The Green Bay Packers are getting ready to take on the Oakland Raiders this Thursday, and here are seven players you should be keeping your eyes on once the game begins.
It’s hard to believe but we are already halfway through the Green Bay Packers’ preseason schedule and for week three, they will be traveling to Canada to face the Oakland Raiders this Thursday night.
It’s been an exciting start to the 2019 season with a number of new faces on the team, as well as a new head coach leading the way in Matt LaFleur.
As with every team, there are both positive and negative takeaways at this point in the preseason, along with players who have been pleasant surprises, as well as those who need to show something over the final weeks.
The players listed below are either fighting for more playing time or just a spot on the final roster. Either way, they should have your full attention when the Green Bay Packers and the Oakland Raiders take the field on Thursday.
Trevor Davis
Trevor Davis has been on the roster bubble for much of the offseason and a recent injury in the team’s scrimmage against the Houston Texans set him back.
Contrary to what many think, Davis had put together a strong performance at OTAs as well as at the beginning of Training Camp. Compared to years past, he’s looked like he could be a much more productive player under LaFleur.
However, since he’s been out we have seen Jake Kumerow all but lock up a roster spot, while Darrius Shepherd and Allen Lazard have each made strong cases to be included on the Green Bay Packers’ final 53-man roster.
Davis will need to pick up right where he left off prior to his injury, and he is going to need to perform well over the final weeks – both offensively and on special teams, if he hopes to make the team.
Curtis Bolton
With the injury to Oren Burks, the undrafted rookie took the starter reps alongside of Blake Martinez in practice and in the game against Baltimore last week. And my goodness did he sure take advantage of the opportunity.
The Green Bay Packers are looking for a three-down linebacker that can drop into coverage, blitz, and defend against the run. So far of the linebackers competing for ILB2, Bolton has shown the most promise and that includes Burks.
Bolton’s versatility was on full display against the Ravens where he totaled six tackles, one of which was for a loss, while also adding a pass deflection and an interception. Although he didn’t record a sack, he was able to find his way into the backfield to create pressure.
There is the very real possibility that come week one in Chicago, Bolton could be a starter and I want to see if he can duplicate last week’s performance against Oakland.
Elgton Jenkins/Lane Taylor
After the Houston game, LaFleur made it very clear that the starting left guard job is an open competition between Jenkins and Taylor. And up to this point, all signs point to this being a very close battle.
It’s not so much that Taylor has struggled, but it’s more so about how good Jenkins has been. He’s taken a number of practice reps with the first-team offense and his athleticism just may make him a better fit for LaFleur’s zone running scheme. To boot, he’s also held up very well in pass protection and he is incredibly strong.
Against Baltimore, each player took reps with the first-team offense and they were alternating series’ at one point. This is a matchup to keep your eyes on for the remainder of the preseason.
DeShone Kizer/Tim Boyle
The battle for the backup quarterback gig has been a bit underwhelming as neither quarterback has really taken control of the job. Each player has made some throws that make you say ‘wow’ and then they’ll follow it up with a throw that leaves you scratching your head.
At this point, based on how the Green Bay Packers have handled playing time along with last week’s performance, I would say Kizer is the leader in the clubhouse. However, it is still a tight race.
Maybe this will be the week that someone takes control but from what we’ve seen so far, it is a friendly reminder that if Aaron Rodgers misses an extended period of time, the Packers are in trouble.
Rashan Gary
I’ve been able to attend a number of Training Camp practices and the athleticism and speed of Rashan Gary is a very real and impressive thing to see in person. However, through the first two preseason games, that hasn’t translated to any sort of production.
Very recently, Mike Pettine stated that there is plenty to be excited about when it comes to what they’ve seen from Gary. He would also add that a big reason for the lack of production is that they are teaching him all the responsibilities of the outside linebacker position at once and they knew it would take him some time.
Once they get closer to the season, Pettine will hone in on a few areas in particular that will make Gary more successful.
I for one do not think that we need the panic buttons out at this stage of Gary’s career. With that said, he is the 12th overall pick and I will be watching him like a hawk to see how is coming along with the development of his hand technique as well as a secondary move, both of which are key areas that he needs to improve.