It's important to use this brief summer respite to recharge

Wes Hodkiewicz

Marty from Rancho Cordova, CA

Without realizing it, Paul from Cottage Grove has coined the latest II compound acronym: ATMR-WIHD. I love this community!

Insider Inbox, invaluable entertainment for the cost of a click.

Carl from Sheboygan, WI

Morning guys, between now and the start of training camp, I have to believe everyone (especially the rookies) are hitting the playbook hard. No matter how much talent you have, if you can't absorb the playbook, you won't be around for long. So just curious if you think football really is 80% mental and 40% physical (as quoted in Little Giants)?

It's important to use this brief summer respite to recharge. Because a potentially seven-month season awaits these players at the other end of this thing. That said, young players and those on the roster bubble can't leave anything to chance. You gotta keep pushing, whether it's keeping your head in the playbook or going the extra mile in your offseason training.

Mark from Weston, WI

Not a question but a comment. I don't care what the clickbait pundits say. I have no idea how the Packers will do this year, nor how wellJordan Lovewill do. All I can say is after all these years of Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers, Love is so exciting to see play. He seems to be a combination of Favre, the Gunslinger, and Rodgers, the intellectual master of the game. I simply enjoy watching the Packers games and Love is the main reason for that (as a QB and the man he is). Bring on the season!

Bingo. I've been saying this for years. Love is his own man and quarterback, but he shares desirable and decidedly different traits with both Favre and Rodgers. The common thread among the three is their command of the pocket.

George from Duluth, MN

Fingertip to chin, eyeballs gazing upwards, which of the following would yield greater upside/chances of winning for the Packers this season? Matt LaFleur schemes upMalik Willisinsertions into his game plans, messing with opposing teams' minds and taking advantage of MW's skillset, but also risking injury to QB2. Or Jordan Love stays healthy for 17-plus games and Malik Willis never sees the field.

The best-case scenario for the Packers is Love staying healthy all season, like in 2023. Even if that proves to be the case, however, I'd still like to see a sprinkle of Willis on offense. We saw a sampling of that when Love and Willis stepped in the huddle together late last season.

Gordon from Newport Beach, CA

PerhapsRashan GaryandLukas Van Nesscompare more favorably to Packers legend Robert Brown in being a run-stopper, but not prolific sack master.

Pressure gets edge rushers paid, but there's more to playing the position than just sacks. Erik Walden had three sacks during his final season with Green Bay in 2012, but that only told part of the story. In addition to stepping up for an injured Nick Perry, Walden was easily the Packers' best run-defending outside linebacker and a huge part of Green Bay finishing 11th in total defense that year.

Jim from Baytown, TX

Not so much a question as a comment: I, for one, am REALLY excited about the addition ofIsaiah Simmonsto this defense. I think he's going to become our next Charles Woodson somewhat undervalued coming in but will come into his own with the Packers. I thought he was hands down the best player in the draft when he came out, and to place him in a game withQuay WalkerandEdgerrin Coopergives us what I think will be the scariest set of linebackers in the league. Can't wait to see how this plays out...

I appreciate the enthusiasm but keep the expectations realistic for Simmons. Woodson may have been a bit of an afterthought leaguewide when he signed with the Packers in 2006 but still received a premium, multi-year contract. I will say, though, lining up Simmons in base with Walker and Cooper might make for the fastest linebacker unit in Packers history.

Gretchen from Dousman, WI

I've been pondering the NFL Draft since watching this spring. Some of my thoughts have been confirmed since listening to Isaiah Simmons' presser. Athletes love the attention that being picked early brings, but sometimes waiting till later and being picked by a strong Super Bowl contender has its merits. As always, there's nothing simple about this league.

Fit matters. If a team doesn't have a vision for a player, it's going to be tough for that individual to succeed. I'm not saying that was the case with either Arizona or the New York Giants. I didn't watch either enough to know. However, I believe this opportunity in Green Bay is the right one for Simmons at a pivotal point in his NFL career.

Ken from Arvada, CO

In your interactions with this year's new players, both draftees and free agents, who are the ones that stand out thus far personality-wise? Anybody have an intriguing story that we haven't heard yet? It's always interesting learning about these men off the gridiron. GPG

Warren Brinsonobviously jumps off the page given his big personality and desire to go into sports broadcasting someday. I also heardMicah Robinsonmight have an interest in broadcasting but haven't had a chance to ask him about it. Hopefully, there's a few more stories to tell from this 2025 draft class, but respectfully my aim is to turn those into features, not Inbox responses.

Shane from Philadelphia, PA

The question Paul from Cottage Grove submitted about easy division vs. tough division made me wonder if a team has ever won a Super Bowl with three teams from its division making the playoffs. ATMR (WCBW) this has never occurred. Granted it was only possible in the last 20ish years, but it is interesting.

This is one Inbox writer's opinion and I could be all wet on this one, but I don't think playing a strong division benefits an NFL team in the long run. I'll use the New England Patriots beating up on the AFC East for years as evidence for that. Does it harden your team and its development? Perhaps, but this sport is so heavily predicated on health and endurance. I'm just not sure playing a difficult division schedule is that helpful in the grand scheme of things, especially when every NFL schedule is inherently going to have challenges regardless of those six division matchups.

John from Palmdale, CA

Regarding David from Janesville's and Hank from Centennial's remarks concerning our linebacker group's potential, the last time I was this excited about a position group was when we had Gary, the Smith Bros. and Whitney Mercilus on the roster. Still mad they were never healthy at the same time.

That really is too bad. Mercilus, by all accounts, was a tremendous presence in the locker room. It's also another example of how treacherous it can be trying to navigate a 20-to-21-game season.

Alan from Fresno, CA

OK, can I chime in on the Lukas Van Ness debate? I'd be willing to bet the people who think he is a bust are the same who thought Davante Adams was after his first few seasons. What don't people get when it comes to player development? Is it our instant gratification society?

Maybeor maybe we were better off when people didn't have social media 30 years ago?

Tom from Lisbon, WI

Well, I guess Week 17 just became another game to circle on the calendar, eh?

I technically already did for the video I shot for our social team after last month's schedule release.

Dan from Toledo, OH

Jaire Alexander signed with the Ravens. What does it cost the Packers to have him play in Baltimore?

Nada. The Packers don't owe Alexander any money but also aren't eligible for a compensatory selection since the team terminated his contract.

Shanna from Corunna, IN

Well, Week 17 just got a little more exciting. I'm so glad I got tickets for this game! What are the chances Ja is still healthy, and we actually see him sporting some purple? I truly hope he finds success and health while he's in Baltimore.

It's the right move for Alexander. Not only do the Ravens have a great defense but I think reuniting with Lamar Jackson also will be positive for Alexander. Those two were inseparable at Louisville, all the way down to their postgame interviews.

Martin from UK

What sort of reaction do you think JA will get when he returns to Lambeau with the Ravens in Week 17? Hope he goes well there for the other 16 games. GPG!

I would be disappointed with anything less than a supportive and appreciative response. In addition to being a two-time All-Pro cornerback, Alexander did a ton of good in the community during his six-plus years in Green Bay.

Charlie from Waukesha, WI

Hope this is a good dead zone question. When the game ends, given the large number of people on the field, how do the QBs, coaches and other players meet so quickly? Is there a pre-arranged spot for QBs to meet, coaches? Is it always the same spot?

Both teams have security guards and their communication staff directing traffic amidst the postgame calamity. You'll often see a person with their hand up next to the head coach or QB anytime the two sides are looking to shake hands after games.

Ken from Louisville, KY

Hey II, in regards to sitting next to Mark Murphy in the press box at away games, doesn't he sit in a "visitors, owner's box" at away games? Is there such a thing? I thought there was!

I believe the Packers' executive committee usually occupies the owner's box. In my time on the beat, Murphy always sat with Green Bay's general manager and the top personnel executives in the press box. Policy was there, too, last year.

Matt from Janesville, WI

Is there another role Mark Murphy could have within the Packers organization? Does he want to stick around? Or is it, don't let the door hit ya where the good Lord split ya?

Not at all. Murphy plans to stay in the area, so I imagine he'll still be visible around Lambeau Field and the community. But once July 25 hits, Ed Policy is running the show, and I doubt Murphy wants to undermine that.

Ray from Burbank, WA

I'm so happy for Mark and wish him well. He is such a genuine person that no matter who you were, he'd take the time to say hello. Wes, in Seattle last year at the pep rally, (I was the one wearing the "laser freakin' goal post, indubitably good" shirt in hopes of meeting you and Mike) I got to meet you (I forgive you Mike) but as I was outside about to leave, there is Mark, leaving as well. I yelled out to him, and he stopped and took a picture with me. He didn't have to, but that's Mark Murphy.

The true mark of a great man, pardon the pun.

Ray from Phoenix, AZ

Lots ofgreat information on Ed Policy. Two things jumped out at me. He seems to be a bit more black and white than Mr. Murphy and that this is not only a big year for some players but also for Brian Gutekunst and Matt LaFleur. I do not think just making the playoffs with an early exit is what Mr. Policy will be satisfied with.

That may be your takeaway, but I won't put hypothetical words in another man's head. My thought coming out of our interview with Policy last week is that he has a strong working relationship with Gutekunst, LaFleur and Russ Ball. From an organizational perspective, a commitment is already in place with those three men having years left on their current deals.

John from Stevens Point, WI

What is Coach LaFleur and his staff working on this time of season? Is this the time of year they take vacations? Are they working up practice plans? Are they self-scouting and reviewing 2024 games, taping of future opponents, and developing improvement plans for the players?

Coaches are "off" now, though I'm sure some will still work on small research projects. But no different than what we talked about earlier regarding players, it's important for coaches to get away for a bit and hit the reset button. Because it's all gas no brakes once they're back in the building.

Danny from Billings, MT

Hey II, what are the "core-four potential on special teams."

Kickoff coverage, kickoff return, punt coverage and punt return.

Dustin from Kansas City, MO

Was there a specific moment you can think of that officially made you a Packers fan for life? That moment where it hooked you and never let go?

The way Fritz Shurmur utilized LeRoy Butler. Those two made defense cool.

Paul from Ledgeview, WI

Wes, I would say the week-to-week baloney is not as far removed from reality, so on some level once the regular season begins, it is intermittent baloney interspersed with strong doses of reality. If you were to eliminate all the baloney, there be no commentators with work at halftime!

I feel like mustard in a baloney business.

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