6 Big things from the Packers preseason finale vs. Kansas City
By Paul Bretl
The preseason has come to an end for the Green Bay Packers with a loss in Kansas City–although that doesn’t really matter.
However, what does matter are these six big takeaways from the Packers performance.
Tyler Goodson or Patrick Taylor?
It was another impressive offensive performance for Tyler Goodson, who finished with 28 yards on seven carries, including a 24-yard touchdown run, along with 26 yards on five receptions. Goodson has shown a special ability with the ball in his hands this summer.
But it wasn’t just Goodson who found success; Patrick Taylor did as well, averaging 5.0 yards per rush against Kansas City. Taylor hasn’t been as flashy as Goodson, but he’s been all-around steady.
While performance on offense matters, Matt LaFleur continues to mention that special teams play and pass protection will decide the third running back role. Goodson, however, was a bit shaky in these areas on Thursday. He dropped a kickoff, missed a tackle in coverage, and was run through in pass protection.
Whereas last week, we saw Taylor hold up well as a blocker and make a special teams tackle. I won’t be surprised if Goodson wins the job, but I don’t believe this competition is a runaway, either.
More ups and downs for Jordan Love
No surprise, but consistency continues to be one of the biggest hurdles that Jordan Love has to overcome.
He settled down once the offensive line began to provide him with time in the pocket, and we again saw a confident quarterback who was throwing the ball confidently, including into a few tight windows. We rarely saw this from Love a year ago. Over the course of two drives, Love went 7-10 for 95 yards, and the Packers put up 10 points.
However, while he has thrown some really nice downfield passes during the first two games, that is where he really struggled against Kansas City. Love was 0-5 on passes of 20-plus yards, which included an interception where he didn’t see the safety coming over the top.
Overall, we should be encouraged by what we saw from Love this summer.