Spots are open. Whos ready to battle for em?

Wes Hodkiewicz

Jeff from Janesville, WI

Almost time for OTAs.

Almost.

Paul from Ledgeview, WI

I wanna talk aboutKalen King. You mentioned him in "Unscripted." He is only 22 years old. Until his junior year, King was projected as a first-round pick. So how likely is it he can contribute this year, and the secondary can become a strength of this defense?

Derrick Ansley's comments on King didn't surprise me. King put some good things on defensive film during training camp, especially after sliding inside. But like I also mentioned on "Unscripted," special teams are a critical part of making the 53 for late-round picks and undrafted free agents and King was competing against two veteran stalwarts in Corey Ballentine and Robert Rochell. Both left in free agency, so spots are open. Who's ready to battle for 'em?

Jesse from Colorado Springs, CO

What are you most excited about for this draft class? What is the thing that you're like, "This is going to be fun."

Seeing how all these unique body types and measurables translate to the field. Whether it's a 335-pound offensive lineman likeAnthony Beltonor a 5-foot-11 receiver who runs a 4.29 likeMatthew Golden, there's plenty to like about the size and speed the Packers have infused into this roster.

Chris from Horicon, WI

Hi, II fans everywhere. I wasn't too concerned with last season's finish. A lot of young men got good experience. I expected we wouldn't win it all but for an odd reason, which sets us up for this season. Bart Starr, Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers were 27 years old when they won their first championship.Jordan Loveis going to be 27 for this year's Super Bowl. Just sayin'.

It's a big year for Love and the Packers (and not only because QB1 is turning the mystic 27). Because quarterback and team have been building to this year. Green Bay was the NFL's youngest team each of the past two seasons. That nucleus has grown with its young QB and gained the invaluable experience with back-to-back playoff appearances. Now comes the next step, for everyone.

Jeffrey from Eveleth, MN

Where do you guys think the Packers stack up against the rest of the NFC North this year? Tough question with lots of variables.

The Packers return most of their team and have the most upside in the division, which I believe will be enough to lift them back to the top of the North this year.

Andrew from Brownsburg, IN

Did you see that the Chargers' international opponent is the Chiefs? I get that one team necessarily must lose a home game playing abroad, but within a division is crazy. If the Packers had to play the Lions, Vikings, or Bears overseas instead of at Lambeau, I would be livid! Do you think such a thing is likely to happen with the promised expansion of the international slate?

I didn't think about that until now, but that would be highly unfortunate. The Chargers can probably get away with it, as they're still working to develop a fanbase in Los Angeles. If that game is played in LA, Chiefs fans might pack SoFi.

Ron from Broken Arrow, OK

Mike, it sounds like Tom from Emerado, ND, is hoping for the kind of offensive balance the 1983 Packers had with James Lofton (58 for 1,300), John Jefferson (57 for 630), Paul Coffman (54 for 814) and Gerry Ellis (52 for 603) catching the ball from Lynn Dickey. I know it's unlikely in 2025 for any two WRs on the roster to have the same opportunities Lofton and Jefferson had, but I would love it ifTucker KraftorLuke MusgraveandJosh Jacobshad the stats Coffman and Ellis had!

Balance is beautiful, ain't it?

Craig from Green Bay, WI

Taylor Elgersmawas recently signed by the Packers. Interesting height/weight and background. Do you think he was brought in to simply add another quarterback for preseason competition? Or does he have a realistic chance of making the 53-player roster.

Third-string quarterback is one of the rare positions where you're competing as much for a spot on the 53 as you are against another player. Tim Boyle was an excellent example of that in 2018. While DeShone Kizer ousted Brett Hundley for the No. 2 job during the final week of August, Boyle quietly earned a spot on the active roster with his play in training camp and the preseason. After what happened a year earlier with Taysom Hill, the Packers didn't feel comfortable trying to sneak Boyle to the practice squad. So, the answer to your question is it's all up to Elgersma. The contract is signed. He controls his own destiny.

Clay from Avondale, AZ

I know I'm late to the party on theBarryn Sorrellarticle. I love all the discussion about his great character. That is absolutely essential for a Packers player. However, we would be remiss if that clouded out the fact that he's a very good football player. I'm no expert, but in the bits that I have watched, he seems to have great rush-lane discipline and aggressive, violent hands. What would you say are the best parts of his game?

Sorrell is a well-rounded, jack-of-all-trades pass rusher. The more I study him, the more shocked I am he was available on Day 3 because he looks like the type of mid-round player who could step in and contribute straightaway. I get he didn't have a massive sack season at Texas, but Sorrell sort of reminds me of that Erik Walden-type who's proficient and steady against both the run and pass.

Oscar from Millburn, NJ

Regarding the 18-game schedule proposal, would that reduce the preseason to two games? I'm old enough to remember (but am not going to admit to seeing) the six-game preseason, followed by a 14-game regular season. Either way it's 20 games. I'm not in favor of an 18-game season, and what it would do to stats and records, but I would like to hear your thoughts regarding increasing the total number of games, not counting playoffs? Plus, thank you and the entire staff for what you do for us fans (GPG)!

Correct. The preseason would be reduced to two games, but it's more complicated than "Well, it's still 20 games" argument some like to parrot. Training camp in the modern era has never started earlier, and the NFL regular season/playoffs have never been longer. Together, that's a non-starter for me. At some point, the NFL needs to concede something whether that's eliminating the offseason program, altering the 47-day window between the first regular-season game and the start of training camp, or having the season start before Labor Day. You cannot extend the season one more week without any modifications. Something's gotta give.

Bob from Emmaus, PA

With a stronger running game and highly rated defense, won't that reduce total passing yardage as the team emphasizes ball control?

Perhaps. Thank goodness, there's a 17th regular-season game now to boost those numbers.

Jeff from Foothill Ranch, CA

Happy Monday, Mike! In regards to the inevitable expansion of the playoffs, I guess I assumed when it went to eight teams, that would mean it would go back to two teams with first-round byes. It sounds like you think that's unlikely. Why is that? Would it make the postseason too long?

Spoff's response to Doug's question is the first time I realized Cincinnati missed the playoffs in back-to-back years after nine-win seasons. Talk about a thin margin for error. I can only speak for myself, but I don't want half the league making the playoffs regardless of how the NFL structures a 16-team playoff. Ask MLB how rapidly expanding the postseason worked for it.

Alan from Saugerties, NY

Not a question but an observation. With Derrick Henry, age 31, and Aaron Jones, age 30, both getting contract extensions with guaranteed money, maybe we need to rethink the idea that a running back's career is over at 30. I still remember John Riggins who rushed for over 1,200 yards and 14 TDs at the age of 35 for Washington.

Running backs always are under more scrutiny in terms of age, but this narrative really comes down to the individual player (and his injury history) than position. There have been plenty of skill-position players and pass rushers who flash and then fade as they approach 30. Henry and Jones have traits that translate to playing for a long time. Henry is a Hall of Fame bell cow who wins with power where I've always felt Jones has that "Darren Sproles" aspect to his game to last.

Shannon from Ovilla, TX

I'm so frustrated by the group of fans sayingElgton Jenkinsshould just suck it up and move to center without asking for more money, guaranteed or otherwise. If your boss came to you and said you know what, you are really good at your job so we are going to move you to another job, wouldn't you ask for a pay bump? I thought the point of working is to maximize our earnings. Our frustration with pay just isn't public knowledge. Good luck to E.J. in getting as much as he can.

I have confidence the Packers and Jenkins will get this all sorted out. Jenkins has been a total pro since he was drafted to Green Bay in 2019, stepping in wherever the Packers have asked over the course of his six NFL seasons.

Richard from Farmington Hills, MI

For next year, I suggest that the tush push ban be renamed (and publicized) for what it is a ban on assisting the runner. And we stop making it a safety issue. Let's call it for what it is. It's rugby, not football. The rule was changed in 2005 because the officials had trouble calling it. Well, too bad! It's a judgment call like so many others so get better.

The perceived level of difficulty in officiating "Assisting the runner" pales in comparison to the fanciful calls the league asks referees to make in the modern NFL.

Erwin from Leesburg, GA

"Aside from what I said above, the other thing I truly dislike about this is the blatant double standard. So the offense is allowed to shove players from behind to convert in short-yardage situations, but it's still a penalty for the defense to shove players from behind to get inside push for a potential field-goal block. Either it's fair or it's not." Ummm, only two ways to say it in my world. Enough said or need Mike say more? The money machine (NFL) rolls on. Older fans are sick of the BS!

While Spoff made some excellent points, an unfortunate truth remains: All is fair in love and warbut not football.

Dale from Aurora, CO

Packers' creative tush-push play: Line as they would run the push with Luke Musgrave and Tucker Kraft on the ends. Ball is snapped, but as everyone pushes forward, there is gap left as they do not actually push Love. He steps back one step, Musgrave pops and darts off to the side, Love flips the ball to Musgrave, and he goes running down the field. TD. Why would this not work?

It could. The Eagles run variations, too. If memory serves, Jalen Hurts completed a third-and-short pass against Green Bay after starting in a tush-push look.

Scott from La Crosse, WI

Knowing the league office is in favor of the tush push ban, do you think they would try to persuade the officiating offices to make false starts during QB sneaks a point of emphasis? That is another aspect of the tush push that is really frustrating. You can clearly see the QB and players lined up behind him getting off to a head start before the center snaps the ball, yet there is never a whistle.

Yes, it would be nice if the NFL started making sure the offense remains behind the line of scrimmage until the snap of the balla thing.

Andy from Ellsworth, WI

There's a 0.2-mile marathon race in Arkansaw, WI, in which the route is over the bridge and back. They even set up a stand on the middle bridge where you can stop and reload on carbs. Would you have any interest in entering this event?

I was today years old when I learned there's an "Arkansaw, WI."

Tim from Clear Lake, IA

I can't remember if I've submitted this before. But Mike's response on Friday about how he rushes to get his game reports submitted makes me think how great it would be to have one II reader per game sit with you guys during a game. Cmon, manlet's have a lottery!

Maybe that can be the Packers Perks drawing for next year.

Sean from Palatine, IL

Good morning II. Maybe it's because I am approaching an advanced age (just shy of 29 years old), but this has been the offseason of "WHO CARES." Tush push vote? Whatever. Player numbers? Power to 'em. Playoff seeding? Just win. Now excuse me, I have clouds to shake my fist at.

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