Packers Training Camp Notebook: Jordan Love’s Start, Defense Dominanting

Football is back, baby! The Green Bay Packers kicked off training camp on Wednesday and have now completed two full days of practices. They have a closed practice on Friday so we won’t see them again until Saturday.

Thanks to the likes of Paul Bretl, Justis Mosqueda, Andy Herman and others, fans have been able to follow along with all of the updates from Green Bay. That’s great news considering all of the changes the organization has undergone this season.

Reviewing their observations and takeaways, here are some critical notes to glean from the training camp’s start.

Jordan Love’s start, the defense dominating again and other notes from the beginning of the Green Bay Packers’ training camp.

Jordan Love

All eyes are on Jordan Love as the Packers hand over the keys of the franchise to the fourth-year quarterback. He had an up-and-down Day 1 where he underthrew several receivers open deep. Wind was involved, but Matt LaFleur made it clear that shouldn’t be an excuse.

Love battled back on Thursday with a more impressive practice. He showed off the touch and accuracy he’s worked so diligently on since entering the NFL, and even took off on a few dropbacks. If it weren’t for drops that plagued the team during both practices, his performance would look a lot better.

Dominant Defense

The defense had their way with the offense last year, often garnering praise from their teammates for their stellar work. They’re off to another hot start, emerging as the victors in both of the first two days. Their stars have come to play so far, as guys like De’Vondre Campbell, Kenny Clark and Jaire Alexander (more on him later) are showing out. The entire offense had to do push-ups after Day 1 as a punishment for getting their butt whooped.

Zach Tom

The offensive line has work to do, as the Packers’ pass rush has had them on their heels during the first two days. However, it’s important to note that Zach Tom has started at right tackle during both practices. He is projected to compete with Yosh Nijman for the starting job and even move inside to challenge Josh Myers at center. It’s very early yet, but it seems like he’ll have every opportunity to win the starting right tackle job.

Situational Offense

The Packers want to improve their situational offense after finishing 17th in third down conversion percentage and 24th in red zone touchdown percentage in 2022. They focused on the former on Day 1 and the latter on Day 2. The margin of error in the NFL is extremely small, especially with a young team, and the difference between a successful season and a poor one can come down to a couple of critical conversions throughout the course of the year.

Jaire Alexander

Alexander is the highest-paid cornerback in the NFL and has acted like it through the first two practices. He’s been flying all over the field, breaking up passes like it’s his job (it is), and dominating whoever is lining up in front of him. He was also working with Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs on the side of practice, as the team was focusing on special teams drills. He wants to dominate and help his teammates improve in the process.