Preseason Preview for the Pack

It’s been over seven months since the Packers played a game, preseason or not. With a new head coach, a new offensive system, some new players, and a new attitude, the Packers are looking to turn things around and advance into the playoffs after two seasons on the outside. The Packers will play their first of four preseason games this Thursday vs the Texans at Lambeau Field. Here are some things that I will be looking for and perhaps many of you as well:

Can DeShone Kizer be a reliable backup quarterback?

Aaron Rodgers is healthy and ready to play like an MVP once again. Time will tell, and although it’s possible with a new head coach and a new system that we may be a bit more of Rodgers in this preseason compared to the last several years, the bulk of the snaps will go to DeShone Kizer with Tim Boyle getting some drives late in the game. Can Kizer be counted on if he has to take meaningful snaps in the regular season? He did not impress last year. While we don’t want to see Rodgers injured, things happen and we need Kizer to be reliable if he has to make a start or two this season.

Will Green Bay use a fullback in its offense once again?

Fullbacks like William Henderson and John Kuhn thrilled Packer fans in recent seasons for their hard work ethic and reliable blocking. It was also a sight to see when either one got a carry, especially Kuhn. Danny Vitale has impressed during training camp and it’s quite possible that we will see another fullback in the Green Bay offense. Aaron Jones is the feature back when he is healthy, and hopefully, his hamstring problems don’t linger. Barring a setback, I can see Jones having a breakout year, especially if we finally have a head coach who knows how to use him.

Which receivers will make the team?

Jordy Nelson signed a one-day contract with the Packers earlier this week. Sadly, he is not coming back. They do have Davante Adams, a touchdown machine, and Marquez Valdes-Scantling has the potential to have a big season in what is only his second year in the league. Jake Kumerow is a fan favorite, while Geronimo Allison is looking to rebound from last year when his season was cut short due to injury. Several others are looking to make a good impression and make the regular-season roster. As for the tight ends, Jimmy Graham needs to turn into the player that we were expecting him to be when the Packers signed him.

Did the Packers make the right moves with Clay Matthews and Mike Daniels?

Letting Matthews walk was hardly a big surprise, but the release of Daniels shocked many Packer fans. They apparently think what they have already is good enough, and we likely won’t know for sure until the regular season starts. I can’t speak for anyone but myself, but I don’t think I’m alone when I say that I am ready for the defense to have a big year. We’ve heard the hype and now it’s time for results on the field.

Can Sam Ficken impress enough to take the kicking job away from Mason Crosby?

After some solid years since his struggles in 2012, Crosby took a step back last season, missing two late field goals (1 vs Minnesota, and 1 vs Arizona) and having a nightmare of a game at Detroit. It’s a business, and if Ficken can show them that he can be a reliable kicker, they just might move on from Crosby, saving a few million dollars in the process. Did you expect Mike Daniels to get cut? It would happen to Crosby as well.

I could keep going. Will Oren Burks rebound and stay on the field? How good will the additions of Za’Darius Smith and Preston Smith be, not to mention Adrian Amos? Can the team avoid any major injuries? Hopefully, the injury to Matt LaFleur will be the worst one the Packers have this season.

Even though I know a preseason loss wouldn’t be the end of the world, I want to see the team do well, no matter who is out there. Like it will be every year, we are in for some pleasant surprises and some disappointments, especially when it comes to roster cuts. I know us fans will be in regular-season form, especially during the home games. Let’s see the players do the same. Get Loud Lambeau, even during the preseason!

Go Pack Go!

@DieHardPackrFan #DHPF #GetLoudLambeau #GregGoshaw @gg901