Inbox: That's a great wild card to have

[Cheesehead]

Doug from Storrs, CT


Is the move to more focus on the running game real, or does it just seem like it? If it is real, is there a reason other than just a change in NFL fashion? Were there any rule changes that have led to it? Or someone noticing that running backs are cheaper than wide receivers?


There's room for interpretation but it's definitely not the price tag. Personally, I think the resurgence of the run game is a product of the bunch formations and misdirection that have become prevalent in recent years. It's easier to run the ball when there are two in-line tight ends on the field than in a spread offense routinely lining up four receivers.


Paul from Hewitt, WI


I have a few questions with regard to the Packers' players council referenced in recent articles on packers.com. Is this something new or are we now being made more aware of it? Are all team captains on the council? Do you have a list of those on the council? Who selects this council? Thank you.


The leadership council has been around for as long as I can remember but it gained headlines last year when Matt LaFleur and the veterans started holding weekly meetings. It's only one or two players per position group but there's not like a set limit or anything. I know Aaron Rodgers, Davante Adams, Marcedes Lewis, Corey Linsley, David Bakhtiari, Kenny Clark, Adrian Amos and the Smiths are on it. It's an important part of the process.


Jeff from Green Bay, WI


I faced a HS pitcher in the early '90s that was throwing in the low 90s and I struck out swinging at everything over and over, so I feel for Mike. The three OL draft picks this year all have a ton of upside and I hope that Bakhtiari and Linsley will both be holding down spots for a long time, along with Elgton Jenkins. The right side of the OL is completely up in the air, in my opinion. Who are your picks at RG and RT in 2020 and beyond?


The right side will be Billy Turner and Rick Wagner. They're being paid to start and see no reason why they won't (barring injury). Beyond that, I'm not sure what the future holds for the starting five. The Packers have great depth on the offensive line and also some crucial decisions to make in the next year.


Tom from New Berlin, WI


Do you feel any of the rookie linemen drafted will get any playing time? If they do, will Cole Madison be in jeopardy of being cut?


I think it would be difficult for any of the rookie O-linemen to see significant playing time in 2020. Lane Taylor and Lucas Patrick appear to be the "next men up," while Alex Light and Yosh Nijman also have NFL experience. Out of all of them, Jon Runyan might have the best shot. As far as Madison goes, he just needs to get healthy.


Derek from Eau Claire, WI


Spoff said he expects a lot of conversations about what forms of protest the league will and will not support. I hope he's wrong. The conversation should be one sentence. Use the platform to enact positive change. If we've learned anything, it's that peaceful protest in any form at any place and any time needs to be lifted up. It sure beats the alternative. Let these influential players be influential in a way this country desperately needs.


As complicated as social justice reform is, this part of it seems relatively simple – listen to your players and let their collective voice guide you. As it relates to the Packers, I was encouraged on Friday to hear Matt LaFleur has already had meetings and brainstorming sessions with his coaching staff about potential initiatives. LaFleur gets it. Words are great but actions are what matter most.


Jim from Tucson, AZ


I'm not sure how I think about this, but I'll throw it out there. Professional sports players are paid for their time. They are paid to play and entertain the fans. Once they put on the uniform and step onto the field, their obligation is to entertain. The fans do not pay to hear or see their feelings or thoughts. In street clothes, they are free to make their feelings known, and still have the impact they want to have. At that point, most fans will still listen.


Most won't. I can assure you of that. I've written the stories. I've seen metrics. They generate little to no buzz. What's more, we've gone down that road before and the issues persist. When given the option to remain quiet and comfortable, that's typically the direction the public leans. These conversations often need to be uncomfortable for real change to happen. Because that's the only language those in power seem to understand.