By CHRIS HAVEL
The Packer Hall of Fame Golf Classic wasn’t merely about honoring Brett Favre, the Class of 2015’s lone inductee.
It was about honoring all of the Packers’ legends.
The Packer Hall of Fame – the best of its kind in sports – isn’t just a museum filled with football lore, though that would be plenty. It also is a living, breathing entity of men who converge each summer to reminisce and reflect with one another.
That allowed me to do a bit of eavesdropping Monday.
Dave Robinson and Jerry Kramer – icons from Vince Lombardi’s great Packers teams of the 1960s – were awaiting the start of the golf event. Their golf carts were side-by-side which allowed for a pleasant chat between the teammates.
They talked about how smart Lombardi was with his practices. Contrary to popular belief, once training camp was completed he dispensed with a majority of the helmet-banging and pad-thumping practices.
“We were in shorts, helmets and jerseys with shoulder pads,” Kramer said. “We practiced fast – Coach taught us that way – and we got in and got our work done. We did very little hitting, I mean really hitting, once the regular season began.”
Robinson recalled several occasions, however, when Kramer and middle linebacker Ray Nitschke butted heads in practice.
“Ray was a different cat,” Robinson said. “He was very protective and territorial with the defense, and especially in the middle of the field. He’d lay (a hit) on you just for passin’ through. He didn’t any other reason.”
Kramer chuckled at the thought.
“Bless his soul, Ray had a difficult life growing up,” Kramer began. “He lost his father at 3 and his mother when he was 11. He was very much alone and had to fend for himself. That’s why he was like a dog with a bone when it came to everything he’d worked hard to get.”
Although Kramer’s occasional battles with Nitschke never escalated, both men understood the need to be strong, especially with the rest of the team’s eyes upon them.
That said, Lombardi was way ahead of his time in terms of practice regimen. He was mindful of not wearing out his players, and of the relationship between fatigue and injuries. He knew when to push, and when to take his foot off the gas pedal.
Lombardi also fostered a “big picture” mindset. It isn’t unlike what Packers head coach Mike McCarthy is doing in terms of yielding the play-calling duties in order to oversee the entire program. Lombardi purposefully would have his offensive and defensive team meetings in adjoining rooms. Each could eavesdrop on the other’s meetings.
“We’d be getting our butts chewed by Coach,” Kramer said. “And then we’d hear (defensive coordinator) Phil (Bengston) on the other side and those guys would be laughing and having a good old time. It sounded like a party over there.”
That natural curiosity promoted competition between the units. Lombardi also took pains to have his offensive players seek out and glean whatever useful information they could get. It also worked the other way, with defensive players doing likewise.
Today, McCarthy actually has taken it several steps further. He has had the offensive coaches give a presentation to their unit while their defensive counterparts look on. It creates more of a “big picture” thought process, where a player understands his role on the team, and also his teammates’ roles.
LeRoy Butler, the Packer Hall of Fame safety, said he routinely asked his offensive teammates about what they might’ve seen on film during the week.
“We know who they go against each day in practice, so why not ask your teammates what they’ve seen in the film study,” Butler said. “All it takes is one good tip, and that might be the difference between winning and losing.”
Butler endorsed McCarthy’s move toward the big picture.
“Now he can coach up the entire team,” Butler said. “I think it’s a good thing. He also gave his assistants a chance to grow and expand their roles. That’s also a positive.”
It’s interesting how the decades pass, and players come and go, but the greatest teams, coaches and players had many things in common throughout eras. Mostly, it was a love of football, and a passion that still sparks energy and enthusiasm from Kramer, Robinson and Butler.
That part of their game, like their greatness, will remain forever.
Chris Havel is a national best-selling author and his latest book is Lombardi: An Illustrated Life. Havel can be heard Monday through Friday from 4-6 p.m. CDT on WDUZ FM 107.5 The Fan, or on AM-1400, as well as Fan Internet Radio (www.thefan1075.com). Havel also hosts Event USA’ MVP Parties the evening before home games.

By CHRIS HAVEL
Talk about a disastrous Fourth of July weekend for several Packers and other pro athletes.
The great golfer, Rory McIlroy, ruptured an ankle ligament playing soccer. Giants pass rusher Jason Pierre-Paul almost blew off both hands playing with fireworks. And the Packers’ Andrew Quarless was arrested for playing with – and more importantly twice discharging – a handgun in public.
Word also came down that Packers’ defensive end Datone Jones has been suspended one game for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy. Jones reportedly was cited for marijuana possession on Jan. 19, the day after the Packers’ meltdown at Seattle in the NFC Championship game.
Furthermore, Packers defensive tackle Letroy Guion awaits word on his possible suspension stemming from an off-season arrest on drug and weapons charges in Florida.
What in the name of “Packer People” is going on out there? McIlroy and Pierre-Paul were accident victims. At most, they could be accused of bad judgment.
What’s Quarless’ or Jones’ excuse? This is why NFL head coaches may not be able to sleep at night. Dealing with pre-game jitters the night before kick-off is one thing. Worrying about what foolishness may befall a player or players during the summer off-season is quite another thing.
It is why Packers head coach Mike McCarthy had NFL security conduct its players meeting just 48 hours before the start of summer vacation. Apparently, not every player received the message.
Quarless, according to an eye-witness, was involved in an argument with several women when he discharged a handgun into the ground twice. The incident occurred in South Beach, Fla., at approximately 5:30 a.m. Sunday. Quarless got into a black Porsche and left the scene. According to the police report, he was later located and arrested while trying to ditch the handgun in a planter outside a restaurant.
Exactly how this affects Quarless and the Packers remains to be seen, but it doesn’t look good for the veteran tight end. On the heels of a strong off-season, Quarless was pushing for more playing time and more passes targeted his way. This incident puts all of that into question.
What Jones did was foolish. What Quarless did was beyond that. It was a selfish act that put his career and the team’s season at risk. All of Quarless’ talk this off-season about how he’s grown weary of being the underdog, and of how he belongs in the same class as the Patriots’ Rob Gronkowski seems so irrelevant now.
Now, McCarthy and the Packers must pick up the pieces. The team issued a rather bland statement regarding Quarless. It was the Packers’ first comment, but it won’t be their last. This is serious. Quarless is fortunate that one of the two bullets he fired didn’t ricochet and strike a bystander in the head. Then, he’d be looking at a whole other form of discipline.
Clearly, this means an opportunity for Richard Rodgers, who could catapult himself into the No. 1 spot at tight end. Rodgers needs to show up at training camp in great shape both physically and mentally. It also means an opportunity for B.J. Raji while Guion serves whatever suspension he receives. Raji could nail down the nose tackle job in Guion’s absence.
Beyond that, it means a battle between Josh Boyd and Khyri Thornton at left defensive end while Jones is out. Ultimately, Quarless’ arrest is a cautionary tale for his teammates. I would be shocked if any other Packers were involved in shenanigans before the start of training camp.
If they are – especially in light of this recent incident – they probably aren’t worth keeping on the roster. It is a disappointing post script to the holiday weekend.
Training camp can’t get here fast enough.
Chris Havel is a national best-selling author and his latest book is Lombardi: An Illustrated Life. Havel can be heard Monday through Friday from 4-6 p.m. CDT on WDUZ FM 107.5 The Fan, or on AM-1400, as well as Fan Internet Radio (www.thefan1075.com). Havel also hosts Event USA’ MVP Parties the evening before home games.

By CHRIS HAVEL
Among Brett Favre’s greatest passions are family, football and fun. It’s been that way forever. Or should I say 4 ever?
One of the NFL’s truly legendary players will see all three woven together in the course of his July 18 induction into the Packer Hall of Fame. Expect the event to be every bit as thrilling and emotional as the man himself.
Concern regarding negative reaction among some fans is understandable but unnecessary. Favre’s exit was difficult and divisive for some fans, but any lingering negativity will be washed away by all the great memories No. 4 gave his fans.
I smile when young Packers fans marvel at Aaron Rodgers’ creativity, play-making ability and talent.
“Aaron’s amazing,” they will gush. That is true. In fact, Rodgers may be the greatest Packers quarterback of all time, with all due respect to the legends named Bart Starr and Brett Favre.
However, I believe the younger generation of Packers fans can’t truly appreciate how special Favre was back in the day.
Whenever anyone asks me where Favre ranks among the NFL’s greatest quarterbacks I tell them, “I think Favre ranks at or near the top on the list of greatest PLAYERS of all time.”
Favre was a terrific quarterback, but he was more than that. He was a football PLAYER in the best sense.
Tougher than a $2 steak and as competitive as they come, Favre’s presence elevated his teammates. That was true on game day, but it was also true during the work week.
I recall many blustery, overcast late-autumn afternoons when Favre would summon the strength to put aside his injuries and practice with a zest and verve that made it enjoyable at best, and endurable at least.
He didn’t just bring it on Sundays. He brought it all the time.
He always believed that practice was important, and that it was part of the quarterback’s job description to push his teammates through it. He could make them laugh when days were long, and he could impose his will to get teammates to focus and get their work in even on days when they didn’t feel like it.
Favre’s theory was simple. Since they had to be at practice anyway, he and his teammates should try to make the best of it, even when they were sore and the season was getting long.
That’s leadership. That’s what great football players do.
Gilbert Brown, the Packer Hall of Fame defensive tackle, relayed a story that was telling regarding Favre.
The Packers’ indestructible quarterback had incurred a significant ankle injury in the previous game. On the next Sunday, perhaps three hours before kickoff, Brown was among the first into the locker room.
Favre already had been in to get his ankle treated. He was seated at his locker staring down at his yet-to-be-taped ankle.
“It was black, purple and swollen,” Brown said. “It was nasty.”
As Brown walked by, he said, “You gonna be OK?”
Favre nodded in the affirmative as if to say, “No worries.”
Then, he proceeded to throw five touchdown passes against the Chicago Bears in a resounding victory. It was another page in a legendary career.
Most quarterbacks and plenty of players would’ve taken the week off. Not the Lou Gehrig of NFL quarterbacks.
He played and he was sensational.
In light of the upcoming events, I went back and watched video of Favre. In his prime, he had exceptional mobility which led to big plays. He could thread the needle with laser-like passes, and he may have been the first player to reach out with the football and touch the pylon while diving near the goal line. He also introduced everyone to the underhanded quick toss just as he was about to be sacked.
He was a virtuoso with a flair for the dramatic. He was one-of-a-kind. When I think about where Favre stands among the NFL’s all-time greats, I don’t think in terms of quarterbacks.
I think of everyone from Starr and Nitschke to Rodgers and Woodson. I think of men who epitomized what it is to be a football player, and to be among the greatest to ever play.
Chris Havel is a national best-selling author and his latest book is Lombardi: An Illustrated Life. Havel can be heard Monday through Friday from 4-6 p.m. CDT on WDUZ FM 107.5 The Fan, or on AM-1400, as well as Fan Internet Radio (www.thefan1075.com). Havel also hosts Event USA’ MVP Parties the evening before home games.

By CHRIS HAVEL
Packers’ head coach talking more about special teams, defense and devising creative ways to teach
Mike McCarthy has had an impressive offseason. He has displayed true leadership in two key areas.
First, he made the decision to turn over the play-calling duties to his assistant head coach, Tom Clements. It showed to everyone that he’s more interested in doing what’s best for the team, rather than doing what he might prefer to do himself.
Second, he followed it up by diving into the defense and special teams, while also focusing on how the big picture is impacted.
He spoke with detail and conviction about the performance of players such as linebackers Adrian Hubbard and Carl Bradford, as well as other defense/special teams’ players.
He seemed comfortable either criticizing (Bradford came into training camp out of shape last season) or praising (Hubbard’s had a good offseason, according to the coach).
It is easier to do so because he’s been able to turn his attention away from the offense, take his eyes off the play-calling chart and really use his football intellect to analyze and assess.
The NFL continues to put more responsibility on head coaches every offseason. There are rules changes, challenges and 1,000 other things that they need to be on top of.
It’s a lot to handle, in addition to coming up with the very best red-zone play on fourth down with the game on the line.
Furthermore, it’s clear he remains ingrained in the offense.
Aside from injury possibilities, there is no reason to think the Clements/Aaron Rodgers duo will see a reduction in production. On the contrary, with McCarthy still firmly in the center of the Packers’ universe, coupled with a potentially stiffer defense and more effective special teams’, the offense’s job gets easier.
Don’t kid yourself. McCarthy is still an offensive-minded head coach, much like New England’s Bill Belichick has a defensive background.
Now, McCarthy joins Belichick and another 20 or so NFL coaches who no longer call their own plays, whether it be on the offensive or defensive side.
Off the field, McCarthy remains diligent. He always has been pro-active in terms of reminding his players about what’s going to be tolerated off the field.
It wasn’t a coincidence that McCarthy asked the NFL security folks to deliver their league-wide offseason message to his players less than 48 hours before they went on summer vacation. This was planned from early spring.
What better way to impress the significance of staying out of trouble and avoiding headlines than to have that message come from the source. Clearly, it’s a message he has stated repeatedly, but it’s always wise to have it come from another voice.
This doesn’t guarantee that players won’t do something foolish. However, it does allow the head coach, his staff, the players and the rest of the organization to at least realize it’s been harped on.
Now, if a player messes up, no one can say he wasn’t warned, or that McCarthy didn’t do enough to take pre-emptive measures.
Vigilance is the key. There seems to be this myth that the Packers’ players, generally and with crossed fingers, don’t make bad decisions because, aw gee shucks, they’re “Packer People.” It’s a naïve and outdated notion. The NFL is under a microscope when it comes to player conduct and discipline. That includes the Packers.
“We had our NFL security meeting yesterday (last Wednesday),” McCarthy said at his news conference last Thursday. “That was a great lead-up to the vacation.”
McCarthy explained that everything from education to services to help prevent or get in front of situations was discussed.
“You don’t just give one talk and think things are going to fall into place,” McCarthy said, sounding at once like an NFL head coach, a realist and a parent.
He spoke of problems being resolved by his staff having honest, meaningful conversations with their players.
“A lot of this is about individual relationships,” McCarthy said. “It’s about coaches and players staying in touch with one another.”
It isn’t just about potential bad behavior, either. It could be about staying in contact to reinforce good sleep and eating habits, not over- or under-working during the time off or any number of things that are football-related.
McCarthy seemed fresh, invigorated and ready to tackle the season after some well-deserved time off with friends and family.
“I feel real good with the start of the 2015 Green Bay Packers,” McCarthy said.
The Packers’ head coach isn’t alone in that belief.
Chris Havel is a national best-selling author and his latest book is Lombardi: An Illustrated Life. Havel can be heard Monday through Friday from 4-6 p.m. CDT on WDUZ FM 107.5 The Fan, or on AM-1400, as well as Fan Internet Radio (www.thefan1075.com). Havel also hosts Event USA’ MVP Parties the evening before home games.

By CHRIS HAVEL
Leap from Year 1 to Year 2 critical in Green Bay’s draft-develop philosophy
Packers’ head coach Mike McCarthy isn’t lacking for thoughtful messages and willing listeners.
His audience includes his staff, which helps relay it to the players, and then the media which passes it on to the fans.
In the first OTA open to the public and media, McCarthy’s message regarding Clay Matthews’ role was laid out by the head coach, who proclaimed Matthews a pass rusher.
Matthews backed it by saying he doesn’t care whether he lines up inside or outside, and that in fact he believes he can be even better from various attack points than a year ago.
The message, in part, was that:

• Matthews and the head coach are seeing eye-to-eye on this.
• The Packers didn’t draft an inside linebacker until Michigan’s Jake Ryan in the fourth round because Matthews was going to be playing inside at times.
• The second OTA’s over-arching theme keyed on leaders and leadership.

McCarthy spoke of the importance for veteran players to help the younger players take that next step. He talked of how the process had been, in a sense, flip-flopped from in the past. Instead of position groups learning at the new players’ pace, veteran players are more actively helping the assistants get them ready to contribute.
The Packers remain a young team by NFL standards, but actually are set in most key areas with the real questions involving third- and fourth-line players in the depth chart.
The leadership talk began the process of thinking in terms of championships, which the Packers clearly are almost to a man. It is more likely than not that during an interview a player will mention “Super Bowl 50” or “winning it all” or “being a champion.”
It is woven into the culture at 1265. The goal is to win the Super Bowl.
The Packers believe they have the coach and the quarterback. McCarthy certainly believes he has the staff. He said so last week, when he called it, “The best staff” that he’s been part of since he’s been the head coach.
That’s saying a mouthful, considering McCarthy won Super Bowl XXXLV and came within a whisker from leading his team into the NFL’s marquee event last year.
Then, the Packers held OTA #3 last week.
It was the final OTA session open to the public and media. With upcoming mini-camps and training camp it is scarcely the final word. However, it was interesting how McCarthy wrapped it.
The Packers’ head coach spoke at length about the importance of players making a leap from Year 1 to Year 2. He even expanded the notion to include Year 2 to Year 3.
His point and that week’s theme was clear: This team is talented enough to win a title, but only if the players continue to improve, and that’s especially true of the young players.
Consider how well the Packers’ rookies and first-year players performed last year. On offense, receiver DaVante Adams developed into a legitimate No. 3 wide-out. He is showing all signs of making the Packers’ receiver corps a three-headed monster, perhaps the NFL’s finest trio.
Richard Rodgers, a third-round pick at tight end, flashed early and often in training camp. Then, he seemed to hit a wall early to midway through the season. In part, it appeared that he simply wasn’t physically strong enough to stand up against the NFL’s biggest, baddest defensive end and outside linebackers.
The good news is that Rodgers caught his second wind some time after the bye week and took his game up a notch. Rodgers was a viable threat at tight end by season’s end. If he can elevate along that same path this season, the Packers’ reasoning behind not drafting a tight end until the 7^th round makes more sense.
Corey Linsley, the starting center, played so well that it’s difficult to imagine his game being much better. However, Linsley can improve in terms of getting off linemen and locking onto linebackers (in the second level) downfield. Linsley is darn good, though, and a blessing.
Defensively, look for Mike Pennel, a big, nasty nose tackle (is that ambiguous?) has a chance to contribute. Also, Carl Bradford, Jayrone Elliott and third-year man Sam Barrington also need to step it up a notch or three.
Cornerback Demetri Goodson’s greatest contributions – and they are very important – must come on special teams. Ha Ha Clinton-Dix returns as the pre-eminent safety. Expect Clinton-Dix to develop into a perennial All-Pro.
If all or most of this happens, and there are solid reasons to believe it could shake out that way, the Packers are sittin’ pretty.
Somehow, though, I doubt “we’re sittin’ pretty” will be McCarthy’s theme come mini-camp.
Chris Havel is a national best-selling author and his latest book is Lombardi: An Illustrated Life. Havel can be heard Monday through Friday from 4-6 p.m. CDT on WDUZ FM 107.5 The Fan, or on AM-1400, as well as Fan Internet Radio (www.thefan1075.com). Havel also hosts Event USA’ MVP Parties the evening before home games.

By CHRIS HAVEL
By the time the Packers’ final OTA practice wraps up, the stage will have been set for what could be a special season.
Between the time when Packers head coach Mike McCarthy sends his players off on their final six weeks of the off-season, and they return to begin carving out the 2015 season, there’s time to over-analyze.
My advice is this: Don’t do it.
Each offseason, about this time, it’s only natural to ask, “What have the Packers failed to do to be a legitimate Super Bowl contender?”
I have asked it. The problem is this: I can’t find anything to fret about.

• Will Nick Perry and/or Mike Neal be stout enough to allow Clay Matthews to occasionally play inside linebacker?
• Will one of the rookies (Damarious Randall or Quinten Rollins) or a holdover (Casey Hayward or Micah Hyde) play well enough to replace Tramon Williams?
• Who is the third-down running back? What is John Kuhn’s role?
• Are the tight ends (Richard Rodgers, Andrew Quarless, Kennard Backman, etc.) simply average or something better than that?

There are plenty of questions, to be sure, and it’s only natural to play the “what if?” game.

• What if fourth-round draft choice Jake Ryan and returner Sam Barrington aren’t strong enough at inside linebacker against the run?
• What if B.J. Raji can’t hold the fort until Letroy Guion returns from what is expected to be a 2- to 4-game suspension? And what if Guion isn’t the same cat when he returns?
• Is this the season DaTone Jones turns it up a notch or three?

Wow. See what I mean? We’re talking about the Green Bay Packers, one of the top NFL teams, and still fans are cautiously optimistic. It’s more of a concern than a genuine belief that the Packers will struggle. But it’s a Super Bowl everyone wants.
The fans want it. The players and coaches want it. Now, it’s time to get rested and ready to go get it.
McCarthy’s final speech to his team had to include a word of caution in regard to being “smart” in the interim between now and training camp.
There’s no reason to think the players won’t continue to be conscientious and continue taking care of their business. From the veterans such as Julius Peppers and Matthews to the rookies such as Rollins and Ryan, the Packers are teeming with optimism.
In order to help you rest easier, here are the answers to the aforementioned questions:

• I’m a Perry fan. I believe he’ll set an edge against the tight end and control the outside running game, and he has enough pass rush to be sneaky. I’m not nearly as excited about Neal’s chance to contribute.
• Replacing Tramon Williams isn’t going to be easy. It’s probably just as difficult to predict which of the cornerbacks will replace him. Early on, I think Hyde wins the starting cornerback job opposite Sam Shields. Hyde is available, accountable and underrated. He will be difficult to unseat, although Hayward, Randall and Rollins all are play-makers. The competition should be keen and true quality.
• John Crockett, out of North Dakota State University, just might be the answer to the age-old question: Who is the Packers’ third-down back? Crockett may be that and more.
• Kuhn’s role remains unchanged: On-field coach and fullback, pass-catcher and special teams’ guru.
• Richard Rodgers is going to take a step up. He played better in the second half of 2014 and will continue to build on that.
• Barrington showed he can play in the NFL, and Ryan’s early reviews (yeah, it’s only an OTA) are encouraging. Ryan, as well as the rookie defensive backs, actually look the part that they play.
• I like Raji and believe he’s going to have a tremendous season. Guion is a battler and will be a fine back-up and consummate pro.
• DaTone Jones is an interesting cat. He’s smart. He’s talented. He’s likeable. He’s got everything you could ask for in a defensive end. Jones’ time – like the Packers’ – is now.

NEXT WEEK: I’ll take a look at the Packers’ final OTA open to the media.
Chris Havel is a national best-selling author and his latest book is Lombardi: An Illustrated Life. Havel can be heard Monday through Friday from 4-6 p.m. CDT on WDUZ FM 107.5 The Fan, or on AM-1400, as well as Fan Internet Radio (www.thefan1075.com). Havel also hosts Event USA’ MVP Parties the evening before home games.

By CHRIS HAVEL
Talk is cheap in the NFL. It is especially true in the offseason.
That said, the Packers’ first week of OTA’s (Organized Team Activities) proved to be more about talk than action. However, it also proved to be revealing on several key fronts.
Here are five worthwhile notes:

Packers head coach Mike McCarthy began the offseason by calling “heads” and electing to let several roll.

The firing of ex-special teams’ coordinator, coupled with the restructuring of his staff and their responsibilities, is evident early on.
McCarthy’s news conferences include more specific observations about defense and special teams than at any time in memory. By surrendering the play-calling duties to assistant head coach/offense Tom Clements, McCarthy clearly has been freed up to begin seeing the big picture.
It seems to be a logical progression in McCarthy’s and his staffs’ development. Aaron Rodgers dismissed the notion that the offense might be different, or perhaps take a step back, because of the change. The quarterback is excited about being even more involved in the offense (if that’s possible) and continuing to work closely with Clements, a former quarterback.
The greatest offseason obstacles between the Packers’ offense and success were the re-signing of receiver Randall Cobb and right tackle Bryan Bulaga.
Now the fun begins.

Clay Matthews answered several key questions in a single media session.

The first is all about where Matthews will line up this season. It appears the Packers plan to move him inside and out depending on the situation. That versatility sits well with Matthews.
He believes he can be effective rushing the passer off the edge. He also believes that he can be a force inside, especially with an offseason to study and hone his role inside.
Matthews being on board helps explain the Packers’ recent draft.
Simply put, they lost two cornerbacks (Tramon Williams and Davon House) and replaced them with the first two picks (Damarious Randall and Quinten Rollins).
They didn’t spend a high pick on an inside linebacker, and I’m guessing here, was in part because of Matthews’ embracing of that role.
They did use a fourth-round pick on Michigan linebacker Jake Ryan, who might be considered a poor man’s Matthews. He can play inside or out, is especially effective inside and against the run, but has shown the ability to generate some pass rush off the edge.
Ryan appears to be the logical back-up to Matthews in defensive coordinator Dom Capers’ scheme.

The nose tackle is amply filled.

The return of a healthy B.J. Raji and a humbled but hungry Letroy Guion is welcome. Raji, who is returning from a biceps tear, declared he is ready and able to play a key role.
Guion, when asked about what he learned from his marijuana arrest earlier in the offseason, replied, “I learned not to make mistakes in the offseason.”
Fair enough.

The inside linebacker position could be this year’s version of safety a year ago.

Carl Bradford, Adrian Hubbard, Tavarus Dantzler and others – led by Matthews, Ryan and Sam Barrington – should provide enough juice against the run on early downs.
It is a bonus that the inside ‘backers are backed by a deep, established group of safeties led by Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, Morgan Burnett, Sean Richardson and Micah Hyde (if he isn’t the starting right cornerback).

McCarthy’s belief that he has an exceptional base of veteran leaders is shared by his players.

Annually, the Packers are among the youngest teams in the NFL. In the past, young players were exposed to a high volume of individual work and coaching from the staff. Having a greater number of established veterans has led McCarthy to ask them to do more to work directly with the younger players.
Jordy Nelson and others have responded. McCarthy also has changed the culture in the meeting rooms by having the quarterbacks and receivers study together. He also has the cornerbacks and safeties watching film together on a regular basis.
All of this can only bolster the Packers’ chances to have a great season.
Chris Havel is a national best-selling author and his latest book is Lombardi: An Illustrated Life. Havel can be heard Monday through Friday from 4-6 p.m. CDT on WDUZ FM 107.5 The Fan, or on AM-1400, as well as Fan Internet Radio (www.thefan1075.com). Havel also hosts Event USA’ MVP Parties the evening before home games.