Packers: Grading Preseason Week 2 loss at Pittsburgh
By Phil Watson
Aug 23, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Scott Tolzien (16) throws a pass against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second half of the game at Heinz Field. The Steelers won the game, 24-19. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports
There were a few offensive standouts on Sunday, but only a few in a game where Green Bay managed just 10 first downs and 200 yards of total offense while surrendering six sacks.
The offense as a whole gets a grade of D, because it was sort of a dud, notwithstanding the Nelson injury.
The best on offense included:
Lane Taylor, LG: The backup guard logged 35 snaps and was solid in both run and pass blocking during his stint. Grade: B
Scott Tolzien, QB: Before leaving with a concussion, the backup quarterback played 32 snaps, going 11-for-19 for 102 yards and a touchdown, taking two sacks and scrambling once for no gain. Grade: B
Corey Linsley, C: The Packers’ starting center was on the field for 22 snaps and was simply a beast in run blocking. Grade: B
Honorable mentions: TE Mitchell Henry (C+), RT Josh Walker (C+).
And the worst of the bunch:
Brett Hundley, QB: The fifth-round pick did not impress in a 12-snap stint on Sunday. While he was 3-for-5 for 19 yards, he also took two sacks and was flagged once for intentional grounding, costing the Packers 18 yards on a second-and-9 play. Grade: D-
Don Barclay, LT: Starting in place of injured David Bakhtiari, Barclay struggled in 49 snaps, giving up two sacks and a quarterback hit, also being flagged once for holding, and also not performing particularly well on run blocking, either. Grade: D-
Alonzo Harris, RB: Harris played 11 snaps, carrying once for three yards and dropping both passes that were thrown to him. Grade: D
Dishonorable mention: QB Matt Blanchard (D), WR Jeff Janis (D), WR Myles White (D+).
Next: Defense