Packers: Five players to watch in third preseason game against Raiders
Five players to watch in the Green Bay Packers’ third preseason game against the Oakland Raiders.
The past two weeks of preseason has been a wonderful introduction back to football for Packers fans. New names on the back of the green and gold jerseys have stood out and created high scoring, high-octane games to watch.
Lambeau Field has had its seats filled to the brim ever since Family Night on August 4. The lingering anticipation for the regular season is in full force to watch familiar faces take the field, along with welcoming the new staff.
Fans were ecstatic to see Aaron Rodgers getting reps in on Lambeau soil, as he hasn’t played in Green Bay since last September due to his collarbone injury. Rodgers’ triumphant return was exactly what fans expected to see from number 12.
Green Bay’s star quarterback provided fans much enthusiasm with a 23-yard pass to Davante Adams, catching a slow substitution on defense with 12 men on the field, and the play that everyone waited for months to witness. An eight-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers to Jimmy Graham for the touchdown.
It’s becoming crunch time for the Packers to create their 53-man roster for the 2018 season. New players need to stand out at practice, execute great performance during the game, and bring a great work ethic that would impress Vince Lombardi himself. That being said, there are five players that fans should look out for during the third preseason game versus the Oakland Raiders.
1. Jaire Alexander
When Jaire Alexander was chosen as the 18th pick in the first round of the draft, it should only be natural that all eyes are glued to them in the preseason. Unfortunately for Alexander, he has only played 10 defensive snaps in preseason, according to Acme Packing Company, due to a groin injury suffered during training camp.
The hype and anticipation still await the young defensive back, but thankfully Josh Jackson has been a pleasant surprise in his stead. Jackson has proven to the rest of the NFL that he was worthy of being chosen in the first round. The Packers were the fortunate team that acquired him as a steal in the second round. If Alexander can cover and tackle as well as his Jackson, the weak secondary problem may finally see its solution for Green Bay.
Alexander will need to utilize as many opportunities as possible to show his worth before the season begins. Veterans Davon House and Tramon Williams are still capable of landing a starting role with the Green Bay defense.