Green Bay Packers: Notes from First Joint Practice with Jets

Green Bay Packers linebacker Preston Smith (91) is shown Saturday, Aug. 15, 2020, during the team's first practice at training camp in Green Bay, Wis.Packers16 35 Hoffman
Green Bay Packers linebacker Preston Smith (91) is shown Saturday, Aug. 15, 2020, during the team's first practice at training camp in Green Bay, Wis.Packers16 35 Hoffman /
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The Green Bay Packers held their first joint practice with the New York Jets today. Unfortunately, Jordan Love was once again out with a shoulder injury, but it was a good opportunity for everyone else to get some extra reps against a real opponent.

As always, the reporters and best writers in attendance did an excellent job keeping us up to date. So if you missed anything, here is a quick look at what took place.

– The Green Bay Packers newest CB Isaac Yiadom, who they acquired from the Giants in exchange for Josh Jackson, was at practice today. To learn more about Yiadom and his game, click here.

– After missing a few practices, Rashan Gary was back on the practice field. Dean Lowry was back as well after missing Monday’s practice.

– In total, there were four Packers players who missed practice; Chris Blair, Jordan Love, Vernon Scott, and Juwann Winfree.

– In their search for their starting guards, the Green Bay Packers begin drills with Jon Runyan and Royce Newman at guard. After the OLs poor showing on Saturday, Newman has been added to the mix. Throughout practice, Runyan and Newman were the consistent starters. 

– Kylin Hill works with the starting offense while Aaron Jones didn’t participate in the 11-on-11 drills—which as Tom Silverstein points out, shows how highly the Packers think of the seventh round rookie. And Hill made several nice plays.

– AJ Dillon also didn’t participate in the 11-on-11 drills for precautionary reasons due to a calf injury.

– The Packers continue to take things slowly with Kevin King as Eric Stokes lines up across from Jaire Alexander.

– On the Packers defensive side of the field, Preston Smith was lined up over Mekhi Becton and had a very good day rushing the passer, recording a few sacks.

– It was a slow start for the Packers run game, but Andy Herman points out that it really began to improve as practice went on.

– Dexter Williams flashed a few big rushes as well, just as he did in the 4th quarter against Houston.

– Stop me if you’ve heard this before, but Aaron Rodgers finds Marquez Valdes-Scantling deep downfield. MVS continues to have a very good camp.

Stokes comes on a delayed corner blitz that would have resulted in a sack on Zach Wilson.

Rodgers was just picking the Jets defense apart on slants with Davante Adams being his primary target. However, we also saw MVS, Equanimeous St. Brown, and Marcedes Lewis get in on the action as well.

– Jonathan Garvin also found success rushing against Becton, coming away with a would be sack.

– Another Jack Heflin sighting, who had a decent showing against Houston, as he bats down a pass from James Morgan.

– The Packers and Jets worked on some special teams drills with Ento, Dafney, Stokes, and Galeai standing out, according to Andy Herman. For many of these back-end of the roster candidates, it will be special teams play that determines whether or not they make the final roster.

– He hasn’t been talked about much, but Robert Tonyan continues to make plays this summer.

– The same can be said for Adrian Amos, who nearly missed an interception, and could be in store for a big season. He is a possible contract extension candidate next offseason.

– De’Vondre Campbell provides this Green Bay Packers defense with some coverage ability at LB that they just haven’t had. Wes Hodkiewicz notes that Joe Barry has him dropping into coverage a lot during camp.

– Although the Packers OL has struggled with run-blocking, they’ve been very good in pass protection against the Jets.

Funchess came off the field to meet with the training staff after one play where he was seen grabbing at his hamstring. Dennis Kelly left practice as well.

– Mason Crosby goes 7 of 9, missing from 41 and 51 yards.

– In the 2 minute drill for the Green Bay Packers offense, busted coverage by the Jets leads to a 30+ yard touchdown pass and catch from Rodgers to MVS.

– The Packers first team defense was able to keep the Jets out of the end zone in the two minute drill.

– Green Bay’s second-team offense, led by Kurt Benkert, scored in the two minute drill as well, with a pass to St. Brown.