Three Key Takeaways from the Packers Vs. Broncos Preseason Game

The Packers lost to the Broncos 27-2, avoiding a complete shutout thanks to defensive lineman Zach Morton sacking Zach Wilson for a safety. A Zach-on-Zach crime if you will. While it’s crucial not to dismiss preseason as meaningless, it’s equally important to avoid overreacting or panicking. Nearly the entire first half, the Broncos played their starters, and the Packers played with their second and third-string players. While the situation inevitably led to a huge lead for the Broncos, it provided Packers players fighting for roster spots a valuable opportunity to demonstrate their ability to compete against the first-string units—opponents they might face in the regular season if they make the team. If this game was a swimming match, some players swam, others sank, and some did not even dive into the pool. Here are key takeaways from the game and points to look out for in the next week as the final roster cuts approach.

The backup quarterbacks had a rough game.

In the first half, Sean Clifford had the opportunity to prove that he could be the guy to lead the team if Jordan Love ever, god forbid, got injured. Clifford did not exactly make the best impression. It is worth noting, he was playing with fellow backups, so the quarterback position was not the only area where the offense struggled. Ideally, strong offensive playmakers would be out on the field helping him.

Despite the opportunity to distance himself from rookie quarterback Michael Pratt, Sean Clifford could not make any plays or gain any offensive momentum. All offseason, taking care of the ball has been an issue for Clifford and it showed up in the game, getting picked off by Keidron Smith, which led to the Broncos scoring on offense. By the second half, the coaches put Pratt under center to see if the quarterback change could spark the offense. However, by the time Pratt was in, the offense was already faltering, and he was unable to turn things around. Pratt did not exactly play much better in this game, but he has shown more promise in the offseason. While Clifford does have the advantage of being in the system for one more year, Pratt is simply performing better. Do not be surprised if the rookie quarterback walks away with the backup job. 

The offensive line depth is questionable at tackle.

The quarterback troubles should not be placed solely on the offensive line, since they did not give them adequate time in the pocket. Unfortunately, the offensive line is not invincible, so injuries are bound to happen throughout the season. Royce Newman, an offensive lineman in his third year, did not play like it was his third year. He struggled heavily against the Broncos’ defensive line, allowing too many pressures. Rookie Andre Dillard had his fair share of struggles as well. Last preseason game, he played both left and right tackle and it seems the coaches see him as the potential swing tackle, but one would hope that there might be better solutions out there on the waiver wire. Strong depth at the offensive line is crucial to protecting the newly paid Jordan Love.

The kicking competition is weak.

While the Packers lacked any offensive momentum, kicker Greg Joseph did have one moment to display his skill from 47 yards out. No one watching would have thought for a second, he was going to make the field goal, and the viewers were correct. Everyone watched the football fly wide right, cueing the out-of-touch fan who says how even they could make that. Though no couch potato could, the professional kicker should be able to make it. No kicker has proven themselves worthy of the position over the other. In this camp, Joseph kicked 52/64 (81.25%), Carlson kicked 50/62 (80.6%), and Hale kicked 11/16 (68.8%). It is like when there’s the option to pick each kicker or none and at this point, Packers fans might beg the front office to choose the latter and bring on a whole new kicker altogether.

After yesterday’s beatdown, players look towards the final stretch of the preseason to make more impressions, hopefully good, on their coaches before it is time for cuts. There is an open practice on Tuesday, joint practices against the Ravens on Thursday, and the final preseason game against the Ravens this Saturday at home. Let’s see which players rise to the occasion.