A fast start would definitely go a long way

Mike Spofford

John from Jordan, MN

I can't be the only one that noticed you missed a prime opportunity to call Mike Wahle a whale of a pick in 1998. He really held down that guard position when he was out there. Though the tackles during his time in Green Bay got the most credit, I remember Wahle being just a solid guy on the interior.

I couldn't see myself out a day early. Wes wasn't back yet.

Kevin from Ocean Isle Beach, NC

Not a question just a foul ball story. Proud to say I caught a foul ball off the bat of Mike Schmidt in 1982. Caught it on the bounce and got plowed over by another fan and knocked to the ground. But I held on and still have the ball. Schmidt went on to win the game in the bottom of the ninth with a homer off Phil Niekro. Thanks for letting me share!

Nothing like a memory that includes a ball and a couple Hall of Famers.

Grant from Green Bay, WI

You always hear talk of how coaches study first-year quarterbacks to better attack their weaknesses in Year 2, after they've seen a full season. Does the same thing happen with new coordinators? Like, do we see "sophomore slumps" for coordinators like we have for QBs because opposing teams figure out their schemes in the offseason?

The NFL is a never-ending world of adjustment, which is how teams build on what they've done in the past. The slumps only happen when someone can't or won't adjust, because nothing's being built.

Richard from Caledonia, WI

What is the largest attendance for a Packers shareholder meeting? When was that meeting held?

The largest in-person attendance with an official number was in 1998, the year after a stock sale, when 18,707 attended at Lambeau Field. But it's believed, while the exact attendance wasn't calculated, that more than 20K attended in 2006. The largest total attendance was in 2012, also the year after a stock sale, when approximately 12,500 came to Lambeau and 21,000 logged on to an exclusive online webcast.

Jack from Black Mountain, NC

Do most teams use their punter as the field goal holder? If so, why? I would think that the WR or TE would have even better hands for catching and placing the ball.

Most teams use the punter so that battery of specialists (long snapper, holder, kicker) can work together anytime/anywhere without having to wait for another position player to practice the operation, and also so another player doesn't lose practice time on offense or defense.

William from Raleigh, NC

Hi Mike, the big question about the rookies seems to always center around, "Can they learn the playbook so thoroughly that they'll carry out their assignment without hesitation?" Do baseball, basketball, or hockey require anything as complicated from their players?

Certainly not baseball, where there's really no such thing as a playbook. I'm sure there are plenty of complexities in hoops and hockey at the highest levels that I can't truly appreciate, but five or six players per side versus 11 lends itself to a little more simplicity, I'd think.

Skinner from De Pere, WI

Do the players and/or coaches record the television copy of the game that all us fans watch every week, and then watch the game on their own to see what the announcers say about themselves and the team?

There's some studying of TV copies, but not for the commentary. They'll listen for the QB cadence and verbal checks/audibles at the line to see if they can learn anything about an opponent.

Mike from Winchester, TN

Hi Mike, one Packer that I'm interested in seeing this season isMarShawn Lloyd. Is there any indication that his injury is completely in the rearview mirror? He andJosh Jacobshave similar height/weight stats, and MLF stated a while back that they are intrigued by his skill set. Are they seen as having different running styles?

Lloyd was in good spirits about his health when he spoke with the media during minicamp in mid-June. As far as running styles, I'll have to see more to know for sure, but I get the impression while he may not be quite as powerful overall as Jacobs (who is?), his initial burst separates him, literally and figuratively.

Caleb from Lena, IL

When doesChristian Watsonplan on returning?

When he's cleared by the medical staff.

Jeff from Chandler, AZ

With a tough schedule and being in arguably the best division in football I believe the Pack needs to win all four games pre-bye week and finish at .500 or better in the divisional games to take the North. On paper we look very good but a fast start and holding court in the divisional games will help a lot IMHO. What do you think will propel GB to another divisional title?

A fast start would definitely go a long way, but I don't think the Packers need to be 4-0 at the bye to win the division. No worse than 3-3 in division games is a must, though, or it gets really tough.

Mary Alice from Three Lakes, WI

How is it determined which uniform is worn for game day?

Home team chooses, visiting team adjusts accordingly. All decisions are made well in advance.

George from Edinburg, VA

Mike, what did Hafley do to raise the defense so significantly? I recognize the contributions ofEdgerrin Cooper,Javon BullardandEvan Williams, and surely a large part of the improvement wasXavier McKinney. You wrote he didn't blitz much, and he ran more zone with Alexander out. Was it the element of surprise, technique, one-gap or two-gap, just coaching? I'm not asking for inside information, and I know it's never one thing. I do wonder if it's surprise that, when others catch on, is it emulated or defeated?

The defense started last season on a turnover binge, and that set the tone. The Packers had 17 takeaways in the first six games, just one shy of the defense's regular-season total from 2023. I believe that binge was rooted in two areas the addition of McKinney (who had an INT in each of the first five games) and a turnaround in run defense, as the Packers had their best season statistically against the run in 15 years. The early takeaways built confidence and belief in what Hafley was selling stop the run up front and play with vision on the QB in the back as those young contributors you mentioned started finding their way.

Lori from Broomfield, CO

For the duration of my fandom to GBP football they're exists an element of void: too nice, too slow, too stubborn. My question is, on paper how close do you see this team to being complete, or is there a significant void lurking?

Nobody really knows where the voids might be lurking until the baloney stops and the real games start. I've expressed my concern for the depth at cornerback. That's my biggest concern at the moment.

Alyssa from Plover, WI

When will the Packers play internationally again?

Probably in the 2026 season.

Megan from Noblesville, IN

My father is planning on coming over from Illinois to take the kids to the Packers/Colts preseason game. There is rumor they will be doing joint practice that week. Can you confirm that is true? Because he will come over early to take the kids to that and see players up close and maybe get autographs versus getting close tickets which are stupid expensive for a preseason game ($500 for right behind the Packers bench).

A joint practice with the Colts in Indy is indeed scheduled for Aug. 14, two days before the preseason game.

Terry from Green Bay, WI

Good morning, Mike. You said you couldn't catch a punt under pressure. Remember Family Night last year? Some kid caught three punts (while holding the balls from the previous punts). He did it in front of a packed stadium, on TV, and surrounded by Packers players and coaches. If a kid can do it you should be able to. Give it a try at Family Night this year.

Kudos to that kid. Mad props. But I'll pass. I'm pretty sure I'd get dizzy just looking up trying to track the ball.

Jay from Big Flats, WI

Mike, as the Brewers have become fun to watch, I'd like your opinion on the use of Misiorowski. How do they make that special arm last for the postseason? I have an optimistic brother and a pessimistic friend, but reality will fall somewhere in between. Do you think limiting his starts to 80 pitches will do the trick?

They will be watching his innings very closely. Based on what I've read, he will not throw more than 145-150 total innings this year (minors and majors combined) after throwing just shy of 100 last year. A 50% increase year over year will be the max. He's at about 80 innings so far this year, which means 65-70 more. Sorry for the math, but if he's limited to five innings per start, that's 13-14 more starts. If the Brewers have a shot at a playoff berth in September, they may have to make a choice use him to get to the postseason, or save him for a possible postseason. What's the right answer? I'd choose the former. Either way, could be fascinating.

Dale from Prescott, WI

Mike, sorry you had to endure the 11-inning loss. That was brutal. Was hoping they could sweep Colorado with the tough stretch of games coming. How are you feeling about the season so far?

Much better than I was a month ago. I was afraid the Cubs might run away with the division, and they still might because they have the strongest and deepest daily lineup in the Central. But it's a real race now. The Brewers have a lot of young guys that need to come around, but in Milwaukee it still comes down to this when the Brewers' stars play like stars, they win. When they don't, they don't.

Stephie Rae from Flowery Branch, GA

Hi Spoff, I second Jennifer from Middleton's sentiment, glad you are not "toiling in obscurity." I can see why you love being editor of the yearbook! And happy you and Wes have such a respectful fun relationship that comes through on your "Unscripted" podcasts. Similar to Andy Griffith and Aunt Bea, actors who did NOT get along behind the scenes, you two provide a wholesome banter on the fly that amazes me with your articulate intelligence, wisdom, integrity, and respect for each other. Thank you!

That's incredibly kind of you to say, Stephie Rae. I appreciate being able to take that into my vacation.

Keith from La Pine, OR

Where did you see your most memorable fireworks display?

Disney. Nobody can beat the backdrops. Enjoy the 4th, everybody, and your upcoming Outsider Inbox. I'm out for a bit and will be back later this month. Good odds for breaking news in the interim. Happy Wednesday.

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