Three questions the Packers need to answer in their preseason game against the Denver Broncos
The Green Bay Packers had an overall solid performance in the 23-10 win over the Cleveland Browns in its preseason opener last Saturday. Starting quarterback Jordan Love had an explosive drive, getting a 65-yard touchdown throw to Dontayvion Wicks. Lukas Van Ness and other young defensive pieces also had a promising game. But there are […]
The Green Bay Packers had an overall solid performance in the 23-10 win over the Cleveland Browns in its preseason opener last Saturday. Starting quarterback Jordan Love had an explosive drive, getting a 65-yard touchdown throw to Dontayvion Wicks. Lukas Van Ness and other young defensive pieces also had a promising game.
But there are two preseason games left, the next one against the Denver Broncos on Sunday. And it's an important opportunity for the Packers to answer some remaining questions about the roster construction.
Is the offensive line depth enough?
The Packers have a solid starting offensive line, but the depth has several questions across the board. None of them is bigger than who will be the primary swing tackle. So far, Andre Dillard and Kadeem Telfort are battling for the spot, but neither has secured the job with strong performances in training camp and in the preseason opener against the Cleveland Browns.
On Monday, head coach Matt LaFleur said that this competition will probably go throughout the entire training camp.
"We are still in the same spot," LaFleur mentioned. "It's going to take all of camp to find out where that lands."
On the other hand, the interior depth had some good news. Sean Rhyan played well at center, allowing the Packers to count on him as a swing interior player.
Fifth-round rookie Jacob Monk played at right guard and was good too, prompting praise from offensive line coach Luke Butkus.
"The look on his face, he was ready to rip somebody's lips off," Butkus said. "And that's how he played."
Who's the QB2?
Sean Clifford entered preseason as the primary backup quarterback behind Jordan Love. He had a fine game against the Cleveland Browns, showing his attribute to extend plays.
Clifford's ability to play better than he practices reminds quarterbacks coach Tom Clements of Matt Flynn, who played several seasons in Green Bay as Aaron Rodgers' backup.
"He worked hard in practice and then when he got in the game, he had a knack to make things happen," Clements said about Flynn. "As I said, Sean has that quality about him, and hopefully that continues".
However, third-string quarterback Michael Pratt, a seventh-round rookie, played better than Clifford. He is expected to have more reps in Denver, an important chance to develop his skills and adapt to the NFL game.
"He's still growing and learning," Clements said of Pratt. "He's not quite there but did some good things."
Is AJ Dillon a cut candidate?
It doesn't seem like he is, at first glance. AJ Dillon had only two yards in four carries, but head coach Matt LaFleur quickly pointed out on Monday that it was more of a run blocking issue, especially in two consecutive short-yardage plays.
"There wasn't a whole lot of daylight to run the ball," LaFleur explained. "Certainly, when you have three cracks at it to get a yard and you don't get it done, that's a problem. We have to play with a little better leverage. Get our pad level down. The opportunity wasn't great in any of the situations."
But going into year 5 of his NFL career, it's fair to say that Dillon is who he is. Throughout his career, he usually takes what the offensive line gives him, but lacks the ability to create anything beyond that. On Saturday, he had seven yards after the first contact in four attempts.
Emanuel Wilson and other backs on the roster have been more effective, and Dillon has to play better in the preseason to justify his roster spot.
How to watch and stream the Green Bay Packers vs Denver Broncos preseason game on Sunday
It’s the second week of preseason football