Inbox: You have to maximize the opportunity

Cheesehead

Well-known member
Mar 19, 2019
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Dean from Leavenworth, IN


I've watched the Packers since about 1960 and so many of the images in my memories involve mud-soaked players and frozen tundra. Now celebrating 100 seasons with the photos and clips, they often show the mud-soaked battles in the slop. At Lambeau with the heating system and the perfectly maintained turf with its woven base, is that muddy frozen tundra permanently an image from the past? I honestly think I'll miss it although I'm sure the players don't.


Unless something goes terribly wrong, that probably is something of the past. The hybrid nature of the grass helps keep the field in place. The grow lights also ensure the field is able to recover quickly if there’s a back-to-back homestand like next month with Washington and Chicago.


Sal from Hailey, ID


Cole Madison was the only player who didn't practice Friday? It can't just be luck (or the bye) keeping everyone in playing shape. What are some of the changes to which we can attribute the health of the team?


I think just being smart with how the Packers practice and rehab. I don’t know all the nitty, gritty details but there have been noticeable changes with how the team trains. I also want to echo Matt LaFleur’s comments about how heartbreaking Madison’s knee injury is. I can’t say enough about Cole. It’s been cool getting to know him this year. He’s a kind soul and has been 100-percent dedicated to the cause since he returned to the team in April. I wish him nothing but the best in his recovery.


Scott from Palos Park, IL


LaFleur stated that Ibraheim Campbell's presence stabilized roles and responsibilities for a lot of guys on D. Am I being overly optimistic or does this mean the D might be better equipped to avoid some of the big plays?


It’s huge. It allows Adrian Amos to play his natural position at safety. Amos stepped up for the defense the first half of the year but the Packers didn’t sign him to play hybrid linebacker. Campbell is also a solid run defender, which allows Pettine to go lighter on early downs, if needed.


Paul from Adams, WI


Do you think Jake Kumerow can contribute more for the team and get more playing time? I have seen him make some great blocks in the backfield.


Kumerow, Allen Lazard and Geronimo Allison have all done a nice job with their blocks, which is why the Packers are using all three. Offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett told reporters Thursday night how much he likes the production the Packers have received from that rotation. There’s also the added benefit of making opposing defenses prepare for multiple receivers.


Bill from Wilmington, DE


Wes, has Ty Summers been productive on special teams? Do you see him getting any defensive snaps?


I think Summers has done a nice job on special teams, tied for second with six coverage tackles. That’s the focus for him right now.


Dennis from Beavercreek, OH


Here are two questions that maybe I should have asked a week ago when we still had more than a week before the Packers played. With all this talk of the owners pushing for a 17-game season, would that increase a player’s salary or does the salary stay the same? If it increases by one week, which I believe it does, will they divide the salary by 16 or 17 to get the increase?


That’s something they’ll need to hash out in the CBA, if a game is added. Players don’t want to play for free, nor should they. If an extra game is added, then base salaries and bonuses should be prorated to include the extra game.


Jerry from Moline, IL


I don't understand why players would expect more compensation in the CBA if the league went to a 17-game schedule. They are getting paid for preseason games. If the total number of games does not increase, why should they be paid differently?


Players actually are paid differently for preseason. They get a stipend for training camp and participation in games. Their actual contract doesn’t kick in until Week 1.


Sam from Milwaukee, WI


Hi II, how important would you say the Super Bowl is for a team’s season?


How important is the final guitar riff in “Free Bird”?


Jason from Aurora, WI


Best Niners memory/play? Has to be Simmons/Newsome scoop-and-score in ‘95. It was a breakthrough play in a breakthrough game for the Packers. After years of riding backseat to Dallas and San Fran, that play announced that we were ready to take the keys and drive.


The Craig Newsome era was great while it lasted. Some will hate me for this comment, but that’s the first rookie first-round pick I can remember being excited about as a kid.


Elizabeth from Sylvania, OH


I'm hoping the past will fuel Aaron Rodgers’ fire on Sunday night. The 49ers had the Packers' number for a few years in a row in the regular season and playoffs, both home and away. My favorite memory has to be Clay Matthews’ flying sideline hit on Colin Kaepernick. What is yours during those more recent years?


My memory isn’t Matthews’ hit but rather his response to Jim Harbaugh intimating Matthews was a dirty player. Clay’s retort the following week? “I’m an awesome player, not a dirty player.” Classic Clay.
 
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