Packers 2018 training camp preview: Backup quarterback
A preview of the Green Bay Packers’ training camp battle at quarterback.
Training camp begins in under two weeks time. The Green Bay Packers have a number of important positional battles. One of them is at backup quarterback.
Two-time MVP Aaron Rodgers will once again sit at the top of the depth chart, but if he gets injured again, the Packers need a backup who can help the team continue to win until Rodgers returns.
Brett Hundley was the backup last season, but now faces competition from DeShone Kizer, who the Packers traded for this past spring.
Outside of Rodgers, the Packers have three quarterbacks competing for the backup job: Hundley, Kizer and Tim Boyle.
The competition will likely come down to Hundley and Kizer.
Hundley didn’t play well as Green Bay’s starter last season. He finished the year with 1,836 passing yards, nine touchdowns and 12 interceptions with a passer rating of 70.6.
Kizer also struggled in his rookie season with the Cleveland Browns. He threw for 2,894 yards, 11 touchdowns and 22 interceptions with a passer rating of 60.5.
One could argue Kizer, a second-round pick by the Browns last year, offers more potential than Hundley. He was playing on a bad football team last year, and needed time to sit on the sidelines to develop his skills.
Hundley, meanwhile, was in his third season and had been preparing for that exact situation.
On the other hand, Hundley has experience in Green Bay’s offense, and helped them win three games last season, just enough to keep the Packers in playoff contention for Rodgers to return.
Prediction
My prediction is that Kizer will win the number two job. Brian Gutekunst didn’t trade away Damarious Randall to the Browns for nothing.
Yes, Kizer didn’t play well last year and needs to improve. But Mike McCarthy is a fan of his, and according to Zach Kruse of Packers Wire, believes he would have been selected high in this year’s draft, in a class that featured a talented group of quarterbacks.
With some time to work with McCarthy and learn from Rodgers, Kizer could improve a lot.
Right now I don’t think there’s much between Hundley and Kizer. But because of his age and potential, I think Kizer will win the backup job.
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Who do you think will be the Packers’ backup quarterback in 2018?