The Lass Word: Look For Signs of Improvement Tonight
An actual game will be different from joint practices.
By KenLass
The Packers play the Saints tonight in preseason game number two. These two teams should be pretty acquainted by now after practicing together Tuesday and Wednesday of this week. So when they kick it off at Lambeau Field, here are some of the things I’ll be looking for:
As is always the case with preseason contests, the outcome of the game is of secondary importance. But, as the old saying goes, the preseason doesn’t count, but it does matter. Judging by everything I have read, Green Bay’s defense dominated the Saints offense in the joint workouts. Even the second team defenders won most of the battles. Those practices are highly controlled and structured. Tonight it’s a football game. It will be interesting to see if the Packers continue to rule on defense, or if the Saints come out with more intensity and are able to move the ball down the field.
Pass rushers weren’t allowed to sack the quarterback during the joint practices. Observers were crediting Green Bay players for “several plays that would have been sacks.” Tonight the man under center is fair game. I want to see those “projected” sacks become real ones. Watch to see if those second and third team edge players and D-linemen get to the quatrterback. In practices the QB’s wear red jerseys and know they can’t be hit, so they don’t bother putting much effort into avoiding the rush. Let’s see if Packer defenders like Kingsley Enagbare, Jonathan Garvin and Tipa Galeai can get to the QB and bring him down when he’s actually trying to escape them.
Of course, the play of Jordan Love will draw most of the attention. I hope to see him throw more accurately than he did last week against the Niners. Just for once, I’d like to see him play consistently competent football throughout his time on the field, be it a half or whatever, instead of flashing amazing talent on one series, only to make critical mistakes on the next. I want to see him throw for first downs on third down. Use his legs to make a play when needed. I hope he plays so well that we fans don’t have to spend the next week making excuses for him again.
I want to see more of running back Tyler Goodson. I sure did like the speed and acceleration he showed on a few plays last week. He needs to show he can break a tackle and turn a good play into a great play. Would love to see if he can catch the ball down the field as well. With Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon “bubble wrapped”, and Kylin Hill still hurting, this is Goodson’s opportunity to show he is an NFL talent. The release of BJ Baylor earlier this week seems to indicate the Pack likes what they see in the undrafted free agent from Iowa. Looks like a good battle between Goodson, Hill and Patrick Taylor for a spot on the final 53.
I’m curious to see if receiver Travis Fulgham will play. The Packers signed him earlier this week to give them another prospect in the receiver room, after cutting Malik Taylor and having Danny Davis limp off the practice field. After not making the team in Green Bay in 2020, Fulgham was picked up by the Eagles and had a decent year for them, catching 38 passes for 539 yards and four scores. He was most recently in the Denver Broncos camp but was cut last week. Wonder if there’s anything left in the tank?
I want to see Romeo Doubs catch everything tonight and not drop easy throws. We know he can get open deep. I’d like to see him work the middle of the field a bit to see if shows signs of being a solid possession receiver as well. Also, keep an eye on Samori Toure. The seventh round draft pick out of Nebraska had a great week of practice and thrust himself into the picture for a roster spot.
I’d like to see that first team O-line pave the way for a decent running game tonight. In the opener against San Francisco there wasn’t much of a rushing attack, although the pass protection was adequate. Let’s see if the Jake Hanson experiment at right guard continues, or if rookie Zach Tom starts the game at right tackle and Royce Newman slides over to play guard. Either way, it could be moot, considering Elgton Jenkins is practicing again and appears to be slotted for the right tackle position when he is ready to go.
I’d like to see the new kicker, Ramiz Ahmed, display that powerful leg I’ve been reading about. With Mason Crosby still on the PUP, I’m interested to see what this guy has got. He kicked a 61 yard field goal in the USFL this past spring. I want to see those kickoffs go to the end zone. On a related note, let’s hope for better play in general on special teams. The Packers are expected to once again hold out most of their starters so the coverage and return units won’t be at regular season levels. But it would be nice to see the Rich Bisaccia influence manifest itself in the guys that are out there tonight.
Finally, I’m looking forward to seeing a packed Lambeau Field, with fans creating an environment so exciting that I will wish I was there.
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Ken Lass is a former Green Bay television sports anchor and 43 year media veteran, a lifelong Packers fan, and a shareholder.
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Comments (93)
GregC
August 19, 2022 at 06:16 am
Dexter Williams is also in the running for the #3 RB job, and with Baylor gone, he should get more carries tonight.
lou
August 19, 2022 at 08:22 am
The reason he was cut before and team less until now is because he struggles to make even the easy catch out of the backfield, we saw it right away last Friday night. In the pass happy NFL backs need to be able to catch the football and he fights every pass thrown his way.
GregC
August 19, 2022 at 05:29 pm
I don't remember that about him. I'll be watching for it tonight, thanks!
Coldworld
August 19, 2022 at 08:28 am
While it’s hard to watch any game of football and not focus on the QB, tonight I’d almost certainly not dispositive for Love. It may be for a number of others.
The Saints are also supposed to have a good D. This will be a great test for our O line (as good as you get without scheming anyway) and for the young skill players. Those are the guys I’d say we should be focused on.
I will be watching Hanson/Newman/Tom (more in dread than optimism). I will also be keeping a close eye on Rhyan and Caleb Jones with the seconds. Since I expect all those to play on the right, should be a decent opportunity for comparison.
TE is going to be interested. Will Davis cease imploding and will Mack again step up.
At WR, I want to see more of Toure earlier. I want to watch Rodgers and see if he can get more targets and ones not in dump off routes. I think Davis is out so Hyam is a WR to watch for the PS. Winfree I think just needs to be continue to be reliable at this point.
At RB I expect to see a good dose of a healthy Taylor. I’m looking to see burst and power return for him. Goodson I will be watching for his ability to pass protect, vision and ability to do RB things behind the line and in traffic. We know he can run. Williams needs to show the improved protection he flashed last time and make some more splash plays.
On D, with Gafford likely out, we will see a lot more of Ento on the perimeter I think. Can he show his coverage skills and continue to tackle effectively? SJC was barely tested inside last week. I like him but I want to see him stretched athletically before I am truly confident that he has enough athleticism to carry him.
At S I’m watching Scott, who could lock up the third spot tonight and Davis. If Gaines is still out, is Davis able to tighten his grip on the 4th spot?
Hoping Wyatt has a coming out party tonight. Looking to see if Slayton can repeat his showing of last week and if Ford can improve on his.
Perhaps the biggest single battle is at OLB. How will Garvin, Hamilton, Jones and Galeai show? There a real fight there for maybe 2 spots—Enagbare is a lock. Also, will Wilborn finally show well at ILB, which might affect the number of roster spots available for OLBs.
There’s a whole lot of very interesting things to watch tonight. If one focuses on Love, there is a strong chance one missed what really matters and is really interesting in my book.
Coldworld
August 19, 2022 at 09:08 am
I forgot to mention Heflin. I can’t see how they fit him on the roster, but if he just keeps making plays like last week it will be hard not to. Can Heflin make an impact tonight? If he does, is Lowry expendable for the right trade or can we justify another DL? Guys who just make plays get paid.
WestWi_Packfan
August 19, 2022 at 10:03 am
Last year Lowry had more sacks then Clark and almost as many tackles. He is playing his best football at this point of his career and it would be foolish to let him go now.
Leatherhead
August 19, 2022 at 10:56 am
We bash Lowry here, and it doesn't matter what the facts are.
He and Clark were taken in the same draft. Clark is universally recognized as a very good DL, and his numbers aren't grossly better than Lowry, yet Lowry is regarded as a schlubb by a lot of posters here. Apparently, the different between standout and JAG isn't that much.
He is, and has been, our second best lineman for at least 3 years. He doesn't miss practices, he doesn't miss games. He keeps his nose clean. He does lots of things to help teammates that aren't really noticed or appreciated, but the coaches sure appreciate him because he's on the field a lot. This notion that a guy like Heflin is somehow an improvement over Lowry is just nuts, IMO.
LLCHESTY
August 19, 2022 at 11:27 am
Do watch the games and say to yourself "you know, teams pay just as much attention to Lowry as they do to Clark"? Clark has been one of the most double teamed DTs in the league for three years in a row. It's much easier to double team a D linemen playing inside the guards than it is a player playing outside of them. Lowry doesn't play inside the guards because he wouldn't be good at it. You're basically comparing apples to oranges.
Leatherhead
August 19, 2022 at 05:21 pm
Actually, when I watch the Packers, I see 11 green and gold apples. Clark’s JOB in this defense is to draw double teams. That’s why he was drafted in the first round and then signed to a monster extension.
The fact remains that Lowry is a good player for us, who was signed to an extension that has been renegotiated twice to benefit the team. He’s durable, dependable, Northwestern Smart, and he’s done a solid job for us.
PatB
August 19, 2022 at 06:11 pm
…and in case anybody cares, despite the positional difference, Clark's career numbers are significantly better than Lowry's: 50% more TFL, 50% more sacks, 35% more total tackles.
Lowry is solid, and I don't expect the Packers to cut him (if they do it would be purely for cap reasons), but he's not in the same class as Clark.
Coldworld
August 19, 2022 at 11:13 am
He’s the least impressive vet in the group. He’s reaching the end of an inflated contract and is the only one who would free up cap space. Lowry feeds off others. He seldom carries the line.
Reed has already taken the number 2 spot on merit. Slaton will take some snaps and Wyatt will play. If they feel they need the cap he’s the one who offers it. If he’s traded it’s to fill a hole they think is bigger. If (IF) Heflin is seen as having enough value, it shifts the balance and makes a trade more likely. But let’s not kid ourselves that Lowry is irreplaceable at the NFL level.
stockholder
August 19, 2022 at 11:21 am
I Agree: but they're still going to keep Lowrey. Heflin is temporarily too.
Coldworld
August 19, 2022 at 12:15 pm
I think that they probably will keep Lowry unless they have a need that they want that cap space to fill. Lowry is overpaid perhaps but he’s a decent rotational player that I actually think will do better playing less snaps and, in 3DL groups, having more than just Clark to pose a real threat.
LLCHESTY
August 19, 2022 at 11:29 am
But Lowry had more sacks than Clark! 😮
13TimeChamps
August 19, 2022 at 12:08 pm
Didn't you just make the argument that they play different positions on the line? Kind of like comparing apples to oranges, I guess.
Coldworld
August 19, 2022 at 12:17 pm
Well, this year Clark looks to be playing outside more, so maybe the orapple is a thing.
LLCHESTY
August 19, 2022 at 12:54 pm
Sarcasm
Thegreatreynoldo
August 19, 2022 at 09:26 pm
^THIS^
It isn't an accident that Lowry is almost the only player not to be restructured.
HawkPacker
August 19, 2022 at 11:40 am
I have been saying since April/May that they will dispose of Lowry Post June 1, based on his Cap and it seemed to me that when he did sign the big contract he took a step back for a year or two but does now seem to be playing somewhat better. Some say he is playing much better and maybe he is but I just really notice it myself.....IMHO.
I still think that we are heavy in the DL position now with Reed and the draft and somewhat thin at some positions of need such as Safety. Maybe we can trade or if they find the right player at the right position of need maybe they release Lowry and gain the cap space needed to sign that certain player.
stockholder
August 19, 2022 at 10:32 am
TE is a lost cause. This unit needs Tonyan. Because No one is as good as Jermicheal Finley was.
Goodson has made the club until Hill comes back. He hasn't been chewed out yet like Williams.
Toure needs to win at the slot. He's also the future after Cobb.
If you look at what the packers had with Nelson ,Cobb and Jones. Watson, Doubs, and Toure are the future.
Currently, Rodgers has a good enough trio in Watkins, Cobb, and Lazard. .
Ento has a bad toe. Still No concerns at CB.
They better take their time with Wyatt. He's not Donald or Suh. Reed will start. Ford to the PS.
OLB is the flash in the pan. KEEP THE GUY THAT CAN TACKLE! And not miss.
LLCHESTY
August 19, 2022 at 11:28 am
Who is Arnold?
HawkPacker
August 19, 2022 at 11:43 am
And Sue? Suh??
dobber
August 19, 2022 at 11:46 am
Shh...he's on a roll. What kind, I don't know.
stockholder
August 19, 2022 at 11:56 am
OK -you guys . Type o- Donald and Suh. Sue will pop up.
LLCHESTY
August 19, 2022 at 12:56 pm
Rodney!
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
August 19, 2022 at 06:17 am
Ken,
I just want to see some smash mouth football. Tired of what Rodgers says about his rookie receivers and so on.
There are a lot of good young football players I want to see more of and could go position by position but agree Goodson is definitely one I want to watch. I like what I see but I also like Hill, so be interesting to see how that all plays out.
I very curious about the young OL and how that plays out. Baffled so far by our 3rd round selection this year and his play to this point. Dissapointing!
I had thought the Packers screwed up not taking an Edge rusher in round 2 when they used both spots in round 2 for Christian. Thought Kingsley Enagbare was just another slow Edge rusher with power like a Jonathan Garvin, but reports seem to indicate he may be more than just a 5th round pick. We shall see but what a gift if he turns out to be a player. The Packers need someone to step up. I have not given up on Garvin either.
I am extremely zeroed in on Doubs and Toure at WR. These guys seem to have the pedigree and could turn out to be damn good WR's for 4 & 7th round picks. Want to see these two make some plays tonight. If these two keep making progress Christian Watson is going to have to ball out once he is back as he is so far behind these two rookies right now.
The DL is probably the area I am most excited about with all the talent. Why has it been an area the team has not put the resources in over the years when it is obvious this is where it all starts defensively? Having a good backfield is good but doesn't matter how talented they are if the QB has all day to wait until someone gets open. Cannot wait this season to watch the DL play havoc on an offense. Cannot wait to watch Wyatt, Slayton, and Ford amongst others.
Jordan Love! Yes, he is the focus isn't he? The love hate relationship so many have regarding him. He tore it up in a scrimmage the other day with the Saints. The guy is making huge strides and I am loving what I am seeing/hearing about him. I fully expect a good outing from him with him having one pre-season game under his belt now.
Just going to be fun watching and hope no serious injuries. Go Pack!
HawkPacker
August 19, 2022 at 11:52 am
I really like your post Knock. I agree with almost all of it to a certain degree.
The 3rd round selection--I too am somewhat baffled. I like the pick and was thinking road grader. Now not sure what we have. The 3 round has not been a great pick for us for some years and I am wondering if we should trade it away in the future~;-)).
With the rookie WR's, I am thinking that the Pack may have to retain 7 WR's this year as Winfree deserves to make the team. It is possible that Toure could go to the PS if he can clear waivers.
Can't wait for tonight's game.
Leatherhead
August 19, 2022 at 05:11 pm
It’s easy to be excited about our young receivers, but it’s going to be the vets on the field, at least early in the season. If Watkins, Lazard, and Cobb stay healthy and play well, that’s good for the team but it’s going to make it harder to get on the field and reduces his targets.
I think the rookies, especially Watson and Doubs, will be core WRs for us for the next four years. Cobb doesn’t have a future . Watkins is a hired gun and Lazard could leave in FA. But these other guys are going to be the group for a while. If we manage to retain Lazard, he’ll be part of the unit , too, along with the rookie contract guys.
Turophile
August 20, 2022 at 03:57 am
Just a word in reply to KTSOOY, about receivers and Aaron Rodgers. I'm not a fan of public on-field scolding in the regular season (though telling a guy he has done something wrong is perfectly normal).
However, at this time of year what he is doing is just fine, in fact I want to see it. Look at some of the best QBs in recent years. Guys like Payton Manning and Tom Brady were/are famously demanding of their receivers, be it OTAs, unseen practices, public training camp or in-season- that's what elite QBs do.
The rest of your post I'm on board with.
stockholder
August 19, 2022 at 07:21 am
Jordan Love gets a Break tonight. Unlike last week. The game won't be viewed Nationally. Hopefully he won't struggle. NO INTs. please! The Rookies made the club. The difference between the roster and the PS, are penalties. The difference between wins and Loses are turn-overs. I'm excited for these rookies. The ceilings really have never been higher for the WR group. If we're not patient. The result could be more harm, then good. Example: Devante Adams took time.
wildbill
August 19, 2022 at 10:55 am
The game will be shown on NFL network later in the night in my area, it’s better to watch preseason taped as can zip thru commercials
stockholder
August 19, 2022 at 11:10 am
Keep an eye on the Balt. Ravens. THE next TE trade rumor might be coming from them.
Coldworld
August 19, 2022 at 12:28 pm
Not one I’m excited about particularly
HawkPacker
August 19, 2022 at 11:54 am
I do that for all games Wildbill. Also, not sure what SH means that Love caught a break.
stockholder
August 19, 2022 at 01:26 pm
The national audience won't put their 2 cents in then
jont
August 19, 2022 at 03:31 pm
Oh, that won't stop them from putting their 2 cents in, bud. Simms father and son did a segment on Love last week just to trash him. And trash him they did.
T7Steve
August 19, 2022 at 07:39 am
Seems all week the only highlight plays I heard about were in the 2 min or hurry up segments. I'd like to see the O get set up faster and not use the whole play clock. Control the game at the line of scrimmage and wear out the other D with a lot of plays and finish drives with touch downs.
Coldworld
August 19, 2022 at 09:10 am
I’d like to see that too, but I don’t see an OL with the right side we will have today dominating in the trenches if the ones face their ones.
T7Steve
August 19, 2022 at 09:18 am
Do you agree about the speed between plays? Even last year they were too slow but, played better fast with AR. The rest was sort of wishful thinking, I know.
Coldworld
August 19, 2022 at 09:33 am
That’s Rodgers driven as far as I understand it. I liked us going up tempo in earlier years for spells. I think that there need to be more personnel changes this year though, which runs counter to that.
LLCHESTY
August 19, 2022 at 12:58 pm
He said it's hard to get tempo in that offense with all the motions and checks.
dobber
August 19, 2022 at 11:10 am
It's been part of how the Packers control TOP for years. To a certain degree, it kept a less able defense off the field.
PatrickGB
August 19, 2022 at 10:37 am
I think that the team is doing its best to force feed Hanson onto the 53 as a starter or backup center. Results have been mixed at best.
LambeauPlain
August 19, 2022 at 11:07 am
Steno thinks Hanson's results due to overall improvement this camp are the BEST of the entire Offense.
Hanson had a bad hip fixed last year he rehabbed well, it seems. I would not be surprised if he wins RG over Newman. He already is the interior swing man replacing Patrick.
dobber
August 19, 2022 at 11:11 am
I think you hit this on the head: with Tom basically being asked to learn all 5 OL spots, and being used more at T than IOL, Hanson feels like a lock for the 53 and active on game days even if he doesn't start.
Coldworld
August 19, 2022 at 12:32 pm
He’s the back up C. He doesn’t look like a starting G to me, but I’m all fairness, we haven’t really seen him play with a starting T beside him. I’m any case, he doesn’t have to be if I understand the comments, he’s a back up with upside as a swing reserve.
NickPerry
August 19, 2022 at 07:43 am
NO INJURIES!!! That's the first, second, and third most important thing that needs to happen tonight against the Saints.
I'm looking forward to watching Love and one of the first things I'd like to see is him complete a few swing passes. Let's put it in the right spot Jordan. I'd also like to see him USE his legs more often. Last week he went through his progressions IMO just fine, but if it's not there RUN! Use that God-given athleticism and create instead of trying to be perfect within the system. Just play kid...
I'd love to see Sean Rhyan do something in-game action. I thought he'd be the Packers starting RG this season and be ahead of players Jake Hanson but that hasn't happened which is shocking to me. Zack Tom has been doing alright. I think Tom is the next GREAT 4th round O-Lineman the Packers have drafted.
I want to watch Davante Wyatt tonight. A man that big and fast who can move like that is really pretty remarkable. But I also want to watch this defense. I recorded last week's game and after watching it live I found myself re-watching it and fast-forwarding to the defense's time on the field which is new. I think some of our friends here who are under constant cloud cover when it comes to the Green Bay Packers will have NO CHOICE but to be excited about this defense. As long as they stay relatively healthy, the sky is the limit.
I also want to watch this kicker. I mean if he's kicking the ball out of the back of the endzone AND booting 61-yard FGs, what then?
T7Steve
August 19, 2022 at 09:27 am
Do you know how Wyatt got his concussion in practice? With all that extra head gear it seems kind of weird. Think he was just a healthy scratch cause he's a rookie and wasn't one of the 1s?
PatrickGB
August 19, 2022 at 10:24 am
It was listed as a head injury not a concussion. (Whatever that means)
LambeauPlain
August 19, 2022 at 11:12 am
Thankfully it means it wasn't a concussion. Goose Egg, cut, etc.
marpag1
August 19, 2022 at 02:43 pm
I don't think "head injury" means that it is NOT a concussion.
I think "head injury" can mean, and often does mean, a concussion.
HarlanHuckleby
August 19, 2022 at 07:55 am
I was about to post a “correction “ that the game was actually Saturday night but am turning into a “thank you” for helping my mixed up brain not miss it.
marpag1
August 19, 2022 at 08:16 am
Well at least you can be thankful that your brain isn't as mixed up as the dude who downvoted you. LOL. Tough crowd.
Spock
August 19, 2022 at 10:16 am
I here you HH, I just checked my DVR and see that the NFL channel is showing the game at 10:30 tonight. The NFL channel shows all the preseason games, but sometimes they are tape-delayed times.
Spock
August 19, 2022 at 10:19 am
Edit: 10 pm tonite.
HarlanHuckleby
August 19, 2022 at 12:22 pm
Spock, I have the advantage of living back in SE Wisconsin now and seeing the game live on local TV, but I have past experience with the challenges of being a viewer out of the TV market. I once watched a video stream of a preseason game that was a guy filming his CRT television.
Fubared
August 19, 2022 at 08:24 am
I have the dvr set to record the game on NFL network. they are showing a rerun of it. Hope to see some cohesion on offense and no injuries.
13TimeChamps
August 19, 2022 at 08:52 am
I didn't realize the Vikings were playing tonight.
Ferrari-Driver
August 19, 2022 at 09:19 am
I know what you are saying, but sometimes it's questionable whether the Vikings are actually playing or not.
Guam
August 19, 2022 at 08:26 am
Agree with almost everything except Goodson. He is going to have to improve significantly in pass pro and yardage after contact before he is competing with Taylor or Hill for the RB3 spot. Goodson is not a finished product like Hill or Taylor and needs a year on the practice squad to work on becoming a complete running back.
Most excited to watch the Packer defense. Hopefully Wyatt gets some opportunities to play and can show why the Packers used a first round choice on him.
Coldworld
August 19, 2022 at 08:59 am
Honestly, I see Goodson as having more upside as a slot/option type than as a conventional RB. He’s got better hands than many receivers, is great with the ball in space and he’s both fast and can cut. He’s not great with vision, patience and use of blockers, in protection. Give him a gap or space and he shines. Goodson could be more like Cobb was than Rodgers is with a little PS time.
Williams is insurance for Hill. He seems to have learnt to protect better since he was last with us. He might be the 4th RB, on the PS or roster. Taylor still seems to be the number 3 and looked good again during the scrimmage after his groin issue apparently. At least that’s how I see things going into this game.
LambeauPlain
August 19, 2022 at 11:21 am
The next two games will tell the tale.
While Hill remains on the sideline, Goodson may hold on to #3 now, but the contest will be between newly arrived Dex Williams and a healthy Taylor. Need to keep Goodson around though...if not on the 53...PS.
Coldworld
August 19, 2022 at 12:37 pm
From what I can tell, it’s been Taylor as number 3 all week. The fact that they let Baylor go and kept Williams tends to suggest that Goodson isn’t the finished article to back up Jones. Taylor is a Dillon type.
canadapacker
August 19, 2022 at 09:35 am
I once again am looking forward to see if Love can improve on his accuracy. I am hoping that he gets under a little more pressure and how he deals with it. Now many people have been chirping AR for his nothing burger interview - about his receivers - and we will see if the receivers have improved. Remember - it is pre-season and these guys should be able to beat their opposition as they are supposedly wanting to be the ones and they are lining up mostly against the other teams 2's or 3's. I was not impressed with our Oline in the first part of the game - too many times in first and second possession we got stuffed on runs. Also I really like Goodson - but sometimes he runs pretty erect and he really got hit high and hard against San Fran - but he can really move and seems to have good vision in the hole and some nice cut backs. I am also hoping to see more `1's playing a couple of possessions in our last pre-season game - even if they sit AR and the running backs.
Leatherhead
August 19, 2022 at 10:00 am
You'd like to see Love throw more accurately.
13-24 last week. Add in the Davis drop, which was intercepted, add in a Doubs drop, add in Doubs letting the guy steal the ball from him, and you've got 16-24, or 67%.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
I'd like to see
1. No injuries
2. Fewer penalties. We had something like 8 -10 penalties last week.
3, Can the line protect the QB and open holes for the RB?
canadapacker
August 19, 2022 at 10:42 am
Look - he missed the backs several times out of the backfield - I mean really missed. Doubs lack of ball security while technically and INT was not - give you that but the first INT was not a good pass - just look at it again - as was the pass in the middle to Rodgers - behind - if Rodgers was supposed to stop that is another issue -but that pass was behind the receiver and the linebacker jumped the route. But as I said before the game - I wanted to see those short passes on target - because unless under real pressure - those passes are critical to result in a big play and are easy completions. And I get the no penalties especially false start and holding on the Oline.
Leatherhead
August 19, 2022 at 11:05 am
The first interception was the ricochet off Davis' hands inside the 10.
The second was the one that Doubs let the guy steal.
The third was to Amari Rodgers, and apparently he wasn't running the route he should have been.
So, if he was 13-24, and we count the first two interceptions as completions, as well as the Doubs drop, then he's 16 for 24. And how many short throws to the backs did he miss? Several times? Let's say 3. That would be 19-24....about 80%.
So that's where the bar is now? He should be completing 80% to rookies, UDFAs, and bottom of the roster guys? In scrimmages?
LambeauPlain
August 19, 2022 at 11:31 am
Jordan Love is subjected to a narrative that he is a bust.
Based on his body of work in this Camp so far...according to his coaches and his teammates, that narrative is beginning to melt away.
I hope he continues to improve. His team says his arrow is pointing up. Rodgers gives him high praise. Works for me!
Coldworld
August 19, 2022 at 12:51 pm
The pass dropped by Davis was the perfect height. Absolutely nothing wrong with that (the first one, which you mentioned). As to the Doubs one, there have been debates, but both Rodgers and LaFleur have been very clear that they felt it was correctly placed.
The pass to Rodgers both said should not have been thrown, but that Love tried to force something after 2 receivers ran wrong routes. We do not know which 2 but one was Rodgers. Here’s one summary of Rodgers comment on the interception thrown toward Amari;
“Against a two-high safety look, Amari Rodgers should have straightened his route vertically to threaten the weak spot. Instead, the cornerback walled off his in-breaker and picked off Love’s throw.
“We should have been smoking down the seam and have a chance at a touchdown, instead we’re in a tight spot with the pocket collapsing, throwing a contested ball to a guy running the wrong route,” Rodgers said.”
https://packerswire.usatoday.com/2022/08/17/packers-aaron-rodgers-jordan...
Can we put that debate to bed now? I don’t think there’s much uncertainty as to how the team sees it.
Leatherhead
August 19, 2022 at 04:45 pm
Gosh, it’s almost like the rest of the team has to play well in order for the QB to be successful.
Since'61
August 19, 2022 at 10:06 am
No new injuries! The only result that matters in a meaningless game. Thanks, Since '61
Coldworld
August 19, 2022 at 11:20 am
It’s a meaningless game in terms of outcome. It’s a very meaningful game in terms of the future of many of the people on this roster.
LambeauPlain
August 19, 2022 at 11:34 am
Yes indeed! This week and game is going to solidify the 1's (mostly locked) and 2's (many opportunities).
Next week will be rounding out the 53 and prioritizing PS candidates.
Man, this is going by fast.
Since'61
August 19, 2022 at 03:11 pm
I don’t think that amazing and Love belong together in the same sentence, at least not yet.
Thanks, Since ‘61
TarynsEyes
August 19, 2022 at 10:16 am
"I’d like to see him play consistently competent football throughout his time on the field, be it a half or whatever, instead of flashing amazing talent on one series, only to make critical mistakes on the next."
What is this 'AMAZING' talent you speak of that has been seen, shown and witnessed?
I haven't seen Love perform anything that resembles 'amazing' that would erase any or all of the hoped for that is mentioned in the same breath/sentence. Isn't this the whole issue with Love, what has he shown to such a regard that it is the 'IT' he offers/brings to the table. Isn't 'amazing' the very factor we've been told to be hyped over and support his drafting?
I hope we get to see some 'amazing' soon because many still see him as a potential bust in comparison to his original expectations, and that is the only 'amazing' thing seen as of this preseason game tonight.
Show me some 'amazing' tonight so I can put two feet on the train, and not step off completely. Time is running out!
Leatherhead
August 19, 2022 at 10:18 am
I'm just looking for him to move the team and protect the ball. That's as amazing as he needs to be for me to be happy.
LambeauPlain
August 19, 2022 at 11:42 am
Yeah...I don't recall Love being labeled as an "amazing QB talent" for the 2020 draft. He was a consensus top tier QB prospect.
Maybe some "Love is a Bust" opinions are based on the belief Love better be an "amazing QB talent"...but haven't even read many of those.
I am looking for good QB play from Love like he had last week and this week. Keep the arrow pointing up.
TarynsEyes
August 19, 2022 at 12:40 pm
"Yeah...I don't recall Love being labeled as an "amazing QB talent" for the 2020 draft. He was a consensus top tier QB prospect."
Perhaps you would see that my point was directed solely to this article's writer's use of the word' amazing' as to already seen play, and did not reference it to anyone else anywhere using it to describe Love this way before or after him being drafted.
PatrickGB
August 19, 2022 at 10:30 am
He will be amazingly good or amazingly bad or even amazingly average. But one thing for sure is that he will get an amazingly amount of coverage and comments.
Coldworld
August 19, 2022 at 12:53 pm
That 2 minute drill probably qualified as amazing. A small step but nevertheless an undeniable one.
TarynsEyes
August 19, 2022 at 01:08 pm
Rare success in a two-minute drill is not amazing, but showing he can be a real threat every time is amazing, but that comes from multiple successes being performed, which is what QBs described as amazing can do. Making the defense fear your two-minute ability changes the game, no defense is fearing Love, Perhaps in time, maybe, but not now and why amazing is a word all too easily tossed into the adjective bowl as like 'great'.
Coldworld
August 19, 2022 at 07:02 pm
If you can hit the highs you can be amazing. Cant take that away. Doesn’t mean he will be every day or even often, but not even Rodgers, Brady, Favre, Manning, Star, Marino at al were not always superhuman.
dobber
August 19, 2022 at 10:18 am
I'd like to see a commitment to trying to run the ball more with Love on the field...might seem counterproductive, and I understand it was an opportunity for him to play with those young WR against guys who they don't see every day, but 24 dropbacks in the first half last week (especially with a shuffled OL) was a lot. We should expect some, if not all, the first unit OL to play with Love...get them some chances to run the ball.
PatrickGB
August 19, 2022 at 10:32 am
I think that the team, in the past, has wanted him to limit his runs so he could concentrate more on passing and decision making.
stockholder
August 19, 2022 at 11:12 am
The only way they run. Would be to evaluate the OL.
dobber
August 19, 2022 at 11:17 am
I think you may be right: vanilla defense, #1 OL, hey, go throw (as I said, counterproductive). I'd like to see him in an offense that looks more like what they'll try to run on game day. I'm just saying that they're not very often going to throw 24 times and call 13 runs in the first half...I'd like to see how balance impacts how the offense plays.
canadapacker
August 19, 2022 at 11:29 am
Maybe first couple of possessions in the 3rd preseason game if the other team plays their ones. Highly unlikely that KC shows anything special in that game though but we dont play them in season this year.
LLCHESTY
August 19, 2022 at 01:43 pm
LaFluer has basically eliminated half line drills and with all the shifting personnel on the OL I think they will probably struggle in the run game out of the gate. Hopefully by the Tampa game they have developed some rhythm. You get what you focus on and I don't think LaFluer focuses on the running game as much as he should on the running game in camp. All the shifting players doesn't help much either but there's not much to be done about that this year.
Coldworld
August 19, 2022 at 01:03 pm
They tried a lot of runs in the scrimmage. The results were dire in the right. The only successes were off the left side with the ones and mostly the right with the 2s (Rhyan, Caleb Jones).
Neither Hanson/Newman nor Tom have shown the ability to get any kind of push. That’s despite Newman being reasonable in the run game at G last year.
About the only way they get a run game tonight based on what I’ve seen today is that Rhyan and Jones start with the ‘ones’, or at least Jones, and we have Nijman, Runyon, Myers still out there. I don’t see that happening. Neither Hanson nor Tom have sown the ability and neither has Newman at T.
splitpea1
August 19, 2022 at 12:30 pm
I'd like to see:
---A better performance in coverage from the reserve DBs. There are jobs to be won there.
---Conversely, Amari getting separation from defenders in the offense and showing he is
worthy of more opportunities. The next two games will define his role on the team.
---Wyatt!
---More snaps on defense for Quay, although the coaching staff may not grant my wish.
That's okay, better safe than sorry.
LambeauPlain
August 19, 2022 at 01:25 pm
This could be a very fun game to watch. Not that either team has scouted each other to engineer a win...but they have tape to see how both Ds mostly controlled their opposing Offenses.
I would expect both offenses to attack a lot more than during the two scrimmages.
Fubared
August 19, 2022 at 02:52 pm
I'd like to see our d backs get some reps, its not like they are that good they can miss time on the field.
I'd like to see the new offense with many many short passes to the running backs for three four yards.
I like to see if we have a kicker not name crosby.
I'd like to see Amari run the right routes.
Id like to see Watson get on the field and take some lumps
I'd like to see the coaching staff learn more about the team they have and what needs work what doesnt
jont
August 19, 2022 at 03:49 pm
With all of the "I'd like to see" comments here it really shows how interesting and important preseason games are.
FWIW, my list:
1. Amari-- please show up, crisp routes, cut hard & burst.
2. Love-- be on target with every throw, establish rhythm in the offense, move well inside the pocket to get another second to throw.
3. One guy to be #3 RB-- finish going forward, make somebody miss and get north-south.
4. Defense-- rally to the ball, compete to out hustle each other, be faster and stronger than the Saints.