Green Bay Packers: Top 5 things to watch against Patriots
By Dan Kasper
Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Cornerbacks
The Packers still have some questions about their cornerbacks that should start to sort themselves out against the Patriots. Can Casey Hayward be the other starter opposite Sam Shields? How well do rookies Damarious Randall and Quinten Rollins play, and how fast can they get up to speed with the NFL game?
And, will the Packers only keep one more corner between Ladarius Gunter and Demetri Goodson?
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Hayward needs to show the doubters that he can become a starter for the Packers and needs to show everyone he can play on the outside. These preseason games will show whether or not Hayward can be the guy opposite of Shields.
Randall and Goodson are fighting off injuries, and it’s unknown whether they will play this first game. However, if they miss this preseason opener then they will lose some ground on gaining valuable experience.
Randall will be counted on early in the season to contribute quite a bit, so the Packers would really like for him to get as many snaps as possible in these preseason games. For Goodson, he’s on the roster bubble and needs as many opportunities for him to showcase his skills as he can get.
As for Rollins and Gunter, Rollins will make the team, but it’s important for him to show the Packers how well he is catching on to the NFL game and the playbook. For Gunter, the undrafted rookie is fighting for a roster spot and he has shown some impressive moments during camp.
Now he needs to showcase himself in these crucial preseason games and his first shot comes against the Patriots.
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