Top moments from Packers' first training camp practice
The Green Bay Packers held their first training camp practice of the 2023 season on Wednesday and sure enough, there are plenty of moments to talk about. So, let's not waste any more time and dive right in. Defense wins the first practice of training camp The Packers really need the defense to continue the […]
The Green Bay Packers held their first training camp practice of the 2023 season on Wednesday and sure enough, there are plenty of moments to talk about.
So, let's not waste any more time and dive right in.
Defense wins the first practice of training camp
The Packers really need the defense to continue the momentum it built during the back half of the season, so it was encouraging to see the unit come out and win the first practice of training camp.
The official decision was made as head coach Matt LaFleur made the entire offense do push-ups after practice – which was 100% confirmation that the offense was deemed as losers.
Zach Tom lives at right tackle with the 1s
A lot has been made about Tom's rookie season and the promise he holds heading into 2023. He rotated with Yosh Nijman and the 1s during the offseason program, but he stayed with the 1s throughout the first training camp practice. He even saw some action at center with the 3s.
It'll be interesting to see if the Packers rotate Nijman in future practices, but for now, the team is rolling with Tom as the starting right tackle. Nijman was LT1 for most of the day because the Packers are going to take it easy, so to speak, with David Bakhtiari. It's strictly out of managing his load and has nothing to do with any kind of current injury.
We'll check back in tomorrow and see if/how things have progressed.
Luke Musgrave struggles with his pass protection
It's been well documented how difficult it is for rookie tight ends to transition into the NFL. So much more is expected at the professional level and tight ends have far more responsibilities that can determine whether they sink or swim as a pro.
One such responsibility is pass protection and according to those in attendance, Musgrave didn't have the best of days.
The Packers really need Musgrave to be a factor in 2023 and he's not going to be able to accomplish that in a limited role. It obviously doesn't help that he's going up against the likes of a seasoned vet in Smith, but this is the NFL and he's going to go against top competition week-in and week-out.
Packers rotate TE1
Speaking of which: Musgrave, Tucker Kraft, Josiah Deguara, and Tyler Davis all rotated with the 1s, furthering the idea that while Musgrave and Kraft have load of potential – there's still a long way to go toward establishing themselves.
The Jordan Love-Romeo Doubs connection continues to shine
Don't sleep on Doubs like most of the NFL currently is. Christian Watson is great, but Doubs is going to have a big role in the Packers offense.
Anders Carlson has a pretty good day
He finished 5-of-6 on the day, with a 44-yard attempt sailing wide left as his only miss. According to ESPN's Rob Demovsky, a low snap contributed to the miss, so it's not all on Carlson.
But still, an 83.3% make rate is below the NFL's league-wide average of 85.0% in 2022. There's always a chance he'll receive a low-quality snap, so Carlson is going to have to find a way to overcome those misses, even if it's not on him. That's just how the NFL goes.
Rudy Ford gets first crack at the starting safety gig opposite Darnell Savage
This is what a lot of people expected and another expectation is Ford eventually wins the job. It'll be interesting to see how this holds up.
Danny Etling is QB2….for now
Jordan Love is the Packers starter and that isn't changing unless something absolutely crazy happens. Behind him, however, is a full-on battle.
It'll come down to Danny Etling, Sean Clifford, or Alex McGough as to who wins the QB2 battle. During the first practice, it was Etling holding down the position.
Jordan Love was inconsistent, but ends practice with his best play of the day
Per multiple reports, Love ended the day with a bang by throwing his best ball of the 90ish-minute practice session to second-year wideout, Samori Toure. Love reportedly finished 7-of-14 on the day, but he was throwing into a really strong wind that was definitely considered a factor.
It'll be interesting to see where Love picks up on Thursday and hopefully he won't have to battle any elements out of his control.
Packers’ Matt LaFleur reveals Grant DuBose’s months-long injury
It’s an unfortunate situation for the Packers’ seventh-round rookie.
Featured image via MARK HOFFMAN/MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL / USA TODAY NETWORK
