Packers Vs. Browns: Offense, Defense & Special Teams

Taking a look at one storyline to watch from a Packers perspective this evening in each phase of the game.

Here's some key aspects to watch for in each phase of the game from a Packers perspective...

  • Offense: See how undrafted rookies perform––The first preseason game is the time when the players who are third and fourth on the depth chart will see the most action they'll receive all year long. This may be their best opportunity to impress. The Packers seem to have several talented undrafted wide receivers in Tori Gurley, Shaky Smithson, Diondre Borel and Kerry Taylor. It they are to make it beyond the first round of roster cuts, make the practice squad or even the 53-man roster, they'd be advised to take advantage of every opportunity. The same goes for the undrafted offensive linemen and running back.
  • Defense: Watching the backup cornerbacks get extended playing time––Although head coach Mike McCarthy hasn't ruled any players out for tonight's game, starters Charles Woodson and Tramon Williams worked with the scout team at the team's last practice on Thursday, which gave the impression that they'll be held out of tonight's game because A) they're proven players that don't need the work and B) they'll avoid injury. Also, Sam Shields, Davon House and Brandian Ross are nursing injuries that leave their status up in the air. That leaves only three other cornerbacks, who figure to see a lot of playing time: Jarrett Bush, Pat Lee and Josh Gordy. Tonight will provide a good litmus test to see how much they've improved.
  • Special teams: How the Packers will treat the kicking situation––Mason Crosby sat out most of the week with an relatively minor ankle injury, although he returned to practice on Thursday. McCarthy has said they'll play it smart with him. If Crosby does play, it will be worth watching how effective he can be on a bum ankle. It's possible they'll replace him with punter Tim Masthay, who is also the team's backup kicker, but they have to be careful not to overwork him and expose him to injury too. It's possible the Packers will go for two-point conversions instead of extra points to avoid one kicking aspect of the game. It's even possible, though perhaps not likely, they'll sign a kicker as a short-term substitute.
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Comments (14)

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bomdad's picture

August 13, 2011 at 10:50 am

With Crosby out, and Masthay as the incumbent holder now doing the kicking, maybe they put Cobb at holder?

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Brian Carriveau's picture

August 13, 2011 at 10:54 am

Cobb has been practicing as the backup holder, so that will more than likely happen.

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bryce's picture

August 13, 2011 at 11:09 am

I'd like to see Cobb be the full time starting holder...it at least gives you the threat that the holder could run or throw

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bomdad's picture

August 13, 2011 at 11:13 am

I cant wait to see a man go in motion on a FG or PAT attempt formation. Like Finley lining up at the end and then splitting out wide.

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Brian Carriveau's picture

August 13, 2011 at 11:16 am

It might be fun to watch, but the over/under on the number of times that happens the entire season 0.5.

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bryce's picture

August 13, 2011 at 11:08 am

no davon house tonight, via twitter: devo_31 Davon House
Sorry everyone I want be out there with the men today put on IR

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Jeremy's picture

August 13, 2011 at 12:23 pm

By Ir he means Injury Report not Injured Reserve.

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bryce's picture

August 13, 2011 at 01:40 pm

yeah, like i said...won't see him tonight

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jaydubya's picture

August 13, 2011 at 12:19 pm

Even if there wasn't an "iffy" kicking situation, I think the meaningless pre-season games are an ideal time to concentrate on two-point conversions. It's great practice for for offensive red-zone sitations we will undoubtedly face during the regular season.

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packsmack25's picture

August 13, 2011 at 01:04 pm

Overworking a punter? Now I've heard it all.

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norman's picture

August 13, 2011 at 02:39 pm

It's about the same thing as KRod coming up lame last night in the Brewer game after getting a cramp running the bases after his first major league hit (probably his first major league at bat too, considering he's a short reliever and played in the AL for a number of years). Seriously, aren't these guys supposed to be athletes?

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Ct Sharpe Cheddar's picture

August 13, 2011 at 01:46 pm

Anywhere I can watch the game on the internet without paying? A lot of sites are shut down that were active last year.

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June's picture

August 13, 2011 at 03:21 pm

I'm pretty sure NFL.com is streaming all the preseason games.

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PackerAaron's picture

August 13, 2011 at 03:35 pm

They are. You have to pay 19.99

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