You tip your cap to either side

The query from Devin from Kansas City struck a chord. During the 2023 season, I used to be combating a successful battle with most cancers, with all of the accompanying angst and challenges you may think about. One of the various issues that obtained me by way of every day was the entertaining diversion that’s II. Don’t ever doubt what this column means to us followers, for causes you would possibly by no means think about. Thank you.

Just after I wanted somewhat push throughout a busy week in Westfield, Ind., depart it to Devin from Ok.C. and Joe from Swansea to deliver the bulldozer. Powerful stuff, gents. Echoing Spoff’s feedback, I hope you are each nicely given the difficult circumstances.

Dustin from Kansas City, MO

With joint practices changing into extra widespread within the NFL, what’s the greatest profit you see from them? Sharper competitors, higher analysis alternatives, or simply breaking apart the monotony of camp?

All the above. Checkpoints are vital to maintain issues contemporary and make 5 weeks of coaching camp much less daunting. Joint practices present high quality work when everyone seems to be on their finest habits. You tip your cap to either side for that. It was a clear however aggressive follow and that applies to all three phases. Nobody wrote about particular groups exterior of Brandon McManus’ discipline targets, however Green Bay’s core-four getting stay reps in opposition to one other group as an alternative of simply scout-team reps is extraordinarily helpful.

Wes, it sounds just like the protection dominated the joint follow versus the Colts. It additionally sounds as if Jeff Hafley threw extra curveballs on the Colts than we might count on to see in a preseason recreation. If true, and given the starters’ enjoying time might be very restricted, is the sport truly much less vital than the follow this week?

The recreation is important for just a few causes, starting with ending sturdy right here in Indy. The Packers set the tone within the joint follow and now wish to construct on that momentum into the sport itself. Also, they’ve the distinctive alternative to decorate many of the gamers who practiced with the first-team offense in opposition to the Colts. Maybe the passing recreation took just a few lumps on Thursday, however the enjoying discipline needs to be a extra stage this afternoon for Malik Willis and Co. in opposition to Indianapolis’ reserve models. The follow served a goal, however they play the video games for a purpose.

As a Gold bundle ticket holder, I simply learn that Sterling Sharpe might be honored at halftime of the Commanders recreation. One of my favourite Packers of all time, I’m so excited to be there for a well-deserved celebration.

Seeing Sharpe get his title on the Lambeau Field façade will make for a particular night. It’s one in every of a number of cool occasions deliberate for this 12 months’s house slate at Lambeau Field. Click the hyperlink in case you didn’t see the total rollout from Friday.

Chase from Diamond Springs, CA

Re: Chris, final 12 months proved no division recreation is a should win. Obviously, that is not how we wish to advance, however in my view, no recreation is a should win until it actually eliminates the group or drastically modifications a group’s playoff odds (e.g. a win placing them in playoff place, a loss inflicting them to lose a recreation and the tiebreakers with two weeks remaining). That’s not potential till later within the season. The most Week 1 can ever be is one recreation of many who domesticate a must-win state of affairs.

The Packers can not afford to go 1-5 within the NFC North once more this 12 months, however you may’t put each egg from right here to Door County on the opener. It’s Week 1, not the NFC title recreation. A quick begin could be preferable, however consistency over the course of a difficult September is what’s required. The consequence of the Lions recreation is only a quarter of the equation.

How nervous are you about Jordan Love not being full go till the season begins?

Minimally. Love had a full offseason in Green Bay and went by way of all of the installs in the course of the first two weeks of follow. So, I’m good with him therapeutic up whereas a lot of his prime receivers do the identical.

Scott from Noblesville, IN

Kudos to each of you for hanging within the Westfield warmth right here in Hamilton Co., yesterday. Besides the 70-yarder, IMHO MarShawn Lloyd was essentially the most spectacular participant on all the follow discipline, and I can hardly wait to see what his efficiency might be like Saturday. GPG

That warmth was no joke, however fortunately we weren’t on a rubber floor like Green Bay. I do not wish to set the bar too excessive for Lloyd, however I simply need Packers followers to see what we have seen at coaching camp. Lloyd is a enjoyable soccer participant to observe.

Wes, your pleasure about getting to observe Lloyd in recreation motion is palpable, and I consider most of Packer Nation agrees. Given the accidents to QB10 and the receiving corps, I get the sense it might take just a few regular-season video games for the passing recreation to start out clicking. So, the early success of the Josh Jacobs/Lloyd mixture (maybe interspersed with a dose of WR jet sweeps) will doubtless be important in getting the Pack off to a superb begin of the season.

A wholesome Lloyd, in any dose, would add flare to this offense. I really feel like his playstyle would complement Jacobs and the remainder of the backfield nicely. But Lloyd simply must stack days proper now – run after run, follow after follow.

Bill from North Liberty, IA

When you say that MarShawn Lloyd is a novel again due to his dimension, velocity and explosiveness I suppose you are too younger to have seen Earl Campbell and Herschel Walker!

Yeah, just about. Sure. I’m not placing the man within the Hall of Fame. I’m simply saying you may see why the Packers used a Day 2 decide on the younger man.

I’ve heard quite a lot of chatter about Isaiah Simmons’ efficiency within the first preseason recreation and noticed a few clips that regarded dangerous. Could you assemble video of some busted performs and make any HOFer appear to be a chump? Has Simmons redeemed himself since then or is there actual trigger for concern that he may not discover a position on this protection? I used to be excited when the Packers signed him and nonetheless have hope he’ll proper the ship.

That’s life within the area – everyone seems to be watching after which there’s all-22 to boost your hindsight. Simmons had a fantastic follow in opposition to the Colts. Like I stated on “Unscripted,” Simmons’ interception of Daniel Jones in two-minute drew cheers from Packers followers within the stands, however he additionally had some good suits in opposition to the run in 11-on-11s earlier in follow. Today is one other day and a brand new alternative.