it is trust that has stopped him from playing time as a receiver.
This is a big year for Janis. He's obviously an important cog on special teams, but I think this receiver competition is bringing out the best in his game. That 20-yard touchdown was important for several reasons, but primarily the communication between Hundley and Janis is what allowed them to correctly diagnose the defense. When the opportunity was presented, they capitalized.
Tim from Madison, WI
I have heard surprisingly little about Kenny Clark this training camp, other than some whispers that Dean Lowry is outplaying him. Has Clark stood out at all?
Absolutely. Clark is going to be a big part of this defense this year. The Packers are being smart with him, playing him only 16 snaps against the Eagles. Defensive line isn't the most glamorous position to talk about during training camp and preseason games, but Clark looks stronger. I'd anticipate he'll be Mike Daniels' running mate this year.
Carl from London, UK
Has there ever been a head coach who played neither professional nor college football? In the UK it is difficult to play American football but my dream of being a head coach will never die.
I don't know how many examples are out there, but I'm pretty sure Ben McAdoo didn't play college football, and as one assistant coach told me in 2012, "the guy is (expletive) brilliant." Experience is experience, but knowledge is power.
Estillac from Belem, Brazil
Aaron Rodgers says he wants to play in his 40s. If that really happens (and we all hope so), is it possible that Hundley, Callahan or Hill takes his place?
Unlikely. Rodgers won't turn 40 until the tail end of the 2023 season. It would be like the Packers holding onto Matt Hasselbeck to replace Favre. Like I said Tuesday, I think Hundley will start in the NFL. Barring some unforeseen and unfortunate development, it just won't be in Green Bay.
Brian from Yakima, WA
Vic always had an affinity for the roster bubble types and their stories. Are there any interesting back stories we may not have heard yet in this camp, or any in your time covering the team?
My favorite probably is either Andy Mulumba's journey from the Congo to the NFL or 26-year-old rookie Gilbert Pena, an undrafted free agent in 2013 who walked away from football temporarily to take care of his mother during her thyroid cancer battle. His story hit home for me.
Ross from Hudson, WI
If a team has corners struggling for weeks on end, is there any way safeties can help without sacrificing scheme?
Of course. There are a number of things coordinators can do to help without compromising the defense, whether it's leaving two safeties deep or shading a safety to a particular side to help coverage over the top.
Jeff from Albuquerque, NM
I vote for "Unscripted and untamed," and Larry for Wisconsin governor.
I've been called a lot of things during my lifetime. "Untamed" is not one of them. There's Larry McCarren constantly breaking the mold.
Tinger from Red Wing, MN
Do the position coaches have a say in who is cut?
Yes, but the final decision ultimately lies with Ted Thompson and the personnel department.
Craig from Elkton, MD
Not sure which question caused me to come up with this crazy question, but here goes. If a coach wanted to get more "real" preseason practice for the offense, could the defense just let the other team score? Then they get the ball back to keep working the offense. I love the column, I am almost to the "Vic who?" point. Thanks for writing.
Sure, but then you'd be sacrificing snaps for veteran players and the youngsters trying to earn a job in the NFL. Also, try telling Mike Daniels to get out of the way. Good luck.
Maureen from Jacksonville, FL
Wes, yesterday Dave from GA asked the question about releasing a player in two days. Mike's answer was solid, in that it may be medically related. I have to wonder if it is more personality-related. Just not a good fit or someone you don't want in your locker room. Thoughts on the Packers having this high standard?
Mike's answer was the right answer. I'll leave it at that.
Joe from Concord, CA
Greg from Appleton has clearly never had to tackle someone. I love what the Insiders have done, but sometimes I feel without experience on the field, things are misunderstood. Have you ever considered having Larry do an Inbox to give a veteran's insight?
As many hours as Spoff and I work during the regular season, I'd guesstimate Larry probably works twice that. The guy is always here. As great as it would be to have the Rock jump in here every once in a while, his dance card is full. Trust me.
Bram from Colorado Springs, CO
Whatever happened to the "coffin corner"? Is it simply more difficult to aim the kick rather than kick it high so the coverage team can get down field on time?
The Aussie kick killed the coffin-corner star. The Aussie kick killed the coffin-corner star.
Benjamin from Bear, DE
Let's get down to brass tacks. As the team stands now (without significant injury to key players) is this team good enough to win the Super Bowl? I'm saying yes.
The Packers wouldn't be here if they thought otherwise.
Ted from Dayton, OH
Wes, why wouldn't you take Janis? Not only is he fast and agile, but he's the best hunter on the team.
Sorry. Unforced error on my part.
Freddie from West Valley City, UT
Wes, is A-Rod secretly a Targaryen, and therefore heir to the Iron Throne?
Fire and ice – born in Chico, Calif., and the face of the Frozen Tundra.
Jeff from Miami, FL
Insiders, thanks for your work on the column. I was noticing that UWGB offers an online degree in psychology. From the website, "The principles of psychology are used in nearly every field, including business, rehabilitative therapies and human resources. Regardless of the career path you choose, our online degree in psychology can assist you in refining the analytical skills you need to understand interpersonal interaction." Given that you have to deal with Packers fans' anxiety every day, at least a few classes could be worth it, right?
It couldn't hurt.
