Notes and takeaways from Packers 2nd joint practice with Saints

The Green Bay Packers completed their second joint practice with the New Orleans Saints on Wednesday.

I was able to attend, so below are my key observations and takeaways from what took place between the Packers and the Saints.

Please note, given my vantage point, I did not see much of the Packers’ defense going up against the Saints’ offense until the two-minute drill.

-Before practice began, Tom Silverstein reported that the Packers had cut wide receiver, Malik Taylor. Taylor had been battling injuries. The Packers roster is now at 84 players, meaning they have room to make an addition. My guess is that it will be receiver, given that room is a bit thin heading into Friday.

-Two new injuries, according to Rob Demovsky, were Rico Gafford and Danny Davis were sidelined today.

-As I mentioned, while I didn’t see much of the Packers’ defense vs. the Saints’ offense, when I did catch a glimpse, the Packers were dominating the line of scrimmage and playing fast–just as they have all summer.

-The Packers starting offensive line was once again Yosh Nijman, Jon Runyan, Josh Myers, Jake Hanson, and Royce Newman. We also saw Zach Tom with the starting offense at right tackle with Newman at right guard.

-The right side of the offensive line, when made up of Hanson and Newman, really struggled in the run game. Both were not generating much push. Myers and Runyan, on the other hand, have been rock solid.

– Caleb Jones continues to climb the depth chart, taking snaps with the second-team offense at both right and left tackle.

-Overall, it was tough sledding for the Packers’ offense, who was up against a very good New Orleans defense. Running the ball was difficult, and when Rodgers had time to throw, his first and second reads were often covered.

-Tyler Goodson was once again working with the second-team offense and had a nice run, showcasing his burst. He appears to be the favorite for that third running back job.

-Yesterday, Rodgers discussed the importance of having trust in his receivers. This is why it is likely that early on, he will really rely heavily on Lazard, Watkins, and Cobb. Today we saw why that trust is important in the red zone as Rodgers threw to Watkins in tight coverage, and he made the play.

-Juwann Winfree also made another contested play in the red zone of his own. Again illustrating why he is building that trust with Rodgers and why he has QB1’s attention. Winfree is pushing for that seventh wide receiver role.

-Christian Watson took some reps as the punt returner. He was an All-American kick returner at North Dakota State.

-The Saints had a few cornerback blitzes that weren’t picked up and got to Rodgers.

-Kobe Jones and Kingsley Enagbare were the first edge rushers on the field with the second-team defense. Both had terrific days, making several plays in the backfield. Enagbare has likely secured a roster spot while Jones has put himself in the conversation.

-There also weren’t a lot of places for Andy Dalton or Ian Book to go with the football against this Packers’ secondary.

-During Jordan Love’s portion of the two-minute drill, he had an excellent series. It began with a six-yard completion and then found Rodgers over the middle for a 20-yard gain. The next play, he connected with Samori Toure for a 50-yard touchdown on what was a beautiful ball. Love hit the top of his drop, scanned the field, and let it rip–which we want to see more of.

– Samori Toure had a good day with the second offense, also converting a two-point conversion following his big touchdown grab.