You brought it this week, mailbag! I’m not going to waste any time setting up for the fun. I hope you enjoy your read as much as I enjoyed thinking through these questions. 

“My 10-year-old started really getting into the Packers last season, and we had a good time watching together. Now that we're in the dead zone, I'd like to spend some quality time before training camp watching old games with him. The game replays on NFL+ go back to 2009. What are some games that you would suggest we check out from the past 15 years?” - Tony

Oh man, I love this question. It made me so nostalgic that I went on NFL+ and put on some old games while I wrote this. I think if we’re starting in 2009, the playoff loss to the Cardinals has to be up there. It sets the stage for Packers fandom disappointment in the postseason. But jokes aside, it’s also just a really good game. Watch the 2010 season in its entirety, for the magic. 

2011 is dealer’s choice as long as you don’t pick the Chiefs game, but that’ll set up for Rodgers’ first MVP season. Maybe Christmas day versus the Bears? We love a five touchdown performance from #12 and a Bears loss on a holiday. 

2014 you have to watch the Bears game where Rodgers threw six touchdowns in the first half. And I’d also add Packers vs Patriots for the NFL history that comes with Rodgers vs Brady. 

2015 is the obvious. Hail Mary in Detroit. That’s one of my all-time favorite football memories watching a game with my dad. If you want to show your 10-year-old more Hail Mary magic, you could also put on the Cardinals playoff game. 

2016 Divisional Round vs the Cowboys is a must with the Jared Cook sideline catch and Mason Crosby field goal as time expires. I have fond memories of the 2017 season but I’m not sure many Packers fans do. The overtime win in Cleveland is special to me since I was there and got to watch Davante Adams run out of the tunnel after his score in overtime, but it wasn’t a really fun game to watch outside of those last few minutes. 

2018 has to be the season opener vs the Bears, and 2019 is a fun season because it’s Matt LaFleur’s first season as a head coach. The standout from that game might be the Cowboys game where Aaron Jones rushed for four touchdowns. 

I really thought the Packers were winning the Super Bowl in 2020, so that Buccaneers loss is torture. Skip that one. From that season, though, Packers vs Titans was a lot of fun in the snow. It really felt like AJ Dillon’s coming out party against one of the best running backs in the league in Derrick Henry. And in 2021 I’m partial to the Christmas Day game vs Cleveland (again), because I was there in-person and Aaron Rodgers breaking the franchise record with 443 touchdowns is a core football memory for me. 

Boy, this is getting long. Okay. Wrapping up. 2023 vs Chiefs in the regular season at Lambeau Field, and then versus the Cowboys in the playoffs. And then I think from the 2025 season, the Lions home opener (although Thanksgiving is a good option too). Micah Parsons’ debut in Green and Gold mixed with the home opener atmosphere against a division rival. 

I’m sure you’ll get plenty of fond memories and suggestions from the comments to watch, too! 

“What’s your opinion on the bs offsides call that cost the Packers a perfect season against the Beloit Fairies on 11/23/1919 and what lessons from that defeat can we take/lessons does that teach us in handling our losing to the Bears in horrific fashion last year? (Besides the alcoholism…)” - Aurelia 

This is such a niche factoid and I love that you brought it to the mailbag. What a fun piece of Packers trivia for those that didn’t know about it already. But yes, the Beloit Fairies did beat the Packers 6-0 in 1919 to end Green Bay’s perfect season. Their record ended at 10-1 instead of 10-0. 

Personally, given that I’m from Kenosha, I prefer the Kenosha Maroons who only existed in 1924 and went 0-5 on the season. This might be the mailbag of rabbit holes, because so far both questions have caused deep-dives. 

I knew about the Kenosha Maroons already being from the city, but if you’re looking for something to do this offseason (Jim, I’m lookin’ at you), going through some of the original NFL charter teams is a ton of fun. 

Know anything about the Hammond Pros? How crazy that a little football team from Hammond, Indiana used to roster a player named George Halas. Yeah, that George Halas. And now those very Chicago Bears are likely moving to Hammond. Something something, time is a flat circle. 

I think there are plenty of lessons from those losses. Finishing the same way you start is a big one. Never take your foot off the gas. Don’t beat yourself, make the other team beat you. What other coachisms should I spit out? But really, the rivalry is renewed. The Bears have certainly held up their end of the bargain. Even in the offseason, we’re constantly seeing how Bears players are eating, sleeping, and breathing Packers hatred. It’s a little performative for me, personally, but I would certainly hope it left a sour enough taste in the team’s mouth that they won’t let anything of the sort happen in 2026. 

“In the event that Josh Jacobs is suspended, what is your confidence level in the running back room as it stands today, and who would you want to see get the lion's share of the carries?” - Dbauhs 

I know we’ve only seen a few weeks of organized team activities, but it sounds like MarShawn Lloyd has looked impressive. He of course needs to stay healthy, which is a factor for any player, but he’s making the most of his opportunity. So I suppose if I had to assign the bulk of the carries to anyone, it would be Lloyd based on what we hope he can be in terms of a spark plug for the offense. 

I would probably have the most trust in Chris Brooks, though, because of his accrued NFL experience. He also looks good in pass protection which will matter when it comes to keeping Jordan Love upright against some of the stout fronts Green Bay will face this season. 

Depending on how many games Jacobs would be suspended for, I could also see LaFleur getting creative with his usage of players like Savion Williams. Get ready for all end-arounds all the time, Packers fans. I’m kidding. I think. 

“Hey Maggie! What’s your go-to Packer binge for this “dead zone”? Reading? Game tape? Old YouTube videos? Or simply unplug? Cuz, man, I’m bored already! Thanks!” - Jim

This is such a timely question because you can now go back and rewatch all of your favorite Packers games dating back to 2009! Or, you can do a deep dive into NFL teams from the 1920s, like the Milwaukee Badgers! 

I’m making a conscious effort to unplug more which is why I don’t pop up on social media as regularly, but I do miss when football dialogue would flood my timeline and I’d have NFL football to watch three nights a week. It’ll be here before we know it, though! So really I’m just trying to get outside as much as possible and enjoy the summer, because I know before too long I’ll be complaining that it’s getting dark too early and there’s a chill in the air. 

Although, secretly, I love that chill in the air. Fall is my favorite season for so many reasons, and football is a large part of it. Give me flannels, Oktoberfest beers, pumpkin farms with my kids, and a Sunday on the couch watching Red Zone until Packers kickoff. 

Maybe not yet, though. It’s only mid-June, after all. I hope all the Dads in the mailbag have a happy Father’s Day this weekend! See you next week (and don’t forget to send your questions to [email protected])!