Romo just OK; this is my book

Edward from Canton, SD
Welcome back! Great win over the Bears, marred by an awful, unnecessary hit on Davante Adams, maybe ending his career. The NFL needs to go back to high school and re-learn how to tackle, not deliberately try to hurt by hitting the opponent excessively hard.
The correct way to tackle is not only being taught but also being enforced  at the amateur levels now, as evidenced by the targeting rule in college football. That's how you change the culture. I've had to change my culture and I think I'm beginning to succeed at it because a part of me thinks the NFL should also adopt the targeting rule. For football to survive, it must be made safer to play.

Bo from Montezuma, IA
Vic, thank you for rebooting the column! Have you had a chance to listen to Tony Romo commentate a game? Any thoughts?
He's just OK. He talks a lot but doesn't tell me much. He doesn't finish sentences and he doesn't seize the moment with crisp commentary at seminal moments in the game. He needed seasoning. He's not in Gruden's and Collinsworth's league.

Dick from Plant City, FL
Do you think the Packers will find enough "jars on the shelf" to be competitive in the near future?
That's what they're doing on the offensive line right now. The Packers are a Super Bowl contender. How high they reach will likely be determined by the emergence of young players. That's always the way it is for draft-and-develop teams. To get better, new talent must always emerge.

Marcus from Kenosha, WI
Hey, Vic, nice to see you back. Does packers.com know about this site, specifically Mike and Wes? If so, have they conveyed any kind of opinion on it? In the past on packers.com, you were frequently accused of toeing the company line. Now that you're no longer attached, can you confirm or deny that you were in fact put in that position? If you were, is this site going to be a way for you to break away and voice your nitty gritty opinions without worry of repercussions?
I never lied to you. I never misrepresented the truth or attempted to mislead you. At all times, my goal was to provide trusted information and insight to the readers, while being fair and supportive to the team. I believe that should be a reporter's role. That won't change.

Zack from Dayville, CT
OK, I am done with the new replay system of the New York office making the decision. Why? Because the league is covering for their officials instead of the lead official making the final decision and then answering to his boss in New York. I have not done the research, but my gut tells me many more calls are being ruled as the play stands as called than in previous seasons. One would like to think that is because the officiating is getting better, but my eyes don't tell me that. With the technology available, I want the correct call, not the cop out NFL brass call. What does the research say?
The research says you must live without FULL CONSISTENCY.

Russ from Chicago, IL
Vic, glad you're back in action! Football wasn't the same for me without you. Which Packer has stood out the most to you so far?
Aaron Rodgers; some things never change. He's the best I ever covered.

Ken from Baltimore, MD
Good to see you back. I really enjoyed your comments and missed it when you retired. It seems like there will be plenty more memories that will make us richer. How do you compare Geronimo Allison to Donald Driver?
Easy now, easy.

Mike from Cranford, NJ
Welcome back, Vic! Hope you're thinking about doing a book on the off days.
This is the book. I thought about it but decided I'd rather do this. I enjoy reading and responding to the fans. Writing a book is a lonely endeavor. This column is a collaborative work. We're all in this together and I like that a lot. This is the mark I wish to leave on this earth.

Brae from Brazil
What are your thoughts on the Packers' running game so far and can you tell us how do you think it can really become an asset?
The Packers need a pounder to emerge. Ty Montgomery is more of a scheme runner, a change-of-page back. He needs someone to do the dirty work. If that kind of runner emerges, look out.

John from Ixonia, WI
Vic, I read your column for years and sent in a question or two but never had one answered. I see that you said you are angry about the anthem situation and I was just wondering which aspect is making you angry.
It angered me that our president would punish men for exercising their right to free expression. If free speech comes at a price, it's not free. I would consider it an outrage against our most precious freedom. My father fought in the Philippines in World War II, my son served in the Air Force and my nephew is a Navy pilot who flew in Afghanistan. We are a patriotic family that believes in freedom and the defense of it. That freedom begins with the First Amendment to the Constitution.

Stacey from Lake Forest, IL
How do you feel about the players linking arms?
It's OK. It looked good on TV; sent the right message. I'm sure the league liked it. As I saw it happen, I couldn't help but think it looked choreographed. I don't think this issue is going away.

Robb from Houston, TX
Are you the real Vic?
Help is not on the way.

Mike from Milwaukee, WI
Do you think the NFL has a QB shortage problem? If so, how can it be fixed?
Yeah, I do, and it's being fixed by new-age quarterbacks such as Dak Prescott. Those are the quarterbacks coming out of college and they are the quarterbacks of the NFL's future. The pocket passer will slowly fade away.

Derrick from Randolph, NJ
I know it's still early, but so far this year seems to have the best parity I can recall. Perennial playoff contenders have had tough losses, and even tougher wins. What's your take so far, Vic?
The real preseason ends this weekend.

John from Saint Charles, MN
How do you feel about this year's team?
The defense will decide the Packers' fate.

Ekaan from Oshkosh, WI
What is your opinion of the nitro package, and how effective will it be down the stretch.
It's another strategy and personnel grouping for which opponents must prepare. That's good. You can win with scheme early in the season. Late in the season, you win with players. Down the stretch, the nitro's effectiveness will be determined solely by the performance of the men attempting to execute it.

Chase from Madisonville, KY
I've missed you, Vic. As George Costanza would say, "I'm back, baby. I'm back!"
The sea was angry, my friend.