Packers Question of the Day - Who Stood out?

After two weeks of exhibition football, we now have a little more of a sampling size when it comes to judging the Packers' roster.

With safety Kentrell Brice putting together another fine performance, the punting competition between Tim Masthay and Peter Mortell still leaving much to be desired and the defensive unit setting the tone, what specific play or player from last night's win against the Raiders stood out to you?

__________________________

Zachary Jacobson is a staff writer/reporter for Cheesehead TV. He's the voice of The Leap on iTunes and can be heard on The Scoop KLGR 1490 AM every Saturday morning. He's also a contributor on the Pack-A-Day Podcast. He can be found on Twitter via @ZachAJacobson or contacted through email at [email protected].

NFL Categories: 
0 points
 

Comments (37)

Fan-Friendly This filter will hide comments which have ratio of 5 to 1 down-vote to up-vote.
jeremyjjbrown's picture

August 19, 2016 at 09:08 am

Kentrell Brice and Peter Mortell for sure. Unless they drop off from a performance standpoint, I'd be surprised if they are not on the team. Brice has Elite Metrics the Packers have not had at the Safety position since Nick Collins retired.

0 points
0
0
packerfan9507's picture

August 19, 2016 at 09:17 am

Blake Martinez - Should be your starting ILB next to Barrington. Great vision and instincts.

Marwin Evans - Read run like a pro, good instincts, filled gaps, made plays.

Joe Callahan - A ho-hum first half but a very impressive 2nd half. He's raw and has room to improve but his pocket escapability was very impressive.

Brandon Burks - Great vision, runs like a man inspired. Experience with catching passes should make him the 3rd RB despite a flashy showing from Crockett.

Dimitri Goodson - Stood out... not in a good way. Time to say goodbye to Herr Goodson.

0 points
0
0
Amanofthenorth's picture

August 19, 2016 at 04:43 pm

Way too early and presumptive on Burks. Crockett returns.

0 points
0
0
Oppy's picture

August 20, 2016 at 12:10 am

I know people like speed at RB, but the mindset of the personnel people and HC in Green Bay think about late season and play off football at lambeau field as being key elements to success...

...And they are of the mind that speed is countered by cold, slick weather conditions. That's why the Packers favor bigger, stronger backs to speed or 'scat' types. I agree it would be a nice counter point, but if two backs are showing promise, Packers will usually keep the bigger body type or the back who shows more "plodder" traits.

0 points
0
0
lucky953's picture

August 19, 2016 at 09:19 am

Very impressed with poise of Martinez. Kyle Murphy is pretty darn good for a 6th rnder. I was impressed by Hundley-very confident, in control of the offense, and very accurate. Agree on Brice and Mortell.

0 points
0
0
RCPackerFan's picture

August 19, 2016 at 09:35 am

Last night I came away impressed with Callahan, Crockett, Burks, Backman on offense. They all stood out in some way to me.

On defense Martinez (we may have found our 3 down ILB), Lowry, Thomas, Bradford, Brice.

Special Teams Mortell impressed me. Davis had a great PR. I would like to see him get more opportunities.

0 points
0
0
lucky953's picture

August 19, 2016 at 12:58 pm

What impressed you about Callahan? He seems to have happy feet to me, can't see down the field, and his accuracy looks mediocre.

0 points
0
0
RCPackerFan's picture

August 19, 2016 at 10:31 pm

Callahan's ability to evade the rush. There was a couple of times he probably took off before he had to, but his ability to extend plays is his best asset.

The play he made where he scrambled and found Crockett for a first down was really impressive.

He needs work, he is far from a finished product. He needs to try and get a stronger arm he could get more accurate and work on going through his progressions faster. That all being said he is from Wesley college. And Callahan was just fun to watch. He would be worth developing on the PS.

0 points
0
0
dobber's picture

August 21, 2016 at 09:01 pm

Callahan doesn't give the impression that the game is too big for him. That's what stands out for me.

0 points
0
0
NickPerry's picture

August 20, 2016 at 05:07 am

He does seem to have "Happy Feet" but that was the Packers 2nd string going against the Raiders starters for the 1st half. He might run a bit early, especially if his 1st read is covered but for a D III guy not to shabby. He's better than Harrell or several others the Packers have had in camp IMO. The kid IS elusive!

0 points
0
0
lucky953's picture

August 20, 2016 at 05:30 pm

Okay, so if you had to win a regular midseason game with one of these guys? J Callahan, B Brohm, G Harrell, S Wallace, BJ Coleman, V Young, M Williams - Would you take Callahan?
Just curious...

0 points
0
0
DrealynWilliams's picture

August 20, 2016 at 05:38 pm

Good/Interesting question.

0 points
0
0
sonomaca's picture

August 21, 2016 at 11:03 am

Callahan, no doubt. He'd be very effective in the short passing game. Seems able to advance the ball 4 or 5 yards on a consistent basis, whether via short passes or with his feet. Callahan wouldn't be effective in the absence of a strong run game, but since the Packers are decent in that department, I think he'd be good enough against average defenses.

0 points
0
0
Colin_C's picture

August 19, 2016 at 09:48 am

Besides all the aforementioned players, I think Adams should get some credit for two great catches. If I had to pick one standout player though, it would be Brice. He is quickly becoming my favorite preseason guy.

0 points
0
0
RCPackerFan's picture

August 19, 2016 at 09:50 am

I was going to mention Adams. He looked really good. But I decided to leave off all the starters minus Martinez.

0 points
0
0
Gianich's picture

August 19, 2016 at 09:49 am

If Mortell can hold and Crosby trusts him holding he is your new GBP punter. Talk about tough cuts! The younger more athletic players show up like Backman and Brice while the 3 year vets remain solid in Banjo and PErillo. Tinkering Ted has some scheming to do! I guess I'm not seeing the Burks love as many others. He whiffed a couple times in pass pro real bad and did nothing more impressive than Crocket when running the ball. Crocket has great power and vision but that next gear is missing, still think he beats out Burks, but he'll make PS for sure. Goodson should be in the first round of cuts, but the suspension almost works in his favor cause if I'm not mistaken he would not count vs the 53 during the suspension so they may wait to see if there are any injuries in the first 4 weeks that would warrant his return. Only thing there is his play hasn't warranted anything other than being cut, would rather have these young DBs come off the PS if needed than wait for Goodson to come off suspension all the while still playing poorly...

0 points
0
0
Amanofthenorth's picture

August 19, 2016 at 04:51 pm

This post makes the regular season roster

0 points
0
0
Branden Burke's picture

August 19, 2016 at 10:01 am

Martinez. Looks better than AJ already. Sideline to sideline. He got taken out at the knees about ten yards from one play, got up and still made the tackle.

Brice looked good.

I like randall, but he doesn't look very good right now. The interception looked pretty but he was very handsy in coverage and wasnt getting his head around. I think cooper is in his head a little bit.

Hundley is always impressive seems like.

Bradford looked pretty good suprisingly.

Callahan had two plays that was very rodgers esq. With the footwork and reverse rollout toward the pressure. Not many guys outside of Wilson and Rodgers use that. Looked good for about two or three drives

0 points
0
0
Branden Burke's picture

August 19, 2016 at 10:01 am

Martinez. Looks better than AJ already. Sideline to sideline. He got taken out at the knees about ten yards from one play, got up and still made the tackle.

Brice looked good.

I like randall, but he doesn't look very good right now. The interception looked pretty but he was very handsy in coverage and wasnt getting his head around. I think cooper is in his head a little bit.

Hundley is always impressive seems like.

Bradford looked pretty good suprisingly.

Callahan had two plays that was very rodgers esq. With the footwork and reverse rollout toward the pressure. Not many guys outside of Wilson and Rodgers use that. Looked good for about two or three drives

0 points
0
0
EdsLaces's picture

August 19, 2016 at 10:49 am

Martinez has some stuff to clean up but wow he is all over the field. Hard to not get excited about this guy. The battle is between Sam and Ryan at this point and I think either way we are gonna be solid in the middle. Side note our LBS as a whole from inside to outside are freaking loaded with potential.

0 points
0
0
SpudRapids's picture

August 19, 2016 at 11:44 am

I thought Barrington looked really good.. Fast and decisive. I think Brice is a lock for PS if we he doesn't overtake Banjo. Packers are the only team that pursued him and I think he'd stay on the PS and wait for his chance.

0 points
0
0
jeremyjjbrown's picture

August 19, 2016 at 02:17 pm

If he keeps assending they might not be able to float him to the PS.

0 points
0
0
DrealynWilliams's picture

August 19, 2016 at 02:22 pm

"Packers are the only team that pursued him..."

But he's on film now. There's no hiding his potential.

0 points
0
0
Thegreatreynoldo's picture

August 19, 2016 at 11:54 am

In order (Locks who look good in parenthesis)

DBs: Brice, Hawkins, Evans, Dorleant;
ILB: Thomas, Bradford (Martinez = 400 snap guy);
OLB; None
DL: Price, Kuder (Clark =600 - Lowry 200+ snaps)
RB: Burks, Crockett
QB: Calahan (Williams can't play yet- too raw)
TEs: None really
WR: Allison, Monty
OL: Stock down Barclay, Walker, Rotheram

0 points
0
0
RobinsonDavis's picture

August 20, 2016 at 12:00 pm

I agree with 75% of this Great, but wish to add a few points. Edited after 2nd watch -

DB's - The couple of times I have watched Dorleant block on punt coverage, he gave up quickly, but he did make a couple of nice tackles on outside runs and a tackle in kick coverage. Rollns/Banjo/Brice/Evans/Hawkins all played well, Hawkins so-so on punt coverage. Not sure about Gunter or Daniel's play in total (watching TV you normally do not see the outside coverage downfield unless there is a mistake), but Gunter's missed block caused the punt block. Daniel blocked Ok on punt returns. Like you, Brice and Hawkins are players. Evans had some nice plays and thumped the receiver on Hawkins interception return...seems to like contact! Jette & Whitehead were around the ball a lot.

OLBs- I saw nice backside pursuit by Elliott, Perry and McCray. Also saw McCray string-out the edge nicely to allow inside pursuit to catch the runner. Datone had a least one nice solo tackle, prior to his bonehead penalty.

D-line must be doing well, as run statistics have been excellent. I really want to see somebody separate from their man and tackle behind the line and/or pressure more in the passing game. I did like Clark on second watch. Feel Lowry was so-so.

MLBs - really nice play from Thomas, Martinez, and Bradford. I did see both Martinez and Bradford drop RB coverage in the flat, only to be saved by a DB. Want to be careful on the criticism...could be scheme.

Starks made the run of the evening and is getting no love. Crockett looked good! Maybe he needed that bite from MM! I really like the screens we have done in the off-season, but agree that Crockett has been caught twice from behind with ankle tackles.

Calahan may not be Hundley, but he has moxie/grit. Yes, he missed open receivers and was late to recognize....I think his recognition will grow.

TE's - Cook made some real nice sustained blocks including one I saw downfield. Backman was responsible for the last two yards of Crockett's touchdown run. with a downfield block. Perillo aided Burks run to the 5. Will we ever see Henry?

WR - Monty still looks rusty to me. Nice to see Adams with a couple of catches, but his consistency is the question. Still, we finally had some deep passes. One part of me wants to see if Allison could take Adams' spot.

OL- This is where I disagree - we ran the ball well and that does not happen without blocking. Though this group was not perfect, I saw some excellent blocks from Lane Taylor, Barclay, Walker, and Murphy. Murphy absolutely collapsed the left side of the Raider D on one play, but struggled at other times. Taylor chipped and pulled springing Crockett on his touchdown, with Barclay shoving guys downfield. Taylor was also downfield on at least two of the screen passes - blocking well. However, the 2nd string's pass-blocking was inconsistent. Remember this group was also playing against the 1st string D of the Raiders in the first half. Spriggs really struggled pass-blocking Mack and inside moves on run-blocking against Raider 2nd string defenders. Walker struggles in pass-blocking at times.

0 points
0
0
Thegreatreynoldo's picture

August 20, 2016 at 12:11 pm

Nice reply RDavis. (Just call me TGR - only my wife called me great!). I don't disagree with you. I should have mentioned Murphy. I think Taylor is a lock, not a Sitton level guy but low to average starter level OG, so I expect some plays from him. Same for Starks. I've consistently written that Cook is an above average run blocker for a TE, despite his rep, so didn't mention him. Actually, I saw RR do his run blocking job a couple of times, saw a whiff too. Barclay and Rotheram are known for their run blocking, so I didn't mention them - again, expect them to be able to generate some movement. Pretty unhappy with the pass pro from the right side of the line (I've been dissing and defending Walker at the same time, though I was really high on him last year). I've really liked McCray's play so far, could have mentioned him too. I don't think you can teach the awareness and elusiveness Callahan showed. Trouble is, he needed both in order to survive. Not a good pocket for him to show his stuff or to throw intermediate passes.

I was making dinner - yes, as a widower, I was slaving over the stove to feed two hungry teenage boys, so I was distracted and missed some plays. Didn't see Dorleant, thanks for the info. If I am not mistaken, those deeper passes all came off scrambles, right? I did not think any WR playing X did much. What I haven't really seen other than one by Hundley is an intermediate pass thrown from the pocket at around the 2.5 second mark to a WR 12-20 yds downfield who ran a good route and got open with separation at the window spot of his route. My verdict on the WRs so far is that Nelson needs to be elite - it will be the Nelson, Cobb, Cook show - and hope some other WR can contribute.

0 points
0
0
RobinsonDavis's picture

August 21, 2016 at 01:32 pm

Hey, TGR! No apologies EVER. I enjoy the banter and appreciate your input/thoughts. Take care of those boys/family!! I am sure they keep you busy. I noticed that some have been asking for the insight on the game, because they did not/cannot view it, so I tried to provide some further input to your message.

Regarding the deep throws, Hundley completed a deep reverse shoulder throw to Adams down the right-side, from the pocket. Nice play on both ends. This is the play Hundley was injured on. In my opinion, it was a late hit, but Hundley's ankle just looks weak. Without Rodgers or Hundley throwing, the real growth/rebirth of the intermediate and deep passing game will remain unknown, but Hundley and the O looked good IMO.

Please don't get me wrong about Dorleant...he was active, just lacks on blocking on the punt return which I think will hurt his chances . TT and coaches have done an amazing job with the DBs. Really want TT to trade now for a DL that will aid the pass-rush....nice to dream!

0 points
0
0
Thegreatreynoldo's picture

August 19, 2016 at 12:16 pm

On the battle between Crockett and Burks, I think it depends on what the coaches and posters want in the #3 RB. If the main purpose is to back up or replace Lacy and Starks, then I'd go with Crockett. He is closer to Lacy-lite: bigger guy who can take a pounding, rugged, decent runner and decent receiver. I am not so clear on his pass pro.

If you want the three best RBs who each bring something to the table, I'd go with Burks. Lacy is the clear #1 and is a 3 down back. Starks is a quicker guy with speed; he is really a one cut north-south runner who can take it outside if necessary. Gotten better as a receiver (still doesn't look natural catching the ball but got it done) and is subpar in blitz pick-up. Burks has great acceleration and threatens the corner every time he gets a touch. Willing and able to run inside, but is going to bounce it outside more often than Lacy, Starks, or Crockett. Burks is a good receiver (30+ receptions in college). I don't really have an opinion on his pass pro.

I think we will be fine with either Burks or Crockett.

0 points
0
0
DrealynWilliams's picture

August 19, 2016 at 01:51 pm

"I think we will be fine with either Burks or Crockett."

Yea, 'cause we won't use 'em, lol. You know how this Offense goes.

0 points
0
0
RCPackerFan's picture

August 19, 2016 at 10:57 pm

It's going to be a fun battle to watch. Both bring different styles. Crockett is the between the tackles type of runner whereas Burks is the bounce outside type.

Overall between the 2 games I give the edge to Burks. He was the most consistent in both. Crockett was a lot better in the 2nd game but Burks showed his speed to the corner and ability to change directions.
Also in the first game Burks showed the ability to pass protect. He picked up the blitz perfectly.

I agree that either will be good. The one thing I like about Burks over Crockett is his speed and that he would bring something different then Lacy and Starks. A change of pace.
I like using Cobb and Montgomery as the change of pace RB, but like last year if there are injuries at WR then it makes it harder to use them at RB.

I am looking forward to the last 2 preseason games to see who steps up the most.

0 points
0
0
stockholder's picture

August 21, 2016 at 02:24 pm

I going to say Crockett wins. As much as I like Burks , the packers have more options if he goes to the PS first. Burks needs to break a few long ones.

0 points
0
0
al bundy's picture

August 21, 2016 at 09:42 am

Im looking at who's playing who's not. Marcise is probably a gonner when I see calahan playing into the fourth, its obviuos who they are looking at. Burks probably practice squad. Maybe geronomo too. Sqirewell, who knows. Looked better than the rip to me. Aug 30 should be interesting.

0 points
0
0
DrealynWilliams's picture

August 19, 2016 at 01:49 pm

I want to see Brice cover. I know he's playing Safety, but he has a CB body and he could be used like a Micah Hyde. That would definitely better his chances (if he can cover). If he proves that and continues to do what he's doing cutting Goodson in favor of Brice should be an easy one.

0 points
0
0
Thegreatreynoldo's picture

August 20, 2016 at 12:19 pm

Bingo - great minds, etc. If Brice can cover in man, I've suggested maybe we can let Hyde walk.

0 points
0
0
Funcrusher's picture

August 19, 2016 at 02:43 pm

The overall speed of the defense looked much faster than in previous years. Guys were flying to the ball. Oakland receivers didn't have anywhere to run after the catch. Guys were flying in to stop the run. Felt like a completely different defense.

Oakland put up a bunch of points on Arizona the week before, but could barely move the ball against the Packers who were missing three of their best defensive players. I know it's preseason but things are looking good.

0 points
0
0
sonomaca's picture

August 21, 2016 at 11:13 am

Very interested to see how the receivers do with Rodgers in vs. SF. Packers need to figure out who can get open and who can hold onto the ball.

0 points
0
0
DrealynWilliams's picture

August 21, 2016 at 01:51 pm

Yea, there really hasn't been (m)any opportunities for them. I wonder if Cobb will be limited in favor of getting another WR some snaps with a higher quality QB.

Adams
Montgomery
Abby
Davis
Allison

**Cook

0 points
0
0