Bonus column: I'm picking the Packers

This is a bonus column to help readers acclimate to the publishing schedule for days after the Packers play. The Packers play tonight, so tomorrow will be a regularly scheduled “Ask Vic” column. See you tomorrow morning.

Isaac from Nashville, TN
Vic, can you think of a rule change that could counter the increasing prevalence of dink and dunk offense? I keep reading that offenses are getting better at short pass efficiency, avoiding turnovers, sacks, etc., but sacrificing the long ball in the process.
I hate dink and dunk offense. I don’t see the NFL reverting to the days of true bump and run pass coverage – that would require the elimination of the 5-yard chuck rule – so I would propose a rule requiring all defenders to be positioned within 10 yards of the line of scrimmage at the snap of the ball. That’ll do it.

Dan from Waupun, WI
Vic, I'm not getting the Kaepernick collusion deal? If you own a Best Buy in Dallas, and you talk to the owner of a Best Buy in New York, Chicago, or any other Best Buy owner, can you say you may not want this guy as an employee, he's bad for revenue?
I don’t know what kind of agreement Best Buy has with its employees, but the NFL has a Collective Bargaining Agreement with its players and the CBA provides for a system of free agency. Do you really believe Colin Kaepernick isn’t worthy of an NFL roster? He contends owners are in violation of the CBA and have collectively blackballed him from playing in the NFL.

Michael from Tallahassee, FL
As a former player and coach of the Western Illinois University Leathernecks, Red Miller would come back to Macomb from time to time. During my tenure as publisher of the Macomb Journal, I was fortunate to meet him several times. He was gregarious and engaging. Do you have any Red Miller stories?
He was a joy to interview because he was comfortable expressing his emotions. During a conference call a year after his Orange crush season in 1977, he became irritated by our line of questioning. “Hey, we beat you twice last year,” Miller countered. There was nothing corporate about Red Miller. He was a true football man.

Travis from Indianapolis, IN
Vic, glad you are back and doing what you love! I think you may have ruffled some feathers by saying the Packers should start looking for a QB in the first round of the draft to replace Rodgers. McCarthy and Rodgers have expressed the goal and expectation of No. 12 playing into his 40s. Would you argue that is unrealistic? He was playing better than anyone in the league in December/January at age 33.
I certainly don’t want to ruffle any feathers, so I’ll change my opinion and agree with the fans. The Packers should ignore the quarterback position and wait until either Aaron Rodgers retires or has to play with the aid of a cane before the Packers find and begin grooming his replacement. It could force the franchise to go dark for an extended period of time, but I’m sure no one would complain. All better now?

Benjamin from Jacksonville, FL
Now that both Andrew Luck and Deshaun Watson are on injured reserve, many consider the Jaguars the favorite to win the AFC South and get their first playoff appearance since 2007. Do you think they have what it takes to get there? If so, do you think they can pull off a win or two?
I think the Jaguars will win the AFC South. In fact, I will consider it a disappointment if they don’t win the AFC South. After that, anything can happen. How’s that make you feel? With expectation comes responsibility.

Hugh from Sioux Falls, SD
Is Carson Wentz a fluke coming out of the FCS like Kurt Warner? Or can the Packers really look beyond the big-school programs to find the next “Man?”
You find football players where you find football players.

Ryan from Stevens Points, WI
Vic, what's more important in a quarterback, physical skills or mental skills. Which would you prefer?
Lil Abner or Stephen Hawking? How about something between the two? Quarterback is the most demanding position in all of sports. He needs to be all things: physically gifted, smart and courageous.

Lee from Marshfield, WI
I see you putting the weight of the Packers wins and losses on Brett Hundley. Do you really believe if Hundley averages 200 yards a game with an average passer rating that will be enough for the Packers to win?
If he plays to that level, the burden falls on the defense, and it’s about time defense carries the cross.

Savannah from Monona, WI
Vic, can you give us a few of your predictions for the outcomes of games this weekend? For example, Monday night’s winner?
It’s difficult for me to envision the Packers beating the Lions. As I wrote, the Lions impressed me in their loss to the Steelers. Be that as it may, I’m going to pick the Packers to win tonight. Why? Because I think Mike McCarthy is going to inspire his players to play above the X’s and O’s. This is the big one and I think the Packers are going to play inspired football.

​Mike from North Hudson, WI
Vic, looking forward to the 2018 NFL draft, the Packers, with their added compensatory draft picks, will have ammunition to be active. Based on the first half of this season, what positions would GM Vic be looking to address?
​I think they need big guys on both sides of the ball. I also think they need more athletes at linebacker and wide receiver.