Christopher from Sun Prairie, WI
How does the Packers training staff ensure adequate hydration during organized team activities and minicamps when outside temperatures reach 90 degrees?
First, temperatures did not approach 90 degrees at any of the offseason program practices. If it ever happens, the training staff simply makes sure the players get their fluids before and after practice.
Innovation? I’m definitely a Green Bay Packers fan first, but also a Kansas City Chiefs fan. Andy Reid tops them all with some really interesting plays. I’ve seen games where, even as the play is going on, I tell myself it’s great.
Kansas City sometimes puts too much spice into their tricks for my palate, but I will always respect creativity. The NFL has been around for more than a century. It’s not easy to find legal ways to innovate.
I was reading the new kickoff rules, and since hang time is now irrelevant, it seems like kickers should try learning how to kick a knuckleball. Line kicks into the landing zone can also be effective in making it difficult for returners to handle the kick. The risk is that the rule states that if it bounces in the back of the end zone, the ball goes to the 30. But it doesn’t mention a ball bouncing out of the side of the end zone. Presumably it’s not a kick out of bounds. Any idea what happens then?
The end zone is all the same. The only way the ball gets anywhere other than the 30-yard line is if it hits in the landing zone and then bounces into the end zone. The receiving team must then return the ball or put it down. If he is brought down, the touchback goes to the 20-yard line.
With the new kickoff rule, would it be legal to kick a line drive toward the opponent’s front line and wait for a rebound, or would it be prohibited as a near side kick attempt?
I believe the latter. It is my understanding that unless it is a declared onside kick, the ball must first touch the ground inside the landing zone before it can be legally returned.
It’s not a math question, but a statistics question. Sacks didn’t become an official statistic until 1982, but it appears that Pro Football Reference has done extensive research (over 30 years) by studying official plays, watching game film, photographs, and coaches’ statistics to add “sacks.” ” to some or the greats of all time. I’m just curious why the NFL would ultimately not include pre-1982 sacks in their official statistics. By the way, ATMR (wcbw), Deacon Jones was a real beast, accumulating 173.5 in his time.
I assume it’s because play-by-play can vary between teams and there is no way to officially and fairly determine what constitutes a sack. For example, there are many times each season where a struggling quarterback is tackled for a loss after declaring himself a runner (e.g. QB draw).
Patrick from Forest Lake, MN
Happy off season! With no practices right now, why don’t we take a trip down memory lane and reflect on the veteran signings that have happened over the years, the real scratches (I realize they all had their purpose, but still) : Whitney Mercilus, Cedric Benson, Jeff Sábado…
Are you going to put Mercilus in that group? Remember how banged up the Packers were at outside linebacker in 2021? I would say Mercilus was a good fit for Green Bay. Unfortunately, he injured his biceps in four games, but he worked hard to return to San Francisco’s playoff game.
Wes, after interviewing Preston Smith, are you inspired to spend time in the cold tub or sauna after training? I was hoping to hear more about his stretching and recovery regimen, or are you saving it for a book you’ll ghostwrite for Preston when he retires in a decade?
I like the sauna. I wish I had one of my own. However, I’m still trying to work up the appetite to get into a cold tub. That scares me. But I’m totally willing to do a story on Smith if he wants to talk about his recovery process. Send me location.
Ross from Summerville, SC
Gentlemen, have preparations for Brazil begun for both of you?
I found my passport. Does that count?
Could someone please tell Mike that “the proof of the pudding is in the eating”? Thank you.
That’s how Ted Thompson said it, that’s how we’ll write it.
I appreciate you answering the odd question not related to football. On Sunday, I was rooting for Rory down the stretch at the US Open (I’m not a big fan of Bryson or any of the LIV guys). But after losing, Rory absconded without speaking to any reporters, and my loyalties changed. I mean, if Jean Vandevelde had spoken to reporters after the 1999 British Open, Rory certainly could have put up with it. As journalists, what is his opinion on athletes who “deal with it” (or not) after a tough loss?
I’d say it was a bad decision on Rory’s part, but I also stormed off the course after a disappointing round/final instead of playing the 19th hole with friends. So maybe I shouldn’t throw stones at that glass house. But yes, Rory should have faced the situation. The elephant won’t jump off your back if you pretend it’s not there.
“I’m often asked about a past event I wish I had covered as a sports journalist, and ‘Miracle on Ice’ is always the answer.” You’ll be able to taste it by watching the 2004 film “Miracle,” starring Kurt Russell as Herb Brooks. It is, in my far from humble opinion, the best sports movie of all time. And I don’t even like hockey!
Our UX coordinator, Jen Ward, would agree with you. I remember going to the Bay Park movie theater the weekend of the “Miracle” opening. I can’t believe it’s been 20 years already.
When will Wes’s inbox photo be updated to reflect the new bearded Wes?
Probably the next time I take a staff photo… in 2036.
No question, I just want to thank you both for keeping us entertained during the dead zone and all year long.
We’re squeezing water out of rocks in the middle of this soccer project, Chas. Have a great Tuesday.
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