Mike, now I’m curious. If you would please, in a quick summary, how does Mark Murphy look at the game vs. what us armchair QBs look at? What am I missing?

From the press box, there were times I could tell he had his All-Pro safety hat on like he was watching film. He could see the plays that were difficult to defend, where the defense simply did a good job not giving up a touchdown or a really big play. He could also see the ones where somebody was just a half-step slow in breaking on the ball or jumping a route, the proverbial missed opportunity. The dude knows ball.

Like you two, I’m amazed at the Packers’ ability to cherry pick Malik Willis from the Titans for a mere seventh-round pick. It’s gotta be the steal of the decade. That said, I’m intrigued by his value (as a Packers asset). Clearly he deserves a shot at starting QB money somewhere else. We’re not going to pay that. We’re also not going to trade him anytime soon. So, let’s make you temporarily Packers GM. What’s the best way to wring every ounce of value out of this incredible asset?

To be honest, I’m hoping the Packers already got their greatest chunk of value out of Willis when he won two starts and another game in relief last year. Getting more than that would not necessarily be good overall for the 2025 squad. That said, my hope for Willis and the Packers is he totally balls out in the preseason and sets himself up for a nice payday and new opportunity.

Brendon from San Antonio Tlayacapan, Mexico

Does the defensive coordinator typically have time to relay offensive personnel changes to the “green dot” player between plays, or are the players just expected to identify any substitutions, based on their prep time the week before? Asking for Savion Williams, MarShawn Lloyd and Mecole Hardman.

The defense generally calls its personnel group based on the offensive personnel in the opposing huddle. Players usually have watched enough film to know what the matchups are when they’re subbing in.

Much attention is paid to the GB pass rush and sack count (or lack thereof). But does it really matter if you get the sack, or is it enough to press the opposing QB out of their timing and make him throw before he’d like? Where did GB rank in forcing early throws? Is that “pressures” or just a “time to throw” stat of some kind?

Pro Football Reference has a “pressures” stat that combines sacks, hurries and knockdowns. The Packers ranked 14th in pressures last year with 143 and 16th in pressure percentage at 22.1%.

Jeff from Foothill Ranch, CA

Mike’s answer about Zach Tom‘s interviews, or lack thereof, got me thinking. I’m sure some guys love the attention, others would prefer to be left alone. As journalists, do you guys ever “encourage” those that are maybe more reserved? After an interview with such a player, have you ever said something like, “You’re really good at this, we’d love to hear more”? Would that cross a line?

Not at all. With guys who are reluctant to share their thoughts, the beat corps collectively will express to them how insightful they are (if indeed that’s the case) to hopefully get them to open up more. Sometimes it works, sometimes not.

Hi II, players usually have agents to help with contract negotiations. Do head coaches, or more generally all coaches, also have agents?

Head coaches do. I’m not sure about assistants.

Dalton from Scottsville, NY

For the guys that are longshots or possibly practice-squad bubble guys that might get cut, how are they paid during the offseason with minicamp, OTAs, and training camp?

All players receive daily/weekly stipends during training camp. The stipend is lower for first-year players but they still get one.

Nathan from Williamstown, MA

ATMR etc., the 2021 Rams are just the most recent team to win a Super Bowl when two of their division-mates (Cardinals, 49ers) also made the playoffs. The ’07 Giants were the only team to do so while there were only two wild cards per conference. The era with three divisions and three wild cards per conference was bookended by the 1990 Giants and 2001 Patriots pulling off the same feat, along with the Cowboys in 1992.