Green Bay Packers defensive lineman Mike Daniels recently hosted several teammates on the defense to a nice dinner. It's not unusual for teammates to befriend one another and spend time together off the clock. We also see position groups get together to bond when they're together for team activities.
But this recent gathering had a different air. I wasn't there and I don't know what was said, but it just seems like this year's team has a stronger sense of what they can accomplish than I've seen in quite some time.
The embracing of his role as a leader by Daniels and the comeuppance of safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, for one, seem to indicate that there is a stronger veteran presence in the Packers locker room.