Cheesehead
Well-known member
- Mar 19, 2019
- 2,854
- 0
Amy from Bayport, MN
Greetings and salutations Mike! Which will have a greater impact on Week 1 in Chicago: the Packers’ addition of MLF, or the Bears’ loss of Vic Fangio? The Packers have a new head coach and offense, but they still have AR12 and experience in Pettine’s defense. The Bears have continuity with Nagy but a new defense under DC Chuck Pagano. Which do you think is the more difficult transition?
I’d say the Packers have the tougher transition. I’m not privy to all the particulars, but I don’t think Pagano is changing as much from Fangio as LaFleur is from McCarthy.
Cindy from Oshkosh, WI
When a player fails his physical, is the reason why ever reported or does it just leak out? Is it allowed by the CBA or HIPPA laws? We all know Favre failed his, but Wolf said to pass him (how lucky was that?). Would that ever happen in today's game?
Different teams have different standards, so you never know. If the reason gets out, it usually comes from the player himself or his agent.
Ryan from Somerset, WI
Bob from Taycheedah, WI, had some weak suggestions on towns that should be renamed to Starr Pass. How about Little Chicago, Chicago Corners, Dallas, Urne, Portland, Browntown, Cleveland, Alaska, Denmark, Holland, Sweetheart City, Neopit, Koepenick (close enough to Kaepernick),...then you have your boring names that could use a change...Edgar, Bruce, Joel, Tony, Allen, Marshall, Sheldon, Arnold, Donald, Curtiss, and Stanley. It was not a creative bunch that founded this great state!
As long as the town of Knowlton never changes. That one’s sacred to me. It’s my middle name.
Bret from Hertel, WI
Dear Mike or Wes, have there been any changes to the player facilities with the new coaching staff taking over during offseason camps?
Other than the paint job and decorations in the meeting rooms that have been mentioned previously, the team also put up a new mural in the players’ hallway that runs from the locker room to the tunnel. I don’t know how many fans have seen that hallway before, but it has a series of murals representing memorable Lambeau Field moments, from the first contest to the ’61 title game to the Monday night shootout (48-47 over Washington) and miracle (Freeman), to the Al Harris playoff pick-six, etc. One was added this offseason to represent last year’s 100th season, and it depicts the Week 1 comeback win over the Bears.
Max from Troy, MO
I've caught myself before, saying "they" after a loss even though I typically refer to the Packers as "we." I really try to make sure I'm consistent though. I like the sense of community this team creates, which is undoubtedly made stronger by the Inbox.
I don’t think it’s appropriate for me to refer to the Packers as “we” but I will speak of the Inbox as “we.” So in response to your comment, I’ll say: We do our best.
Tom from Lehi, UT
For most positions and most players it seems that they are given at least two years to develop, with the third year being the year where expectations are to be fully met. Does this hold true for the punter?
There must be evidence of progress with no immediate upgrade available elsewhere. I think that holds true for most players, not just a specialist.
Patrick from Peachtree City, GA
Longtime reader, first-time submitter. I promise this is not a math question. Can you provide any stories or insights into how players, coaches or executives from other teams view the Packers' organization – the history, the culture, the unique ownership? Is Green Bay just another stop on the schedule, or do even opponents share an appreciation for all the tradition? Thanks.
I’m not sure they’re as tuned in to the culture or unique ownership, but you can’t show up at Lambeau Field and not feel a bit of the history in the place, if you’ve followed football at all. I think the interior of the stadium, with a classic bowl of metal bleachers, is where it hits. I don’t spend time interviewing opposing players, but I’ve spoken in the press box with employees of visiting teams, and many of them who don’t come to Green Bay regularly admire how the whole place looks and what it represents.
Scott from De Pere, WI
Mike, the Inbox covers a lot of material throughout the season and the offseason. What is more taxing as a writer: Answering questions in the offseason about rules changes, lasers, who is wearing the No. 88, doing math, or answering questions with people overreacting over a win/loss in the first four regular-season games?
The latter is far more mentally draining, but it’s part of the gig and if my honest perspective actually helps someone see things differently as a fan, it’s worth the effort.
Jim from Milwaukee, WI
In regards to scheduling games, how did the Packers end up playing the Cowboys twice in the 1989 regular season?
It took me some research but I think I found the answer. Back then, each conference had two divisions with five teams and one with four teams. In the NFC, the two five-team divisions were the Central and East. I don’t know how the entire schedule formula worked back then, but part of it had the two last-place clubs in the five-team divisions playing each other twice. The Packers and Cowboys both finished last in ’88. The Packers and Giants also played twice in ’81 after finishing last the year prior.
Elliot from Minneapolis, MN
Has there been a player either Packer or non-Packer that you think could have had a HOF career if his career didn't end prematurely, during your time writing for the Packers?
The answer is always Nick Collins. And with that, those paying close attention will have noticed I completed an entire week of Insider Inbox with a historical photo and headline each day. This is actually the third year in a row I’ve done so during the dead zone when Wes has been gone for a week. I like the change of pace and the challenge. Thanks for indulging me.
Jake from Athens, GA
I’m surprised there wasn’t more outcry over your mustard comment, but at least we can agree on the One Naked Curd policy. Thanks for bearing with us all week. When’s your next time off?
Oh, there was plenty of outcry. I just didn’t publish the abuse (all in good fun, I know). But I think you should patent that policy name. I’m taking a week off in July, when I get closer to putting the 2019 Yearbook to bed.
Megan from Quincy, IL
Every week we get closer and closer to football!
Come Monday, the first practice will be a month and a day away.
Josh from Minneapolis, MN
Can you give us that as a fraction of the offseason remaining?
And, scene. Enjoy the weekend, everybody.
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