Why the Packers will win and what to watch for vs Ravens

Why the Packers might win and what to watch for tonight in Baltimore. 

Tonight, the Green Bay Packers will hit the road for their second preseason game and for the first time this preseason, Aaron Rodgers will take snaps for Green Bay.

Rodgers sat out during the first game against the Texans and on the road, against an always tough Ravens defense, the two-time MVP will make his 2019 debut.

That's going to be the big storyline and of course, everyone wants to see how Rodgers performs in the new offense under the direction of new head coach Matt LaFleur. 

We have heard about Rodgers not having the freedom he normally wants at the line of scrimmage. We have also heard about an offense that is much more aggressive, fast-paced and player friendly.

More than anything I want to see how Rodgers handles himself within this system. I want to see some shots down the field and also how Jake Kumerow plays will be important.

Green Bay needs guys to emerge at wide receiver because outside of Davante Adams, the Packers don't exactly have a bunch of proven commodities.

At any rate, outside of Rodgers, there are some key things to watch and so here's a look at what to expect from Green Bay tonight and why the Packers might win.

Why Green Bay might win

Having Rodgers on the field in the first quarter should help. It will be a good test for the offense to play the Ravens on the road. Baltimore likes to pressure the quarterback and that will prove to be a good test for the offensive line. 

Dexter Williams, the rookie out of Notre Dame did a nice job running the ball last week and it will be interesting to see what he can do for a follow up. 

Another rookie to watch offensively is wide receiver Darrius Shepherd, who caught a touchdown pass last week against the Texans. The kid has been a find so far and it will be intersting to see if he gets first-quarter opportunities with Rodgers tonight. 

There aren't a lot of positions open on the offensive side of the ball, but wide receiver is one spot and also at running back, where the No. 3 job is open behind Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams.

After Rodgers didn't get any time a week ago, it sounds like he will get more than just one possession tonight and that's the biggest reason to tune in. 

There are a lot of questions surrounding this team, but how Rodgers adjusts the new system is the biggest. His rapport with wideouts is another key question and that could also be answered tonight. 

Others to watch

Playing on the road always makes winning, even in the preseason more difficult. It will be interesting to see how the offense responds to a hostile enviornment, while the defense will have its own challenges.

The Ravens have transformed into an entirely new offense with Lamar Jackson as the starting quarterback and it will be fun to watch the Packers test themselves against the young QB.

Certainly, stopping the run will be a big focus and forcing Jackson to make throws from the pocket would be ideal. 

Jackson was 4-of-6 last week and threw a touchdown pass in limited work as the Ravens crushed the Jaguars 29-0. The second-year quarterback is supposed to get an extended look tonight, just like Rodgers and that will be a great test for Mike Pettine and company.

It will be another chance to see how the defense is impacted by the speed of Rashan Gary and Darnell Savage, while others like Tony Brown keep pushing to lock down a job.

Rookie Ty Summers will be a name to watch at inside linebacker after the injury to Oren Burks, although I keep hoping Josh Jones will emerge in that role, even if that hope is starting to dampen.

It's hard to know exactly what you will get in the preseason, but if Rodgers and the Packers can put points on the board, plus get a good quarter or two from the defense and no matter what the score, it will be a good night. 

 

__________________________

Chris is a sports journalist from Montana and has been blogging about the Packers since 2011. Chris has been a staff writer for CheeseheadTV since 2017 and looks forward to the day when Aaron Rodgers wins his second Super Bowl. Follow him @thepackersguru

3 points
 

Comments (59)

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

August 15, 2019 at 08:24 am

NO INJURIES...PLEASE!!

And...

I'd like to see Rodgers play within the system. Execute the plays that are called with hopefully some success.

If Rodgers is playing obviously I'd like to see the starting O-Line protect the hell out of him, and also open up some nice holes in the running game. I'd also like to see Aaron Jones rip off a few runs and get back to the bench HEALTHY. It will be interesting to see who starts at LG...Lane Taylor or Jenkins.

Watch the starting D hold the Ravens to two or three 3 and outs or very short drives. I'd like to see pressure from both P. Smith and Z. Smith from the vanilla defense we know Pettine will run. Also would like to see Gary hold the edge and get a sack or a few pressures at the very least. The Ravens will run. This will be a good test for Gary and the rest of the defense even if a preseason game. REALLY looking forward to watching Savage and Amos work together too.

7 points
7
0
Since'61's picture

August 15, 2019 at 09:20 am

Nick - I'll be good with NO Injuries, no matter the score. I hate these unnecessary games. Thanks, Since '61

4 points
4
0
Leatherhead's picture

August 15, 2019 at 09:34 am

The only win in preseason is no injuries.

6 points
6
0
Since'61's picture

August 15, 2019 at 09:56 am

Exactly!!! Thanks, Since '61

2 points
2
0
TarynsEyes's picture

August 15, 2019 at 09:57 am

Since '61
As long as camp has 90 players, these games will be deemed necessary by the NFL. If these games are unnecessary, teams will need to severely limit the number of players they bring in to compete for a very limited number of spots.

It's often said that teams already know who the 46 are, so why do you need 44 to pick 7? It's to have bodies in case of injury and if any are better than someone you have on the 46, but if you don't need these games, then you don't need bodies to cover injury since you're not playing these games.

Do teams really believe they can get their players ready without these games? If yes, why do we need to hear them say they need reps since most of the 46 only play 3 quarters total during the whole 4 games. If no, then why aren't the starters playing one preseason game. If injury comes, sign a guy off your probable list from OTA's if he isn't signed elsewhere.

Players wanted drastic cuts in live padded practice, isn't that saying they don't need these games, that they're ready to go and doing the walk thru's between real season games is enough.

Either they increase OTA's as the non-contact practice of installs and be ready to play come Week 1, or they have to play these games and have the fans continue to endure the bs that they are for some and sweet dreams of heaven for others.
How about preseason is players from last seasons team plus draft picks only and you hold practices for walk-ons at different times during the off season after the draft to establish a replacement list when injuries happen. No preseason games and you still have an 40 man roster of replacements.
Can't have it all and if one does...then you have to endure and accept the garbage that comes with it and we haven't even considered the MONEY involved. : )

7 points
7
0
Coldworld's picture

August 15, 2019 at 11:04 am

I’d like to see 2 games for players with less than a certain number of regular season snaps, granting a few exceptions in circumstances such as return from IR.

Preseason isn’t about the starters it’s about the depth. I think one game after a cut down to 6o or so would suffice after that.

Vets would report to camp later. In return, a longer preseason of training, installs and walkthroughs. The inexperienced players would be in camp for a month before the vets arrive. Add a very limited period of contact drills for the vets and remaining others prior to the one game in which they could participate.

Just a spitball (what I really think is that the teams should have to run a novice team in a spring development league).

1 points
1
0
Since'61's picture

August 15, 2019 at 11:46 am

Taryn - I agree with your points and understand them. I think the players and the fans would be better served with more practices both padded and not padded and only 2 preseason games to evaluate depth and rookies.

As I posted is 10 - 12 passing plays really going to make a difference for Rodgers, Adams or our OL vets? I don’t think so. The other point is that we all know that the teams are going to run vanilla offenses and defenses so I don’t see how the coaches will even get the benefit of a proof of concept(s) for their “new” offense or defense.

The games are just free money for the owners. Veteran players like Rodgers or Bak want no part of them because they do not want to lose their season due to an injury in a meaningless game.

For the second, third and fourth stringers the games can be a win/win situation. They exposure to other teams in case they are released or they make the roster they are currently with. For the veterans it’s more of a lose/lose. Take extra hits in the best case or serious injury in the worst case. I don’t believe that the 10 - 20 additional snaps are worth it or that they prove anything. As you correctly pointed out, plenty of bs comes with these preseason games. Thanks, Since ‘61

0 points
0
0
TarynsEyes's picture

August 15, 2019 at 12:21 pm

This is why a developmental league,if need to be named, should be in place for all draftee's and walk-ons with a 4 game limited hitting season in June. These players get to perform against other teams , learn and are auditioning for other teams. As for the veterans, as mentioned by Cold above,can now have extra walk thru's etc and have x-number of players from June league to add,replace and fill roster to needed number. Safe, low risk of injury to veterans etc...win-win.

0 points
0
0
sbransbottom's picture

August 15, 2019 at 01:15 pm

Taryn I started to respond to your first long response, and then your last sentence basically summed up my thoughts. MONEY
As long as the fans keep filling the stadiums at preseason games, ESP the packers fans, there will always be preseason games.

1 points
1
0
TarynsEyes's picture

August 15, 2019 at 01:20 pm

If the NFL and the NFLPA can reach an agreement on money, I'd expect the preseason games issue be resolved ASAP. Take care of the financial and all other things fall in line.

2 points
2
0
porupack's picture

August 15, 2019 at 01:26 pm

Taryn, I agree that preseason games are BS if the fans want a game like experience. It is not BS if coaches and players need to orchestrate play calling, timing and game-like reps. Do we want slop in preseason or during September games.
Let these guys play. Let Rodgers play. How can coaches really evaluate WRs 3-5 if the Kizers and Hundleys are chucking waterballoons?
Let these guys play preseason games and let coaches decide the risk/reward and when they see what they like, they can then pull the guys as needed. Fans probably aren't so experts as to override coaches.
And...its the fans that build all the hype around preseason games.
Maybe fans want flag football afterall.
Let them go out there and play if I haven't mentioned it already.

0 points
1
1
Since'61's picture

August 15, 2019 at 02:06 pm

The developmental league could be a workable approach but I don’t think either the owners or the NFLPA would go for it. Again money would be the key issue.

Trying to get fans to go to football games in June while competing against baseball, beaches, picnics, boating etc. especially in the major markets wouldn’t work and make it a non-starter for the owners.

Thanks, Since ‘61

1 points
1
0
Coldworld's picture

August 15, 2019 at 03:39 pm

At some point it has to do with the health of the sport in my view. Too few ready players due to divergence in styles.

0 points
0
0
flackcatcher's picture

August 15, 2019 at 04:25 pm

Coaches are pushing a plan to cut preseason games to two, and replace the other two with team scrimmages and a more extensive OTA with limited hitting. This is CBA territory, so expect little to nothing from either side. "61 has commented several times on the lack of prep and practice. I have hammer pretty hard here since 2017 on what has happened QB play since the current CBA was signed. But the bottom line is money, and Taryn is right that the owners need for preseason games regardless of what damage it does to the players long term. Stupid. Just plain stupid.

0 points
0
0
sbransbottom's picture

August 16, 2019 at 07:38 am

I agree. It will never work like baseball

0 points
0
0
Tedlyflyfisher's picture

August 15, 2019 at 12:28 pm

They say Aaron Jones will not play tonight. Not sure about Jamaal Williams. That has me a little worried about getting lots of reps with our running backs and the OL with a new scheme. On the other hand, it means Dexter Williams will get a LOT of pre-season reps.

1 points
1
0
kevgk's picture

August 15, 2019 at 08:29 am

Lets see how the secondary can handle the play action shots, and the edge can contain the runs.
In past preseasons, I doubt Rodgers did anything significant at the line, so tonight will probably be following a script for one drive and play called for the next. Lets see if they can complete passes in rhythm and drive the ball. A redzone appearance would be a great test too. I'm sure we'll see some Aaron Jones action.

2 points
2
0
Turophile's picture

August 15, 2019 at 08:34 am

Guys I want to see, besides AR and the first team (obviously).

WR ESB, in the slot or out wide, WR Shepherd as a slot WR and maybe he gets a return or two. Bolton at ILB, Light at LT.

I want to see who looks best out of O linemen McCray, Madison, Pankey, deBeer, Nijman, Patrick, Coyle, because only one or two of them are likely to make the final 53.

I am interested in the pass rush for the Packers, the linemen, OLBs and the occasional DB blitz.

Guys who are moving toward lock status are interesting, guys like CB Brown, FB Vitale (may be out due to calf), TE Tonyan, CB Hollman, for example.

2 points
2
0
John Galt's picture

August 15, 2019 at 09:08 am

Question not a statement

You are trying to evaluate whom to keep on the roster. Why play your starting QB in any pre-season game. You have other QB;s on the roster that presumably can throw a football downfield, right?

I mean are the coaches "evaluating" Rodgers?

Let's assume Rodgers is injured and is out for the season. There goes your season. Was it smart to play Rodgers in a pre-season game?

Just asking.

1 points
2
1
Jonathan Spader's picture

August 15, 2019 at 09:24 am

To shake the rust off. Yes Rodgers is a seasoned veteran but this his 1st year in a MLF offense. Injuries can happen at any time. Rodgers was injured game 1 2018 was it a mistake to start him then? Obviously it's apples and oranges becaise preseason games are "meaningless".

The hope is to get Rodgers confortable in the new offense so we can start off the 2019 strong. The risk is that injuries can happen at any time. People like to point to Nelson as an example. He wasn't injured by contact he leapt up for a football and came down with a torn ACL. Could have just as easily happened that way in camp.

Start Rodgers and play it smart have him get rid of the ball quickly. Have him throw it away and not try to scramble to extend plays in a meaningless game. Rodgers hates the preseason so I doubt he'll put himself in a risky position.

10 points
10
0
Since'61's picture

August 15, 2019 at 10:13 am

Let's assume that Rodgers takes 20 snaps in this evening's game. Let's assume that half of the plays are passing plays. Are 10 plays really going to make a difference in Rodgers getting comfortable in the new offense or any offense for that matter.

As for the running plays I think we can safely assume that Rodgers knows how to execute a handoff.

Are 10 -12 passing plays really worth exposing Rodgers or Adams or Bak or to a serious injury? I don't think so. Whether Rodgers looks great or poor tonight doesn't mean anything as far as the regular season is concerned. He's going to be our starting QB regardless of how he plays this evening. So what is the point of exposing him to being hit? The only result that matters this evening is remaining healthy. Thanks, Since '61

1 points
3
2
greengold's picture

August 15, 2019 at 10:23 am

I do agree with that train of thought, Since.

Rodgers is competitive, and I'm sure he's dying to get out there to give his new car a whirl. Thinking this is more LaFleur saying, "OK, just once around the block."

Add to that, he's going to be predominantly under C for the first time in years. I'm guess he wants real work under C, just so its not a first time thing when we face CHI.

He's not made of glass, but I do get your point and I can agree on that. There is risk with him going out for just 1 series. No question. Why assume the risk?

1 points
1
0
gmeyers1's picture

August 15, 2019 at 11:21 am

I don't see anything here that can't be done, and is already being done in practice.

-1 points
0
1
flackcatcher's picture

August 15, 2019 at 04:39 pm

This goes directly to your point on the entire preseason '61. It would be best if the owners and players along with the coaches tackled this within CBA framework now. Otherwise, the unnecessary injuries and sloppy play will turn off the fans and cripple and destroy the league. Question really is do both sided care enough to protect the future of the pro game. I am having my doubts.......

0 points
0
0
Coldworld's picture

August 15, 2019 at 05:04 pm

At some point any player is going to take a hit. It doesn’t make much difference whether it is now or in 3 weeks or so. There is a difference between practice and playing as a full O, D or ST against another where neither know what the other will do at a team or individual level.

Coordination with one’s team mates and getting the feel for live play and contact is something players appreciate. The idea that one turns up in game one and tries it out is somewhat naive in my view. I have to point out that recent Septembers have seen a lot of comments about the team looking rusty and slow starts. Can’t have it both ways.

0 points
0
0
John Galt's picture

August 15, 2019 at 09:08 am

Question not a statement

You are trying to evaluate whom to keep on the roster. Why play your starting QB in any pre-season game. You have other QB;s on the roster that presumably can throw a football downfield, right?

I mean are the coaches "evaluating" Rodgers?

Let's assume Rodgers is injured and is out for the season. There goes your season. Was it smart to play Rodgers in a pre-season game?

Just asking.

1 points
1
0
Since'61's picture

August 15, 2019 at 09:23 am

I'm with you John. We know who most of our starters are, why are we risking them to injuries in meaningless games? Evaluate our depth and our rookies.

If Rodgers is running for his life from the first series just get him out of there. Let the scrubs get pounded. Thanks, Since '61

1 points
1
0
PatrickGB's picture

August 15, 2019 at 03:32 pm

The first team evaluation is also about the whole offense and the team, not just the players. I am not talking about later in the game. I am talking about when the starters are in. Preseason games are also about how the whole team works as a unit. That competition cannot be replicated in practice. Sure it will be somewhat vanilla but many of the basic components will be tested against another team. Also, how will the squads respond to the adversity found in playing against another quality opponent. Our projected starters vs their starters as a team.

0 points
0
0
Leatherhead's picture

August 15, 2019 at 10:22 am

Go back to the season without Jordy , 2015. Our offense struggled all year. It doesn’t have to be the QB. If Adams, or Bakhtiari were lost it would be a seriously blow.

I have a couple of suggestions.

1. Eliminate the 53 man roster. Every team has to work under the cap....let them carry as many players as they can afford. More jobs for players.

2. Play a split season. Win the first half of the season and make the playoffs, or win the second half and make the playoffs. More hope, more fan interest, more ability to comeback from a critical injury. Two seasons in one.

0 points
0
0
dobber's picture

August 15, 2019 at 09:07 pm

"2. Play a split season."

Drawn from MiLB?

0 points
0
0
Leatherhead's picture

August 15, 2019 at 09:14 pm

That is what initially put the thought in my head.

0 points
0
0
Turophile's picture

August 15, 2019 at 02:45 pm

Well John,
First there's Rodgers not being game ready. Practice isn't the same.
Second there is Rodgers body not being match-fit, because no matter how hard you train, it isn't the same as being in a game.
Third is that it is a new offense, the first team guys need work together, in as real an environment as you can get. Everything is different when no.12 is under center.
Fourth (I admit it isn't high on a coaches agenda), fans deserve to see the blue chip players play.
Fifth is that there is an ongoing dialogue between QB and coach on new plays and keeping some old ones the QB likes. Live action is the best route to fuel it.
Sixth is that it puts real game tape out there to help coaches analyse AR in his (LaFleur's) offense
Seventh is that if other guys (especially first team guys) are out there busting their butt, while AR is chilling because the coaches are afraid he'll get hurt, how well do you think that will play out in the locker room.

It's like pulling a QB as soon as you realise you aren't getting to the playoffs this year, it doesn't send a good message. You have to ask yourself, why do so many head coaches play their QB1 in preseason. The odd team doesn't, but most do.

1 points
1
0
Coldworld's picture

August 15, 2019 at 05:08 pm

Some things are just inherently risky. The percentage of snaps played by Rodgers in preseason is minimal compared to over the season. Some game practice is required and might actually allow for tweaks that help diminish risk later. Yes, any snap is a risk, but some risks are necessary to be effective.

0 points
0
0
dobber's picture

August 15, 2019 at 09:09 pm

Note also that the Ravens bring 2018's top yardage defense and a history of attacking the passer. I'm not convinced the 'back injury' is any more than a convenience in this case.

0 points
0
0
greengold's picture

August 15, 2019 at 09:21 am

I want to see more of our backup OTs, especially Madison and Nijman, our ILBs Bolton, Summers and Crawford, our new FB Tommy Bohanon, along with some of our other RBs, what Jace Sternberger can do if he's active, and Manny Wilkins with a decent OL in front of him.

I came away from our last preseason game pretty impressed with Randy Ramsey, and wouldn't mind seeing more of his play. Same with Markus Jones. Also would like to see Tyler Lancaster make some noise, along with a bit more of Deon Simon.

In the secondary, I'm really interested to see how Chandon Sullivan and Kabion Ento do tonight.

All of them in big fights for roster spots with the exception of Sternberger and Summers.

1 points
1
0
Coldworld's picture

August 15, 2019 at 11:07 am

Agree, though Madison isn’t a tackle, but like to see him at guard and players like Simon and Coyle on the D line get time.

0 points
0
0
greengold's picture

August 15, 2019 at 12:21 pm

He had a ton of experience as Washington State's starting RT all 4 years he played there. Incredibly durable and reliable. Did not miss one game due to injury. Outside zone blocking scheme under Mike Leach. Seems a natural fit, only knock on him is his arms are a bit shorter...

Cole Madison had a pass blocking efficiency of 97.8 playing RT at Washington St. in 2017, tied for 5th in the PAC-12. He's also a surprisingly powerful and effective run blocker.

He had an overall grade of 90.3 playing RT, ranking 2nd amongst all OTs in his draft class of 2018. 22 pressures in 776 pass blocking snaps.

He's got the versatility to play OT in the NFL even if the Packers projected and practiced him at OG.

0 points
0
0
Coldworld's picture

August 15, 2019 at 12:25 pm

Packers see him as a guard center.

0 points
0
0
greengold's picture

August 15, 2019 at 12:45 pm

Of course. They said that they like taking tackles and putting them at OG, even upon drafting Cole and I get that.

I wasn't clear enough - rather, poorly communicated my intent. With Billy Turner coming in at RG, and having drafted Elgton Jenkins to play both OG and C, along with what is looking like a healthy return for Adam Taylor at LG, with Jenkins challenging him for that position, I would like to see them giving Madison some reps at RT, just to see what he does. To me, that would make a lot of sense.

I feel pretty good about Light as a backup OT. Just want to see what else we have. Nijman, would love to see him get more time at RT or LT.

1 points
1
0
Coldworld's picture

August 15, 2019 at 05:11 pm

Honestly, I see your point. Personally, I’d like to see Jenkins get snaps at center more and Madison more at guard at this point though. I think Madison will benefit from playing with better line mates at his main position and I want Jenkins able to step in if Linsley gets hurt. Madison’s snapping at center could get Rodgers hurt.

0 points
0
0
Swisch's picture

August 15, 2019 at 09:30 am

I'm glad to see Rodgers out there to get game action; and the key to keeping him healthy is a creative mixture of plays featuring a lot of short passes.
We've seen that a QB can get seriously injured in the first or second game of the regular season; and maybe we lessen that possibility if Rodgers is more in tune with his teammates by getting preseason plays.
Since our offensive line is somewhat of a work in progress, all the more reason for a variety of shorter throws along with an assortment of running plays.
Gradually we can take more shots down the field, but I'd like to see the Packers offense during the entirety of this season show that it can consistently move the chains.
A key for the offense in 2019: Converting on third downs. A key for the defense: Stopping third downs.

2 points
2
0
TarynsEyes's picture

August 15, 2019 at 10:04 am

Change the articles topic to....Why the Packers Might Look Good and Why They Might Not, since winning is of no consequence it shouldn't be mentioned as something to achieve. At least for the preseason.

2 points
3
1
cheesehead1's picture

August 15, 2019 at 10:15 am

From the sounds of it, Gute and Lafleur like what Shepherd brings to the table. A strong showing tonight could push Davis closer to being let go. Even though Davis has reportedly had a good camp, as per usual he’s injured yet again.

1 points
1
0
EdsLaces's picture

August 15, 2019 at 10:30 am

Make some plays Tony Brown ...take that #2 cb spot from King already ...

-1 points
1
2
PackfanNY's picture

August 15, 2019 at 11:17 am

Health is most important. However, practice in live game action is just a part of football. It does not/cannot get simulated in practice. You don’t really tackle in practice anymore.

Hopefully, the exposure is limited and they accomplish what is needed in terms of reps and live action. This is after all, football. A physical game with some risk.

5 points
5
0
Rudedawg67's picture

August 15, 2019 at 11:33 am

I think I would like to see the number ones play at least a full quarter. There is always a risk someone gets hurt but when you play not to get hurt you get hurt. I just think we have been slow coming out of the gate the last few years because of the lack of reps the first team has gotten in the preseason. The offense and defense know each other’s tendencies after so many practices so everyone looks good. But facing a different opponent and having to adjust during the game to the way they react to things is how you prep for the opener too.
Build confidence. If the Pack starts the season let’s say 2-2 or 3-3 chances are some of losses will be from not preparing the starters enough during the preseason. Just last year they didn’t look so good against the Bears and won in the last quarter then turn around and smoked

the Vikings only to blow a big lead. They didn’t show the ability to play 4 quarters of good football early on and that is what I am getting at I guess. A lot of good it does to miss the playoffs but hey, no one got injured. I fully expect this team to make the playoffs but let’s not be chasing the Rams or Saints for home field advantage after the first 4 games. Let’ s be ready to start fast and not look back.

4 points
4
0
stockholder's picture

August 15, 2019 at 11:58 am

I'm a big Fan of Summers. Forget Jones at ILB. Summers is captain America. He's a born leader at ILB. I would buy his Jersey now. Summers is the silver lining in a clouded picture. We had flash in the pans. And this guy has the stuff to be that household name, in Green Bay. Tony Brown, will be your starting Cb. He's full of sunshine, and not BS. I hope he wins the job for good. Prediction: He will have 1 INT. tonight.

2 points
2
0
Tundraboy's picture

August 15, 2019 at 12:11 pm

Can't wait. Another test to see what we really have with many players. Please God.,no injuries. Please

1 points
1
0
Tedlyflyfisher's picture

August 15, 2019 at 12:32 pm

We have a lot of guys who can give this team depth who have impressed in practices and in game 1. That has me excited. I’m also excited that we’ll finally see Z. Smith tonight. All reports from camp have been very positive. I wonder if Sternberger will be playing tonight? It would be nice to get a look at him, too.

1 points
1
0
Coldworld's picture

August 15, 2019 at 05:14 pm

I want to see Nijman against better opposition, warts and all. Only then can we see what we have. The same for Coyle. If Nijman is decent, that extra tackle depth would be wonderful.

0 points
0
0
greengold's picture

August 15, 2019 at 12:51 pm

I'm a Summers fan, and I think he will be a big contributor, but I like Buzzy Bolton too as well as Crawford.

Read Gutekunst's comments regarding depth at ILB, and he seemed to think it was fine, and I can see his point. There is a lot of good talent there, just that they are inexperienced at this level, and they could be better than any alternative out there.

There is good competition at the position.

2 points
2
0
Coldworld's picture

August 15, 2019 at 05:15 pm

I will be watching Sheldon too. I thought he didn’t look like chopped liver last time. Crawford showing in a game would be great too.

0 points
0
0
schmikey's picture

August 15, 2019 at 01:32 pm

This WR corp is very exciting to watch compete against one another for a roster slot. Is it this competetive for most teams in nfl?

1 points
1
0
Coldworld's picture

August 15, 2019 at 05:17 pm

I dont recall a Packers WR competition with this many plausible players and this much potential to upend the order behind Adams.

0 points
0
0
flackcatcher's picture

August 15, 2019 at 04:56 pm

I am looking at the position groups as a whole. What are the Packers looking for as they build. Also, with the cap who's down the roster shows up. This is going to be a very young team, could get even younger depending on cap space. And of course the kicker battle. Ficken has done nothing to over take Mason Crosby despite IAM GUTE desire to cut him over his contract. If Ficken cannot correct his technique issues then he might be a early cut. Outside the roster, both defensive and offensive systems in game play. Looking forward to see what the 'mad genius' Pettine unveils this season.

0 points
0
0
PackfanNY's picture

August 15, 2019 at 05:53 pm

Just heard Rodgers is NOT playing tonight because of back tightness. Precautionary. So if you were worried about injuries to AR you can relax.

I’ll assume the narrative will flip to “has Rodgers got enough time in game action under a new offensive system”. Can’t win either way. SMH

1 points
1
0
Lphill's picture

August 15, 2019 at 06:04 pm

I think he will only play in next game.

0 points
0
0
Ahgreen30's picture

August 15, 2019 at 06:52 pm

As expected, despite investing MASSIVE draft and money capital on defense it still SUCKS!!!!! I'm beginning to believe that Pettine is nothing better than a "Capers starter kit".... Effing ridiculous. Idiot Gutty should be embarrassed by himself and his ineptitude.....

0 points
0
0
IceBowl's picture

August 15, 2019 at 09:56 pm

I think the national narrative tomorrow will be ARod fights with MLF about playing with a sore back.

1 points
1
0