Key storylines to follow in Packers preseason opener vs. Browns

It is no secret that the NFL preseason is a chance for players to show why they deserve a spot on the 53-man roster.

Many fans become disinterested due to the lack of starting-caliber players who end up seeing the field. However, there is still plenty to be excited about for the Green Bay Packers' preseason opener. Unlike in previous years, the Packers' starters will play.

Here are key storylines to follow in the preseason opener.

Debuting the new defensive scheme

New Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley arrived in the offseason and is eager to begin running his new defensive scheme, which is far more aggressive than in years past. Although many defensive starters will not play for long, Hafley can start building the foundation of a scary defensive unit by fine-tuning his scheme in the preseason.

Given that Hafley was quite aggressive in team practices, sending heavy blitzes, there is no reason Hafley's defense won't show more of the same against the Browns on Saturday.

This will be Packers fans' first look at Hafley's coaching within a game, giving him a chance to show what his defense is all about. It is no secret that Hafley wants to create turnovers early and often, with heavy pressure on the opposing quarterback. Do not be surprised by some early blitzes by the Packers' defense that can hopefully get home in time.

The backup quarterback battle

Based on reports from training camp, quarterback Sean Clifford is having a training camp to forget.

Meanwhile, rookie quarterback Michael Pratt has shown flashes of excellence and looks to be outperforming Clifford so far. Pratt is facing an uphill battle to secure the backup quarterback position behind quarterback Jordan Love, given that Clifford backed up Love for all of 2023. Head coach Matt LaFleur mentioned that he envisions Clifford getting the majority of reps versus the Browns, but Pratt will also be given an opportunity to shine.

This quarterback competition still has a long way to go, and it is a tight race. It is not out of the question that the Packers end up keeping three quarterbacks on their roster, but it is an unlikely scenario. Whichever quarterback loses the backup job will be a practice squad lock, while the other will sit behind Love. It will be telling based on what these two quarterbacks can showcase on Saturday.

The kicking competition

Kickers Anders Carlson and Greg Joseph have been going toe-to-toe in training camp. Joseph, the veteran and former Minnesota Viking, has made 46 of his 51 kicks, good for 90.1%. Carlson is not far behind, nailing 42 of his 51 kicks, equalling 82.3%. It would not be surprising to see both kickers on the field on Saturday, where each is given equal opportunities to kick in a more hostile Cleveland environment.

As complicated as many positional competitions can be, the battle for the starting kicker job is rather simple: Whoever makes their kicks when they need to make them will make the roster.

As much as many people would like to complicate things, it is not much deeper than that. Both Joseph and Carlson have the respect of their fellow teammates, and neither appears to cause any issues within the locker room, meaning it will come down to who can make their kicks and solidify themselves as the most reliable player.

Can Grant DuBose secure a roster spot?

It is not a given that the Packers will only keep six wide receivers on their roster. If a receiver is deserving of a roster spot after the preseason, they will adjust to make room for the player. The Packers' top six receivers will likely be Romeo Doubs, Christian Watson, Jayden Reed, Dontayvion Wicks, Bo Melton, and Malik Heath. The seventh wide receiver can be a second-year man out of Charlotte, Grant DuBose.

DuBose battled injuries in his rookie season, though he did look impressive at times throughout his rookie camp before he began to miss a lot of time. In 2024, DuBose has been making a name for himself at training camp, winning matchups in both team and individual drills.

The Packers believe in DuBose's abilities and his skill set. The former seventh-round pick can not be ruled out of making the roster, and fans should pay close attention to DuBose on Saturday.

The offensive line combinations

If one word were used to describe the Packers' offensive line, it would be versatile. No team in the NFL cross-trains their linemen as much as the Packers do, and it has certainly worked in their favor over the past few seasons. Elgton Jenkins and Zach Tom are some of the best and most versatile linemen in the entire NFL, giving the Packers ultimate flexibility.

In 2024, the Packers drafted three offensive linemen: Jordan Morgan in the first round, Jacob Monk in the fifth round, and Travis Glover in the sixth round. No matter what position they are listed at, the Packers are going to see where they best fit in their offensive scheme.

For example, Morgan played left tackle at Arizona but has been impressive at right guard for the Packers, where he has been taking first-team reps.

With Morgan and Tom out of the preseason opener, veterans Sean Rhyan and Andre Dillard will start. Matt LaFleur has always preached that the Packers will start their best five linemen, regardless of position. The preseason will allow LaFleur to find his best five and play them accordingly.

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