Inbox: It’s what he needs

Cheesehead

Well-known member
Mar 19, 2019
2,854
0
ajfjqqzmlx9ody7fp417


Mike from Stevens Point, WI


Excellent article on Ron Kramer. He was certainly the prototype for today’s TE position. Out of curiosity, who did the Packers draft with the compensatory No. 1 they received when he went to the Lions?


Running back Jim Grabowski was chosen at No. 9 overall in 1966.


Sean from Glen Ellyn, IL


So the Bears have been revealing their top 100 players in franchise history for their 100th year celebration. Do you think that's because they can't find 100 moments worth mentioning? Kidding of course, but did the Packers ever consider doing something like that? I definitely liked the moments rather than ranking players.


I wasn’t consulted, but I’m glad I didn’t have to dive into the business of ranking players. Overall, the choices make sense. Of the Packers’ 13 championships, seven have come in the last 60 years, so there are plenty of memorable moments that span generations of active fans. Of the Bears’ nine titles, only two are in the last 70 years, so having the most Hall of Famers in league history would lend itself to recognizing players.


Mitch from Sussex, WI


The defensive coaching interviews make me very excited to see what the defense is capable of but also give me a lot of confidence in LaFleur. It seems like he hit the nail on the head with his coaching selections. What would you say is the toughest position to coach besides quarterback?


The one with the least talented players. In all seriousness, I’d probably say cornerback, because of the added mental component that isn’t as prevalent at other positions. What I mean is the short-memory adage. Corners are going to get beat and give up plays. It’s the nature of the beast and the rules are geared toward the offense. They have to be able to flush it quickly and play on. Helping ultra-competitive pros deal with and manage that, when most are coming from college having been shutdown stars, strikes me as an added challenge.


Jess from Little Chute, WI


Random question...what are the circular/disc shaped spots on the players’ jerseys on either side of the name plate? Very clearly visible on Gary's and Smith's jerseys in the pic used for the header on yesterday’s Inbox.


Those might be little pockets for the tracking and monitoring devices the players wear during practice.


Dave from Minneapolis, MN


GOT audibles are fine, but I think we can all agree none will top "New York Bozo!" My question is, if the Packers played this Sunday, what audible would Rodgers use to clown Drake and his courtside antics?


“Hate the Drake.”


Bernie from Jersey City, NJ


Do we have the best safety duo in the past 10 years?


Amos and Savage have the potential to be one of the better safety duos around here in a while, but as Mike Pettine would say, they haven’t given up a yard or a point yet. There’s a long way to go. If they want to aim high, I’d say the best Packers safety duo of the last 20 years was Butler-Sharper, though unfortunately we never got to see Collins and Burnett play together for any meaningful stretch of time.


Jason from Des Plaines, IL


I have a couple questions about our new safety draft pick, Darnell Savage. Did his role at Maryland include blitz packages with him screaming through the middle of the line of scrimmage? With his size I would be wildly impressed with this ability to do so. Also, would you anticipate the Packers utilizing his speed as a blitzing safety? Our clever DC seems to have a passion for blitzing DBs.


Pettine showed last year he’ll bring anyone from anywhere at any time, so I’m sure there will be blitz calls to utilize Savage’s speed. What I hope this year is the base calls are more reliable, so he doesn’t have to resort to the exotic stuff as much. The less they’re used, the more effectively they’ll ultimately be.


Benjamin from Bear, DE


The NFL channel briefly mentioned the league has banned certain drills in training camp, but they didn't mention the specific drills or the reason for the banning. I can only assume it has something to do with concussions. Any idea what they're banning? Thanks.


The league has banned the Oklahoma drill, King of the Circle (or Bull in the Ring), and the half-line drill, all to cut down on helmet-to-helmet contact during camp. Aside from thinking about Vic’s sorrowful reaction, the half-line ban really surprised me. The contact, at least the way the drill has been run here, is no different than in 11-on-11, but coaches liked to split the run-game snaps into half lines to get more reps in less time. It was about efficiency, not excessive contact.


Jon from Somerset, England


Hi Mike/Wes, I know you guys aren't fans of future predictions for the upcoming season, but how about if I offered you now that the Packers get the sixth seed following a 9-7 season? And with all the main men still healthy. Take it or not?


In a heartbeat. Home games would be preferred, of course, but if the Packers are traveling for the playoffs and healthy, I’d take that over hosting and banged up.


Ken from Racine, WI


It's really great to see John Kuhn back as a part of the Packers. I worked quite a few jobs in factories and construction before getting my doctorate, and John's got that classic lunch-box-toting look that someone always brought to the crew. But he definitely does not look like a guy that you would pilfer a sandwich from. Is that true, Mike?


Indubitably.
 
Top