Green Bay Packers: Observations from Family Night Practice

The Green Bay Packers’ annual Family Night practice has wrapped up and although it, unfortunately, had to be cut short due to the weather, it was still great to see fans back in the stands and Packers football back in Lambeau Field.

Since the practice was televised, just as Matt LaFleur had told us beforehand, from a play-calling standpoint, things were going to be pretty vanilla. Not to mention that the rainy conditions limited what the offense could do as well.

But with that said, there are always plenty of observations and takeaways from what we saw. Just as I’ve done after every Green Bay Packers practice up to this point, here is a rundown of what took place

– Chris Blair, Equanimeous St. Brown, Kamal Martin, Randy Ramsey, Josiah Deguara, Juwann Winfree, and Kenny Clark did not practice, according to ESPN’s Rob Demovsky.

– With both Kenny Clark and Kingsley Keke out, TJ Slaton saw first-team reps at IDL.

– Just as we’ve seen before, the starting offensive line formation was Jenkins, Runyan, Myers, Patrick, and Turner.

– A nice evening for Kabion Ento, who had a pair of pass breakups. I still think he makes the final roster.

– Jordan Love had a nice completion to Devin Funchess on a deep-out route. But even better than the completion was seeing Love go through his progressions, which we know is an area of emphasis.

– Jaire Alexander had a pair of pass breakups as well. One on Davante Adams and another on Allen Lazard over the middle.

– Not that I expect him to challenge for a roster spot, especially within the crowded receiver room, but it was a nice night for DeAndre Thompkins—both on offense and special teams.

– Eric Stokes was in tight coverage on Adams, who ran a quick slant, but sometimes you just get beat—Rodger and Adams were just too good.

– Isaac Nauta was known more as a blocking tight end coming out of Georgia, but he’s made a few nice receptions each practice. Someone to keep your eyes on for a practice squad position.

– Devin Funchess, who is battling for that sixth receiver spot, took some reps with the 1s and made a few nice receptions. It’ll be important for him to show that he can contribute on special teams as well.

– Cole Van Lanen is known more as a run-blocker than a pass-blocker, but he had a really nice pass pro rep against Tipa Galeai who tried putting a spin move on him.

– Before the 11-on-11 drills began, both Aaron Rodgers and Kurt Benkert dropped passes into the bucket from about 40 or so yards away.

– Marquez Valdes-Scantling had one reception, so it’s not as if anything big happened, but this is just a reminder that I believe he’s going to have a big season.

– During a two-minute drill with Rodgers at the helm, the defense came out on top. Overall, the rainy conditions made moving the ball much more difficult for the offense.

– He often flies under the radar for doing the dirty work along the defensive front, but Dean Lowry is putting together a sneaky good training camp.

– With the second-team offense, we saw Ben Braden at right tackle. During mini-camp, OL coach Adam Stenavich told reporters that he expected Braden to compete for starting reps at both guard and tackle.

– Both Kylin Hill and Patrick Taylor took reps with the second offense. I am a huge fan of each of these backs–both are excellent fits for the LaFleur offense.

– More of that Matt LaFleur magic as he dials up a play that leaves Jace Sternberger all alone in the open field.

– Rodgers found Robert Tonyan for a completion on a play-action rollout where Big Bob came across the formation, opposite of which the defense was moving. We saw this play design several times last season.

– On a bobbled pass to Davante Adams that he batted up in the air, Darnell Savage came away with an interception.

– As I noted in an article earlier this week, Chandon Sullivan has been the primary slot corner through training camp up to this point, and he put together another strong performance.

– Jacob Capra, an undrafted and versatile offensive lineman from San Diego State, botched two snaps while at center with Jordan Love as the quarterback.

– Ultimately, the pass was incomplete, but Love had a beautiful toss to Reggie Begelton about 40 yards downfield that was right over two defenders. Love has battled consistency issues so far, but he’s also had some brilliant throws as well. This was another.

– Lastly, and most importantly, no one was hurt in the rainy conditions.