Packers: Winners and losers from preseason win over Titans

Winners and losers from the Green Bay Packers’ preseason victory over the Tennessee Titans.

Thursday night, the Green Bay Packers started their 2018 campaign with a 31-17 preseason win over the Titans at Lambeau Field. The game was a peek behind the curtains on what was a frenzied offseason.

The Packers went through a lot of reshuffling within the organization. Ted Thompson stepped down as general manager, leaving the door open for Brian Gutekunst to step in.

Green Bay also had some reshuffling on the coaching staff. Joe Philbin returned as the offensive coordinator, but that was overshadowed by a new defensive coordinator, Mike Pettine.

After a long offseason, Packers fans finally were able to see all of the changes come together. Let’s take a look at who shined and who needs some work to make the 53-man roster.

Winners

WR Marques Valdes-Scantling

General manager Brian Gutekunst revamped the wide receiver position this offseason. Gone are stalwarts of Jordy Nelson and Jeff Janis.

They were replaced with three rookie draft picks, one of them being Valdes-Scantling in the fifth round. According to his NFL.com draft profile, MVS has a ton of speed (4.37 40) but lacks downfield ball skills.

Valdes-Scantling, albeit a small sample size, proved that to be false. On second-and-30, quarterback DeShone Kizer connected with Valdes-Scantling on a 51-yard play.

Valdes-Scantling set the bar for the other rookie wide receivers to prove what they can do. The night ended with the fifth-round pick catching five out of seven targets for 101 yards and a touchdown.

QB Tim Boyle

The Packers signed Boyle as an undrafted free agent out of Eastern Kentucky University. Once considered a long shot to make the roster, he proved his worth last night.

Boyle flashed his big arm with a 52-yard touchdown to wide receiver Jake Kumerow, as well as a 40-yard strike to J’Mon Moore, who ultimately dropped the ball.

On the potential 40-yard play, Boyle showed his ability to deliver a ball under pressure. Also, his ability to stay in the pocket. Pocket awareness was something quarterback Brett Hundley lacked as a starter last year.

Boyle may not make the 53-man roster, but after his Week 1 performance he’s shown his worth to be in the conversation.

Losers

CB Quinten Rollins

During the offseason, it was pretty clear the Packers needed help at cornerback. Gutekunst spent the first two draft picks and signed two free agents at the position.

To make the roster, Rollins needed to prove his worth probably more than anyone on the defense. Last night did not help his case.

Rollins has continued to get beat in man coverage as well as look clueless in zone coverage. The one way he could make the roster is on special teams, but a fumble on a punt return doesn’t help his chances.

For a guy that needed a big night, he did not impress. The hill has become steeper for Rollins to make a roster spot.

OL Byron Bell

Last year, the Packers brought in veteran lineman Jahri Evans to help out at guard. This year, Byron Bell is supposed to fit that bill.

Bell is a versatile lineman who can play guard as well as tackle. The main reason for signing Bell was for insurance on Bryan Bulaga returning from injury.

The Packers started Bell at right tackle last night. To say his play was abysmal would be an understatement.

After the game, the Packers went into the locker room relatively healthy for the players that were on the field. The team didn’t suit 18 players.

With three preseason games left, there’s a lot of time for players to make their mark. Let’s just hope the Packers can go into the season healthy.