The TE room is decidedly younger with Josiah Deguara being the elder with four years of NFL experience. He’s described as the leader of that room by TE coach Dunn based on that experience, but can you think of situations where a position group is led by a younger guy who just takes over the leadership of a room?
It’s happened before in Green Bay but probably more frequently during the Ted Thompson years. I remember writing a story in either 2012 or ’13 about how Josh Sitton and T.J. Lang were the youngest veterans leading an NFL O-line room. Morgan Burnett did the same thing at safety for many years. Whether there’s an 18-year veteran in the room or not, somebody has to speak up and set a standard for the younger players to see how the job is done. That’s a void Deguara needs to fill right now.
Michael from Berrien Springs, MI
So many great things to read on II every day. One of my favorites is “5 things”… always informative. I also love reading the coaches’ comments. I have to say, Rich Bisaccia’s comment about “honoring the players” really resonated with me. I have been a director/teacher most of my life (musicals, operas, etc.) and I have always ended every rehearsal or class by saying, “I honor your talents.” I believe when you show people that you value them and their efforts, it empowers them to grow.
It’s one of the best lines I’ve heard during my 12 years covering the Packers. As big as this sport is, it’s important to remember that it comes back to fulfilling childhood dreams. Those didn’t start in a stadium with 80,000 watching. It’s usually in an empty field or gym, with only a child pushing themselves to get better.
Craig from Menomonee Falls, WI
Just read an article about Sean Payton stating the Broncos will be staying overnight for late road games rather than arriving home in the middle of the night. Wouldn’t this make sense for the Packers as well? I remember both of you commenting on how difficult it is arriving home in the wee hours of the morning.
It’s a bold strategy, Cotton. We’ll see how that works out for them. Speaking only for myself – an employee, not a player – I’d much rather fly home immediately after the game and wake up Monday in my own bed.
Good morning, Wes. A year or two ago you informed us Inbox readers that Jordy Nelson would be eligible for induction into the Packers Hall of Fame after the 2022 season. Here we are anxiously awaiting the announcement. He has to be an automatic, right? Do you suppose Aaron Rodgers will be invited back to be Jordy’s presenter into the hall?
Oh, he’s going in. The Packers announced last November that Nelson and Josh Sitton are this year’s inductees*. The banquet is set for Aug. 31. I have no idea, though, on whether Rodgers will have any involvement.*
Roarke from New Berlin, WI
With Clay Matthews officially announcing his retirement last fall, what are the chances he enters the Packers HOF within the next several years?
Pretty good. Matthews’ last NFL season came with the Los Angeles Rams in 2019, which I believe makes him eligible next year.
Steven from Balsam Lake, WI
All this “talk” about veteran WRs and whatnot made me think, what’s Ty Montgomery up to? If we brought him back, would he play WR, RB, or veteran QB? What would the cost be for him to get No. 88?
I was surprised to learn Montgomery was still in the league. He’s with New England but missed most of last year with a shoulder injury. So, you’ll need to cross him off that wish list.
I understand Mike’s exasperation at the repetition of questions. However, I feel sad that the Packers’ careers of Crosby, Lewis and Smash just fizzle out. At least with a trade, there’s closure (and draft picks).
I appreciate the sentimentality but that’s the nature of this sport. It’s rare a player gets to go out on top. If they do, then the pundits are complaining about how they retired too early.
Hello Insiders! In regard to the salary cap, how can any team be under the cap with a 90-man roster? Are there stipulations for OTAs and training camp?
Only the 51 highest salaries count towards the cap until Week 1.
All of this talk about flexing games makes me sad. I’m not fortunate enough to get to Lambeau very often, but I can’t imagine buying tickets to a Sunday noon game, and then getting 12 days’ notice that it’s moving to Monday night. God forbid I’m traveling from somewhere far enough away that I need plane tickets and a hotel, that’s not enough time to reasonably (cheaply??) change my plans. The NFL hates the ticket-buying fan, which is a shame.
I don’t like it, either. We’ll see what NFL ownership does. If this is the direction the league goes, I hope area hotels and businesses can adjust to accommodate out-of-towners. Attending a game at Lambeau Field should be a carefree, timeless experience. You shouldn’t have to worry about rolling sevens on the flex game and having to turn vacation plans inside out.
Wayne from Stevens Point, WI
I hope my tombstone doesn’t read, “I wish I had watched more TV.” The NFL is moving toward pay TV and what organization isn’t (think Big Ten)? I hope it moves that way rapidly so I can have a tombstone that reads, “I gave up TV for real life.” As pay per view for the NFL increases, my direction is toward part-time watcher of the Packers. Imagine, beautiful fall Sundays available for walks in the woods. Besides your job, how would you fill NFL-free Sundays?
After meeting you guys last year at training camp my goal this year is to meet and shake hands with “The Rock.” Is he as scary in real life as he appears in his game film? That man had a look in his eyes that was downright frightening! See you in July.
Larry is great. I fondly remember him taking time to thank fans who came to his “Locker Room Show.” He’s the real deal.
Good morning gents and fellow followers! I am surprised, with all the geeks we have, that nobody’s given any love to “Jeopardy!” champion Ben Chan from Green Bay. He’s certainly given some love to Green Bay, Wisconsin, and the Packers.
Congrats Ben! Go get ’em!
Arthur from Washington, DC
Hi Insiders, I might have missed it as I usually listen to “Packers Unscripted” while doing dishes or laundry and therefore don’t watch the video, but is Wes still podcasting from random Lambeau locations? I thought it was a really cool idea, and maybe a fun way for us to get a peek around your amazing “office building,” but maybe it’s logistically untenable. Regardless, thanks for joining me with my chores!
And thank you for bringing us along. The construction around Lambeau Field has created some challenges with our studio and control room, which is why we’ve been shooting the show on Zoom. We hope to be back to usual business around training camp. Unlike the COVID year, when nobody was in the building, my boss is back now and needs his office.
Derek from Eau Claire, WI
What should we use if something is cut from the Hod cloth? “Spoffordian” is going to be tough to beat, but I can’t wait to see the II try!
I don’t think you can top that one.
Brandon’s question about a draft lottery made me first think no way. What if second round was by lottery? Man would that make the draft way more interesting! How about starting second round then every other round by lotto!
But to the original point – the NFL has the most successful and viewer-friendly draft of any professional sports league. Why mess with the recipe? No gimmicks required.
Your response to Matthew from Las Vegas in Friday’s II begs a question: Have either of you ever missed the bus after a road game and been left behind?
No, Spoff and I are typically the first on the bus because we gotta start writing.
Mike from New Orleans, LA
Here’s an idea – whoever wins II MVP gets to pose a question that Mike/Wes must ask at the first press conference after said honor.
I don’t know about that one, but we are less than two months away from Outsider Inbox V. I have eight questions jotted down and need probably another three or four. Keep ’em coming.
If the Packers’ offensive line blocks to infinity (and beyond), will they be light years ahead of the competition and create a buzz across the league?
…and allow their quarterback to proclaim to the end zone: “I am Jordan Love. I come in peace.” Have a great weekend.