Packers vs. Broncos preseason Week 2: Top storylines fans must monitor

The Green Bay Packers went into Cleveland in the preseason opener and took care of business against the Browns, winning 23-10.

The starting offense looked great, and perhaps even more importantly, the starting defense rotations were dominant. With one game down, there are two joint practices and preseason games to go.

Up next, the Denver Broncos. Here is a breakdown of the top storylines to watch in preseason Week 2.

Packers vs. Broncos: 5 storylines fans need to monitor

The backup quarterback battle continues

When your franchise quarterback is under contract for five years, one of the most important positions to figure out is the backup. Does Green Bay currently have a guy who could lead the team for a few weeks in the event of an injury to Jordan Love? Sean Clifford and Michael Pratt are the only other passers on the roster besides Love, so one would have to think that the Packers believe they have their guy, whoever it may end up on Week 1.

Clifford immediately relieved Love against Cleveland and went 10/19 for 111 yards. He was at QB on Green Bay's other touchdown drive, leading a 13-play, 77-yard drive that ended with an Emanuel Wilson touchdown run. Clifford led two other scoring drives before calling it a day.

Pratt was given three possessions, including an eight-play, 50-yard drive that ended with a field goal. Statistically, Pratt ended the day 5/7 for 46 yards.

It will be interesting to see how much competition the Packers have for the spot. Clifford does come in as the favorite, and Green Bay could try to roster all three or hide Pratt and sneak him onto the practice squad.

In his limited attempts, Pratt showed off a cannon arm, threading seams and leading receivers, whereas Clifford seemed a bit behind on many of his throws. Pratt also floated a darn near-perfect toss to Julian Hicks and even showed up as a willing blocker downfield.

Who will win the starting safety job alongside Xavier McKinney?

Some call it the strong safety position, others will just call it another safety. Xavier McKinney will be starting, that is a given. But who will be starting alongside him?

Rookie Javon Bullard got the starting nod last week against Cleveland. However, Evan Williams and Anthony Johnson Jr. have warranted playing time. Williams played downhill, leading the team with six solo tackles and a forced fumble, and Johnson was everywhere, too, with two tackles.

All three of these safeties deserve playing time, and there could be a path where Bullard plays in the slot and Williams plays in the true safety role, depending on the package Jeff Hafley pieces together. Johnson should factor in or could be potential trade bait, as he is definitely proving to be an NFL-caliber starting safety.

Can one of the Packers' kickers break the tie?

The days of Mason Crosby's dominance and unquestioned spot as the Packers kicker are in the past. Anders Carlson struggled with extra points and field goals as a rookie in 2023. Green Bay brought in veteran Greg Joseph to compete for the job, who isn't automatic by any stretch of the imagination.

A handful of other legs have been in camp, most recently Australian native Alex Hale. Hale didn't kick against Cleveland and faces an uphill battle to make the roster.

Carlson and Joseph were perfect in preseason Week 1. Carlson got the first crack at both extra-point and field goal attempts. For what it's worth, his kicks did have more tail on them, having snuck through near each upright, and Joseph was down the middle on his attempts. Joseph does have a lead in practice, as reported by numerous Packers reporters. If things keep on this trend, how decisive of a lead/win would Joseph need for the Packers to move on from their 2023 draft pick?

The running back competition behind Josh Jacobs

Josh Jacobs will be the primary back for this squad and looked explosive in his lone preseason carry, busting forward for eight yards. AJ Dillon, MarShawn Lloyd, and Emanuel Wilson are all in the mix to make the roster (no offense to Ellis Merriweather and Jarveon Howard).

Dillon struggled from a statistical standpoint. He played in one drive and had four carries for two yards. He did not have much of a chance on his runs, as Cleveland's defense swarmed him before he could even get to the line of scrimmage. Lloyd would have his day shortened by injury, his second injury of the summer. He did have one carry for eight yards and one catch for one yard before exiting the game.

Wilson was the darling of the preseason last year and reminded the world once again who he was against Cleveland. He had 13 carries for 67 yards, with a long of 23 yards, and a touchdown.

Depending on the severity of Lloyd's injury, the Packers may be able to punt on the situation by placing him on injured reserve and keeping the other three. It is also a real possibility that the Packers keep four backs, given that it is such a physically demanding position, and having a lot of depth is never a bad thing.

Who wins the final wide receiver spot?

This was not a battle that many people expected to be watching entering camp. It seemed like a sure bet that it would be Christian Watson, Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs, Dontayvion Wicks, Bo Melton, and Malik Heath.

Enter Grant DuBose.

The second-year pro hauled in five catches for 66 yards against the Browns. Heath and Melton had a couple of drops. Melton continues to dazzle in camp but had an off day in the preseason opener.

Heath may end up on the outside looking in, depending on whether DuBose can continue his rise, and Melton does have a higher ceiling than Heath. Given the depth at running back and tight end, the days of keeping seven receivers are likely in the past. Under the assumption they keep six, it will be an interesting battle between these three for two spots.

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