Inbox: It's going to take all of us

[Cheesehead]

Mike from Mount Prospect, IL


Gentlemen, if the starting QB is "the man," then the backup QB is one of the most difficult positions to fill. I've been watching some old GB games (my training camp), and I'm amazed at how Matt Flynn was able to come off the bench and perform at a high level so frequently. So many men in GB (and elsewhere) have floundered when thrust suddenly into the QB role. Given the challenges of the upcoming season, the backup QBs could make or break a season.


For sure. That's why it's long been my contention the Packers will keep both Jordan Love and Tim Boyle on the roster this year. To be honest, I'd be shocked if any NFL team goes into the season with only two active QBs. You're one positive test away from needing your backup(s) to start the next two games and possibly more.


Doug from Westford, MA


Love the teddy bear idea. How about this addition: What if, post Leap, the bears or whatever stuffed animal the players choose, were auctioned off with the proceeds going to the player's favorite charity? Every player on the team could pick a leap target animal, and if said animal was leaped upon, then their charity would benefit and the announcers, players, and audience would have fun, too. Just a thought.


I've been putting my pen behind the idea of teddy bears in the end zone all offseason…or dragons, cats, dogs, horses, marmots, whatever. The Packers are free to run with it.


Kenton from Rochester, MN


I really enjoyed Wes's article on Allen Lazard. After watching Allen Lazard's interview, I couldn't help thinking what a serious, thoughtful, intelligent individual he seems to be. Is that truly his persona or does he have a more exuberant side to him when he's not being interviewed?


Lazard did some amazing things on the practice field last summer, but why I felt so strongly about his potential was the way he conducted himself in the locker room. He was tucked away in the auxiliary area reserved for undrafted free agents but carried himself like an established player. He just had this aura about him that the starting line didn't matter because he knew where he was headed. Over the years, there have been players who seemingly morph into different people when the camera lights come on but Lazard remains the same steady, confident, and well-spoken dude at all times. Davante Adams is like that, too.


Gary from Oconomowoc, WI


Have any of the Packers' receivers improved their route running? This is clearly the biggest problem (except for Adams). I can't find any specific info anywhere. Can you help – or steer me to a source? Thanks.


Can you ask this again next week after we've seen a practice or two? Right now, all I can tell you with the utmost confidence is which players have demonstrated the best hearing during Zoom calls.


Eric from Erie, PA


I want to go back to 2014, the New England Patriots draft Jimmy Garoppolo as the future heir apparent in New England. The idiot football talking heads do nothing but talk about Tom Brady's inevitable retirement/trade value, they talk about how he is approaching old age for QBs and that he is starting to fall off. AR12 wins the MVP, but Tom Brady wins the Super Bowl. Brady wins again two years later and Jimmy gets traded three years later. Here's hoping that history repeats itself for the Packers.


If Aaron Rodgers plays at an elite level the next four years and the Packers stay in championship contention, the Jordan Love pick will not lose any value. One way or another, it's an investment in the future.


Julian from Gastonia, NC


When GB traded up to draft Jordan Love, many in the media couldn't believe they gave up a late fourth-round pick to move up. I know every once in a while a fourth- or fifth-round pick can turn into a starter or even a star like Aaron Jones, but the reality is that the vast majority of those picks don't end up making an impact. It didn't seem too high a price to pay for a player that GB has confidence in.


My stance on draft picks has shifted over the last decade. I used to think they were as good as gold – a commodity that must be protected at all costs. However, I'm more on the other side of the argument these days. Don't get me wrong. You need draft picks to build a foundation of a team, but for every Aaron Jones there's a half dozen guys who don't even make the team. John Schneider has caught some grief over the years over how willing the Seahawks have been to part with draft picks but Seattle remains one of the league's most well-run organizations. If the Packers felt like it was worth it to move up four spots to get Love, then it was.