Packers continue to rise in NFL Spin Zone power rankings
The Green Bay Packers have moved up to fifth in the NFL Spin Zone power rankings.
Another week, another preseason win for the Green Bay Packers. And just like last week, they continue to rise in the NFL Spin Zone power rankings.
In the latest rankings, the Packers have moved up to number five, one spot higher than last week.
It should come as no surprise that the team Green Bay replaced at number five is the Pittsburgh Steelers, who the Packers beat 51-34 at Lambeau Field on Thursday night.
In the article, NFL Spin Zone’s Randy Gurzi wrote about the Packers’ tight ends:
"“Starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers was hardly on the field for the Pack, but he did what he needed to do. He threw just four passes, completing two, and finished with a touchdown on the board. That score went to new tight end Jimmy Graham, who hauled in his only target for an eight-yard touchdown.”"
Six different tight ends caught passes on Thursday night.
Robert Tonyan strengthened his case for a roster spot with three catches for 20 yards and a touchdown. Emanuel Byrd also had two receptions for 27 yards.
Lance Kendricks had two receptions for 28 yards, while free agent signing Marcedes Lewis had one catch for 23 yards.
The most exciting part of the game might have been the opening drive. Aaron Rodgers had no trouble moving the ball down the field before connecting with Jimmy Graham for an eight-yard touchdown. Get used to seeing that.
It’s important to never look too much into a preseason game — good or bad — as a lot will be different in the regular season opener in a few weeks. But the play of the first-team offense was encouraging.
The first-team defense? Not so much. Steelers running back James Conner could have walked his way into the end zone. He ran five times for 57 yards and a touchdown, averaging 11.4 yards per carry. It’s only preseason, but missed tackles were a real issue. Talk about a reality check for defensive coordinator Mike Pettine.
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All in all, it was a good performance by the Packers, and one they can learn a lot from.
As long as the team stays relatively healthy, they will once again be serious Super Bowl contenders this year. Fifth in the power rankings is well deserved.