It's time to reach out

"Ask Vic" will publish on M-W-F through the football season.

Luke from Port Alsworth, AK
How do you define "blow it up?"
Sweeping change.

Adam from Wausau, WI
Typical liberal drivel. You should be ashamed of yourself.
Adam, if you really are Adam from Wausau, I want this to stop. The barrage of angry emails you're dumping into my inbox daily is abusive of the privilege and emotionally unstable.

Pat from Seneca, SC
I live in the region of our state which you suggested was filled with “palpable anger.” I have been witness to the cult-like level of obsequiousness to our morally bankrupt and racially divisive leader, and it makes my heart ache. I wish I could do something to decrease the animosity, but it seems futile. This administration has provided cover and encouragement for racists to openly promote their views, and they are now emboldened. I am truly afraid for any person of color who lives here.
There's a flag on a house just down the street from me and the flag proclaims: "Love Trump's hate." What are we doing?

Jason from Austin, TX
I need to hear more about this high school coach. That bloody meat story was incredible. Any other goodies?
When our performance at practice displeased him, he would blow his whistle and then yell out, "Everybody on the hill. It's time for some Viet Cong training."

Kevin from Stillwater, MN
Vic, I lost my temper when my daughter-in-law told me I couldn't see my grandkids if they had to wear a mask, at all, in my house, for half an hour. Then they left. Though I apologized to the kids for losing my temper, I cannot come close to apologizing to my daughter-in-law, whose ultimatum it was. Am I a bad person?
No, and neither is your daughter-in-law. Find a way to achieve peace. The days of the mask will pass, but the damage we create will linger, if we allow it.

Chad from Minneapolis, MN
I agree with your comment this might be the best offense of the Rodgers era. While the players deserve a lot of the credit, it also feels like Mark Murphy should be in line for similar accolades. I have to admit, I scratched my head at the LaFleur signing but, two years removed, it appears to have been a stroke of genius. What were your thoughts when you first heard Matt would be the Packers' head coach?
My first thought was Mark Murphy was accepting a lot of downside risk for hiring an unproven coach to lead a team that needed to win now. It was a bold move. Murphy is directly responsible for the success that's followed. It began with his vision and courageousness. He made a pretty good hire at Northwestern, too, didn't he? The Packers are in good hands.

Christopher from Oshkosh, WI
Aaron Rodgers appears to be having a ton of fun on the field this year. I'm sure winning and success play large roles, but do you think he's trying to find joy in the game as he's entering the twilight years of his career?
I think he's at a point in his career that playing football is easy for him. He knows exactly what to do and how to do it, and he still has the physical ability and skill to get it done.

Justin from Delavan, WI
Your blog makes me giddy!
You mean giggly, right?

J.P. from Jacksonville, FL
If Juan Marichal and John Roseboro could mend their differences (Marichal served as an honorary pallbearer at Roseboro's funeral), maybe there's hope one day Republicans and Democrats can learn to view each other as fellow Americans, not mortal enemies who must be defeated at all costs.
All we have to do is reach out to each other. I'm reaching out. Who'll reach back? We can do this.

Steve from New Britain, CT
8. Bucs -- Unimpressive win? Brady 365 yards, 5 TD, 1 interception; Rodgers 327 yards, 4 TD. The highlights show Brady still has a rifle arm and is elite. The Chargers were not winless like Atlanta was and Tampa Bay came back from a 24-7 deficit. Their victory was more impressive than the Packers'. Shouldn't poo-poo Brady without being credible.
That interception was a pick six. Shouldn't praise Brady without telling the whole truth. Plus, the Bucs were handed a point-blank touchdown at the end of the first half when the Chargers' rookie quarterback botched a hand-off. I'm not down on the Bucs, it's just I didn't think it was an impressive win. After last night's loss, I suspect the Bucs are headed lower than No. 8.

Will from Salt Lake City, UT
With 20 games under his belt, what is your impression of Matt LeFleur as a head coach and a leader of men? I know having Rodgers covers a lot of warts, but what about having his team ready to play and his game planning?
I'm impressed at what he's done. He's added life to Rodgers' career and to the Rodgers era of Packers football. That was job one and he's done it.

Lukas from Milwaukee, WI
Vic, Aaron Rodgers looks so much better this year than last. In your opinion, what are the biggest factors that can allow a QB to turn back the clock, besides play-calling.
Bradshaw always played great after he got divorced.

Nick from Owego, NY
What are the odds the Packers can remain undefeated before the season is ended?
Isn't it silly to look that far ahead? Why invite that kind of expectation and likely disappointment? One play, one misstep can change everything.

Phil from Marietta, GA
Here is the list of Packers fans' recent cult heroes: The Claymaker, White Lightning, KUUUUUHN, Big Bob. Each share a common trait. What does this tell us about the fan base?
I don't think it's racism to identify with someone because you share the same color of skin. I hope it's not racism.

Dave from Savage, MN
When did everyone start to think it's so important athletes appear to be having fun when they compete?
I don't get it either. Just win, baby.

Kevin from Silverdale, WA
Vic, the Titans are blatantly disregarding protocol. I feel they should be forced to forfeit this game, have the team fined and even take away draft picks if necessary. How would Commissioner Vic deal with them while keeping the season intact?
I don't like the idea of a forfeit. If the game can be played, play it, but I think the Titans should bear a stiff loss-of-picks penalty for playing fast and loose with Covid, and I think the Bills and the Steelers should each be compensated a draft pick for the scheduling penalties they've experienced due to the Titans' recklessness.

Adam from Madison, WI
Packers.com did a thing on Za'Darius Smith and his impact on Monday night. Three sacks is great but watching the tape it showed him side-stepping the blocks. To me that seems more like guessing than beating a block, something my high school coach would not be OK with. Seems like the root of his problems with the run, yes?
He's a run-around-blocks defender, not a hold-the-point-of-attack guy. The Packers have to live with it. It's one of the consequences of worshipping at the altar of the almighty sack.

Jordan from Stoughton, WI
What's an example of a journalism movie that doesn't often get the credit it deserves?
"The Insider."

Samuel from Jacksonville, FL
Is it harder to turn a pitcher into a quarterback or a quarterback into a pitcher?
Bob Gibson might be the only pitcher who could throw a strike as he was being sacked. I saw him throw a no-hitter and I was sitting behind home plate when it happened. The ball looked like an aspirin tablet. I also remember Roberto Clemente breaking Gibson's leg with a line drive. Gibson remained in the game and pitched to three more batters. Greatness has always left me in awe.