Football is finally back. Yes, it is just pre season, but football is finally back. The Green Bay Packers kicked off their 2019 season campaign with a 28-26 win over the Houston Texans in their first preseason matchup Thursday night at Lambeau Field.

After running several joint practices together this week, the two teams finally faced off to open up the preseason in a uniquely anticipated matchup for Packers fans who were eager to see what new head coach Matt LaFleur could bring to the table.

The Packers scratched 26 different players heading into the game, which included quarterback Aaron Rodgers, wide receiver Davante Adams, linebacker Blake Martinez, and cornerbacks Jaire Alexander and Kevin King, to name a few.

It’s a long list. pic.twitter.com/uCwlHfGTZO

— Ryan Wood (@ByRyanWood) August 8, 2019

Overall, it was what one would expect from a preseason game. There were flashes where certain players shined, like wide receiver Jake Kumerow and linebacker Ty Summers, and there were sloppy moments where players, like wide receiver J’Mon Moore, struggled to complete some very easy plays.

C’mon, J’Mon. pic.twitter.com/V7nzHtt5pl

— Zachary Jacobson (@ZachAJacobson) August 9, 2019

However, the two areas where the Packers tended to struggle the most last season, defense and special teams, showed much promise early on for the 2019 season.

In just the first quarter, the Packers defense and special teams forced three different turnovers. The first, a diving interception by rookie cornerback Ka’Dar Hollman out of Toledo, and the next, a fumble recovery by wide receiver Equanimeous St Brown in the endzone, after a fantastic punt from JK Scott. The recovery resulted in the first touchdown of the game to put the Packers up 7-0.

In the following series, safety Raven Green poked the ball out of Texans running back Taiwan Jones’ hands and cornerback Will Redmond was there for the recovery.

“I told the guys that no matter if it's preseason or during the regular season it is always a good feeling to win,” LaFleur said at the post-game press conference. “I thought our guys gave great effort.”

What we learned: Deshone Kizer still isn’t it

It is news to no one that Deshone Kizer is no Aaron Rodgers, but I think I can speak for most Packers fans when I say that I would be much more comfortable with a more consistent quarterback sitting behind Rodgers.

There were certainly moments where Kizer looked like he may be fit for the backup job. His 14-yard touchdown pass to undrafted free agent Darrius Shepard to put the Packers up 14-7 in the second quarter was surely one of them. Kizer danced around well in the pocket and found Shepard late, who did a fantastic job of holding on to the ball for a score.

But, despite the touchdown, there were still several missed throws to a wide open man and confusion on what looked like routine plays time and time again Thursday night. Kizer finished 8-13 for 102 yards and 1 TD before being replaced by Tim Boyle at halftime. It was not a terrible showing for him, just wildly inconsistent.

What went right: Defense and Special Teams

It was absolutely refreshing to see the Packers defense and special teams force turnovers after struggling to do so last season. Last year, the Packers had just seven total interceptions, the second fewest in the NFL, per the broadcast, and they had a total of two just on Thursday night alone with two fumble recoveries to go with it.

It was exciting to see this happen and I really hope that they can make these same plays when the regular season rolls around.

What they can fix: Missed Tackles

Missed tackles were one of the biggest issues I saw from Thursday night’s game. There were so many opportunities that a play could have been stopped, but it continued on for another five, then ten yards, for the Texans. 

According to everyone who has been at training camp, this team has not been practicing tackling and it really showed. If I am Mike Pettine, I think that would be on my to-do list for practice this next week.

Who stood out: Jake Kumerow, Dexter Williams, Ty Summers, Kinglsey Keke

A handful of different players stood out to me, but I have to give it to wide receiver Jake Kumerow, running back Dexter Williams, linebacker Ty Summers, and defensive end Kinglsey Keke for their performances Thursday night.

Before the game, I was still unsure about Kumerow, but after his 2 receptions for 27 yards in the first quarter, according to ESPN, it is very clear that he is a guy that is most likely going to make the final roster. Not to mention, he has been receiving quite some praise from QB1 the entire training camp.

I felt good about the running backs this season with Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams in the backfield, but now being able to throw Dexter Williams into that mix, I feel great. The rookie out of Notre Dame really proved that he can be a weapon for this offense this season with up to 80 yards off 15 touches Thursday, according to ESPN.

Linebacker Ty Summers had a strong showing as well. He did, start to die down a little in the second half of the game, but he started incredibly hot with 10 tackles in the first half alone. For a rookie it was not a perfect first showing, but it was impressive to say the least.

The offseason hype around defensive end Kinglsey Keke has been real, and I absolutely see why after Thursday night’s game. Keke was pressuring the quarterback like crazy and his ability to get off the line as quick as he did could allow him to make a real impact his rookie season.

Nice rep by Kingsley Keke pic.twitter.com/y0inytOCGp

— Brandon Carwile (@PackerScribe) August 9, 2019

Up next, the Packers travel to Baltimore next Thursday, August 15th, for their second preseason game against the Ravens. Kickoff is set for 7:30 PM EST.

Like my friend Nagler likes to say though...lotta ball game left.