Packers preseason Game 1 vs Texans: The good, the bad, the grade

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GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – AUGUST 14: Josh Jackson #37 of the Green Bay Packers breaks up the pass to Alex Erickson #14 of the Houston Texans in the first half of a preseason game at Lambeau Field on August 14, 2021 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images) /

The Bad:

Josh Jackson, running game, special teams

It was clear from the beginning that Josh Jackson was going to be picked on in the Texan’s passing game. Tyrod Taylor started the bullying on his one and only series and it continued as the game went on. Jackson was constantly a step slow, especially on comeback routes, and unofficially gave up six receptions on seven targets. This looks like the end of the road for the former second-round pick.

The Packers’ running game also stood out as a negative. The offensive line was missing a number of key guys, but they trotted out a starting lineup that included Josh Myers, Lucas Patrick and Jon Runyan Jr–three guys who could be starts on the interior. Still, the Texans constantly pushed them backward and played in Green Bay’s backfield far too often. This left very little room for the running backs, resulting in the Packers having 21 rushing attempts for 49 yards.

Finally, the Packers’ special teams once again had their struggles. After being one of their glaring weaknesses a year ago, Matt LaFleur brought in a new special teams coach, Maurice Drayton, to shore up those issues. Some of the lowlights include giving up 18.2 yards per punt return including a 43-yard return and Amari Rodgers fumbling a punt into the end zone.

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