Inbox: The process won’t stop just because the games start

Jeff from Indian Lake, NY

Hey guys, just finished watching Gutey’s presser. Is it safe to say that when Jenkins is cleared he’ll be lining up at RT? I like the sound of our two best linemen keeping the edges of the pocket clean for 12.

Hearing Gutekunst refer to David Bakhtiari and Elgton Jenkins as “those two tackles” wasn’t lost on any beat writer at that press conference.

Ann from Menomonee Falls, WI

Is there a specific coach who coaches the practice-squad players to mimic the next team they will face?

The quality control coaches do a lot of that scouting work, preparing the plays/schemes for the scout team to run on both sides of the ball during the week leading up to the game.

Craig from Mendota Heights, MN

The Vikes’ announcer and other homer blowhards think the unknowingness (?) of their new and improved (!) offense means surprise to the Pack and a sure win. What say you?

They must believe the Vikings know everything the Packers are going to run in their new Adams-less offense. I wish I could say the same.

Kenton from Rochester, MN

I got a chuckle out of Spoff’s answer to Mark on the health and availability of Bakhtiari, Jenkins and Tonyan. Although he pleaded ignorance, I can’t believe that you guys don’t have some inside dope on what’s going on – but, as Packer employees, there’s just some things you can’t or won’t publicly share. Assuming I’m correct, are the things you have to keep on the “down low” mandated by management or do you just use your best judgment on what and what not to reveal?

Keeping management from knowing what I know comes first. Then the rest takes care of itself.

Bob from Rome, NY

Gentlemen, does watching NFL games on mobile devices count towards the ratings? If so, the fact the NFL moved off of Labor Day weekend due to ratings in 2004 may be a little outdated. I liked when the NFL started on Labor Day. Most fans could watch the opening game and not have to worry about work the next day. Thank you!

Interesting thought, but on the other end I do think the league likes how the season now extends further into January and February, when more people are homebound and other sports haven’t reached their compelling stages (March Madness, etc.).

Jordan from Virginia Beach, VA

I’ve noticed multiple players around the league missing time due to an “undisclosed injury.” I assume, if they are still hurt when the official injury reports are released, the injury would be made public. Is that correct?

Yessir.

Israel from Centennial, CO

Mike from Green Bay had an interesting reply to Mike from Somerset Wednesday. While getting three more All-Pros is a lot to ask, the amazing thing might be how many paths there are to that. Bakhtiari, Jenkins, Kenny Clark, Preston Smith, Rashan Gary, Jaire Alexander … they have all played elite football and could have an All-Pro year. Others like Douglas aren’t far behind, and Stokes’ second-year leap could be scary. Kudos to Gutey for putting together a dominant defense on paper; can’t wait to see it on the field.

Oh, I don’t deny the possibilities exist, but it’s still a very tall order when you look at history. Only once since the Holmgren era have the Packers had more than four first- or second-team AP All-Pro selections in a given year. That came in 2020 with six (first-teamers Rodgers, Bakhtiari, Linsley, Adams, plus second-teamers Alexander, Z. Smith). So yes, it happened recently, but I was just recognizing that extensive a list as a rarity.

Al from Green Bay, WI

Approximately 32 teams, at this stage, believe they’ve “gotten better” since the end of last season. I’d love to have your perspective on a couple emerging teams to watch as well as a couple that have likely declined. Thanks!

Decline is very difficult to forecast, because it’s usually due to age and/or injury, the impacts of which aren’t evident in advance. Teams on my most improved radar include the Lions, Eagles, Colts and Chargers.

Ron from Cheyenne, WY

I know at this point it’s hard to say, but keeping the team healthy with such a late-season bye has me worried. What are your thoughts?

It’s the biggest challenge unrelated to any specific opponents the 2022 schedule has put in front of the Packers. Meet that challenge, and it could set the team up nicely.

Dennis from Ottawa, IL

In the QOTD about a team band, 12 said it would be Provolone on guitar. Who is the cheese on the team? I couldn’t pick him out, or do we have unlisted participants?

It took me a few days but I got the answer from 12 himself, who confessed it was an inside joke amongst the players. Provolone was a reference to former defensive lineman Willington Previlon, who spent 2020 on the practice squad here and then did not make the team last year. He apparently liked to brag about his (somewhat questionable) musical talents, so Rodgers was putting him on guitar in the team band to prove himself.

Greg from Cherry Valley, IL

We are finally here. Camp is over. Preseason is over. Getting the roster and practice squad set. Upon us for the next six months is Packer football! I just have one question. I don’t know about you, Mike and Wes, but is this heaven?!

No, but it’s better than Iowa. Happy Friday.