Inbox: It's an overall culture

[Cheesehead]

Dan from Madison, AL


Is anyone tracking the next major milestone for the Packers, in that with six more Aaron Rodgers TD passes, Green Bay will be the only team in NFL history to have three QBs combine for 1,000 TD passes for a single franchise? (Starr 152, Favre 442, Rodgers 400 and counting). Put in perspective, the Bears would have to combine their top 17 passers in history to equal 1,000 TDs thrown. Is Packer Nation blessed or what?


That's pretty cool. A family friend shared with me an editorial last week from the Chicago media that said the Bears' top three QBs in their history haven't combined for 50,000 passing yards, while Rodgers has 50,000-plus and Favre had 60,000-plus in Green Bay. On top of that, the Bears don't have a single receiver with 500 receptions, and Davante Adams became the Packers' fifth to hit the number. It's an astonishing perspective. What it means to get the QB position right should never be undersold.


Robert from Verona, WI


I know Aaron Jones has missed some time this year and shares some of his workload with Jamaal Williams, but I noticed he has 145 carries on the year compared to Derrick Henry who has 271 carries. Henry seems to be built to take punishment, but he led the league in carries last year with 303 and is on pace to eclipse that number this year. Do you think his workload will catch up to him, or do you think his size/frame is enough to offset the heavy usage?


There's no way to know for sure. Some workhorses turn out like Emmitt Smith and Adrian Peterson, some end up more like Larry Johnson and Michael Turner, and there are a whole bunch who fall in between. My gut says Henry will be in between, leaning more toward the front of the group.


Howard from Appleton, WI


I watched the Bills-49ers Monday night, and I was amazed by the play of Josh Allen – not so much his throwing (though he does well getting the ball to his receivers) but the way he sees the field, carries himself, and leads his team. What especially made it amazing is my memory of the only other full game I had seen him play, against Green Bay in 2018, he was flat-out horrible in every respect. What are some other noteworthy instances of dramatic improvement you have witnessed?


At quarterback, it's a long list, starting with Hall of Famers like Brett Favre and Peyton Manning. His rookie year in Indy, Manning threw 28 picks and had a 71.2 passer rating. More recently involving current players, this week's opponent, Matthew Stafford, comes to mind. As a rookie in '09, he completed barely 50% of his passes, threw 20 picks and had a 61.0 rating. Another upcoming opponent, Ryan Tannehill, fits the bill, too.


Randy from Fort Myers, FL


After watching all the extra points missed in the last weeks both with the Packers and Vikings, I looked it up and 2020 represents the worst year in extra points in league history. Apparently fans are good for extra points.


All righty then.


Dale from Prescott, WI


Last Sunday, Jim Nantz stated AR seems really relaxed and enjoying himself during the production meeting. Who attends those meetings and what is discussed/covered? Thanks!


I'm not certain on all the specifics, but the broadcast crew (booth announcers, sideline reporters, a top producer or two) will hold meetings with the head coach, QB, and perhaps another top player. They get background information about the game plan and preparation, with the promise that it's confidential and only to be used during the broadcast. They'll also try to get a behind-the-scenes anecdote or two from the season they can share on the air. Often the broadcasters attend the last practice of the week for the host team and meet with them after. They conduct the meetings with the visiting team upon arrival at the hotel.


Neil from Sun Prairie, WI


Good morning Mike and Wes, just a reminder that out of an abundance of caution the NFL has banned all teams from participating in slobberknockers for this season, including playoffs. Hopefully they will return next season. Thanks for your support.


That's funny, but I feel like I shouldn't be laughing.


Terry from Sun Prairie, WI


What player in Packers history had the most yards per rush in one game?


In a game with at least 10 rushing attempts, that honor belongs to Billy Grimes, who had 167 yards on 10 carries (16.7 avg.) vs. the New York Yanks on Oct. 8, 1950.


Daniel from Allen, TX


Mike: I'm sorry, but Weston was wrong. Strawberry is the best Starburst flavor. Are you with me? Also, do you think the Pack might start using more starters on special teams to improve the coverage unit?


No way, man, it's cherry for sure, and orange is next for me. I don't think throwing starters on special teams in December when they haven't practiced those duties for four-plus months would be all that wise.