Green Bay Packers v. Ravens immediate reactions

The Green Bay Packers just wrapped up their second preseason game of the season against the Baltimore Ravens and here are my immediate reactions to what we saw.

In this second week of preseason action for the Green Bay Packers, we got to see most of their starters take the field. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers was held out of tonight’s game at the last minute with back tightness, but we were able to see just about everyone else.

Not that it matters much, but the Ravens did win the game 26 -13. However, as always is the case there is plenty more to dissect than just the final score.

Of course, there will likely be some things that I’ve missed on my list, but as I was doing my brain dump from what I saw tonight, these are the things that first came to mind:

• Curtis Bolton got the start next to Blake Martinez and my goodness did he impress. Bolton was all over the field making tackles – including on special teams – and came away with an interception. He will make the final 53-man roster.
• As the battle for QB2 continues on, it was a slow start for DeShone Kizer but he was able to string some nice plays together. While Tim Boyle had some nice throws as well, he appeared to struggle much more and missed a number of throws in the dirt.
• Both as a receiver and in the return game, Darrius Shepherd is making an extremely strong case to make the final 53-man roster.
• With that said, Trevor Davis better get healthy quickly.
• Elgton Jenkins and Lane Taylor are in a very real competition as each player took reps with the first and second-team offenses.
• As good as Ty Summers was last week, he struggled against the Ravens. Missed tackles were an issue for him at TCU and that part of his game was exposed in Baltimore.
• The wide receiver group as a whole looked very solid in winning their one-on-one battles, creating space, and working the soft spots in the defense. This was something that as a unit they’ve struggled with early in Camp.
• Chandon Sullivan is a name to keep your eyes on and could be a dark horse to make the final 53 at cornerback.
• Alex Light looks like a legit option as the backup tackle.
• It was a very quiet night for the 12th overall pick in the draft, Rashan Gary.
• Once again, Josh Jones was inactive which to me means that he isn’t likely to make the final roster as Green Bay is comfortable with their depth at ILB and safety.
• Jake Kumerow is really good in case you didn’t know.
• Missed open field tackles…again.
• Through the first two preseason games as well as the few Training Camp practices that I’ve attended, the Green Bay Packers’ running game has struggled.
• The special teams unit still needs work. Last week was sloppy and for the most part, it carried over to this week as well. Especially when it comes to penalties.
• While he still may be a bit of a longshot, Allen Lazard is making a name for himself at the receiver position, hauling in a few receptions and totaling over 60 yards.
• Forcing turnovers has been an issue in recent seasons and after coming away with four a week ago, the Packers’ defense grabs another in Baltimore.
• Kingsley Keke looks like he will be a very solid rotational player on the defensive front.
• Overall, through the first two preseason games, the 2019 draft class has looked very impressive.

There will be a number of things to work on during the next week of practice but there have been a lot of positives as well. Next Thursday the Green Bay Packers head to Canada to take on the Oakland Raiders and we should expect to see Rodgers take the field in this game.