Packers Finish Preseason Strong, Roster Decisions Loom

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ICARO Media Group
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24/08/2024 22h57

The Green Bay Packers concluded their preseason with a dominant 30-7 victory over the Baltimore Ravens' reserve units at Lambeau Field. As the team now faces crucial roster decisions on Tuesday, here are five key takeaways from the game.

The kicking competition remains undecided, as both Anders Carlson and Greg Joseph had their ups and downs throughout the past month. In Saturday's game, both kickers showcased their abilities by nailing impressive 50-plus yard kicks. Carlson cleared the crossbar with a 54-yard kick, while Joseph delivered from 55 yards with ease. However, Carlson missed a crucial 32-yard attempt late in the game, leaving uncertainty about the Packers' final decision. Head Coach Matt LaFleur indicated that the verdict would be left to General Manager Brian Gutekunst, but didn't rule out exploring options on the waiver wire.

A similar situation is unfolding at backup quarterback, with Sean Clifford and Michael Pratt rotating every two possessions. While both quarterbacks managed to throw a touchdown pass during the game, there were inconsistencies. Clifford completed less than half of his passes and faced pressure on several throws, while Pratt threw an interception in scoring territory. LaFleur hinted that the team could consider external options if released quarterbacks from other teams become available.

Several defensive players on the bubble showed their determination to secure a roster spot. Edge rusher Arron Mosby, who spent last season on Green Bay's practice squad, stood out with two turnovers against the Ravens. He forced a strip-sack on QB Devin Leary, resulting in a touchdown recovery by Anthony Johnson Jr. Mosby also turned heads with an interception on Baltimore's next possession. Linebacker Kristian Welch and rookie cornerback Kalen King also made notable contributions with interceptions and forced fumbles, respectively.

The Packers' commitment to physical and aggressive play was evident on both offense and defense. The rushing attack proved formidable, accumulating 193 yards on 39 attempts, averaging a healthy 4.9 yards per carry. Running backs Emanuel Wilson, Ellis Merriweather, and Nate McCrary consistently produced, showcasing a relentless and hard-running style. It appears that Wilson, based on his experience and game reps, may step in as the backup for starter Josh Jacobs, as AJ Dillon and rookie MarShawn Lloyd are currently sidelined with injuries.

As the preseason comes to an end, the Packers now face critical roster decisions ahead of the regular season. Head Coach Matt LaFleur praised the efforts of his players but acknowledged areas for improvement. The team will evaluate available options and wait to see the final verdict on the kicking competition and backup quarterback position, while bubble players on defense have made their case for a spot on the roster. With a strong finish to the preseason, the Packers are gearing up for the challenges that lie ahead in Week 1.

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