What a difference a week makes. Once again, the Packers rest their starters but at home in Green Bay, on their last chance to prove they belong on the final roster, the Packers backups impressed.
The defense showed out with multiple turnovers. Aaron Mosby was a highlight reel with a strip sack that produced a defensive touchdown by Anthony Johnson, who picked up the loose ball and ran to daylight and a Lambeau leap.
Later, Mosby picked a pass from Raven QB Devin Leary. That pick snuffed out any chance for the Ravens to get back in the game before halftime. Baltimore went into the locker room down 20-7.
Another defensive turnover was all Kalen King. King came up hard to tackle Baltimore’s tight end and as his helmet and pads made the hit. The ball popped out. King completed a good form tackle, allowing linebacker Christian Young to recover for Green Bay.
Kristian Welch also had a highlight game. He almost made an interception that bounced through his hands and then through Gemon Green before hitting the grass and then being scooped up by a Raven who ran to the end zone claiming he caught it but the referees signaled incomplete.
Later, Welch got his hands on another pass, but this one he stayed with, running a couple of yards to gather in the tumbling pigskin. Welch also looked good at making special team plays and led the defense in tackles. Tyrone Hopper had a much better game against Baltimore. He penetrated multiple times and made tackles. He still needs to improve his angles in pass coverage.
On offense, Sean Clifford struggled to start the game but came back later and threw a nice touchdown pass on 4th and goal to Malik Heath. Third stringer Michael Pratt played a bit better. A nice back shoulder touchdown toss to Bo Melton highlighted his day.
The running game returned to the Packers. Sean Rhyan did not play. Jacob Monk started at center, and he looked good for a rookie. Lecitus Smith looked good at guard and even Royce Newman played decently. The tackles situation, who will be the third swing tackle, is still a big question. There is no standout. Behind the line, the running back position seems like a talented full depth chart.
Wilson, Merriweather, and McCrary all ran well Saturday. Henry Pearson, the recently reacquired fullback, had decent blocks, made a special team tackle, and showed why he could be valuable. The kicking competition? Who knows? Carlsen choked a 32 yarder after squeaking in a 54 yarder. Greg Joseph nailed a 55 yarder right down the middle. Whoever gets cut will probably be LaFleur’s speed dial option for at least the first four weeks of the season.
With as much talent at wide receiver, running back and outside linebacker, don’t be surprised if the Packers make a trade for a draft pick or a backup tackle. The final roster will include some tough cuts. Only 53 will suit up in São Paulo. Currently, the Packers top draft picks are heading the injured list. The draft picks of 2024 will need to heal fast and learn the NFL faster for this team to achieve their ultimate goal.
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