The Green Bay Packers' preseason opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers was a peculiar affair, marked by a lead change and a curious defensive collapse. While the game itself may not have been a showcase of brilliance, it offered a wealth of insights into the team's current state and future prospects. In my opinion, this game was more than just a tune-up for the regular season; it was a microcosm of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for the Packers.
One of the most significant takeaways from the game was the health of the team. Head coach Matt LaFleur confirmed that there were no long-term injuries, which is a huge relief for fans and the team alike. This means that players like Anthony Campbell and Darian Kinnard, who were forced out of the game, should be available for the upcoming weeks. This is particularly important for Kinnard, who is projected to make the 53-man roster, and Campbell, who is on the roster bubble.
The offensive line rotation is another area of interest. LaFleur's comment about Jager Burton and Jacob Monk making it 'extremely difficult' to hand the left guard job back to Aaron Banks once he's healthy suggests that the competition for starting spots is fierce. This is particularly fascinating given the original assumption that Jordan Morgan, Banks, Sean Rhyan, Anthony Belton, and Bako-Bewele would be the preferred starting lineup. It raises the question: will the Packers stick to this plan, or will the competition force them to reevaluate their strategy?
The defensive side of the ball also had its moments. Rookie cornerback Brandon Cisse was universally praised for his performance, and new secondary coach Bobby Babich confirmed that there is a cornerback competition. However, returning starter Keisean Nixon has been taking coaching 'great', which suggests that he may have a leg up on the competition. The battle for the spot opposite Nixon is likely to be a close one, with Cisse, Carrington Valentine, and Benjamin St-Juste all in the mix.
DeMarcus Covington, who has been promoted to the title of outside linebackers coach/run game coordinator/assistant head coach, praised edge defender Lukas Van Ness, who was involved in a sack in one of the three snaps that the defensive starters played. This suggests that Van Ness may be a key player in the team's new 3-4 defense.
Overall, the coaching staff seemed pretty happy with their top two units, while admitting that the team needed to work on tackling. This is a common issue for many teams, and it will be interesting to see how the Packers address it in the coming weeks. In my opinion, the Packers' ability to improve their tackling will be a key factor in their success this season.
In conclusion, the Packers' preseason opener offered a wealth of insights into the team's current state and future prospects. While the game itself may not have been a showcase of brilliance, it was a microcosm of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for the team. The Packers have a lot of work to do, but with a healthy roster and a competitive atmosphere, they are well-positioned to make a run at the playoffs this season.
