Packers Defense Bounces Back in Joint Practice with Ravens
ICARO Media Group
Green Bay Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander expressed his satisfaction with Thursday's joint practice with the Baltimore Ravens, citing the improved performance of the Packers' defense compared to last week's practice against the Denver Broncos. The reunion with his college teammate Lamar Jackson added to Alexander's positivity following a series of standout plays on the field.
Alexander praised the overall intensity and aggression displayed by the Packers' defense during the joint practice session. One notable highlight came when he expertly broke up a pass from Jackson intended for tight end Charlie Kolar. In another instance, Xavier McKinney's excellent coverage pressured Jackson into an incomplete deep pass to Rashod Bateman.
While the secondary made commendable contributions, it was the Packers' defensive front that stole the show. According to Matt Schneidman of The Athletic, they continuously generated pressure on Jackson during the red zone period and throughout the ensuing 11-on-11 drills. The dominant pass rush made executing offensive plays exceedingly difficult for the Ravens' quarterback.
The joint practice with the Ravens proved to be a crucial step for the Packers in redeeming themselves after a lackluster performance against the Broncos. The team acknowledged their shortcomings and sought improvement, particularly after being outperformed by the Broncos in last week's practice and subsequent preseason game.
Packers head coach Matt LaFleur had high hopes for his team to display increased effort and grit following their previous setback. However, the disappointing result against the Broncos reiterated the need for a self-reflective approach. LaFleur urged his players to assess their commitment and effort levels, highlighting that lackluster performance would inevitably lead to humbling experiences.
The joint practice against the Ravens presented the Packers with a significant challenge, as the Ravens are considered serious contenders within the AFC. This made Alexander's optimistic assessment of the team's performance even more encouraging. Alexander believed that the practice served as a confidence boost, as the Packers were determined not to be pushed around and stood firm against the Ravens' smashmouth style of play.
With their final preseason game against the Ravens approaching, the Packers are still deliberating whether to play their starters. Regardless, the joint practice served as an essential benchmark for the team. Facing a tough Ravens squad led by the reigning MVP, the Packers displayed resilience and showcased their potential to compete at the highest level.
Looking ahead, there is a potential rematch in the Super Bowl for these two teams. Alexander shared his lighthearted anticipation of meeting his college teammate Jackson on the NFL's grandest stage. While the timing might not align this year, both the Packers and the Ravens have established themselves as formidable franchises and are poised for continued contention.
As the Packers gear up for future challenges, this joint practice with the Ravens provided valuable insights and a renewed sense of confidence. The Packers' defense, in particular, showed marked improvement, offering hope for a promising season ahead.
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