Curd is the Word: Frustratingly Uninspired Football
It's preseason, but the drive and intensity needs to ramp up
By GregMeinholz
Those of us hardcore fans who do our best never to miss a single play of Green Bay Packers football are familiar with the question, "Why do you watch preseason games?" Many casual fans who only tune in when week 1 rolls around just can't grasp the concept of watching a game when it "doesn't matter." One response among the die hards you might hear is that, sure, the stars and starters may not be playing or even going at 100% when they are, but it's fun to watch those guys that are fighting for a job. There are hundreds of players suiting up during preseason, where it may be their only shot to live their dream of being an NFL player. Those guys running at 115% in the second half make it worth watching.
There's also that little chance that one of those players could be a future star and no one knows it yet. And that alone can make it fun to say you were watching them from the beginning when everyone else said those reps didn't count.
Last night's preseason game, however, was one of those times that make even the diehard fans question why they're watching. The Packers fell to the Jets 30-10 in a very uninspired showing in front of the Lambeau faithful. While the Jets came out swinging all night long, the Packers just seemed to be out there going through the motions and waiting for the clock to hit all zeros, signaling that it was time to go home. Of course, that wasn't true for every player wearing a green jersey, as there were some bright spots, but that just seemed to be the overall feel from the start of the game until about halfway through the third quarter.
Sure, the New York Jets are turning the page with their franchise. With a new head coach in Aaron Glenn, a new General Manager, and a new Quarterback, this team wants to come out firing no matter what the stakes are. They need to make a statement for not only their fans, but for themselves as well, that this is a different era of Jets football and it's going to be better. The Packers, however, don't need that hype. They're already slated to be one of the better teams in the NFC, and they're just trying to get through preseason and training camp healthy so that they don't jeopardize their chances. Well, I think last night proved that "just get through it" is a bad idea.
There were holding penalties galore, there were dropped passes, there were defenders who, instead of attacking the football, seemed to be just jogging over to create the illusion of being "involved in the play." Going up against a Lions team in week 1 that always seems to be ready to punch you in the mouth, that's just not going to cut it. HC Matt LaFleur expressed discontent with the showing and displayed an urgency to fix the issues that reared their ugly head, and earlier this week, LaFleur stated that he didn't want to baby the starters too much in preseason games, as it has been proven in the past to lead to slow starts. Well, hopefully, he pushes the envelope on not coddling the playmakers, as they only have four weeks to ramp up that intensity before it can truly come back to bite them.
Perhaps they can take some of the few positives from this game and put them on full display for all to see how it's done.
The Silver Lining
As much as this game was begging to be switched off on televisions across the state of Wisconsin, there were a few good takeaways.
Jordan Morgan - Morgan took reps at left tackle during this game, and he looked pretty solid at the position. He held his own at the line of scrimmage, and despite Rasheed Walker normally being penciled in as the starting left tackle, I honestly think Morgan could make a case for overtaking Walker as the starter.
Barryn Sorrell - The fourth-round pick looks like he's ready to insert himself in the nightmares of NFL quarterbacks. At least two big-time pressures, one of which nearly forced an interception. You want your pass rushers to be relentless in getting home. Sorrell looks like he will do just that.
Nazir Stackhouse - I liked Stackhouse before the draft, was thrilled the Packers nabbed him, and he's showing us why. The UDFA was controlling blockers at the line of scrimmage, and it appears that with some more seasoning and experience, he could be a force along the Packers' defensive line.
Anthony Belton - Once Anthony Belton gets his hands on a defender, it's over. And it was over for a Jets defender when he pancaked him, leading to an Amar Johnson touchdown. There's a lot to be excited about with Anthony Belton, so far he's been the mauling lineman he was advertised as.
Amar Johnson - If Matt LaFleur wants to ramp up the drive and intensity of this team, just show everyone Amar Johnson's seven carries for 67 yards and a touchdown on repeat. The burst he showed to the line of scrimmage on every single carry was what dreams are made of. He wants his chance to make this roster, and even without the touchdown carry, I'd say he's on everyone's radar next week.
Though not many, there were a few other decent takeaways from this game. We can only hope that those are the only takeaways that return next week against the Colts, and we leave out the negative.
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Greg Meinholz is a lifelong devoted Packer fan. A contributor to CheeseheadTV as well as PackersTalk. Follow him on Twitter @gmeinholz and Bluesky @gmeinholz.bsky.social for Packers commentary, random humor, beer endorsements, and occasional Star Wars and Marvel ramblings.
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Comments (57)
NJ-RICK
August 10, 2025 at 06:33 am
Thanks Greg nice article... I couldn't agree with you more, Aaron Glenn and the NY Jets were making a statement last night putting every other NFL team on notice that the Jets are turning the page and are not to be taken lightly anymore. A Glenn has implemented his physical smash mouth style of football. A piece taken from the Lions playbook. As for the Packers they were playing soft and getting in a good workout and trying not to get hurt. Packers still had to many missed tackles, dropped passes and were physically beaten in the trenches. The Packers coaches have a lot on their plate this week to correct... The loss means nothing but how they played the game does. There a young team and still have a lot to learn. Hope for better results next week. GPG
NickPerry
August 10, 2025 at 06:36 am
Wow, just wow. That just sucked. Can someone please tell Jacob Monk to GO HOME now. That dude is just pathetic. No need to wait for cutdown day with Monk.
Zapato
August 10, 2025 at 08:23 am
Well Nick, by that standard, you might as well say the same for Malik Heath who was the leader of the drops and, I think, only caught one pass that was drilled into his gut. Don't forget Hardmann either. I'm sure the list would be long after this game.
Coldworld
August 10, 2025 at 04:06 pm
Everyone can have a day where it all goes wrong. Sometimes it turns out that that is closer to the norm than we’d wish. Sometimes it’s just a bad day (Tom in the playoff exit) or nerves. Monk deserves another chance, but he should also realize that he’s likely going to have to bounce back in a big way.
It does though, in part, remind me of the debuts made in the playoffs by Glover, who looked much better pre injury this summer. Moreover, it wasn’t just Monk. Nicole Hardman had a worse day, he’s been good in camp and had probe. Himself better than that. Heath too is a lower profile example.
The real concern here is not even Monk, but the number of players who played well below past performance or reasonable expectations. When that happens it’s typically indicative that something all is not well in terms of the culture and preparation. Monk may or may not go in to redeem himself, but the bigger issue is that he wasn’t alone and it wasn’t just rookies.
bjkdad44
August 11, 2025 at 07:02 am
Preparing seems to be an issue… or lack of… and that is on coaching!!!
T7Steve
August 11, 2025 at 07:08 am
I believe it was genius coaching.
He played his starters to get some game speed practice and hitting.
Because of whom we play for the opener he's acting and showing the team inept, to give the Lions a false sense of security and confidence.
There! Now I talked myself into feeling better about that game.
JJB
August 10, 2025 at 06:42 am
The way that team looked its going to be a bad opening day. The team is soft and injury prone. Yrs of poor drafting is starting to show. Not just monk but that entire second half oline needs to be released and being in some vets. That was one of the worst preseason games ive ever seen. Drops, wide open wrs for jets, dline getting pushed all over the place, and clueless coaching staff. Ed please right this ship
TKWorldWide
August 10, 2025 at 06:55 am
What are you asking Policy to do?
newhaven
August 10, 2025 at 04:18 pm
Clean House!
HarryHodag
August 10, 2025 at 06:46 am
I guess we should expect this by now. Matt LaFleur's teams always seem to start slow, even for a preseason game. I agree with Greg that it seemed only a few of the Packers players seemed like they wanted to be there.
You can see the intensity A. Glenn brings to the Jets. I wish MLF's teams would show the same intensity especially early on. The Packers didn't show much on either side of the ball as is planned during preseason. But in another way, the Packers didn't show much on either side of the ball in terms of aggression either.
Drops: I admit this is high school, but I wish MLF would make the receivers who drop easy passes get on the sideline and do push ups. There seems to be no consequence for the drops. The Jets weren't dropping their passes. Love's statistics would be much better without the seemingly endless bumblefingers. This is not over reaction. This has been going on for a long time so it's chronic.
I wanted our number ones to show some crisp execution but the only team doing that was the Jets. I was surprised Willis looked a bit befuddled out there. Is it time to pull the plug on Jacob Monk? They should look for a veteran guard-center as a backup.
A few good plays here and there but this was not good. Glad I didn't pay money to watch that live.
Hopefully better play next week against Indy.
Update: Hardman? High schoolers know enough to get away from the ball when catching a kick inside the 10. Plus butterfingers on another kick....not a good look for a veteran. Maybe time to look elsewhere.
Is it time to end the Sean Clifford experiment? I don't recall another player who has hung around so long and has shown so little.
SwedeBayPacker
August 10, 2025 at 07:03 am
The drops surely didn't help the Green Bay Holders, but I would love to not see Jordan Love throw a powerbomb artillery cannon shot over 8 yards, bouncing the ball out of the hands of a receiver. Not the first time, surely not the last.
Boothie8739
August 10, 2025 at 08:30 am
Drops were a killer. These guys are paid to catch the ball... like Golden. I really liked that one play. Too bad there weren't more of them.
Zapato
August 10, 2025 at 08:33 am
It seems like every Matt Lafleur team starts slow. I don't know what they're doing during that Summer Camp, but the players just aren't ready at the start of the year. No drive, no physicality, no hunger. J Love did not look like he was ready to play football. The defense seemed to be soft all around. The old Joe Barry "bend to the back of the end zone" philosophy was in force.
It won't be long before fans start booing every drop. These are looking ridiculous.
I agree that Sean Clifford is not an NFL quarterback. Elgersma at least could make some throws in the short time he was given on the field. But he won't be ready this year. Maybe Gute can find a third string quarterback to stash on the practice squad on cut down day and see what Elgersma can do next year.
Oppy
August 10, 2025 at 01:17 pm
I am almost 100% positive that the Packers wanted to let Clifford walk away and sign Michael Pratt back to the practice squad in 2024.. Problem is, Pratt read the room, probably figured Clifford would have the edge to be signed to PS due to his knowledge of the offense, and Pratt signed with Tampa before the ink on his waiver papers was dried.
HawkPacker
August 10, 2025 at 09:55 am
I agree on Clifford. I never did like the pick and would like to see more of the Canadian QB and not just one series.
TKWorldWide
August 10, 2025 at 06:56 am
I didn’t like the drops.
egbertsouse
August 10, 2025 at 07:17 am
They were totally unprepared to play on offense, defense and special teams. What do they do in practice every day, drink Gatorade and play video games? MLF should be embarrassed by what he put out there last night.
bjkdad44
August 11, 2025 at 07:09 am
In 100% agreement!!
davidedwards637
August 10, 2025 at 07:30 am
Great article! However, was this normal? I can’t recall the last time the Packers had a sense of urgency to win in the preseason. Which has lead to a poor start.
stockholder
August 10, 2025 at 07:47 am
If the packers were looking for experience.
They didn't get it from the veterans..
Special teams continue to disappoint me
mrtundra
August 10, 2025 at 07:58 am
Man, that sucked!
Alberta_Packer
August 10, 2025 at 08:13 am
Some old traits on display - in this new season:
- drops
- underwhelming Love performance
- minimal pass rush
- open mid-field for opposing Receivers
- a problematic Center position
- thin O-line depth
- the standard MLF "We need to...." press conference.
Still many more questions than answers with this team.
bjkdad44
August 11, 2025 at 07:10 am
Yes… the standard looks and words from the flower
Guam
August 10, 2025 at 08:13 am
With a couple of exceptions, this was a team that was uninterested in playing this game. The lack of effort, intensity and focus was apparent throughout the contest. And that falls squarely on the coaching staff. People may not like Dan Campbell, but the Lions always reflect his intense personality and play hard. Aaron Glenn seems to be starting with the same intensity in New York. The Packers all too often reflect LaFleur's calm, cerebral demeanor and play with little or no intensity or passion. The difference was evident last night.
Hardman put a serious dent in his chances of making the Packers 53. For an experienced returner to make two egregious mental mistakes on punt returns is nearly unforgiveable. He caught one punt at the 5 yard line when he simply should have let it go over his head for a touchback thereby costing the Packers 15 yards in field position. The second mistake was far worse. He allowed a punt to fall to the ground in front of him and then tried to field the bouncing ball, resulting in a turnover deep in Packer's territory. He also dropped the one pass thrown to him. These punt mistakes should never happen with a veteran and I suspect will come back to haunt him at cutdown time.
On a brighter note, Jordan Morgan performed well at LT and was one of the few bright spots on the OL. Anthony Belton looked decent too although he was not going against the Jet 1's so I am inclined to temper my praise a bit.
Am altogether forgettable performance by the Packers and with the poor performance being so nearly universal, this one falls squarely on the coaching staff for not having the team ready to play.
Bitternotsour
August 10, 2025 at 08:32 am
what a time for that "top five coaches" article to drop
Guam
August 10, 2025 at 08:48 am
Yeah, no kidding. I bet Cory wants that one back now.
LambeauPlain
August 10, 2025 at 09:28 am
Last week Cory dropped an article about Hobbs bringing physicality and the toughness to the Defense this Camp on the very day it was announced Hobbs' Camp was over due to meniscus surgery.
Bitternotsour
August 10, 2025 at 04:07 pm
somebody better monitor that guy
GregC
August 10, 2025 at 11:30 am
"People may not like Dan Campbell, but the Lions always reflect his intense personality and play hard."
Well, the Lions lost their first preseason game 34-7, so there's that.
Hardman was brutal, not only on that muffed punt, but he also had a blatant drop. Heath was bad too. Maybe the winner of the Hardman vs. Heath battle will prove to be contestant #3, who is known as, "Let's just keep five receivers."
Guam
August 10, 2025 at 06:16 pm
The Lions rarely look flat under Campbell but the Packers have some history of doing so under LaFleur. One game is not a pattern but multiple games can be a trend.
dobber
August 10, 2025 at 04:25 pm
"Jordan Morgan performed well at LT and was one of the few bright spots on the OL. Anthony Belton looked decent too"
Not a poke at you, Guam, but reviews of both vary widely depending on which pundit you choose to listen to.
When a team plays like it did last night and there were so few snaps to review, so much is about individuals purveying their ongoing narratives.
Guam
August 10, 2025 at 06:10 pm
Actually haven't read any reviews other than the one in this article. I did watch the game and paid attention to the two young tackles. Morgan looked solid even against the Jet 1's. I still don't believe Morgan beats Walker for the LT position, but I was encouraged. Belton was more up and down but he has fast feet and is powerful. Had several quality plays against the Jet 2's.
Just an opinion from a poorly qualified observer.
Thegreatreynoldo
August 11, 2025 at 01:43 am
PFF gave Jordan Morgan an elite pass blocking grade and an above average run blocking grade.
bjkdad44
August 11, 2025 at 07:13 am
Get ready for the same ole same ole start of the season.., NOTHING CHANGES!!!!
MitchAnthony
August 10, 2025 at 09:06 am
Yes, it is just a mostly meaningless preseason game. But it isn't meaningless if you're trying to make the case for this team to keep you on the roster. So that part of looking unprepared, uninterested, or uninspired as a player is unacceptable. I totally expect "roster locks" to play half ass in preseason games if they have to play at all.
If you're in the position of Hardman or Heath looking at a roster bubble place for returner or receiver you should be playing like it. Neither one made a case for keeping them on the roster during this exhibition.
LambeauPlain
August 10, 2025 at 09:36 am
"I honestly think Morgan could make a case for overtaking Walker as the starter."
Morgan is getting valuable work at LT and it is finally beginning to deliver noticeable benefits. He's talented but basically a redshirt freshman.
Is Walker being cross trained at backup Center? I'm kidding, kinda. With Jenks and his ailing back, if he misses time, the OL has a problem. Maybe Belton can show he can handle RT with Tom preparing to man the middle if needed.
Coldworld
August 10, 2025 at 04:15 pm
Morgan and Belton were both better than on family night, but that was a pretty low bar. Neither were good last night, but they were mostly not awful with a few minor plus flashes albeit against a vanilla D.
No, that is not enough to justify the idea that either are preferred starters at T yet, but does offer some hope that, with further improvement, they might be good enough to fill in should Tom or Walker go down. There’s a big difference.
Since'61
August 10, 2025 at 09:46 am
It was the first preseason game. Like all preseason games it was meaningless. Let it go. We'll see where they are in September when it counts.
Thanks, Since '61
HawkPacker
August 10, 2025 at 09:59 am
Easy to say but hard to do Since'61. What a boring display.
murf7777
August 11, 2025 at 08:23 am
You both have a good point, yes it was only a pre season game and the first one and yes it was boring!
bjkdad44
August 11, 2025 at 07:19 am
I usually agree with you Since… but there is a downward trend… just look atthepast few seasons’ starts…
NFLfan
August 10, 2025 at 10:10 am
I have greater concerns about player competence-what if this poor showing is not just lack of intensity, interest, etc.?
Cheddarhed
August 10, 2025 at 10:19 am
I noticed there were more fans at Family night than last night
cdoemel
August 10, 2025 at 10:44 am
Yeah, I don’t get it. They honestly looked more fired-up in the practice video I’ve seen. Some will say they’re professionals and should be self-motivated to bring the fire. I was a professional orchestral musician for 40 years. We were getting paid too, but there was a huge difference in vibe when you had a boring lifeless conductor on the podium versus a Dudamel. You can play in tune with all the right notes and rhythms and still have a lifeless product if the guy waving the stick is a dud. Like most everyone, I desperately want ML to be great, but it sure doesn’t appear that he inspires his players to greatness.
bjkdad44
August 11, 2025 at 07:20 am
Excellent comparison!!
Packerpasty
August 10, 2025 at 11:02 am
another dud for Lambeau fans from soft MLF....this guy just cant get his team fired up the majority of the time...sure its pre season, but fans are getting a bit tired of going to Lambeau and seeing an uninspired loss....this attitude on display last night falls right on his and the other coaches shoulders....one other thing, im pretty sure the Lions are going to miss losing that guy (Jets coach)...he's as hard nosed as they come and has assembled a good staff...
bjkdad44
August 11, 2025 at 07:21 am
BINGO! BINGO!!… B… I… N… G… O…!!!
BAMABADGER
August 10, 2025 at 11:04 am
MLF has 2 more preseason games to tune this current misfiring engine. Packers came out on their home field and disappointed. The team played like training camp started this week while the improved Jets put on an offensive and defensive show.
I laughed Gray's sideline interview. "What can you say about the stadium atmosphere with fired up fans, and the team is playing with intensity." Only half of that was true.
splitpea1
August 10, 2025 at 11:16 am
This was just one of those "burn the tape" kind of games. Sure, we found out a little bit about some of the youngest players, but otherwise not a whole lot to build on here.
Moving on to the next game, we're looking for some kind of semblance of order with the offense. I hope we don't put players who are clearly having a very difficult time out there until the fourth quarter for a final look. This offense needs to establish confidence with both Love and Willis at the helm. And I would also like to see the offense using all four downs, within reason of course. We know the kicking game is going to be alright, so why not take the opportunity to execute as many (hopefully) successful plays as possible? This might help them out a little in the regular season as well when it's four-down territory.
cdoemel
August 10, 2025 at 11:46 pm
NOT born the tape. Put every second of it on a loop and learn
NFLfan
August 10, 2025 at 01:00 pm
Aaron Glen gave his players a gift-he boosted their confidence with a win.I could feel and see it on their faces.
He also showed class by telling Sauce to return the cheesehead.
He is a tough, fair guy but he has no problem with discipline and consequences.
I not-so-secretly loved his dismissal of Rodgers.
He walks his talk and those are the leaders I respect.
PackfanNY
August 10, 2025 at 01:05 pm
That was disgusting. You don’t want to go overboard for pre season games but real life NFL jobs are at stake and that low energy, uninspired effort is what you put on tape?
Gute should be cutting some of the dead weight on Monday to send a message. Some of these guys have already sealed their fate. Why waste time?
cdoemel
August 10, 2025 at 11:48 pm
Nick Saban?
BAMABADGER
August 10, 2025 at 01:26 pm
Even the Bears look prepared to play against the Dolphins.
bjkdad44
August 11, 2025 at 07:24 am
Coaching?!?!?
Major Snafu
August 11, 2025 at 09:53 am
First lets agree standing wise pre season means nothing.
Howvever the games are very important. Theyre suppise to reflect the coaching, training and fitness level to date.
The Chiefs are a good example of a team that patched some holes but us pretty much in tact. players know each other, the play book and their role and should look decent.
The packers are again fielding a team if guys who havent played together, not sure of play book, their role, etc.
Thus were talking experience versus inexperience and expecting the play of the former. Why?
BRinMilwaukee
August 12, 2025 at 07:37 am
I watch pre-season like many people watch college football. Sure, you have the "alma mater" factor, and the games do "count," but the best of college football is watching a bunch of players who have long-shot futures playing the game like their future depends on it.