It was more than a swarm of railbirds that greeted the Green Bay Packers for the opening day of training camp.
Thanks to the Packer Experience, the huge playground surrounding Lambeau Field celebrating the launch of the team's 100th season of football that opened about two hours before practice, Ray Nitschke Field was literally overwhelmed by fans to greet the team and get the 2018 season underway.
There was the now very orchestrated bike brigade, with players hooking up with kids for rides to the field.
There were screams coming from the bleachers as soon as the offensive players emerged from the Don Hutson Center and for even the most inane plays during warm-up drills and nearly every seat stay occupied for the entire two hour and twenty minute practice.
(Aaron Rodgers and DeShone Kizer go to work on day one)
There were two big plays that drew oohs and ahhs. The first came during the very first team, 11 on 11 period. In fact, the first pass attempt from Aaron Rodgers was a deep ball down the right sideline that Kevin King high pointed for an apparent interception. The intended target, Randall Cobb, never quit on the play and after a tumble to the ground, came up with the ball. After practice, King swore it was a pick but Rodgers said Cobb got the last laugh.
On the final play of the second team period, a no huddle set of plays, Rodgers let go another deep shot down the left sideline and Trevor Davis laid out at full speed for a very impressive diving catch.
After practice, Rodgers held court in front of his locker but it took a while to hear him talk about football. Most of the questions concerned his contract negotiations with the team and the session began with Rodgers talking about checking off a bucket list item and conquering one of his biggest fears, going face to face with a shark:
(Audio: Aaron Rodgers)
Back to those 11 on 11 periods. It's always interesting to see who's running with the number ones on the opening day of camp and then comparing that with the starting lineups when the Chicago Bears come to Lambeau to kick off the season on September 9.
On offense, the front line had an unusual look because of injury. With Bryan Bulaga on the PUP list and Lane Taylor held off of team work as a precaution coming off an ankle injury, only two expected starters worked. Center Corey Linsley and left tackle David Bakhtiari. At right tackle for Bulaga was Jason Spriggs and the two guards were Lucas Patrick for Taylor and Justin McCray at right guard. He may have the inside track to keep that job since the Packers didn't re-sign last year's starter Jahri Evans.
Jamaal Williams was the single running back behind Rodgers and the three wide receiver group had Davante Adams and Cobb joined by Geronimo Alllison. Newcomer Jimmy Graham was at tight end and he say plenty of passes come his way in the opening practice.
The defense line up this way for new coordinator Mike Pettine: on the line were Mike Daniels, Kenny Clark and Muhammad Wilkerson. The linebackers were Blake Martinez, Jake Ryan and Kyler Fackerell. Clay Matthews ran with the ones in the second team period but the Packers are slowly working him back into the mix after his ankle problems last year and broken nose from the charity softball game. Ha Ha Clinton-Dix was teamed with Kentrell Brice at the safety spot and the three corners were Tramon Williams, Davon House and King.
(Mike McCarthy and Brian Gutekunst watch opening day drills)
Friday's session will be almost identical while on Saturday, the pads may come on for the first time. The collective bargaining agreement requires players to get a day off after the first three practices of camp which leaves Lambeau Field's parking lot all to the kids at the Packer Experience.
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