The Packers have playmakers where it counts

Wes Hodkiewicz

Jeff from Pleasant Hill, IA

How are you?

I'm doing well, Jeff. I appreciate you asking.

Jeff from Pleasant Hill, IA

Any news?

Oh, I get it now. I see how it is. You're just using me. You don't care how I'm doing. I'm just a soulless information merchant to you, aren't I? Do I not bleed, Jeff? Huh, Jeff?

Dominic from Chesapeake, VA

Wes, as I told Mike yesterday it was really nice to meet you both on Friday after training camp. As my wife attested, I don't miss an Inbox. How do you feel about rotating six to eight players along the offensive line? I always thought having five consistently playing would work the best, but I feel differently when you have quality depth that practice regularly subbing in and out. The players can stay fresh and hopefully avoid injuries. And the Packers seem to know how to do it. Thanks.

I was great to meet you, as well. I like the offensive line rotation when it makes senses and guys have earned the opportunity. If you feel good about your sixth O-lineman, why not keep him involved somehow? More likely than not, you'll need him to play in some critical situations over the course of a full season anyway. Established starters are great, but you can't forget about your depth. Developing players must always be part of your DNA. InSean Rhyan's case, he proved through his rotation with Jon Runyan that he was ready for a bigger role. WhenJordan Morganwent down with the shoulder, Rhyan was properly prepared.

Donald from Bigflats, WI

II, just sitting here thinking, the NBA team that wins championships usually has a big three. When I look at all four lines on defense the line, linebackers, corner, safeties and then O-line, receiver, tight end and running back, the Packers are very close to having a big three at almost every position and by that, I mean three top 10 players in the league at their respective positions. Do you think I'm very far off on that? And I will predictCarrington Valentineas a shutdown corner.

I'd for sure say Green Bay has one of the deepest rosters in the NFL on paper, but that's all it is right now. You gotta perform when the chips are down next month. The Packers have playmakers where it counts, though. With a little more maturation from their 2023 and 2024 draft classes, they're built to contend for a championship this year.

Yotam from Israel

I think one of the major storylines next season will be fourth-down conversions, and especially in the first two games of the season. Did you see anything in training camp that hints at special preparations of the team (both offense and defense) for this trend?

I think so. Short yardage has always been critical in the NFL, but you can see the emphasis there. The Packers closed practice on Thursday repping third-and-1 and fourth-and-short during a live-tackling period with the No. 3 units.

Chuck from Richfield, WI

It's my understanding that teams schedule preseason games with very little league input. Travel doesn't seem to be as big a factor anymore. Other than avoiding teams on your regular schedule, are there other factors that come into play when the Packers create their schedule? Is coming to Lambeau desirable for other teams due to a larger gate, or does the 40% share of ticket revenue still go to a pool of all NFL teams?

I think that changed, Chuck. Teams used to plan out their own preseason (hence why the Packers always had a home-and-home vs. Kansas City in the finale), but I believe the NFL may have more input into how the schedule is built now.

Bill from Menominee, MI

I know they are unpredictable, but are you concerned about the soft-tissue type of injuries the Packers are getting this early in camp? Is it a natural reaction to ramping up from offseason workouts to a true training camp conditioning period? Seems like a high number of groin and back injuries fairly early on.

It's training camp and the pads just went on, so naturally injuries happen. I see it more as the Packers erring on the side of caution. I'm no doctor, but I've seen plenty of major soft-tissue injuries that started as minor ones.

Al from Green Bay, WI

Injuries in preseason games are always a risk, but playing games against opponents at NFL speed is so important for the younger players. Is there any extra coaching provided to players on each team on how to prevent injuries to themselves and to their opponents?

Keep it clean and play with discipline. At the same time, most guys playing in the preseason are competing for jobs. How do you tell someone on the bubble to "take it easy" in the finale here in a couple weeks. I can't imagine telling Lucas Patrick that in 2016 or 2017. This is their Super Bowl.

Dar from Mansfield, TX

Are we all crying after readingJordan Love's story in The Players' Tribune? I know how hard it was to finally open up about his father's death and all he and his family have had to overcome, plus the lifetime of healing that is still ahead. I respect them all more than ever.

It's a great piece and thoughtful on so many levels. Love is no stranger to adversity, and it's shaped the man (and quarterback) he's become. Be sure to check it out.

Nathan from Laramie, WY

Greetings! I would like to suggest that the "WR1" is the receiver to whom the quarterback is throwing the ball on that play, at that moment. At the end of a season, we can review the number of targets the various receivers had and declare who was "WR1". Or like baseball: Who had the most close-out plays that won games? It's kinda like predicting the past. Now, please enjoy some live-action training camp for someone who can't be there. Thank you!

I've always found it quizzical how WR is the only position to which we attach a number. In jest, we use it with QBs, but it's a tongue-in-cheek label more than a label. Nobody says TE1, LB1, DT1 or P1.

Joshua from Mankato, WI

There seems to be a new strain of WR fever. The "we have so much depth, we don't need a WR1" variant. Look, our WR room has loads of potential, but isn't having a guy (WR1, elite, superstar, whatever you want to call him) who has to be accounted for and dominates his one-on-ones always a plus? 'Course, then you have to pay him like an elite WR. So, we have that going for us

I got some news for you, Josh. They're all getting paid and deservedly so. If you're looking for receivers at a discount, you won't find them in unrestricted free agency. Aaron Jones has the seventh-highest APY of any NFL running back at $10 million per year. There are 34 receivers making at least $10 million this season, including Dyami Brown and Tutu Atwell. We need to spend less time talking about "WR1, 2, 3, etc." and concentrate more on the fact it's a minor miracle Green Bay has this much talent to begin with.

James from Asheville, NC

We all knowBrandon McManushas been "lights out" during camp, but how doesDaniel Whelanlook? It seems that around the league he doesn't get the credit he should. What a treat to go into the season feeling this positive about our special teams!

Whelan is dialed in. I tweeted during Family Night how his directional punting looks better. Whelan has prodigious leg talent, but what could make him special is locking in the placement. He's off to a good start.

Tommy from Columbus, OH

Do you think we will add any FAs before the season?

ProbablyCorey Ballentine.

John from Chester, NY

With 90 players in training camp, and all the comings and goings, who or what department in Packers administration handles all the logistic arrangements such as flights, housing, per diem, etc.? And is that person or those people the unsung heroes of orchestrating all the behind-the-scenes activities that have to happen to keep the players happy and the operation running smoothly?

The Packers have a tremendous staff responsible for handling those kinds of logistics, but I want to use this question to shout out the Packers director of corporate travel Linda Nuthals, who is unbelievable at what she does. Linda only has to arrange my itinerary like once or twice a year but treats everyone like they are the team president. I cannot say enough about her and the work she does to help players, coaches, scouts and anyone associated with the football department get from Point A to Point B.

Jeffrey from Eveleth, MN

Spoff, although I respect your opinion, I would tend to disagree with your take on the postgame coaches' handshake. I like the show of sportsmanship and respect and would like to see that tradition continue. It would have been especially interesting to have seen Jimmy Johnson and Buddy Ryan complete a handshake after that one game when Buddy Ryan took off so Jimmy couldn't find him. Remember that game? I don't recall what ticked Jimmy off so bad, but man he was hot.

I get where Spoff is coming from, especially the ceremonial/procedural aspect of a postgame handshake. However, I believe the coaches' handshake still serves a purpose because it sends the right message to a society that's grown increasingly hostile towards one another.

Tim from Olathe, KS

Insiders, why does II and other sites track practice stats? Players are experimenting with various throws, routes, kicks, etc., that can result in INT, missed FG, etc., so they're really not indicators of anything. Is it because of the data-driven age we live in?

We gotta fill "Live Look-In" with something, Tim. I can only post so many pictures of Spoff before getting called to the HR office.

Mike from Baraboo, WI

What are your projections forMatthew Golden?

Touches.

Jerry from Rockford, IL

Do you think our defense can get to the QB without a big-name end?

The Packers have a big-name end. His name isRashan Gary.

Dave from Wheaton, IL

How can the Packers keep the Nos. 3-4 quarterbacks on the practice squad? Wouldn't a quarterback-desperate team grabSean Clifford? Also, would a team that suffers a starting quarterback injury make a trade proposal forMalik Willis? A serious proposal would have to get the Packers to at least come to the table. My oldest and I went to the Tennessee game last year. He looked really good, albeit against a poor team.

I don't see the Packers keeping a fourth quarterback on the practice squad. There are barely any reps available for the third-string QB in the regular season, let alone four. I said all offseason the Packers wouldn't trade Willis, so why would they now? In all likelihood, Clifford andTaylor Elgersmaare competing for the same job this preseason.

Jordan from Osterdock, IA

What am I missing when it comes to U.S. Bank as a top venue? I've been to games and concerts, and it feels like a warehouse with a glass ceiling to me.

It's just a cool atmosphere, which isn't as easy as you might think to cultivate when you're packing 70,000 people into a glorified arena with some grass in the middle.

Scott from Sauk City, WI

As a follow-up to your answer to the question from John about wildfire smoke...How?! I picked the wrong summer to try and get my old behind in better shape. Trying the "Couch to 5K" training program, and the smoke is killing me. I've had to move most of my workouts to the treadmill to avoid hours-long coughing fits after outdoor workouts. Other than not being old like me, what is these athletes' secret to breathing easy all camp?

With all due respect, we're talking about world-class athletes here compared to you and me. While the air quality hasn't been great, last summer was actually worse in my opinion. It's tough, man. We get three months of warm weather in Wisconsin and now we're losing a portion of that every summer to these wildfires.

Jim from Arkdale, WI

Hello II, I saw that the Bengals had a Saturday night practice with fans. How many other teams do this? Any of them compared to Packers Family Night? Are they trying to achieve what the Packers have done?

I'm not sure how many do it leaguewide. I saw the Bears filled the lower bowl of Soldier Field. That was cute.

Jeff from Albuquerque, NM

Looks like the Cowboys could use Russ Ball's abilities. Any take on the Micah P. situation?

Pay him. Not tomorrow, not after breakfast. Now.

Matt from Janesville, WI

The renovations and improvements of our players' locker room got me to wonder about the visiting team locker room. If it were left to me, I would design that space with the Bears in mind. A couple rows of skinny metal lockers with a wooden bench down the middle and no hot water. Maybe add an accent wall with a floral pattern and a couple of lawn chairs. How far off am I?

I assure you the Packers have a nicer visiting locker room than most NFL teams.

Fred from Escanaba, MI

How many D-linemen will the Packers keep?

More than one. Fewer than all.

James from Appleton, WI

If you had to ask a Packers player to help push your car out of a snowbank, who would you ask?

Rhyan.

Jeff from Pleasant Hill, IA

What's new?

Nope. Not this time, J. You can't hurt anymore.

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