4 Big Things from the Packers preseason matchup with 49ers
By Paul Bretl
Romeo Doubs and Amari Rodgers with strong debuts for the Packers
Romeo Doubs continued his strong start against the San Francisco 49ers as he was a favorite target of Love’s with seven passes going his way.
We saw Doubs win in several ways, as he was targeted at all three levels of the field, which included a 33-yard touchdown catch and another catch in traffic–two things he did quite well at Nevada.
Doubs’ ability to be moved around and win in all parts of the field gives this offense so much more flexibility–although he will have to clean up those two drops he had. As good as Doubs has been, plays like that will still happen; he is a rookie, after all, let’s just hope they don’t happen as often.
Amari Rodgers entered training camp this year about 15 pounds lighter than what he was a season ago, and we saw that on his touchdown in the fourth quarter, where he displayed good burst and balance running down the sidelines for the 22-yard score.
Rodgers was also featured on both the punt and kick return units. He looks much more confident back there, which resulted in him being more decisive and getting vertical more quickly. This resulted in Rodgers having a 50-yard kick return. He also had one carry on an end-around for four yards.
Other Quick Notes
– As I already mentioned, it was a very impressive performance by the Packers’ interior defensive line. The entire unit played well, specifically TJ Slaton, who dominated, and Jack Heflin, who is trying to show Green Bay that he deserves that sixth roster spot, if there is one. No wonder the offensive line has struggled in practice going up against this unit.
– Special teams are still a work in progress. Jack Coco seemed to snap well, and Rodgers had that big return, but we saw a penalty and a little too much of the 49ers making their way into the backfield.
– The starting kicker job always belonged to Mason Crosby. Now we hope he is ready to go for Week 1.