Thank God the spoff season is over. Time to rock!
Wes, if you hit a 58-yard putt in high school, you would have been “the coolest person in your hometown.” I mean, at my high school in Baraga, MI, that would have been at least a par 3. Is II being paused due to logistics this week?
We’ll be producing inboxes as usual. The only change is that Spoff will take over the Saturday morning column and I’ll take over the Monday one. And if I could have shot a 50-yard throw in high school, Mike Williquette would have dragged me off the couch and told me to put on some pads.
Wes, will II’s punctual arrival be affected by international travel, especially on Saturday mornings?
Just a friendly reminder: We don’t publish the post-game inbox until 11 a.m. CT after night games. There’s already a ton of content on our site that we don’t want to sweep under the rug.
Do players view the upcoming game against the Eagles differently than a normal season opener because it’s being played in Brazil? The NFL and media place so much emphasis on the “firsts” associated with this game. Does that translate to the team or is this game viewed like any other game, just that it’s being played on a new international NFL stage?
The Packers are trying to keep things as normal as possible, focusing more on the primetime aspect of the game than the international showcase. The world will be watching, of course, and it’s only human to let that reality sink in. Ultimately, though, the first win of the season is all that matters on Friday night.
Dean from Leavenworth, IN
Like the team, I’m excited! I’m excited to see the new defense with new pieces and new coordinator Jeff Hafley. I’m excited to see if the offense can pick up where it left off last season. I’m excited to see the new kicker and new kickoff rules in action. And I’m excited to see new backup QB Malik Willis. Do you think Willis will be active, and if so, is it possible Matt LaFleur has a few trick plays designed specifically for him in the game plan?
I like Willis a lot, but with all due respect, I’m not as excited as you to see him. Jordan Love is now the highest-paid quarterback in NFL history. If Love is available for 1,200 offensive plays this year, I want him on the field for 1,201. Maybe LaFleur and Co. can make a trick play or two with Willis, but Love is the real deal right now. Green Bay will get as far as number 10 takes them. But I, too, am excited to see how this 2024 season plays out.
Regards, II. I’m excited to see what Malik Willis can do after attending GB quarterback university for a year or two.
I’m really looking forward to it. Willis is a smart guy who seems eager to learn. He has a great opportunity this season to learn from two of the brightest quarterback minds in the NFL: LaFleur and Tom Clements.
Good morning, Insiders. It seems like special teams are a special thing. On punts, we have defensive players on the kicking team to protect. On returns, we have offensive players to block. I’m curious how the dynamic works. Is it more a question of skill? Or is it just about taking advantage of the pace of the game? I’m excited for this season. Thanks for everything you do in the digital age. Four days. GPG.
It’s a little bit of everything, but offensive and defensive players fulfill their respective roles because of the natural portability of their positions. Simply put, defensive players are often better at covering kicks and punts because they’re used to bending down to tackle the ball carrier to the ground. Conversely, offensive players like Ben Sims, Malik Heath, and Tyler Davis (when he was available) may be able to throw blocks a little more naturally on returns. The best can obviously do it all.
Wes, which Packers roster are you most looking forward to seeing in the first game?
Anything and everything on the defensive side of the ball. We spoke to Xavier McKinney at his locker on Sunday and he reiterated the excitement of finally getting out there and running this scheme. Expectations are high, but so is the ceiling. Jeff Hafley talked about wanting to go all out last week. These Packers defenders want the same thing.
Philip from San Lorenzo, Italy
Philadelphia’s RB1 is the guy who has been our Achilles heel for the past few years. What does our revamped defense need to focus on if they want to keep him in check?
Stay fresh and focused. The Packers did a good job against Saquon Barkley last December, but missed the direct snap that led to a 32-yard gain in the second quarter and let the 34-yard gain in the fourth quarter blow on Carrington Valentine’s fumble recovery. A strong rotation of defensive linemen should help this unit go full throttle for four quarters, whether pressuring the passer or keeping tabs on an elite back like Barkley.
Scott from Noblesville, IN
Jalen Hurts and Barkley, followed by Anthony Richardson and Jonathan Taylor, open the season. I read that our new DC TALKS about “letting it rip” and I’m a little worried. I know, I know; “it takes all 11,” “it’s about lane integrity,” and “it’s easier said than done,” etc., etc. BUT. PLEASE. JUST. STOP. RACING!
In practice, they’re getting a good taste of a QB with real speed in Willis. Ultimately, it comes down to trusting your training and playing instinctively. Last month, it wasn’t a real situation against Lamar Jackson, but Green Bay’s defense managed to win their one-on-one situations and attack the QB in unison. Both are needed to get past this early challenge.
