Vince from Warm Springs, GA

Morning Mike and Wes! Can you help me make sense of the latest NFL trend in canceling all or part of OTAs/minicamp? MLF let the vets go a week early. Two teams canceled their minicamps entirely. Others ended early. Not that long ago, with the restrictions of the last two CBAs, coaches often talked about the need for more efficiency due to lack of time with the players. Some even begrudged a day for so-called team-building exercises. What in the (heck) is going on out there?

There are various reasons that could apply, in whole or in part, to the trend. Except for mandatory minicamp, the rest of the offseason program (workouts, OTAs, meetings, etc.) is voluntary, and when participation is strong, coaches like to reward that level of commitment from their players. If they feel they’ve gotten the necessary work in, practicing for the sake of practicing probably isn’t worth the risk of injury. Plus, there’s only so much that can be accomplished without pads on, and the first three days of training camp will be non-padded practices anyway.

Christian from Metairie, LA

Hello Mes Spofkiewicz, finally some real offseason journalism and legit power rankings. A member of the Eagles media ranked the press box food for all 32 teams, the Bears were 29th and the Packers were 21st. Any memorable high/lowlights of press box culinary delights?

Ranking the Soldier Field press box food 29th is … generous.

Caleb from Tacoma asked if the Bears are actually as good as their record. If I may borrow from Coach Dennis Green in describing the Bears back in 2006, at the end of the season we will be saying, “They are who we thought they were!”

I think the Bears are talented, they have a rising star at QB, and there’s no denying Johnson’s coaching and leadership have made a difference. I’ve said all offseason the big question for the Bears is whether they can win as many games if they don’t get 30-plus takeaways, because that is their big statistical variable from 2025 that’s most likely to change.

Two thoughts on who really owned the NFC North last year. We were 4-2 and if Rome covers the onside kick and we had a healthy team playing Minnesota we probably sweep the division. I feel like the Bears were better than their record in ’24 but worse in ’25. What do you think, El Jefe?

The Bears won the division in 2025. They’re the defending NFC North champs. Getting back to winning the division, which the Packers haven’t done since 2021, would get Green Bay a better playoff seed and at least one playoff game at home. That’s what I think.

Jerry from Boynton Beach, FL

You’ve probably answered this before, but what do the coaches do between OTAs and training camp? Family time? Planning for the season? Some of both?

Johan from Evansville, IN

Like Rex, I also participated in a tour at Lambeau last week. My first time inside the hallowed grounds! Too bad we missed you, Spoff, as we were there Saturday afternoon. It is truly a unique feeling driving through the little city and then just seeing a massive football stadium. Stocked up on Spotted Cow and kringles for when the baloney stops!

Baloney aside, can’t say I’ve heard of that food/drink combo before, but good luck with it.

Good morning IIers, will the “tarps off” craze arrive at Lambeau Field this season?

Still a month to go in the dead zone, I see.

Do you think the starting offense should play in preseason, to knock the rust off?