Mike from Franksville, WI

In response to playing in preseason, I’m old enough to remember Desmond Bishop, B.J. Raji, and Jordy Nelson all suffering needless season-ending injuries in preseason games. Following Nelson’s injury Mike McCarthy seemed much more apt to hold starters out of the preseason for the remainder of his tenure. His opening week record those final three years? 3-0. Call me crazy, but maybe not much separates one NFL team from another, and it’s better to guarantee all hands will be on deck for Week 1?

Amen. And if anyone thinks the ’12 and ’14 defenses and ’15 offense didn’t suffer greatly over the long haul as a result of those injuries, I can’t help you. That hamstring injury wrecked Bishop’s career, and Raji played only one more season after the torn bicep. Fortunately, Nelson came back strong from the ACL, but the point still stands.

Jennifer from Middleton, WI

Ooh! Spoff! I just finished (Tuesday’s) “Unscripted.” Great episode. You made me laugh with your brutally honest thoughts on some penalties, the tilt toward offense, the NFC North games. You must’ve had an extra Diet Coke. While you are always forthcoming on your thoughts, it felt like you and Wes forgot the camera was on a couple times and we were just hanging out together. What other team does that for their fans? Thanks boys.

Appreciate the kind words, and I guess I was a bit talkative after the Brazil-induced break between episodes. But I wouldn’t drink a Diet Coke (or any diet soda for that matter) unless it were the last beverage on earth. While I could certainly stand to lose a few pounds, I absolutely cannot stomach artificial sweeteners.

Jason from Lake Onion, MI

Jordan Love’s injury is obviously unfortunate, but it serves to mask two underlying issues the team has, in regard to title hopes. IMHO, teams with SB aspirations are usually dominant up front on both sides and also possess players who tilt the field. The Packers are a good team and this should still be a fun season to watch, but they simply are lacking in those areas. SB teams typically have a few game-changers and history shows us the roster has no comps like No. 4, 36, 92, 12, 21 and 52.

I need to see the season play out before making such a declaration. Love was as good or better than any QB in the league for two months last winter, and several young players around him are still finding their way. The Packers are younger than they usually are up front on offense, and the defense is working on a transition. I think this roster possesses several players who can tilt the field but haven’t necessarily reached that level yet and it isn’t known if they will or won’t.

It is always interesting to see the overreaction from Week 1 in the NFL. Remember when Aaron Rodgers had a disastrous performance against the Saints in Week 1 of the 2021 NFL season, then turned around and won MVP that same year? Kyle Brandt on “Good Morning Football” said it best when he said, “Week 1 is a liar!”

If I’m diving into a 500-page book, I’m not writing my review after 30 pages.

Donovan from Beaumont, TX

Last season it took this mostly young team a half season to start smoothing out the ups and downs. Can we please wait at least another week to see if this barely older group will start leveling its play a little faster than the year before? This would be called growth from one season to the next. Not just one game.

That’s basically the point I made repeatedly in the immediate aftermath of Brazil. Judgment won’t be entirely fair for as long as Love is out, and then he’ll need to get reacclimated again as well, but it’s all a process.

I know, I know! Numbers are not allowed so no numbers. If the Pack were to lose Sunday, based on data the chances of them making the playoffs is about 11-13%. I knew the chances were low but that surprised me. It’s a long season and the new playoff format might have changed that percentage some. Based on your belief how important is this game? I realize all games are important so how do you view this game when it comes to the season’s outcome? II is a pleasure. Thank you!

Just beat the Colts. Happy Friday.