Preseason Preview: What to look for as we await the start of the regular season
It’s been a long 7+ months since the Packers last took the field in an NFL game, although it seems like years since then. After much changes in personnel in the front office and on the field, the Packers are ready to focus on bringing another Super Bowl Title to Green Bay. Although the preseason games do not count in the standings, they are far from meaningless. Here are a few things to look out for as they play their 4 preseason games, starting Thursday night at home vs Tennessee.
Now that Jordy Nelson is gone, who will emerge as the #2 receiver?
Davante Adams is the clear #1 receiver for now, and the Packers brought in reinforcements at tight end, especially Jimmy Graham, although I believe that Marcedes Lewis will make a name for himself this year as well. The team did release Nelson though, a move that did not sit well with many fans. Randall Cobb is still on the roster, and even though his value increases and the team benefits when he is not the top guy, the team needs another receiver to have a big year. The most likely candidate to do so is Geronimo Allison. He showed flashes of potential here and there during his short time in GB, but we now need him to do so for a full season. The team has 4 rookies on their roster, and there is a great chance that one or more of them could have a productive career in GB, but for now, my money is on Allison.
Who will emerge as the #2 QB between Brett Hundley and DeShone Kizer?
There obviously is a significant drop-off when Aaron Rodgers is not taking snaps under center. Now that he is back and ready for another huge year, it is important that he doesn’t miss an extended amount of time. If that should happen however, the Packers brought in Kizer to compete for the backup spot, because Hundley was not getting it done last year. The only time I want to see either of them on the field is in preseason and in mop-up duty when the Packers are way ahead.
Which running back will win the starting job?
Aaron Jones will be suspended for the first 2 games of the regular season, but will he win the starting spot over Jamaal Williams? Only time will tell. Where will Ty Montgomery fit in? What about Devante Mays? As long as Rodgers is the QB, the Packers will be a passing team, but it is important to have a reliable running game, especially in this division, and especially in Lambeau Field in December and January.
Now that Jake Ryan is out for the season, what will their linebacking corps look like?
What a huge loss that was when Ryan tore his ACL. He worked so hard this year and was poised to have a huge impact on the field. If there is any good news, it’s that they have depth in that area. Will Clay Matthews stay on the field long enough to have an impact? I wouldn’t put it past them to make a semi-shocking move and release Matthews, but I only see that happening if they are happy with who they have on their roster. Will Vince Biegel make an impact after an injury-plagued first year? How huge it would be if Biegel steps up and has a huge year.
Some questions that won’t be answered until the regular season starts:
How much of a difference will Mike Pettine make on the defensive side of the ball? How much has their secondary improved from last year? Can their offensive line hold up?
What I don’t want to see:
I want to see no more injuries. It’s likely not going to happen though. The Packers got a huge scare when Kentrell Brice and David Bakhtiari suffered injuries already, but both of them should be ready to go in Week 1. This always has and always will be a violent game however, and it’s only a matter of time before the injury bug strikes.
It always seems that the Packers are among the hardest hit by injuries, and often at the most inopportune times. It would be nice to see their fortunes change and go into January with their ideal roster and ready to make a run for the Super Bowl Title.
The regular season is still a little more than a month away, but I am excited to see Packer football once again. Let’s see some good execution by our starters and some great competition from the backups, especially the “bubble” players who are looking to earn their spot on the roster of the greatest franchise in NFL history!
Go Pack Go!
@DieHardPackrFan #DHPF #GregGoshaw @gg901
