4 Big things and other notes from Packers v. Saints matchup
By Paul Bretl
Tyler Davis may be playing his way off the Packers’ roster
All offseason, we heard nothing but positive things about tight end Tyler Davis. And this wasn’t from the Packers fan base; it was Brian Gutekunst, Matt LaFleur, and Rich Bisaccia hyping the young tight end up.
Unfortunately, training camp and the preseason have not gone well for Davis. Actually, it’s been quite bad.
Prior to the preseason, he didn’t really stand out too often. Then against San Francisco, Davis had a drop that turned into an interception and struggled as a blocker.
In joint practices with the Saints, he had another drop and was called for multiple penalties. Then in the preseason game, he was called for a penalty that took away a 17-yard pass, and later on, he would fumble.
If Robert Tonyan isn’t ready to play Week 1, then Davis will still likely be on this roster because there just aren’t a ton of options available. But if Tonyan can play, could Alize Mack push Davis for that fourth tight end spot? Would the Packers consider keeping only three tight ends?
When this group is fully healthy, most of Davis’ playing time would likely come on special teams, with Tonyan, Marcedes Lewis, and Josiah Deguara taking most of the snaps. So special teams play is very important when it comes to making this roster at this position.
With that said, Davis absolutely has to be better on offense. If not, well, he may have gone from a roster lock to being cut.
Other quick notes
– The Packers have now had 15-plus practices and two preseason games, and it still doesn’t look like anyone is emerging at the edge rusher position. Kingsley Enagbare generated a few pressures late, but overall, it was a quiet night for this position group.
– If the Packers are going to keep a sixth interior defensive lineman, Chris Slayton, who was signed earlier this offseason, has thrown his name into the mix. He has been impressive against both the run and the pass these last two weeks.
– The offensive line play was fine. Love was pressured more this week, and running the ball early on was a challenge–although the second unit with Zach Tom at right tackle found more success. Both Royce Newman and Jake Hanson have to improve their play.
– In need of cornerback depth, Shemar Jean-Charles has impressed during these last two games, taking snaps both from the slot and on the boundary. Another second-year player who is taking a big step forward is Isaiah McDuffie, who has been flying around the field.
– The special teams unit is still very much a work in progress.