The Green Bay Packers open up their 2022 preseason schedule on the road against the San Francisco 49ers. Here are some final thoughts on positional battles, what to watch for, and more.
– All eyes will be on the Packers’ offensive line, which has had some rough showings in practice. As currently constructed, I think this group can be fine, just as last year’s unit was with all the injuries, but for this team to be a true Super Bowl contender, they’ll need more than fine play from the offensive line. Obviously, getting David Bakhtiari and Elgton Jenkins back helps that; let’s just hope it’s sooner than later.
– A few things that can give us some insight into where players stand at the moment are the total number of snap counts, when in the game they’re playing, as well as who is lined up on special teams.
– Improved confidence has been a key talking point when teammates and coaches have discussed Joran Love this summer. That improved confidence has led to a better command of the huddle and line of scrimmage, as Matt LaFleur mentioned. The game also slows down, which helps with Love’s footwork, then leading to improved accuracy and decision making. He has had a nice start to the summer; now it’s time to build upon it in a live game.
– I am most looking forward to seeing the edge rusher position. For one, it’s one of the most important positions in the game, and the depth is a big question mark right now. La’Darius Hamilton has seen consistent reps with the second team defense, but as of late, Jonathan Garvin has been capitalizing on his opportunities. Tipa Galeai, Randy Ramsey, and Kingsley Enagbare have also had their share of second-team snaps.
– Safety is one of those positions where LaFleur and Co. will have to decide on whether to roster four or five players. For some context, they’ve rostered both during LaFleur’s tenure. As of now, it would seem that five is the magic number, with Vernon Scott, Shawn Davis, and Dallin Leavitt leading the way. Scott and Davis have filled in for the injured Darnell Savage, while Leavitt will be a core special teams player.
– Jack Coco may be the only long-snapper on the roster, but that doesn’t mean the job is his just yet. Green Bay recently had a pair of long-snappers in for a workout, and just last week, GM Brian Gutekunst mentioned that Coco (and at the time Steven Wirtel) is also competing with any long-snappers around the league who may end up cut.
– Who will emerge at running back? We do not know when Kylin Hill will be available, and until then, the Packers need a third running back. Between Patrick Taylor, Tyler Goodson, and BJ Baylor, at least to my knowledge, no one has really stood out above the rest. I would still lean towards Taylor winning that job, given his experience, well-rounded skill-set, and ability on special teams.
– When healthy, I do tend to believe the Packers roster five tight ends. Robert Tonyan, Marcedes Lewis, Josiah Deguara, and Tyler Davis are all going to be on this roster, and I see Dominique Dafney as being a core special teams member under Rich Bisaccia.
– It sounds like we may get to see Quay Walker against the 49ers. He has looked every bit the part lining up next to De’Vondre Campbell. He covers so much ground with ease and has been quick to plug any gaps at the line of scrimmage. In part, I think one of the reasons that a third running back hasn’t emerged is because running on this Packers front-seven, especially outside the hash marks, has been so difficult.
– The Packers can save about $1.4 million in cap space if they were to cut Sammy Watkins, according to Over the Cap. However, the fact that he isn’t playing should tell us that he will be on this team. If the Packers were on the fence about him, I imagine they would want to see him in action.
– It’s been a revolving door at punt returner, although as of late, it has been Romeo Doubs and Amari Rodgers who have taken the bulk of those snaps. Let’s see who gets the first opportunity tonight.
– Wes Hodkiewicz and Andy Herman have both echoed similar sentiments in that the intensity on special teams is definitely ramped up under Rich Bisaccia. He very much appears to be the right man for the job, but keep in mind, there are still likely things to work through, and that very well could show up on the football field. The players are still learning a new system and techniques, while Bisaccia has to overcome a decade-plus of sub-par special teams play.
– I’ve been quite adamant that the Packers were only going to roster six receivers, but with the play of Juwann Winfree and Aaron Rodgers’ comments on him, now I’m very much open to the idea of Green Bay rostering seven. Special teams contributions will be important for him to make this team, but he has continued to build his rapport and trust with Rodgers-and we all know how important that is.
– Amari Rodgers will be on this 53-man roster.
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