Instant Takeaways from Packers v. Saints preseason matchup

The Green Bay Packers took on the New Orleans Saints in their second preseason game.

As always, here are the key takeaways from the Packers performance.

-We hear about players making that Year 2 leap; well, Isaiah McDuffie is one of those players for the Packers. He has been flying around the field all summer, playing so much faster. He won’t see snaps on defense given the linebacker depth, but he will be a core special teams player.

-Amari Rodgers was the No. 1 kick and punt returner against the Saints. He has been much more decisive this season.

– Patrick Taylor was the first running back on the field this week after Tyler Goodson had that role against the 49ers. That third running back role is up for grabs and where Taylor can really separate himself is in pass protection as well as on special teams, where he had a few tackles.

– With that said, Goodson looked quite good once again. A few nine-yard runs and some plays as a pass-catcher.

– Doubs continues to make plays, although he did have a drop and misplayed a deep ball. Aaron Rodgers has mentioned that he prefers production over potential, but it is going to be difficult keeping Doubs off the field with his ability to make plays at all three levels of the field. Ultimately, Green Bay may just have to live with those ups and downs.

– Overall, the Packers’ young receivers — Rodgers, Doubs, and Toure — still battled inconsistencies.

– Jordan Love looked very calm and in rhythm in the pocket, even when feeling the pressure, and delivered some beautiful downfield passes. This was easily Love’s best performance to date, but there were still some easy passes in the flat that he missed. No one said there wouldn’t be improvements needed, but we are seeing progress.

– The starting offensive line was again made up of Nijman, Runyan, Myers, Hanson, and Newman. Love was pressured more often this week while Patrick Taylor was struggling to gain more than three yards at a time. The offensive line play is going to be so crucial to the offense’s success this season.

– Once Tom took over at right tackle, and Newman took over at right guard, the run game starter to open up for Tyler Goodson, specifically on the left side. This combination has been the better configuration. With that said, I’d like to see Tom get more reps at guard to compete with both Newman and Hanson.

– The cornerback depth was a concern heading into the season, and there are still question marks. However, I feel more comfortable about that depth after seeing Shemar Jean-Charles and Keisean Nixon the last few weeks.

– Tight end Tyler Davis continues to struggle. After a drop and missed blocks last week, he was called for a penalty tonight that wiped out a 17-yard completion and had a fumble. If he was a roster lock at one point, that is no longer the case, and I’m not sure what the Packers do when it comes to the fourth tight end. Can Alize Mack emerge? Do they only roster three?

– TJ Slaton’s primary role may be as a run-stuffer, but he has flashed as a pass rusher during these last two games.

– The third and fourth edge rusher roles remain up for grabs, and once again, no one really stood out.

– Jack Coco appeared to have another solid night at long-snapper.

– Vernon Scott left the game with what looked like a shoulder injury. The Packers find themselves incredibly thin at safety, already without Savage, Gaines, Leavitt, and Carpenter. Scott had consistently filled that second safety role with Savage out.

– If the Packers are going to keep a sixth IDL, Chris Slayton has absolutely put himself in the mix with his play the last two weeks. As I’ve said before, if the sixth IDL is going to have as small of a role as Jack Heflin did in 2021, I think that roster spot can be better utilized elsewhere.

– I’m not sure how the numbers work out in terms of the roster math, but UDFA Caleb Jones has been solid at tackle.

– Special teams looked a bit like last year’s unit. Some big kick returns by the Saints, penalties, and a punt return with only 10 men on the field. If you’re looking for a silver lining, many of the players on these special teams units won’t be on the 53-man roster.

– I still think that Rico Gafford ends up as the sixth cornerback because of his special teams abilities, but Kiondre Thomas came away with another pass breakup. He has been sticky in coverage.

– The tape may very well reveal otherwise, but it seemed to be a quiet night for Devonte Wyatt, who made his preseason debut. Given the nature of his position and role, Wyatt’s impact may not always show up on the stat sheet or leap off the tv screen.