Inbox: The Packers' window is far from closed

[Cheesehead]

John from Green Bay, WI


I loved Thursday's question regarding which three Packer injuries you would undo. Mine would be: Robert Brooks, Craig Newsome, and Brian Williams. Guess that clearly identifies the era in which I came of age, huh? In that scenario it makes one wonder if there would have been more SB appearances in the early Favre era.


No era is immune. Others brought up Tim Lewis and Eddie Lee Ivery, whose injuries impacted the '80s teams. Willie Buchanon in the '70s to an extent. Sometimes guys are never the same. It's an incredibly unfortunate part of the game. Always has been.


Robert from Verona, WI


As a fan (and probably as a coach or GM) it's always tough to watch young players who struggle for their first few years, and then have a breakout year right before their rookie contract is up. Kevin King seems to be a player who didn't contribute much early (largely due to injury), but is looking like he will be peaking right when he is due for a new contract. The question is whether he'll be the next Nick Perry or Casey Hayward. I sure don't envy Gute as he makes those decisions.


Well, he doesn't have to make it now. Another year will build the case one way or the other.


Dana from Eau Claire, WI


Can you actually see Brady or Brees playing for other teams? How about Cam Newton or Winston? A lot of teams may have different looks next year – want to give a prediction on some of these FA QBs?


As everyone knows, I'm not into predictions, but the guy who's the toughest for me to see playing in another uniform is Brees. I think he either plays for the Saints or retires.


Rob from Katy, TX


How does the QB domino situation affect the NFC North?


Not much, unless the Bears and Lions decide to move on right now, which it doesn't sound like they're planning to. Although the NFC North is matched against the NFC South and AFC South schedule-wise this year, and the Saints, Panthers, Bucs, Titans and Colts are all being mentioned as potential riders on this QB carousel. So in that vein, the NFC North will be impacted by how all this shakes out.


Sal from Hailey, ID


Regarding our linebacker position, moving on from Blake Martinez (if that is the decision) should require an addition with both brains AND speed. Do you think there's any chance that the team doesn't find that guy this offseason, and instead pushes forward with Oren Burks and Curtis Bolton? I don't know enough about them to judge if either would have what it takes to act as defensive QB.


Others have mentioned Ty Summers, too. I think those guys will have their places on the 2020 Packers, but the team will be looking for more options. I don't see inside LB as a position where improvement can come strictly from within. Additions will boost competition and depth. That's how GMs think regardless.


Jeff from Chandler, AZ


I just watched the video highlighting Aaron Jones' season. It was fun to review all of his key plays. Seeing them back-to-back I really noticed how great he is at seeing small seams in the defense and making a decisive move through the hole with explosiveness. I love his team attitude and polite, low-key demeanor. He was an important piece in the success of the team, maybe the most important. How often have you seen an athlete with his skills and talent still remain super humble?


I don't want to make it sound like every guy who becomes a star changes for the worse, because that's far from the truth. But it's rare for a guy to reach his level of success, and the interview dynamic remains no different than when he was a rookie fighting for snaps. That's actually true with Jones.


Kent from Lewiston, ID


In response to Mike's answer about having more offensive change in 2020 versus adding more defensive pieces, I believe Andy Reid and KC already made that adjustment with a middle-of-the-pack defense and top-tier offense. The traditional-type QBs without wheels are quickly becoming dinosaurs. Mike, your insight is spot-on and I think we are all afraid the window closed with the here and now, regardless of arm strength and intangibles. Speed kills and that pushed KC over the top. Thoughts?


I don't disagree the Packers need more speed at the offensive skill positions, but there will always be a place for accomplished, veteran quarterbacks who know how to read defenses, make adjustments at the line, and get the ball to the playmakers. Smarts and savvy can still go a long way at the position, and while Rodgers can't run around as much as he used to, he's not just a statue in the pocket, either. Moreover, Brees had a grand total of 30 rushing yards over the last three years and the Saints posted double-digit victories every year. There are different ways to get it done. I think as Gutekunst continues to improve the roster while LaFleur works on maximizing what he has to work with, the Packers' window is far from closed.


Mark from Minneapolis, MN


I thought the 49ers vs. Chiefs Super Bowl included some short-yardage as well as "chunk" plays that both teams have previously used, but also new wrinkles I had not seen before. When Coach LaFleur mentioned in his post-season presser the growth of Matt Ryan in Year 2 under himself and Kyle Shanahan, does II feel 2020 could include executing what we have better (offensively) or adding some "wiggles" and "waggles" (or both)?


All of the above.