8 positional battles to watch in Packers’ preseason game vs Saints
The Green Bay Packers are quickly moving through their preseason schedule as they have their second exhibition game of the season on Friday when they take on the New Orleans Saints.
This will be the first and only time this preseason fans can watch their home team a Lambeau Field. While you’re enjoying the return to the NFL’s most iconic stadium, don’t forget to watch these key positional battles that are taking place.
Keep your eye on these eight positional battles that are set to take place in the Green Bay Packers’ second preseason game.
Right Guard/Right tackle
Royce Newman started at right guard most of last year and has been the leader to regain his job so far this year. However, part of that will depend on when Elgton Jenkins returns and where he plays. It’s looking like Jenkins will start at right tackle, giving Newman an edge to keep his right guard job. However, third-round pick Sean Rhyan and fourth-rounder Zach Tom are pushing hard for that starting spot.
Wide Receiver 2
Allen Lazard is locked into the top wide receiver spot and Randall Cobb looks to have the lead by default as the starting slot receiver. However, the battle for the second outside receiver spot is a lot more interesting.
Sammy Watkins was brought in via free agency to be that guy, but has been very quiet throughout training camp. He’s recently had some solid practices and could be running away with the spot. Don’t count Romeo Doubs out, however, as he’s had a bunch of splash plays. Yes, he has struggled with drops, but the high-reward nature of his game could be too hard for the Packers’ offense to ignore considering their lack of pass-catching playmakers.
Running Back 3
Patrick Taylor appears to have lost his grip on the third running back position and must right the ship against the Saints if he wants to make a strong push for the initial roster. Tyler Goodson has seemingly come out of nowhere to show off his abilities and is the lead candidate. Kylin Hill is also waiting on the PUP list and will tip the scales in his favor when he returns.
Outside Linebacker 3-5
This is a complete cluster and it’s anybody’s guess who will come out on top. Green Bay did provide some clarity by releasing Randy Ramsey earlier this week, but there are still a lot of players vying for this position. That list includes Tipa Galeai, Kinglsey Enagbare, Jonathan Garvin, La’Darius Hamilton and Kobe Jones.
Cornerback 4
Shemar Jean-Charles seems to have separated himself from the pack and could lock it up with a strong performance. Even a decent one will go a long way. After the trio of Jaire Alexander, Rasul Douglas and Eric Stokes, it’s slim pickings for the Packers at cornerback.
Safety 3
It might be safe to hand the safety 3 job to Vernon Scott–he’s consistently stepped in as the starting safety alongside Adrian Amos since Darnell Savage went down with an injury. However, Shawn Davis is still waiting in the shadows and has the game-changing ability Green Bay is looking for. Scott and Davis need to be at the top of their game if they want to lock down this critical backup position.
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Long Snapper
Although Jack Coco is the only long-snapper on the Packers’ roster, he is still fighting against himself and veteran free agents. Coco has been okay in training camp (obviously inspiring enough to spur Green Bay to release Steven Wirtel), but still doesn’t provide much confidence at the position. If the Packers are serious about turning their special teams around, it starts with this vital position.