2022 Packers Preseason: Looking Ahead To Game Two
The Packers have four preseason games, dating back to last season. Week two is not looking like that trend will change. Below is a recap of what went wrong for the Packers in game one and what needs to be done in week two.
Unlike the Baltimore Ravens, the Packers are not a flashy preseason team with a high win-loss percentage. Thankfully, the Packers’ preseason gameplay does not transition to the regular season. Green Bay can have an amazing preseason or a toilet bowl preseason and still put up wins in the regular season. Green Bay uses the preseason to test the skills of the fresh batch of rookies, the new guys on the roster, and to warm up some of the starters. John Harbaugh and the Ravens go for the wins.
Preseason Game One: What Went Wrong For The Packers?
When it comes to preseason, Green Bay isn’t a team that wins a lot but that’s okay. The Packers’ week one game against the San Francisco 49ers was a surprisingly close game. The 49ers started off the game with their starters whereas the Packers did not. Aaron Rodgers prefers not to play in the preseason and based on his history with the Packers, he doesn’t really need it. The Packers started off the game with a three and out and the 49ers started with a field goal.
The second possession was filled with electricity as Jordan Love and the Packers stormed down the field in eight plays to secure a touchdown. Love was inconsistent and used his legs to help move the chains On fourth down, Love heaved a pass downfield to the rookie sensation Romeo Doubs for a 33-yard touchdown.
4th & 3? No problem. TOUCHDOWN!@jordan3love ➡️ @RomeoDoubs #SFvsGB | #GoPackGo 📺: #GBvsSF | Packers TV Network + @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/XmGs1MFIlo — Green Bay Packers (@packers) August 13, 2022
The 49ers then had a three and out which ended in a touchdown after Trey Lance connected with Danny Gray. This is when the Packers started to fall apart, both on offense and defense.
Jordan Love was very hot and cold throughout his time on the field. After driving down the field for the first Green Bay touchdown, Love went on to throw three interceptions prior to finding Danny Davis for a touchdown late in the first half. One of the interceptions was ripped out of Romeo Doubs’ hands which the referees called an interception. Love finished the first half completing only 13 passes on 24 attempts for 176 yards, two touchdowns, three interceptions, and added 24 yards on the ground.
Danny Etling started the second half for the green and gold and played the rest of the game. He posted solid numbers but wasn’t able to help secure the victory. Gabe Brkic missing the 32-yard chip shot in the third definitely didn’t help. Etling completed six of eight passes for 123 yards and one touchdown while also adding 18 yards on the ground. Dexter Williams and Tyler Goodson showed flashes in the rushing attack but for the most part, it was a quiet day on the ground.
The second and third-string defense was very lackluster for most of the game but for some of them, it was their first taste of the NFL and for the others, it was the first game of the new season. The Packers’ defense forced two fumbles and Krys Barnes recovered one of them. Kobe Jones, Kingsley Enagbare, and Tipa Galeai all recorded one sack. Trey Lance was sacked once and Nate Sudfeld twice.
What’s In Store For Game Two From This Packers Roster?
Green Bay’s next game is Friday, August 19th at 7 pm Central. The Packers host the New Orleans Saints on the freshly painted Lambeau field. The plan in this game will be to build upon some of the consistency we saw in game one and fix some of the problem areas. Romeo Doubs had some issues with drops, the defense had issues containing the 49ers’ offense, and Love played poorly. This week the Packers and the Saints held joint practices and the Packers’ Twitter account displayed many highlights that will hopefully transition into the game Friday night.
Amari Rodgers played well on special teams and also on the offense. As a second-year player, he will be looking to build on his slow start last season. He played well on special teams as a kick returner both last year and in last week’s preseason game. In the 2022 season, special teams could be Amari’s spot on the roster as there are a lot of new faces in the wide receiver room. I expect to see some starters to play in this game with the exception of Rodgers. Love will get the nod once again.
The current betting line for the game is set at minus three in favor of the Packers for home-field advantage. Total points are set at over/under 39 points and these two teams can definitely hit the over. Last week, the Saints lost to the Houston Texans which is an eye sore so maybe the Packers can get the win and end the current losing streak.
If you’d like to watch the Packers vs Saints game Friday night, NFL+ airs all preseason games online or via the app. Here is Stadium Rant’s link: https://www.gopjn.com/t/4-481235-279750-55814