Live updates from Packers joint practice with Broncos (August 16)
Forget about the preseason game this weekend. The Green Bay Packers are treating their joint practice with the Denver Broncos as the perfect audition for the regular season. Head coach Matt LaFleur revealed he will sit most of the starters in Sunday night's contest in Denver, as the Packers plan to use the joint practice as their game reps.
It makes sense. Rather than playing a drive or two in a preseason game, Jordan Love and the starters get a competitive practice against another NFL defense.
Sunday night? That's for the backups competing for roster spots or a higher position on the depth chart. Friday's practice will see the Packers' starters go head-to-head with the Broncos, and we should learn a lot about this team.
Jeff Hafley's defense will be tested by a new-look Broncos offense led by first-round quarterback Bo Nix. Many Packers fans hoped the team would trade for Patrick Surtain II this offseason. Green Bay's wide receivers will match up with the All-Pro cornerback throughout Friday's practice.
Live updates and reports from Packers joint practice with Broncos
- Broncos defense making life difficult for Packers offense
Packers No. 1 offense goes four-and-out gaining just 1 yard in end-of-game scenario. Ball at own 40, down three, no timeouts, 1:10 left. Short completion to Jacobs then three incompletions with two near-picks.
— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) August 16, 2024
#Packers gain 1 yard on Broncos defender in 2-minute drill.
— Ryan Wood (@ByRyanWood) August 16, 2024
1-10: Jordan Love check right to Josh Jacobs, 1 yard.
2-9: Love to Romeo Doubs left out, Riley Moss PBU.
3-9: Love to Jayden Reed down middle, open but overthrown.
4-9: Love to Doubs right out, Pat Surtain II PBU.
Green Bay's offense is getting some valuable reps at practice. The No. 1 unit stalled in an end-of-game scenario. Matt Schneidman reported that Sean Clifford threw a pick with the second team moments later. A lot to learn from.
- Jordan Love interception leads to a scrum
broncos defense picks off jordan love and we have our first scrum.
— Benjamin Allbright (@AllbrightNFL) August 16, 2024
We're still haunted by Jordan Love's interceptions against the Broncos last season. This is an interesting note, as Packers players need to avoid getting involved in fights at joint practice. Matt LaFleur said he takes a similar approach to New England Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo. Starters who fight have to play the entire preseason game, while backups won't get to play at all.
Here is the video of the pick. Love's arm appears to be hit as he throws.
For those wondering, here’s the play where Jordan’s arm got hit, causing a pick. Definitely worse appearing in words than in actuality!
— Tazim Wajid Wajed (@NFLHitman33) August 16, 2024
In other words, HE’S FINE! pic.twitter.com/85jFpnwTWx
- Updates from the first 11-on-11 session
Some notes from first 11-on-11 period:
— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) August 16, 2024
• Jacobs probably would’ve had big run up right side on second play
• Love hit Wicks for nice gain up right side on first pass
• Clifford big completion to Heath wiped out by false start
• Love hit Musgrave wide open on crosser
•…
- The offense is off to a good start
Jordan Love completes 2-3 passes for 36 yards in first scripted team period, which focused mostly on run game. Connected with Dontayvion Wicks on 16-yard out. Hit Luke Musgrave on 20-yard drag.
— Ryan Wood (@ByRyanWood) August 16, 2024
Also drew DPI on go ball to Christian Watson deep.
Josh Jacobs popped off two good runs to start team period against Broncos defense. On third, Broncos DE Zach Allen popped Jacobs at LOS. Good thud. Held him to 1-yard gain.
— Ryan Wood (@ByRyanWood) August 16, 2024
We know how good Jordan Love and the passing offense is, but it's encouraging to hear Josh Jacobs have a few nice runs. Green Bay's run blocking needs to improve from last season. If that happens, Jacobs can dominate this season.
- The Packers' pass rush welcomes Bo Nix to the NFL
Preston and Gary combine for sack of Nix on fourth offensive snap. Couldn’t tell who would have gotten there first
— Wes Hodkiewicz (@WesHod) August 16, 2024
Green Bay's defense has been impressive throughout training camp. Making plays against another NFL offense is encouraging. If Rashan Gary can stay healthy, he could be in line for a huge season. Jeff Hafley's system is putting the Packers' pass rushers in the best position to succeed.
- Packers defensive line getting good reps against the Broncos offensive line
Kenny Clark had a nice rep against Quinn Meinherz.
— Wes Hodkiewicz (@WesHod) August 16, 2024
Colby wooden looked good, winning a couple snaps.
Deslin Alexandre won with a spin move vs Frank Crum
Jonathan Ford opened with a good power rush vs Wattenburg
- Practice is underway in Denver
#Packers have taken the field for joint practice with Broncos. pic.twitter.com/GpumjWVkxS
— Mike Spofford (@mikespofford) August 16, 2024
This page will be updated regularly throughout what is arguably the Packers' most important practice of the summer.
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