Green Bay Packers: Top 5 things to watch against Patriots

Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Two Surprising Linebackers

Nate Palmer has been one of the surprises in camp so far. Palmer has been getting a lot of snaps at the inside linebacker spot, especially with Clay Matthews missing some time during training camp. If Matthews is held out against the Patriots, Palmer will have a lot of opportunities to prove to the coaching staff that what he is doing in practice isn’t a fluke.

If Palmer can show the Packers in these preseason games that he is a capable option at inside linebacker, it not only improves the depth at that position, but allows Dom Capers to let Matthews roam the field more.

The other linebacker that has been impressing in camp so far is Andy Mulumba. With Mike Neal and Nick Perry missing time in training camp and Mulumba impressing, there is talk that Mulumba could be the starting outside linebacker opposite of Julius Peppers.

For the Packers to feel comfortable with that potential decision, Mulumba needs to play well in these preseason games and he will get plenty of opportunities against the Patriots. It’s unknown whether Neal or Perry will play, so Mulumba could get a lot of snaps to prove himself.

Next: Cornerbacks