“The owners will push for an 18th game sooner than later, reducing the preseason by one game and probably offering to shorten if not eliminate offseason programs (workouts, OTAs, etc.). By the next CBA, the offseason might be a two-week minicamp and that’s it, except for rookies.” Should this happen, I would hope, and expect, that the early schedule would be inter-conference, rather than division rival games.
In that vein, don’t ever think the NFL will schedule itself into a corner with the layout of games – especially with so many platforms ponying up to stream them in 2026. The league will expand to 18 games in my professional career. That is inevitable. It will maintain as much flexibility as it wants.
Jeff from Indian Lake, NY
The Justin from Thousand Oaks submission from yesterday pretty much blew my mind. On pace for the lowest takeaways in team history?! After an offseason and training camp that was dominated by “take the ball away.” I know this is a lazy take but, I thought you get what you emphasize?
The goal is to minimize explosives and make the opposing offenses run more plays, which should increase the likelihood of creating more takeaways in theory. Watching Minnesota and Chicago in recent weeks, neither of those teams is doing anything too out of the ordinary to generate turnovers. But when the opportunity is there, they capitalize on them. For whatever reason, that just hasn’t been in the cards for Green Bay to this point.
Craig from Brookfield, WI
You have to give something to get something. Losing Kenny Clark was tough, but you really can’t argue with the deal since GB acquired an unbelievable game wrecker in his prime. With Clark being a possible salary cap casualty for Dallas, do you think he has enough left in the tank for the Packers to bring him back on a cap-friendly contract? Baltimore made me miss him all the more!
Kenny Clark is a Dallas Cowboy until somebody tells me otherwise. But if there’s ever an opportunity to bring Clark back, I’d gladly volunteer to pick him up from the airport.
Morning guys, during a 2004 summer league basketball game, my son tore his ACL. He was heading into his senior year and expectations were high. Long story short, we were able to get an appointment with Dr. McKenzie. I was surprised that was possible. But he repaired my son’s ACL, and after six months of strenuous rehab, he returned for the final three games of the season! An awesome accomplishment by my son, but not possible without Dr. McKenzie! Thank you, doc! A great memory for our family!
That’s just one of many fond recollections I’ve heard regarding Dr. McKenzie and the work he performed on athletes ranging from Aaron Rodgers to the backup receiver on an area high school team.
Eric from Wrightstown, WI
Happy New Year, II! You guys do such a great job keeping us informed in times both good and hard. Can you give us a peak behind the curtain at a day in the life of Mike and Wes? Thanks so much!
I get here, answer emails/Slack messages, shoot videos, write Inbox, torment my boss, attend LaFleur’s press conference, go to practice, go to locker room, ask questions, react to seemingly some type of breaking news on most days, sometimes shoot more videos and eventually I get to write.
Happy New Year, Mike and Wes! I hope you enjoy celebrating the arrival of the New Year with family and friends. Best wishes to a great 2026!
We’re here. We’re always here.
Mike and Wes, welcome to 2026. You both have handled this season with honesty, transparency, a little humor, and being our English teacher. I love this platform because it gave me something to look forward to each day in 2025, the increased engagement with fans who follow II, and the both of you navigating a difficult season. I always look for your perspective. May 2026 be filled with endless root beer floats, Ma Hod’s cheeseboards, and a few more wins as we close out this season. Thank you!
Happy New Year, Marteen, and everyone out there! 2025 was a lot of fun and 2026 is going to be even better.
