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Cheese Curds, 7/24: Packers’ athleticism to go on display; new tailgating experience awaits

The new Johnsonville building will give Packers fans new options for enjoying the pregame festivities this season.

San Diego Chargers v Green Bay Packers Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images

Tailgating is an essential part of American football culture, and nowhere is it more central to the full experience of a game than at Lambeau Field.

NFL fans flock to the legendary stadium not just because of what happens inside its walls, but also because of the festivities outside before and after games. This season, Packers fans will have a newly-updated option for how to enjoy their tailgate party, one that should appeal to fans who don’t necessarily have a massive group or a big batch of equipment.

Of course, the game between the white lines is the critical part of the event on Sundays, and this year’s Packers roster has a kind of athleticism not seen on the roster in recent years - if ever. Indeed, the team’s head coach seems to think that this is the most athletic team he has coached, a good sign for the team’s success in 2017 and beyond.

While you prepare for today’s shareholders meeting at 11 AM Central Time, here are a few items to get you through the morning.

Mike McCarthy's most athletic team? Packers coach likes their ability - ESPN
This team had better be athletic - after all, Ted Thompson has emphasized that quality in recent drafts - and especially in the team's early draft picks. In particular, Kenny Clark and Kevin King are among the most athletic players at their positions in the last few draft classes.

Aaron Rodgers defends Mike McCarthy: ‘We’ve got his back’ | Packers Wire
The relationship between Rodgers and McCarthy may seem rocky on occasion, but each always has the other's back when they get called out.

2016 Slot vs. Wide: Defense | Football Outsiders
The Packers had a little bit more success overall defending against players lined up in the slot than split wide. However, when taking out running backs and tight ends to instead look at only wide receivers in the slot, the Packers struggled mightily, finishing with the third-worst DVOA.

Hall call worth the wait for Mark Lee | Packers.com
Congratulations to cornerback Mark Lee, who was a stalwart for the Packers in the dark days of the 1980s.

Johnsonville Tailgate Village addresses changing fan culture | Packersnews.com
Whereas the former Tundra Tailgate Zone was just a big tent. the new building in the east parking lot at Lambeau features food and bar service, heat and A/C, and a whole host of new amenities that will make it a totally new experience.

Sam Bradford more confident after full offseason | NFL.com
Bradford has notoriously been through numerous offensive coordinators in his NFL career, both with the Rams and then the Eagles. Even last season, the Vikings changed OCs midseason, when Norv Turner resigned. However, it’s interesting to see that Pat Shurmur has been his OC for at least a portion of the time he spent with each of his three teams, and he’s the guy again this year for Minnesota.