Everett from Le Sueur, MN

Who is your under-the-radar player that you think has a breakout season? For me, it’s Zach Tom.

Tom’s arrow is definitely pointing up, but I don’t know if I’d categorize him as an “under-the-radar player” after he received All-Pro votes last year. For me, I’d lean more towards Brenton Cox Jr., Colby Wooden or even Luke Musgrave after his rash of injuries. The best part is watching the unseen become undeniable. I think of Tramon Williams, Sam Shields, and even draft picks like Mike Flanagan whose development was initially stalled due to injuries before he became a Pro Bowl player.

Good morning, gentlemen and fellow IILLAGERS (an online village of IIers). I’m a long-term reader since Vic. I have a question regarding the conventional wisdom of “tiring out the defense” during long, sustained drives or during hurry up offense. I played lineman on both offense and defense while in high school (for Madison Holy Name Seminary, state title in 1985) and I can assure you that both tired me out equally. Is this conventional wisdom really true? What is your take?

I’m reminded of George S. Patton’s adage, “Fatigue makes cowards of us all.” While endurance is needed on both sides of the ball, wearing down a defense mentally and physically is the often most efficient path to victory. Big plays are the name of the game, but they don’t happen in random order. Offenses earn those opportunities with how they impose their will on the opposition on each and every down.

I’m seeing too many articles suggesting GB has a huge hole at cornerback with the departure of Jaire Alexander. They go so far as to suggest that the Pack is so desperate that they are looking to transition a WR (Bo Melton) to CB. I know – it’s just clickbait. But I’m hopeful the fan base can chill out with the knowledge that the team knows what they are doing, and the back end of the defense will be just fine!

It’s as mentally frustrating as it is professionally misguided, my friend. If readers want an intelligent conversation on the matter instead of mindless clickbait, Brian Gutekunst spoke with CheeseheadTV last week and discussed how the team expects Kalen King, Micah Robinson and Kamal Hadden to step up following Alexander’s release. If you have a take on the Packers’ corner depth, that’s where this conversation should be focused. Anything else is either lazy or ignorant.

Dustin from Kansas City, MO

What is your favorite “under-the-radar” Packers game you’ve seen? Not one of the big, obvious ones we all remember, but one that still sticks with you for its own reasons.

Oh, there are many. The first that come to mind are the 2014 game in Miami (Andrew Quarless game-winning TD), 2020 vs. Atlanta (Robert Tonyan three-TD game), 2021 in Arizona (Rasul Douglas game-saving INT), and the 2022 Christmas game in Miami (mostly for the wrong reasons but also the Jaire Alexander INT/postgame interview).

So, Jaire and Lamar Jackson are like best friends and were inseparable in college. An NFL career is short to begin with. I think he saw his chance to make this move and Lamar Jackson told his GM, “Get it done.” He’s due a new contract soon and it’s a bargaining chip for his GM. Jaire came to the Ravens easily affordable, even with incentives it’s only six million. But…Jaire stays healthy, able to play like we know he can, next year will cost the Ravens $16 million or so. Guess it all can work out, stay tuned.

That’s how this game is played. When a veteran is cut, especially at this point of the offseason, “prove-it” deals typically follow. The Packers have been the beneficiary of that several times during my time covering the team. Jared Cook’s resurgence with the Packers began with the Rams cutting him in 2016. Keisean Nixon was non-tendered as a restricted free agent before signing a one-year deal with Green Bay in 2022.

There’re some pretty strong opinions out there regarding how the Packers did Ja wrong by offering him no guaranteed money on top of the massive cut he was willing to take. A lot of respected players leave here telling the same story. It seems when we decide we no longer want a player, we simply offer a contract that we know won’t be accepted. I don’t care one way or the other, I’m just a fan who watches the games. Watching rich folks bargain and bicker is becoming part of daily life in the USA.

You hit the nail on the head. That’s life. Without diving any further into rumor and innuendo, I’ll say this – Alexander has a new deal with a new team and an opportunity to prove he’s still one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL. See ya on Dec. 27 (or 28).