2022 Packers Preseason: Previewing Week Three
The Green Bay Packers take on Kansas City Chiefs in Week Three of the NFL Preseason, this Thursday night. Here’s a preview of what to look for in the season’s final preseason game.
It’s already nearly the end of the preseason and fans are even closer to the anticipated NFL Kickoff Weekend where the Packers will take on the Vikings in Minnesota. But one game still remains as Green Bay heads to Kansas City for a routine matchup in Arrowhead. As the team closes out the preseason, there is one more chance for the team to experiment and see what they’ve got with some of the young guys including their 2020 first-round pick Jordan Love.
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The Packers Head To Kansas City In Preseason Week Three
Although the Packers have rarely played starters this preseason, that is the opposite with the Chiefs as Patrick Mahomes has gotten some time in their two previous matchups including a two-touchdown performance against the Commanders on Saturday. It is unlikely Aaron Rodgers will be playing as he has not suited up in preseason since 2019. But there is a chance as coach Matt LaFleur has hinted at playing starters against the Chiefs.
Green Bay is hopeful to see some playing time from second-round rookie receiver Christian Watson, who warmed up but did not play last week after he finally returned to practice following recovery from his knee injury. Another key player to watch is fourth-rounder Romeo Doubs, who has had an up and down preseason. He’s seemingly done it all, from finding the endzone to causing a Jordan Love interception. New offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich would like to see the receiving corps finish off strong before roster cuts.
Currently, the most likely wide receivers on the bubble include former Ravens wideout Sammy Watkins, who has yet to make a preseason appearance, as well as Juwann Winfree and seventh-round pick Samori Toure. Winfree has received high praise from Rodgers which helps his case to stay on the roster, although the four-time MVP also praised former receiver Jake Kumerow, who was released just after.
Final Depth Chart Pieces Should Fall Into Place For The Packers
Looking at the offensive line, it’s key to watch rookies Sean Ryhan and Zach Tom as one of them could be starting in Week One depending on the progression of Elgton Jenkins and David Bakhtiari’s injuries. Green Bay is also looking at the third running back battle between Tyler Goodson and Patrick Taylor until Kylin Hill returns from injury.
Turning it over to Joe Barry’s defense, the unit has been the highlight of camp and preseason. They look really special this year as for once the Packers have a really good linebackers corps. Krys Barnes went from LB1 to LB3-4 despite playing really well against the Saints. This deep group continues to impress as they prepare to see their second starting quarterback of the preseason, Patrick Mahomes.
The State Of The Chiefs As The Packers Come To Town
After the Chiefs’ 2018 MVP heads to the bench, the undrafted 2021 Draft quarterback Shane Buechele handles the duties with the Kent State rookie quarterback Dustin Crum starting afterward. The backfield could include a little playing time from starting running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire. The former LSU standout hasn’t lived up to the hype as he enters a big year ahead. Veteran Derrick Gore and training camp standout Isaiah Pacheco currently sit behind Edwards-Helaire on the depth chart.
Rodgers and the team get to meet a familiar friend as Marquez Valdes-Scantling runs into the Packers for the first time since departing back in March when he signed a three-year contract with Kansas City. It is unknown if former Steelers wideout JuJu Smith-Schuster will play but if not, the Packers should expect to see 2021 fifth-round pick Cornell Powell and former Bucs fifth-round pick and 2020 Super Bowl champion receiver, Justin Watson.
On defense, the Chiefs’ first-round pick, defensive end George Karlaftis, enters coming off a good game against Washington with a sack. It’ll be interesting which first-round defender has the best game from both sides with the Packers boasting Walker and Wyatt. Finally, we get the battle of McDuffies as Trent and Isaiah battle it out. Isaiah was a sixth-round pick out of Boston College a year ago while Trent was the Chiefs’ other first-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.
It will be interesting to see how both teams perform, as it should be fun to watch with starters from both teams making an appearance. As of date, we still have not seen a Rodgers-Mahomes battle but maybe that could happen for a couple of snaps at least. Fortunately for Packers fans around the globe, the game will air on NFL Network in a primetime edition of Thursday night preseason football.
Players to watch: Jordan Love, Trent McDuffie, Cornell Powell, Romeo Doubs
Score prediction: Kansas City Chiefs 20, Green Bay Packers 19
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