3 things that stood out in Packers’ preseason game vs. Saints
The Green Bay Packers and New Orleans Saints met in the preseason following a week of joint practices between the two teams.
There are some key takeaways that should be made going into the final week of preseason football before we kick off the NFL season in September.
Let’s begin.
Jordan Love looked very poised
Jordan Love’s numbers will not pop off the stat sheet, as he finished the night 12/24 for 113 yards and a touchdown, but his play goes much further than the stat sheet will show.
Watching the game, Love seemed more comfortable in the pocket and willing to tuck the ball and run if he did not have any of his initial reads open on the play.
A good example of this came on the first play of the game when Love rushed up the middle for an 11-yard gain. His primary and secondary reads were covered and instead of putting the ball in danger, Love made the smart decision and took off for a first down.
Love finished the night playing smarter football from the week before, making quick reads and correct decisions in order to give his team an opportunity to win the game against the Saints.
This game is a great example of the development he has taken over the past three years on the Packers, which is a very promising sight for the team’s future.
Romeo Doubs is electric
What else do we have to say about Mr. 87, training camp hero, and the answer to our prayers, Romeo Doubs?
Following last week’s NFL debut against the San Francisco 49ers, Doubs continued to impress during his first game at 1265 Lombardi Ave.
Doubs finished the night with three catches for 24 yards and a touchdown. Although his yards and catches went down from the previous week, he made yet another highlight-worthy touchdown reception.
A highpoint pass from Jordan Love allowed Doubs to go up and snag the ball over Saints defensive back Brian Allen, putting the Packers up 10-3 during the second quarter.
The Packers have not even seen Christian Watson play this preseason, who they drafted two rounds prior to Doubs, and this rookie has what it takes to make it in this league.
With his emergence this offseason, Packers fans should be thrilled to have this much excitement coming from a rookie receiver. Especially with the wide open hole in the room after the departure of Davante Adams this offseason.
Packers have safety depth behind the starters
A big issue that occurred last season was depth at the backend of the Packers secondary. Behind Darnell Savage and Adrian Amos, there wasn’t much help to fill in if anything were to have happened to the main guys.
After Friday’s game, however, Green Bay may have found someone to help fill this role.
Former USFL safety Micah Abernathy was recently signed to the Packers, and in this game he was flying around the field.
Abernathy made an incredible play on a ball late in the second quarter, in which he dove over a Saints receiver to snag the ball in the air before hitting the ground, bringing in an interception and giving his team a chance to score before the half ended.
Green Bay also has guys like Tariq Carpenter and Vernon Scott. If Abernathy can continue to shine next week, he has a chance of making the 53-man roster and make a significant impact on special teams, along with filing in on defense if needed.
The Green Bay Packers seem to be doing a great job developing their young talent this offseason.
Going into next week’s matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs, it will be exciting to watch how these young players make their impact on the coaching staff as we get closer to the kickoff of the 2022 NFL season.