Packers 6 Raiders 13: Game Balls & Lame Calls
By jasonperone
The Green Bay Packers hit the road and took on the Oakland Raiders in preseason game number three. It was a lackluster game, in terms of points scored but got another good look at some of the young talent.
The game ended with the Packers dropping their first preseason game and falling to 2-1 in August. Most of the key starters didn't dress or play so there's a lot of youth in this post.
On to the night's best and worst.
Game Balls
Kenny Clark
Clark lived in the backfield all of the first half. No surprise, he's expected to be a huge contributor up front this season but it was good to see that those projections are well-founded.
Now put him on the shelf and don't use until week one.
Jaire Alexander
Alexander got his first interception in a Packers uniform and made a nice break on a deep pass near the goal line to thwart a scoring chance. These are the types of plays Alexander was drafted to make and wasn't your run-of-the-mill rookie play.
Between Alexander and Josh Jackson, the Packers secondary could be getting a major boost in a hurry. My only complaint: fielding and trying to return a punt that was well-covered at the end of the game. No need to put yourself at risk there, young fella.
J'Mon Moore
No game ball from this game gives me more joy to hand out. To say Moore has struggled up to this game is an understatement. Whatever was ailing him went away once this game started.
Moore had four catches and a game high 62 yards receiving on the night. It was his last catch that landed him here. A deep ball against tight coverage that Moore hauled in before taking contact. It was a nice catch in traffic, showing that concentration and big-play ability that we saw on film from Moore's college days.
The Packers invested too much for Moore not to be on the final roster, even had he stunk it up in this game. Fortunately he didn't and this is hopefully the beginning of more improvement from the rookie.
Lame Calls
The Offensive Line
Packers quarterbacks were sacked five times and hit eight. Awful. Pathetic. Dumpster fire. They're back up's for a reason but collectively, they instilled no confidence that this team can afford a single injury along the line.
This season could quickly hinge on Aaron Rodgers' ability to pull rabbits out of his hat as he's running for his life. We can only pray that the preferred starters up front can hold up.
Injuries
Oren Burks in PRE-GAME? Ty Montgomery again? It's football. Injuries are going to happen but to see key guys getting hurt at this point when teams do so much to save them is just gut-wrenching. An easy lame call every time.
We'll be waiting on an update with Burks. If he has to miss significant time or his season is over, that leaves a huge hole in the depth in the middle of the defense. Ahmad Thomas looked OK in this game, but can he hold up against starting-caliber talent? Is Josh Jones ready to resume that role? Many questions to answer depending on the outcome with Burks.
Others To Mention
- Josh Jackson with another nice play on the ball. The touchdown was called back due to penalty, but the play was made nonetheless. Jackson looks more and more like a rock star every week
- Reggie Gilbert doing big things against opposing one's? Yes please. He's blossoming into a real player and an extremely pleasant surprise
- JK Scott kicked well. Had one over 60 yards. Big leg that can help flip the field
- Tough to evaluate the back up quarterbacks with pressure in their faces all night. Hundley is ahead of Kizer at this point. May be tough to let one go
- First round of cut down's coming up
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Jason is a freelance writer on staff since 2012 and also co-hosts Cheesehead TV Live, Pulse of the Pack and Pack A Day podcasts. You can follow him on Twitter here
Comments (126)
Guam
August 25, 2018 at 08:13 am
Backup OL is worrisome, particularly Murphy. I had high hopes for him this season, but he was awful last night. I think two of the four sacks belonged to him. Spriggs was the best of a bad lot of tackles and that isn't saying much for a second round draft choice in his third season. Good big men are hard to find, but Gute still may need to go shopping. Confidence in their OL depth is ebbing.
Grandfathered
August 25, 2018 at 07:58 pm
Is it possible that Murphy was was injured early? Friday night he couldn't stop speed or power. I thought he usually was better with power.
fthisJack
August 25, 2018 at 08:15 am
just a couple thoughts.
1. we can put to bed the idea that Allison and Moore might be cut.
2. hard to evaluate the back up QB when the back up OL is so crappy.
3. Spriggs played better at LT than he did at RT. Murphy is not an NFL tackle and needs to go.
4. we have some great pieces at CB even without King playing.
5. Fackrell played better and Beigel seemed to be around the ball a lot. no outstanding plays but improvement.
6.2 TD's called back because of penalties....MM needs to clean that up.
7. MM and that short yardage plunge on 4th and short with the FB. we need to eliminate the FB and that play!
Tundraboy
August 25, 2018 at 08:34 am
" MM and that short yardage plunge on 4th and short with the FB. we need to eliminate the FB and that play!"
Agreed! I know it's preseason but MM needs to stop kidding himself, and us about the need for a FB. Even if we did, the fridge Perry couldnt dive in with this OL line.
Chuck Farley
August 25, 2018 at 09:17 am
Your talking stubborn Mike who thinks he will show everyone with his tough ass run game. He doesn't like the shorter quick guys because they don't punish enough.
Tundraboy
August 26, 2018 at 09:46 am
I know,I know. Still hoping for a 2nd year jump.
EdsLaces
August 25, 2018 at 08:37 am
Nobody ever said Geronimo was getting cut lol.
fthisJack
August 25, 2018 at 08:50 am
where have you been? yes they have. some are saying it should be a choice between Kumerow and Allison. i say they keep both.
Thegreatreynoldo
August 25, 2018 at 09:12 am
I have said the choice should be between Allison and Kumerow (pre-injury). I thought the choice should be Kumerow over Allison because Kumerow can do everything Allison can do but Allison cannot do everything Kumerow can do.
Nor do I give Allison much credit for the long pass completion. The DB slipped. The DB didn't slip because of Allison's route running nor did Allison break the DB's ankles, the guy just slipped. I credit Allison for catching an easy pass.
fthisJack
August 25, 2018 at 01:58 pm
it doesn't matter how Allison gets open. the guy seems to get open and catches everything thrown at him. he's done it during the regular season. Kumerow hasn't done squat yet against real competition.
Chuck Farley
August 25, 2018 at 09:19 am
After what the oline did I see several being cut to add new guys for support. This team has zero luxury of a bevy of receivers now.
EdsLaces
August 25, 2018 at 10:33 am
No, it's been between Kumerow and guys like MVS or Moore for the 5th or 6th or even 7th spot. Allison knows the system and is reliable. His spot was never in jeopardy .
Thegreatreynoldo
August 25, 2018 at 10:58 am
Well, I am arguing ought. I think it would be a major surprise if Allison gets cut. I still think we ought to keep all three drafted rookie WRs.
LambeauPlain
August 25, 2018 at 10:43 am
Agree 7 times.
After TT whiffed on his two top DB selections a few years ago it looks like Gute struck gold with Alexander and Jackson.
If Murphy is still on the team next Saturday at 3:01 PM I will eat my MacBook Air. He was horrible trying to play LT last week and everyone was saying he's strictly a RT. Well, he ain't that either! His play last night was a blooper reel of how to get your QB killed.
Both Fackrell and Beigel played better...and Vince had the better night. He finally showed he can get off blocks and crashed hard off the edge. The holding call he got was due to a solid punch and bull rush and all the TE could do is grab a handful of jersey.
D played OK. O stunk up the joint.
We have a punter and a good punt cover team! Our punt game got a lot of practice in last night.
Packer_Fan
August 25, 2018 at 08:20 am
What's up with the backup offensive lineman? I wasn't able to watch the game, but the news sound really bad.
Also heard there were 13 penalties. One that erased a pick six.
Is there any OL out there that could be picked up? Too bad that the rookie OL won't play. I just think that TT's time at picking good talent passed him by.
Coldworld
August 25, 2018 at 09:01 am
Experimental mixing of depth players often trying new positions. Starters sat. Was not pretty but wasn’t likely to be. What they learned I don’t know but as a group was what you might expect.
I bleed green more
August 25, 2018 at 10:06 am
Really bad is a nice compliment if I am Gute I am on the phone say goodbye to the revolving door o line.
Hawg Hanner
August 25, 2018 at 10:07 am
Can't believe how bad it looks on the OL. Where is this Madison kid? Why has no reporter looked into the situation? The teammate who committed suicide story is over six months old. We needed this kid and he has let the team down, An TT left a bunch of low talent backups for us.
croatpackfan
August 25, 2018 at 01:09 pm
Watch others in preseson... They have even worse back up OLinemen... Lions, Vikings, Bears, Jags, Patriots, Seattle, Browns, Eagles... Name it. All OL back ups stinks...
Coldworld
August 25, 2018 at 08:28 am
I don’t think we have 2 rounds of cuts this year. I think it was changed to one reduction by the NFL, although teams can cut earlier if they want of course.
I wonder if Murphy is still impacted by his injury? If not thought to be a temporary hinderence then I agree he is not cutting it.
Tough to evaluate RBs with that blocking. Thought refs were in preseason form too on several calls.
Like to see Alexander on returns next week too
RobinsonDavis
August 26, 2018 at 12:05 pm
Lame call - the NFL and some of their new rules. Good intentions are causing a much slower, duller game where officials are having difficulty discerning what is a legal hit and an illegal hit. This group of refs though had a little larger percentage of questionable calls.
I don't want a lot of cheating, but if an official is not sure if something is holding or a bad hit, I would rather they don't throw a flag.
WKUPackFan
August 25, 2018 at 08:28 am
Not sure what people are expecting from a totally second string OLine.
carusotrap
August 25, 2018 at 08:40 am
That they could actually step in and, you know, play the freakin' O-line?
fthisJack
August 25, 2018 at 08:53 am
lol
Coldworld
August 25, 2018 at 09:02 am
All at the same time? No!
egbertsouse
August 25, 2018 at 09:13 am
And they should at least look competent when facing the scrubs.
Thegreatreynoldo
August 25, 2018 at 09:25 am
True, but given that the backups were likely to be awful, what was MM thinking? No way for me to be certain, but I tell you what I was thinking:
1. Bad field surface. I am not playing AR.
2. If I am not playing AR, don't need starters in on OL.
3. I've watched the backups, can't risk the OL starters?
I got booed for suggesting that the starting interior offensive linemen are all low average, assuming that McCray can reach that lofty goal. I think Linsley has the physical ability to be better than average, so we will see about him.
I sure hope that the disparity in ability between starting interior OL and their backups isn't as large as it appeared. Dillon Day turned in a nice evening last week at center and surprisingly, at OG as well, and Patrick has played real NFL games reasonably well.
I think having all 5 be backups really hurt and made these guys look and play worse than they are.
fthisJack
August 25, 2018 at 02:06 pm
Lane Taylor is above average.
LambeauPlain
August 25, 2018 at 10:46 am
Not making 10 penalties for a starting goal.
Andrew Lloyd Peth
August 25, 2018 at 09:00 am
Spriggs, outside of a couple plays, was very good. He seems to be putting it together, so that's something. He was the only one providing occasional resistance to Arden Key.
3 games in, we still have no holes for the running game. Jones was making his 2nd move at the line of scrimmage. Backup linemen of course, but we're 3 games in with no running game.
Fire Zook, then fire the replacement every week until someone somewhere makes one effective block for our punt returners. Just one block. Just once.
I watched some of the Minnesota game. Right now, the difference in athleticism between that team and ours boggles the mind.
Coldworld
August 25, 2018 at 09:03 am
Seemed like they were experimenting with ST personnel too last night.
Andrew Lloyd Peth
August 25, 2018 at 09:08 am
Granted, but that blocking was downright horrifying. Maybe we miss guys like Janis more than we thought.
Coldworld
August 25, 2018 at 09:13 am
I hate to say it, but Goodson was the exception. Otherwise agree that it was dire.
Rumor is that Janis could be cut ....
dobber
August 25, 2018 at 05:14 pm
That's fine, but I don't know if there's a spot for him (Janis) in GB.
Goodson had a reputation, prior to his knee injury, for being a very good ST player.
RobinsonDavis
August 25, 2018 at 12:25 pm
Yes, they were experimenting with Special Team personnel! Coaches were evaluating who could contribute for final roster spots. Expect more of the same, next game. Here are a few things I saw/believe regarding STs after this game and appreciate anybody else's contributions to this list.
* I agree that blocking was bad, but many of these guys have never blocked a guy in open space before. There is an art/technique to this, along with desire to get the job done. We need big improvement here.
* Some guys who stood out to me in THIS game (that were not returners) were Goodson, Whitehead, Biegel, Brice, and Jones. I will edit this once I review the game again, but many are the usual suspects and bubble players. It should be no surprise if these guys make the team based upon their contributions here.
* Note: St. Brown looked awful blocking in one return, while Moore last week played hard in a coverage responsibility, and was forcing plays.
* Also, enough with the MVS experiment as a kick-off returner too, please. It's time we gave somebody else the opportunity, albeit if we could just throw a key block or two, he could be in the end-zone in a heartbeat.
Thegreatreynoldo
August 25, 2018 at 09:32 am
As to the last paragraph, I watched the Detroit - Jacksonville game. Many of the offensive players, particularly the RBs, looked quicker than our players. It was so noticeable that I tried to decide if the camera angle was different for the GB game: more overhead, zoomed in or out more, etc.
Andrew Lloyd Peth
August 25, 2018 at 09:53 am
Oh, I don't know. I think our halfbacks showed they could get snowed under as fast as anyone.
Jones looked like Bill Paxton in Aliens. "Game over, man, game over!"
fthisJack
August 25, 2018 at 02:09 pm
lol
LambeauPlain
August 25, 2018 at 10:52 am
Punt return team was awful. Zook must have coached Alexander to act like he was going to fair catch then at the last minute block the first guy down and let the ball go where ever it will....because nobody else was blocking.
However, with 5/50 Scott and some great speed with the gunners (Josh Jones for example), the Pack's punt cover team looks to be very good.
The top two college punters on the field last night.
TheBigCheeze
August 25, 2018 at 01:44 pm
"I watched some of the Minnesota game. Right now, the difference in athleticism between that team and ours boggles the mind"....not sure what YOU watched, but I watched it, also....and queenies looked like the overrated cr@p that they are....gimme a break.......
TheBigCheeze
August 25, 2018 at 01:50 pm
"Fire Zook, then fire the replacement every week until someone somewhere makes one effective block for our punt returners. Just one block. Just once."------great idea.....I've mentioned similar sentiments in the past...Zook is trash.....
Bure9620
August 25, 2018 at 08:38 am
The lamest was Oren Burks shoulder separation. Geez, in warmups, we could be claiming someone off waivers at final cuts.....
Murphy was.......bad.....quite bad. Even the announcers noticed and were praising Arden Key for beating him like a drum. Is Arden Key a stud or is Murphy just that terrible?? I have never seen a performance like that from him. It looked like the entire backup OL completely forgot how use their hands, and proper technique, and forgot how to move their feet??? And how to play lineman?
Game balls... I think we have a couple bona fide stud rookies in Alexander and Jackson. Jackson looked like he just picked up where he left off in his 5 picks against Ohio St. And Wisco. He is a ball hawk. Alexander is an athlete man, love his closing speed
egbertsouse
August 25, 2018 at 09:16 am
Is Oren Burks related to Justin Harrell?
Bure9620
August 25, 2018 at 09:36 am
No, his cousin plays for the Alanta Hawks
Thegreatreynoldo
August 25, 2018 at 09:42 am
You might consider adding Gilbert. He did good work against Penn. The thing is Penn is 35 years old and moved from LT to RT for the first time in his long career (though I assume he has gotten RT reps at some point). Penn has been a decent starting tackle for a long time. Of course, old and on the move comes into play, but I find Gilbert's success against a legitimate RT encouraging.
Bure9620
August 25, 2018 at 10:28 am
Totally agree, Gilbert is fundamentally sound, I like his power moves and the way he uses his hands. He can bend, and he plays with his hands above his eyes. Still surprises me he was not drafted. Ya can't believe Donanld Penn is still playing.
EdsLaces
August 25, 2018 at 08:38 am
Man our cornerbacks are gonna be nastyyyyy this year ! ( notice I said cornerbacks not secondary ) .
EdsLaces
August 25, 2018 at 08:41 am
Also ...is it weird to anyone else watching 37 hop up in the air celebrating absolutely identical to Sammy? Watch the Alexander pick ...almost creepy lol.
Since'61
August 25, 2018 at 08:44 am
I stayed with the game to the end of the first half. To me the game was unwatchable between the officiating and poor play. These games were once called exhibition games and this was a very poor exhibition of football at any level.
The best I can say about the Packers backup OL is that it is a shambles. And that is probably an insult to shambles. I did not think that Hundley played very well either but his OL was not doing much to help him.
It was good to see Alexander in the secondary. He and Jackson played well. I also thought that Dix had his best play of the preseason. Considering that Daniels didn't play I thought our DL played well.
I don't know what happened to Burks or the extent of his injury. Fortunately there is only one more unnecessary and pointless game to go. Play the guys we're going to cut and get out safe. Thanks, Since '61
TKWorldWide
August 25, 2018 at 09:20 am
Shambles called. He feels insulted.
Thegreatreynoldo
August 25, 2018 at 09:45 am
I figured TK would be the representative for Shambles.
Or, maybe he isn't the rep, and received no such call. Maybe he is Shambles.
Johnblood27
August 25, 2018 at 10:32 am
You have seen the jokes he posts, right?
He masquerades as shambles at times...
Since'61
August 25, 2018 at 10:54 am
I can't say that I blame him/her. It's god to hear from him/her. Thanks, Since '61
Thegreatreynoldo
August 25, 2018 at 11:06 am
When the drunk, naked fan ran onto the field, I was suspicious. But now I see that El TKinstinador continued to tweet after the drunk guy presumably was apprehended and de-phoned.
I also thought it was very nice of Jersey Al to thank El TKinstinador and EL living in the past or something for tweeting to the bitter end.
TKWorldWide
August 25, 2018 at 12:08 pm
I save my drunken nudity for only the most appropriate of venues.
LayingTheLawe
August 25, 2018 at 09:50 am
I watched the whole thing. But I had some adult beverages to help. It is hard to evaluate your skill positions when the line is that bad.
I was excited about Burks. Lets hope its just a temporary thing.
Johnblood27
August 25, 2018 at 10:36 am
Dont make excuses for really bad QB play.
Sometimes the OL failures led to no QB options.
Many times bad QB decision-making and poor fundamentals led to bad QB play.
I do not believe we have a competent back-up QB on this roster right now.
Hundley is absolutely worthless. I hope I never see him in a GBP uniform again, let alone taking a snap.
GBP are obviously hiding Boyle for the PS, but IMO they should be giving him every rep available right now to somewhat douse the dumpster fire that is back-up QB on this QB guru McCarthy led QB room.
I would rather see a pure pocket passer like Boyle getting groomed and exposed to game situations than the two stooges taking the reps.
Again, please dont excuse the very bad QB play on poor OL play.
Since'61
August 25, 2018 at 11:04 am
The problem is that if you have play Boyle behind the backup OLs he would get annihilated staying in the pocket. At least Hundley and Kizer have some mobility to try to make a run for it. Thanks, Since '61
TheKanataThrilla
August 25, 2018 at 11:58 am
Boyle has always played with these scrubs for OL protection in his 2 pre-season games played. It is the reason why I hate the argument against him that he has only played against the 3rd and 4th stringer Defense. He never had a good O-Line blocking for him.
TarynsEyes
August 25, 2018 at 10:34 am
This game was like a bad early XMAS gift.....
https://screencast-o-matic.com/watch/cFjToTqTdZ
Tundraboy
August 25, 2018 at 11:02 pm
I watched till the bitter end. And it was indeed bitter. Other than watching Clark, Moore, Alexander,and Jackson,the Oline's performance sure left a very bad taste in my mouth.
stockholder
August 25, 2018 at 08:43 am
This game said it all. Poor OL. Bad QBs. Rookie Wrs need work. And the special teams are bad. 1. Davis makes this club.( Terrible return game! ) 2. I'm cutting Hundley- His pocket awareness is so improved. But he's still only looking at 1 WR. 3. Arden Key burned Springs bad. And Murphy just is bad. The Rookie CBs were much better than what we had. And I see cuts coming behind them. Adams ,Jones and Biegel showed Hustle on defense. Liked that. This team still has work to do on both sides of the ball. And Mathews should move inside again.
Andrew Lloyd Peth
August 25, 2018 at 09:05 am
Problem is, are we deep enough outside to move Matthews inside? Beyond Gilbert, I have my concerns.
Jones seemed lively out there last night. Maybe we should start him at ILB next week and see how he does. That sure would give us big speed to the edge--but in a light frame at 225 lbs.
stockholder
August 25, 2018 at 09:11 am
If Perry can stay healthy, we will be OK. I thought Brice played well. Jones could play Burks roll.
egbertsouse
August 25, 2018 at 09:21 am
Perry stay healthy? About as likely as a unicorn chasing a flying pig.
LambeauPlain
August 25, 2018 at 11:00 am
Unicorn chasing a flying pig...so you are saying there's not much of a chance of Perry staying healthy?
That's a pretty good!
LambeauPlain
August 25, 2018 at 11:30 am
Whoops. Double post.
Coldworld
August 25, 2018 at 09:11 am
I just climbed on the sign Bowman bandwagon.
mrtundra
August 25, 2018 at 09:57 am
Ken Bowman?
dobber
August 25, 2018 at 08:12 pm
Scotty Bowman.
Tundraboy
August 25, 2018 at 11:06 pm
Why not try the light frame guy.Sure beats watching a heavier guy chasing from behind all the time
Andrew Lloyd Peth
August 25, 2018 at 08:58 am
Looking to next week, I sort of hope we give Rodgers and the other starters a series or two to tune up. I like protecting them in preseason, but Week 1 is no time to be knocking off rust.
I especially hope we do this for Bakhtiari and Bulaga, so they can get in sync with the guards during live action--and see some real speed outside. Every team has its Arden Key.
Since'61
August 25, 2018 at 02:13 pm
ALP - I appreciate your point about playing the starters next week but since we have players getting hurt during warm ups imagine what could happen during the game.
Besides, assuming Rodgers and the starting OL played for 2 series, we’re only talking about 12 - 15 plays, maybe 20 at the most. From a risk management point of view it’s not worth it to have a starting OL get hurt 10 days before the season begins. Thanks, Since ‘61
4thand1
August 25, 2018 at 09:04 am
Wow that was hard to watch. I quit after the 3rd quarter, couldn't run or pass block. This game seemed to be about the o line evaluation over everything else. Their performance should have made it easy who to cut. The Raiders were getting pressure from everywhere. Where was Tonyan? They showcased Kendricks who dropped a TD. Why play Monty with this line? He just took a beating. Usually the Packers showcase the starters on both sides of the ball in the 3rd game. Now I know why AR was in street clothes.
Coldworld
August 25, 2018 at 09:05 am
Certainly wasn’t an attempt to put on a show for the fans. Hope they got some useful tape.
Maybe they thought we would al be asleep anyway.
Thegreatreynoldo
August 25, 2018 at 09:48 am
You mean it wasn't a nightmare?
carlos
August 25, 2018 at 02:38 pm
It was a nightmare.
LambeauPlain
August 25, 2018 at 11:29 am
Did they sit Tonyan? Tonyan has looked pretty good.
Maybe the Pack has decided their TEs will be Graham, Lewis and Tonyan (so sit him)...and maybe a 4th between Kendricks and Bryd. Both played all night with Lewis.
fthisJack
August 25, 2018 at 02:19 pm
Kendricks dropped a sure TD pass. he made a few other catches but i don't know if he deserves a roster spot. didn't exactly burn the place down last year either.
Grandfathered
August 25, 2018 at 08:19 pm
I think that there were quite a few passing plays that were meant for Kendricks last year, but Hundley could not/would not throw it. His numbers should have been better in passing last year, That does not excuse a dropped pass in the end zone, of course, But AR makes a diff when it comes to Kendricks,
Packer Dave
August 25, 2018 at 09:08 am
Thank you guys for the updates. Not clear to me how the backup QB situation is going to shake out, but it seems like a move needs to be made. Three QBs wastes a roster spot, and trading Randall for Kizer then not keeping Kizer would be dumb. Try to flip Hundley for OL depth?
Coldworld
August 25, 2018 at 09:15 am
Really didn’t learn much more about backups or RBs due to O line experimentation. Neither QB looked as good as previously but no one would have.
Andrew Lloyd Peth
August 25, 2018 at 09:29 am
I learned nothing about the QB's last night, as they both looked like they were in foxholes being overrun.
Every time a receiver would rotate out for a breather, the QB would hand him a note and say, "Get this to my family. Tell them I love them very much."
JonathanSpader
August 25, 2018 at 09:40 am
It not like Cook or Manuel looked better for the Raiders. Package Hundley in an offer for Mack.
LayingTheLawe
August 25, 2018 at 09:56 am
Good one ALP. And whenever they got sacked the QB would tell the linemen, "go on without me," hoping he'd get left behind.
Andrew Lloyd Peth
August 25, 2018 at 10:07 am
"Go on without me."
Ha!
Guam
August 25, 2018 at 09:12 am
One of the very few positives was Moore who caught everything thrown at him. His drops in the first two games were a concern, but I think he made the 53 last night. Allison also looked good.
4thand1
August 25, 2018 at 09:16 am
The critisism of Alexander fielding a punt late in the game is unwarrented. He made a lot of good decisions early on punts. I'll chuck it up to just trying to make a play because they needed one.
Bure9620
August 25, 2018 at 09:21 am
I am wondering if the Burks inury is serious if Josh Jones could play inside? Brice is better in deep coverage and Jones seems more comfortable in the box anyway. He can cover TEs, and also could be utilized in blitz packages up the middle.
LambeauPlain
August 25, 2018 at 11:24 am
He's big enough. Could also bring in Eric Reid. He played a lot of ILB last year...probably more snaps there than at S.
Just have to roll the dice and hope he doesn't disrupt the locker room.
Samson
August 25, 2018 at 09:32 am
The OL depth is definitely a problem. -- The problem exists because at some point in time during the season-- 1 or more starting OLineman will go down and the depth has to show up. -- Hate to see AR get clobbered. -- GB without AR is just an average team. (IMO -- GB still does not have a proven BU QB)
On the other hand, Alexander, Jackson, Gilbert, Clark are all making the "D" seem like an improved unit already. --- Hope this stays this way right into game 1 against da Bears.
4thand1
August 25, 2018 at 09:57 am
agreed
I bleed green more
August 25, 2018 at 09:44 am
If I am Gute I pick up several of the best o line cut and yes I know they were let go but they have to be better than our back up line they flat stunk it up.
Chuck Farley
August 25, 2018 at 09:45 am
My two cents worth observations.
1. This team lacks speed all over the place.
2. This looks like capers playbook to me with petine in charge of it.
3. Dix still sucks and if petine can't see that it will be a tough season as we expected changes.
4. These guys look seriously out of shape. Fackrell had his hands on his hips gasping in the first quarter. Bell looks like a big slob running around with gat hanging all over.
This team is a dumpster fire right now
fthisJack
August 25, 2018 at 02:25 pm
9 guys on O didn't play tonight so i wouldn't get too shook about it. along with Daniels and Perry.
johnnyd17
August 25, 2018 at 09:45 am
former Packer linebacker John Dorsey had his career ended with achilles tendon injury during pre-game warmups
LambeauPlain
August 25, 2018 at 11:05 am
And Teddy Bridgewater had his entire knee fall apart during training camp warm ups. His tibia was only attached to his tibia by skin.
Handsback
August 25, 2018 at 09:51 am
I haven't watched too many replays but one player outside those already mentioned that I saw on the ground a lot was Biegel. Three times in 2nd half he was on the ground and twice a TE was on top. Not a good look. The rookie OLB seemed to be active but have to watch the tape to really tell. Actually will never do that. The game was that bad to watch again.
Johnblood27
August 25, 2018 at 10:43 am
Donnerson did show some penetration and hustle.
I like the kid better than Odom or even the Fack-bieg monster.
Andrew Lloyd Peth
August 25, 2018 at 11:01 am
Biegrell.
Minniman
August 25, 2018 at 02:51 pm
Sport one of those breeds in your handbag Paris Hilton!
LambeauPlain
August 25, 2018 at 11:11 am
Watch the game again (if you can handle it) and watch Beigel. He played A LOT better this week. He crashed the edge and turned runners inside to his D line. And he showed he can finally disengage blockers.
He had good punch and some bull rush too. One of the plays with the TE you refer to is Vince had a hard punch and was shoving the the TE back into the running lane. All the TE could do was grab a handful of jersey and drew a holding call on Vince. And gave the Raiders 3rd and long. Beigel won that play.
I thought he was a cut down goner after the first two games. He helped himself last night.
Bure9620
August 25, 2018 at 01:04 pm
Yes Biegel did play better, he needs to add strength and play with a lower pad level, he gets washed out a bit, but people are freaking out about Biegel
dobber
August 25, 2018 at 08:17 pm
With their lack of depth on the outside and Biegel still pretty green, I don't think his job is in jeopardy.
Oppy
August 25, 2018 at 11:17 pm
I also will second that he played better last night, but in my opinion, still not really up to speed for a 3-4 OLB at the NFL level.
It's something to build on. However, his strength / violence needs to be taken up a solid notch or two. It's a good start that he bullied a Tight End, but at this level, a 3-4 OLB is expected to take on 6'5", 300lb + sized NFL starting OT's, battle, win, and get to the QB or ball carrier.
Qoojo
August 25, 2018 at 10:00 am
I see no reason to use two roster spots for back up QB. Hundley and Kizer haven't shown enough for two spots. They are kind of the same guy. Hundley is slightly ahead of Kizer due to experience and training, but neither will make a difference if forced to start. Hundley might turn the ball over less, but we have pretty much seen all he has to offer. In theory, Kizer has more upside.
I know people are hating on back up OL, but I thought they did "ok" for going against Oakland's 1st string. A few mental errors with the penalties. The second half was ugly for the OL.
Oakland was able to gain a bunch of yards due to no pressure at times. HCD has at least one mistackle and/or bad angle miss in every preseason game that allowed some big yardage. Kind of concerned about him this year.
Defense is a work in progress.
Heck of a catch by Moore to hang on. Jackson is looking very good of course. Alexander is going to get a few taunting and stupid penalties during the season. Hopefully, Gilbert can sustain what we have seen.
The decision on how many WRs and TEs to keep will be very interesting. Those last spots will be difficult decisions. I really don't know if it's worth keeping Kendricks over one of the younger guys.
Grandfathered
August 25, 2018 at 08:28 pm
I would give this six likes if I could - one for each paragraph
Oppy
August 25, 2018 at 08:51 pm
I agree with almost all of this, particularly your point about not seeing enough to waste more than two roster spots on QBs- that's exactly how I felt last night.
Where I differ is I thought while Kizer theoretically has a higher ceiling than Hundley, they are nowhere near the same guy. Kizer may be better one day, but in 2018, Hundley is far and away the better option. Again, I know no one wants to hear that. It is what it is. Kizer was lagging behind Hundley after two games, but outside of a nice toss or two, he was straight garbage last night.. hot, stinking garbage.
Kizer, IMO, played poorly enough to have played his way off the team last night. Under 50% completion and dreadful decisions down the stretch.
PatrickGB
August 25, 2018 at 10:47 am
Because of where I am currently at, I had to watch the Pats panthers game. Starting LT for the pats was Ulrick John. He is a guy we had and released. But then again it was Brady at QB.
For the Packers, All the moving around and substitutions on that line made things worse. I don’t believe the hype about Campen, this game showed the weakness of that line.
Johnblood27
August 25, 2018 at 10:46 am
Lets see what the Pats do with John in the regular season and how he performs before we hang Campen.
I am not a big Campen supporter, I do thnk a lot of guys have left GB and performed elsewhere on the OL, but maybe, just maybe player performance is on the player and not on the coach all the time.
silk purses and sows ears stuff...
dobber
August 25, 2018 at 08:20 pm
I don't know about that. There have been really good OL in GB who have moved on and still been good (Sitton, Lang), and there have been dumpster fire OL who have moved on and been nothing more than journeyman stopgap OL (Barbre, Giacomeni, Newhouse) or nothing (EDS). Tretter, I think, rated out as an average C (can someone verify this?). There haven't been any crap OL in GB who have gone on to be outstanding.
RobinsonDavis
August 25, 2018 at 10:54 am
I had heard this. How did Ulrick John play?
cheesehead1
August 25, 2018 at 11:09 am
Montgomery hurt again is troubling. I know it’s not serious, but his track record is not good at all. Gutekunst somehow has to shore up our depth on the OL, maybe bring Jahri Evans back. Obviously if Rodgers goes down we’re in big trouble. Wish they would give Boyle more of a look as I have no faith in Hundley.
Bure9620
August 25, 2018 at 11:13 am
Montgomery doesnt get hurt.......ever...........As sports gamling is now legal, I wonder what over/under is for when Ty goes on IR, 6.5 games??
LambeauPlain
August 25, 2018 at 11:21 am
Gute is going to have a busy day next Saturday afternoon putting in waiver claims for O lineman.
If Murphy is on the team at 3:01 PM a week from now I have a trembling fear TT has supernaturally indwelt BG.
But during the week BG should be making calls to trade for the best second string OT he can find in exchange for Hundley.
And if the injury to Burks is serious, move CMIII inside and plead his two #1s for Mack to McKenzie.
marpag1
August 25, 2018 at 11:30 am
The Packers can keep Montgomery around for now because 1) he's OK whenever he happens to be healthy, 2) the alternatives at RB are pretty limited right now, and mostly 3) he's still on a cheap rookie contract. But as soon as Monty needs to be paid serious money, wave goodbye.
Grandfathered
August 25, 2018 at 08:35 pm
Monty looked good in pass blocking. Still the best receiver of the RBs. I don't know how the Pack will use him with (hopefully) new schemes, this year, but I was hoping too see him as more of a Sproles type guy, or old school west coast offense.
RCPackerFan
August 25, 2018 at 12:17 pm
Game Balls:
Alexander & Jackson.
These are Gutekunst's first 2 draft choices as a GM. The early signs are really good for these 2.
In consecutive weeks Jackson had pick 6's. Although this one got called back from something that happened on the other side of the field, it still counts in my book. He still made the play and showed his abilities.
Alexander I have no idea how well he can do as a punt returner but man he made 2 extremely savvy veteran moves on his punt return attempts. First blocking the gunner so the ball could get into the endzone was a tremendous move.
Moore definitely took a step in the right direction.
Aaron Jones. Great to see him back. His pass blocking looks like it improved as well.
JK Scott really boomed the ball again.
Lame Calls-
OL namely Murphy. He was horrendous. I thought Spriggs was 'ok'. But anyone would look decent next to Murphy.
The OL didn't allow either QB to have time for anything. Which meant the WR's didn't have time for anything. Just a bad performance.
Injuries is the other bad thing. Losing Burks in the pregame is not a good thing. Hopefully its not serious.
TheBigCheeze
August 25, 2018 at 01:47 pm
Clinton dix needs to be cut asap......he plays with zero enthusiasm, and got burned on several plays.......
Oppy
August 25, 2018 at 02:21 pm
People don’t want to hear it, but Hundley is undoubtedly your back up QB for 2018.
IMO, what promise Kizer has shown over the first two preseason games has been washed completely away by the dumpster fire that was the final 4 minutes of the game. That’s a QB making horrible decisions- one who started a majority of games in 2017.
Honestly.. Kizer moves from “try to keep for pontential if possible” to “we can cut this guy and not look back” after last night. I think next week Hundley (the packers 2018 Back up QB) gets shelved and Kizer and Boyle battle for the right to land a job on the practice squad.
BTW... anyone starting to see why Davis might have a shot on this team as a Return specialist? How many muffed punts or go-nowhere returns must we see? He serves a role. I hope he’s healthy and sticks. Or ST will suffer.
fthisJack
August 25, 2018 at 02:33 pm
Punt returner was not the problem....it was the other 10 guys that are supposed to block someone that was the problem.
Oppy
August 25, 2018 at 02:51 pm
How different is the ST squad than last year? Minus Janis? Also, all the fumbles and muffs have nothing to do with blocking. Ball security is top priority above all else on returns.
Minniman
August 25, 2018 at 03:12 pm
So GB's rookie starting corner's did some good things and are both progressing.
Collectively the 3 rookie WR's have also done some good things (some of whom will be starters).
One of the younger OLB's has also started to step up.
The full backup OL experiment didn't pan out and gives the coaches and those players plenty to work on.
The plays and defensive looks seem strangely similar to last year - and part of me is glad that we aren't seeing too much "new" in pre-season games (although I'll start to worry if it persists in week 1 or 2).
Game Summary: Rookie guys who are expected starters are doing some good things and bona fide backups have proven why they are so (and need to do more work to contend for positions). Offensive and Defensive playbooks and looks are still well under wraps.
PAPackerbacker
August 25, 2018 at 03:24 pm
There were a few bright spots in this game, very few. Gilbert, Alexander, and Jackson were superb. It's time to clean house on the OL. Allowing 5 sacks is just ridiculous. They were horrible, especially Murphy!! Running game was practically non existent. Burks gets hurt during warm ups? What's up with that? Way to many penalties, especially at crucial times in the red zone. This was one UGLY game.
AgrippaLII
August 25, 2018 at 11:14 pm
Talk up the WR's all you want. It won't mean squat if AR is on his backside the whole game. The OL backups are a joke. Better keep three QB's...looks like we're gonna need them.
Handsback
August 26, 2018 at 07:45 am
One last comment...the Packer's punter was OK, but nothing like practice. He didn't change the field position but once that I saw so I hope he does better!