The Packers got their first preseason win, if that means anything, last night and amazingly the two guys I’ve dogged the most were the keys to the win. Quarterback Matt Flynn and running back Brandon Jackson starred after another all-world performance by the Packers’ offensive starters ended after one quarter. For a guy who thinks Flynn sucks I was impressed, even though he completed only 10 of 20 passes.
Jackson, who’s claim to fame thus far is his ability to pick up the blitz as a third-down back showed that his offseason lifestyle changes might be paying off. He seems more focused as a running back and clearly has the athletic skills to play in the NFL. I think the Packers will need Jackson to start a game or two this year because I think Ryan Grant takes too many hard hits with his running style. Last year the Packers would have been done had Grant got hurt, this year maybe not.
I still think Flynn sucks but he did make some big plays and orchestrated a great two-minute drive that started at the one and should have ended with a 41-yard field goal as time expired in the first half. The drive was classic – a few short plays got them out of the hole with no urgency, clock running, then all of a sudden a few big chunks via the pass and all of sudden you have a field goal chance. I was impressed.
I hate to even bring up Aaron Rodgers. The guy is just insane. It’s like I’m shocked when he throws an incompletion. I know it is only preseason and he looked lights out last year in the preseason, but he didn’t look this good. It’s almost scary.
The regular season will mean more attention to Finley, so we’ll see then how he responds to that. The beauty is taking Finley out means more chances for Jennings and Driver and the running game.
I really think we are headed to a lot of shootouts this year. Nobody can run on us and our offense can’t be stopped. I think you can win a Super Bowl with that combination. You can’t win a Super Bowl with a defense that can’t stop the run, it has to start there.
While I would love to see Al Harris on the roster opening day I also think he could be a huge addition six weeks in if the Packers can hold their own until then. The Packers don’t play a high-powered offense until the Vikings in game seven, perfect timing or what?
The Packers will get a good test this Thursday when Peyton Manning and the Colts come to town for an ESPN game. Could be a real shootout for three quarters. The master against the student. It won’t be long until the student becomes the master. If you ask me.