Packers: 5 things to watch in second preseason game vs. Steelers

5. Stacking success

Head coach Mike McCarthy often talks about “stacking success”. This will be key for a number of the young players who impressed against the Titans.

Wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling — selected in the fifth round of April’s draft — was particularly impressive last week. The rookie caught five passes for 101 yards and a touchdown. Considering the competition for places at the position, another strong performance this week would go a long way to securing a spot on the 53-man roster.

Receivers Equanimeous St. Brown and Jake Kumerow also impressed. Kumerow capped off a good evening with a show-stealing 51-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter. Kumerow, once considering a long shot to make the roster, has been “stacking success” all summer long. If he continues to do so against Pittsburgh, it might become too difficult for the Packers not to include him in the final 53.

Second-round pick Josh Jackson and third-rounder Oren Burks looked good during their time on the field. Both players are as good as guaranteed to make the 53-man roster, but an impressive preseason could increase their chances of securing a starting spot in Mike Pettine’s defense.

There were a number of impressive performances during the preseason opener, but building on that foundation will be important this week.