Green Bay vs. Tennessee – Preseason Game 1
The first preseason game for the Packers is officially in the books. Today I will be taking who took a step forward, and who took a step back. My primary goals for this game was to see us play as many guys as possible, run as many plays as possible, and come out as healthy as possible. Unfortunately the two new guys I was most looking forward to seeing (Neal & Thomas) got injured. In any case, onto the list:
Who Took a Step Forward
JC Tretter – He separated himself from the other centers a great deal in live action from what I saw. He seems very confident out there and stayed with his blocks. I came away very impressed with the frontrunner for the starting center job.
Jumal Rolle – He flashed on Family Night and had another solid outing against the Titans. I don't remember a single thing Sean Richardson did last night and Goodson was up and down. It is a crowded position, but if I had to choose between any of the other rookies or 1st year players, then my money is on this guy.
Josh Boyd – The guy looks disruptive. He is growing into his role at defensive end and I see big things for Boyd this year. He is still standing out to me more than Datone Jones is. At least that is how I feel after what I saw yesterday.
Mike Pennel – When this guy was in the game, I noticed him, and I usually don't notice the nose tackle all that much. The backup NT role is up for grabs with the injury to Guion. Pennel showed me yesterday that he deserves more snaps.
The Back Up QB Position – Compared to where it was at this time last season, these guys look like world-beaters.
Offensive Line Depth - Remember how horrible that was last year? Well Sherrod, Adams, and Taylor were quite competent last night and gave our backup QBs and RBs some great opportunities. To stay competitive throughout yesterday's game was a testament to how much better our offensive line is this year when compared to recent years.
Who Took a Step Back
Demetri Goodson – It wasn't a significant step back from where he already was but he didn't really do much to warrant a roster spot at this time. He had a nifty pass breakup later in the game, but overall, I believe this is a practice squad candidate at best.
Carlos Gray – A longshot to make the team anyway, Carlos showed no disruptive force and seemed to be easily moved by his opponents.
Luther Robinson – You could tell whenever Pennel left the game, because this guy just doesn't hold the point.
Adrian Hubbard – The guy was a non-factor. I don't much changing. He looks physically imposing, but his play has not lived up to the hype.
Jamari Lattimore – I know he is not a new player, but he really stuck out to me yesterday as a guy who is not making the most of his opportunities. He looked slow and tentative out there.
The Tight End Group – Apart from a play Bostick, no one really stood out and commanded more opportunities. I was disappointed in the tight end group last night.
The Wide Receiver Group – They were lackluster as well. The coaching staff is looking for some one to step up and take those spots behind Nelson and Cobb. I didn't see a single guy really make a confident charge last night. Boykin in particular looks a bit off with his body language. Not sure if anyone else is picking up on this.
That's my look back at the game that was. Who stood out for you? Were they improving or taking steps back?
Circular Arguments: They are a heck of an annoyance