The Green Bay Packers beat the New England Patriots 22-11 last night to open their preseason and it was the backup players that stood out the most. The Packers’ first string offense moved the ball well against a defense that was playing about half its starters. However, like in Seattle the Packers were horrible at finishing their drives and only mustered three points.
The Packers didn’t have their entire starting unit on defense but were able to hold the Patriots and a rusty Tom Brady in check but were gashed by a long TD run by Jonas Gray. Thankfully this is what preseason is for, and if you are one to take advantage of one of the best betting sites online – William Hill, the Packers are still a good bet to win it all this year.
But even with it being the first preseason game, the memories of Seattle came rushing back when the Packers offense stalled near the goal line twice and on a fourth-and-one another time. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers was below average with a QB rating of 76 on 11 of 19 passing. However, running back Eddie Lacy looked to be in midseason form with five punishing runs for 36 yards.
The Packers don’t have a go-to guy in the redzone like they did with Jermichael Finley and none of their current tight ends seem to be the answer. The Packers are going to need to get creative because it’s a lot easier in a tight space to take away Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb. This will be new playcaller Tom Clements biggest challenge I think.
For me, offensively, it was the play of backup quarterbacks Scott Tolzien and Brett Hundley that looked the most promising. Tolzien showed much better arm strength and looked to have total control of the offense. After a slow start Hundley came alive to lead a TD drive and showed the skills that made him a fifth round pick this year. I think the two players showed enough already that the quarterback position is settled. Tolzien will be the backup this year with Hundley number three.
Other positions on offense that bear watching are third running back, third tight end and fourth and fifth receivers.
Defensively the Packers were ravaged by injuries as players like Clay Matthews, LeTroy Guion and first round draft pick Damarious Randall didn’t even make the trip. Still, they managed to hold the Patriots to 211 yards of offense. If Tom Brady is suspended the first four games of the season the Patriots could be in trouble. Backup Jimmy Garoppolo was less than stellar against a bunch of nonames.
The Packers’ young secondary played awesome. Led by second round pick Quinten Rollins, they completely shut down Garoppolo. Rollins had several big plays while undrafted Ladarius Gunter continued his surprising play with an interception. It appears the Packers won’t miss a beat without Davon House or Tramon Williams, and may in fact, be better off.
All in all it was a mixed bag for the opener. Considering Rodgers nor Lacy even played in the opener last year, it shows the urgency of this year. It’s Super Bowl or bust and it can’t be done three points at a time. We better see touchdowns next week in Pittsburgh.