Green Bay Packers preseason: 3 players trending up & 3 trending down

The Green Bay Packers took the field for their second preseason game. Some guys were able to help themselves, while others missed opportunities.

The Green Bay Packers took the field for the second time in the preseason, taking on the Baltimore Ravens. The starters got some action in this one. The starting defense held the Ravens to two field goals. The offense, minus Aaron Rodgers, was able to get three points on the board.

Once the starters exited, the guys fighting for spots on the roster took over.

When it was all said and done the Ravens walked away with a 26-13 victory.

Here’s the guys who helped and hurt themselves with tonight’s performance.

3 Up:

Darrius Shepherd, WR: Shepherd’s path to the roster initially appears to be on special teams. Shepherd did not disappoint early in the game. After the Ravens kicked a field goal to take a 3-0 lead, Shepherd showed off his abilities as the kick returner. Shepherd’s return was marred by a flag, but it doesn’t take away the ability he showed on the play. Shepherd may very well work his way into the offense at some point, but for now he’s taking his chances  on special teams and running with them.  He has made the most of his chances on offense as well. He scored a touchdown in the fourth quarter to add to his impressive night.

Trevor Davis better get healthy if he’s going to keep his roster spot.

Curtis Bolton, ILB: Bolton is squarely in the spotlight with Oren Burks down with an injury and a timetable that is uncertain. Bolton has been running ahead of 7th round pick Ty Summers for the majority of camp. Tonight, he got to start next to Blake Martinez with the number one defense. That’s never going to be a bad thing when you’re running with the ones. Bolton flashed while he was in the game as well. He made a nice tackle in the backfield in the middle of the second quarter. He also was able to get an interception just before halftime. Bolton has speed and instincts to play the position. If he’s able to put everything together, he’s likely to be the starter next to Martinez to open the year in Chicago.

Tony Brown, CB: Brown has been one of the darlings of camp thus far. He has really made the second year leap that many fans were probably hoping would be made by Josh Jackson. Jackson has been on the shelf with a foot injury, which has given Brown the opportunity. So far, he has taken that opportunity and run with it. On Bolton’s interception, it was Brown in coverage that batted the ball into the air. With the way camp has transpired, it’s fair to say that Brown has been the team’s second best cornerback behind Jaire Alexander. Whether or not it stays that way remains to be seen, but the Packers may have found a hidden gem in the young man from Alabama

Honorable Mention: Allen Lazard, WR – Lazard continues to put good games together. He also has a skillset that does not exist on the roster. That could give him a role on the roster if he can continue to string together good performances.

3 Down:

Deshone Kizer/Tim Boyle. QB: Kizer had a golden opportunity to cement himself as the team’s backup quarterback tonight. Aaron Rodgers was held out of the game for precautionary reasons, that meant Kizer was going to get a chance to play with the ones. Kizer’s final stat line was disappointing, but his on field play was as well. Kizer had a chance to convert a fourth down to an open Davante Adams and threw it too hot. The play before that he didn’t get enough arch on the ball that could have been a first down to Geronimo Allison. Kizer has his moments where he looks like a starter for the top half of the league. He has other moments when he looks like he should be auditioning for the XFL. Tonight was toward the latter half. It’s still very likely the Packers stick with Kizer given their investment in him, but they can’t feel comfortable if he has any significant playing time. Boyle didn’t do much to separate himself either. He made a couple nice throws, but was marred by inconsistency that has followed him for the majority of his career. He did lead a touchdown drive to salvage what was otherwise a forgettable night.

Dexter Williams/Tra Carson, RB: Dexter Williams continues to struggle in the passing game. He had a drop on a screen pass in the first half that could have gone for a sizable game. He certainly looks the part in the running game, but in this offense you have to be a factor in the passing game.

While Williams looks the part in the running game, Carson does not. He looks like a slow plodder with the ball in his hands. If Dexter Williams can’t be a factor in the passing game, the Packers may have to look at the waiver wire for another running back when the final cutdowns take place, but neither of these guys have done much to distinguish themselves at this point.

Chandon Sullivan DB:  This may appear a little harsh, but Sullivan has to take advantage of every opportunity that comes his way. On the Ravens’ first touchdown of the night, Sullivan was in perfect position to make a play on the ball. Instead of an easy interception, the ball whizzed past his hands and went for a touchdown. When you’re on the back end of the roster like that, those splash plays can stand out. Sullivan missed an opportunity.