Inbox: Patience leads to progress

Jeff from Lake Forest, CA

Hi Wes, I realize that AR/DA will determine what happens with much of the roster, but I’m curious if there is somebody down line you have your eye on to see if they return? Perhaps somebody that’s been developing and is starting to come into their own, or a solid, complementary player that plays a necessary role? I think for me it’s Tyler Lancaster. Not sure if we’ve seen everything there is to see from him or not.

Lancaster is a good pick. He’s an unselfish guy and key reserve who’s played a lot due to injuries and other circumstances. My choice would be Jon Runyan. He made some emergency appearances as a rookie but never actually started a game. It appeared like he was headed for the same role this year before injuries began to dismantle the offensive line. Instead, Runyan ends up starting 17 games (including playoffs) and looked the part at left guard all season. Runyan was patient and patience leads to progress.

Wes, it seems everyone hates the cap. Not me. I love it. The hard cap has allowed the NFL to evolve into the most competitive, entertaining sports league in existence. Can you say “Cincinnati?” If not for the hard cap, Green Bay would not be the home of an NFL team. Do you agree?

Jim, I am 150% with you. The hard cap is what makes the NFL the greatest sports league in the world. I want players to get every penny they deserve but the hard cap levels the playing field for the entire league. That parity not only helps small-market teams survive but also enables a franchise like Cincinnati to turn around its fortunes after a couple decent offseasons. Truthfully, one of the reasons I no longer follow baseball is because small-market teams fight an uphill battle every year. Even if they do field a good team, it’s difficult to keep that foundation together.

Wes, you were stalwart in your support of LeRoy Butler’s Hall of Fame chances, so I’d love for you to weigh in on last week’s intriguing discussion about which former Packer should next join the Hall. Sterling Sharpe, Mike Holmgren, Gale Gillingham, and Verne Lewellen were all mentioned as worthy. I’d also add in LaVern “Lavvie” Dilweg, the All-Decade end from 1920s and ’30s, who has been inexplicably snubbed like Butler was, except decades longer. Any thoughts or favorites?

I’m treading lightly right now because I was so vocal about Butler’s candidacy. For that reason, I’m probably going to take a year or two off from stumping for anybody in particular. I will say if Bill Cowher is in Canton, then Mike Holmgren should be in, too. I liked the Centennial Slate idea in theory but I wasn’t thrilled with the execution. The selectors righted some wrongs with the 15-person class but I would’ve preferred that initiative concentrated more on pre-1960 players whose careers ended before the Pro Football Hall of Fame came into existence. Bobby Dillon got in. So, that’s a win, but it would’ve been nice to see Lewellen, Dilweg or Cecil Isbell be honored, too. Diehard readers know my feelings on Isbell and I plan on continuing to bang the drum for his candidacy until I retire. Hutson is in. Arnie Herber is in. Cecil Isbell should be in. I’m still educating myself on Gillingham but many of those who watched him play feel he’s been overlooked, as well.

Grant from Janesville, WI

Hi Wes, welcome back. With all this talk about first-ballot Hall of Famers, what do you think of Eric Weddle’s chances? He already had the Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors, and now he has an iconic Super Bowl performance. I’m guessing he is not a first-ballot guy, but his resume reads like a Hall of Famer.

I love that Weddle came back, even though it resets his Hall of Fame clock. I do think he has a case for Canton. Weddle was a five-time All-Pro (two first teams), six-time Pro Bowler and a member of the NFL’s 2010s All-Decade Team. Weddle returning and capturing a ring is the storybook ending to a great career.

Etienne from St Joachin de Tourelle, Canada

How does Elgton Jenkins’ injury compared to the David Bakhtiari one, on a recovery time frame? I understand nobody heals the same and that the answer isn’t set in stone. Could he miss a full calendar year of play? Can’t wait for that Elvis.

Like Bakhtiari last year, the timing was tough with Jenkins’ injury coming in late November. As you said, not all ACL injuries are equal. The typical window is 10-12 months depending on whether there was structural damage around the ACL. We’ll just have to see where he’s at this summer but hopefully Jenkins can get back out there next season.

Kudos to Wes for the analogy of pruning a tree leading to future vitality with coaching staff pruning 🙂 Even I, Joe the arborist, am impressed. With Bobby Tonyan both in injury recovery and uncertain contract status, who do we have on Vic’s proverbial “tight end tree” for 2022?

Like most years, there aren’t many “sure things” in this year’s draft at the tight end position. Colorado State’s Trey McBride seems to be the consensus top TE in this year’s class and possible first-round pick. There probably will be several Day 2 picks, but it’s difficult to unearth Pro Bowlers at that spot. While Tonyan’s status is up in the air, the Packers are scheduled to return Marcedes Lewis, Josiah Deguara and Dominique Dafney next year.

Bill from Richland Center, WI

I enjoy reading your columns every day! I have wondered about this for years. When the defensive end crashes inside who then has the contain responsibility?

It depends on the play call. If they’re running a game/stunt, it could be the defensive tackle’s responsibility to play the edge. It also could be an inside linebacker, nickel cornerback or strong safety who needs to crash down. There always is a plan, though. It’s not just throwing caution to the wind in hope of a big play.