Packers-Saints will have joint practices in Week 2 of preseason

Last week, Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur broke the news that the team would have joint practices with the New Orleans Saints prior to their Week 2 preseason matchup in mid-August.

In general, a lot of people around the NFL have different opinions on joint practices. In Green Bay, LaFleur is all about competition. That is exactly what both teams are going to see when they link up later in the summer.

QB Aaron Rodgers isn’t the biggest fan of joint practices. He has a great point. There is a reason they call it “joint practices” and not “joint games”.

There have also been instances where fights have broken out. In the same season, then-Packers rookie TE Jace Sternberger took a big hit over the middle by then-Texans CB Lonnie Johnson Jr.

He stood over Sternberger, flexed his muscles, and a fight ensued.

LaFleur said following the incident:

"“I thought there was no place for that. It’s an unfortunate deal, because I was pretty clear with our guys we’re not doing that stuff. I know what I saw out there, and that particular play, that’s not what we want to be about.”"

There are definitely some positives to joint practices, though. Again, LaFleur loves competition.

He is going to see a lot of that from players that are trying to make the roster, and he will definitely see that from his starters who will not play in the preseason.

That is a big key right there.

Veteran players probably will play very little snaps this preseason, if any. They will get their action in joint practices. They will be facing another competitive roster in New Orleans. It’s good for them to get these reps without having to play in a game where they have a higher chance of sustaining an injury.

Along with the veterans, rookies like DT Devonte Wyatt, LB Quay Walker, WR Christian Watson, WR Romeo Doubs, OL Zach Tom, and OL Sean Rhyan will all get their first snaps against other NFL players not on the Green Bay Packers.

The competition will be great for everyone involved because it will make them better.

No matter how you view joint practices, the Packers will be participating in them for the third time in four years.

It appears as though they have had a positive effect considering Green Bay has gone on an incredible regular season run each of LaFleur’s first three seasons in Green Bay (39 wins – most in the NFL).

It will be interesting to see how this meeting with New Orleans will push this Packers team to be better than ever.