Edward from Sioux Falls, SD

I’m looking forward to cheering on Mr. Lloyd as he runs over and through the Vikings on the 13th. Who was the last starting RB to wear 32? I’m thinking Reggie Cobb.

How soon we forget the starting running back on a Super Bowl championship team, Brandon Jackson. Two years later, Cedric Benson also wore No. 32.

John from St. Albert, Canada

Good day II. My conclusion, based on observations from afar (TV), was the lack of a consistent run game was a large contributor to the Pack’s struggles last year. Teams were not afraid of it, so a lot of two high safeties, couldn’t close out games by running for first downs, etc. I felt the OL play was the biggest issue – no gaps, no holes, just lots of runs into a pile or into a sealed edge. I’m excited to see if we have the guys (all 10) provide improvement. And some health luck would be nice.

Injuries led to a lot of moving parts along the offensive line last year, so it felt like the unit never really got settled. And just when it seemed like it did, its best player went down and never returned. This year’s group deserves a clean slate. Let’s see what transpires.

Regarding getting the big guys: In preseason the talking heads focus mostly on the QB, some on wide receivers and edges. But, when our December friend arrives, there’s lots of talk about the importance of controlling the line of scrimmage. Big jars on the shelf are important every game.

Which is also why how the unit functions in December is more important than how it starts the season.

Mark from Westminster, CO

Every fan base wants their team to come out of the gates on all cylinders; however, realistically and based on what you have seen in your career, about how many games or series does it really take for an offensive unit to start clicking?

Impossible to say. With this team, for all the snaps the four main perimeter weapons (Tucker Kraft, Christian Watson, Jayden Reed, Matthew Golden) have banked with Love, the questions discussed above regarding the O-line need to be answered. Also, early-season games can be full of unscouted looks that can disrupt rhythm and force unexpected adjustments, and some teams lean into that approach more than others. I know everyone gets sick of hearing it, but it truly is a week-to-week league.

In Mike’s article about the new tight end room, it was interesting that Tucker Kraft has never played with an experienced tight end in his locker room. The level he has achieved without that makes me want to watch where he goes with experience talking in his ear.

Kraft has proven he doesn’t need that sort of assistance, but if any sage whispers help him make one extra key play per month, then it’s worth it.

Jennifer from Middleton, WI

I just watched the locker room interview with Jonnu. I don’t think anyone can ever eclipse the TED talk-like wisdom and strength that poured out of Marcedes Lewis, but Jonnu definitely had a vibe that made me think of him. He seemed to emit a calm, assured, confident energy that I really like. What have you thought so far?

In short, he’s a vet who gets it.

Good morning, Mike. One preseason game against second-string offensive linemen is a small sample size, but didn’t Dani Dennis-Sutton look the part of an edge rusher who can immediately contribute this year?

He’ll get his chance and he’s got a chance, and the best part is the Packers aren’t going to ask him to play 40-50 snaps per game. He’ll have a rotational role with a chance to give it all he has every snap he gets.

I was reading an article from a Vikings beat reporter that spoke about how the Packers are not going to be a threat to them this year. From your perspective, have you ever written anything about a player, team, etc. that you later regretted? Everything today is about clicks, but I don’t understand making those kind of statements before the first snap of the season has taken place.

One problem (of many) with today’s sports media consumption is predictions are worthless but it’s what everyone wants to hear/read. If I posted a story on our website with the headline “Here are predictions for the Packers in 2026” it would get more clicks than anything else I’ve ever written. But it would be meaningless, and that’s not the content business we’re in here.