4 valuable lessons Packers learned ahead of final preseason game

The Green Bay Packers started a lineup of backup and rotational players against the Denver Broncos' starters for nearly the entire first half of their second preseason game.

This game was one to forget for Packers fans.

However, there are still some key takeaways to carry on to Saturday's matchup with the Baltimore Ravens and beyond.

The good, the bad, and the ugly for the Packers in preseason Week 2

The front seven showed great potential

Of the few memorable plays from the Packers on Sunday, the majority came from the front seven defenders. The Packers' only points of the night were thanks to defensive end Zach Morton, who sacked quarterback Zach Wilson in his own end zone for a safety.

Additionally, players such as Brenton Cox, Jonathan Ford, Arron Mosby, and Colby Wooden generated some notable pressure on the Broncos quarterbacks, which evidently led to an interception by linebacker Kristian Welch.

There were few positives to take from this game. However, the depth the Packers have along the defensive line continues to impress despite it not always showing up on the box score. It is important to note that many of the Packers' backups were rushing against the Broncos' starting offensive linemen in the early portions of the game, which led to some expected early struggles.

Although it was too little, too late, the Packers' defense appeared to settle into the game, forcing multiple three-and-outs in the second half.

The offensive line struggled

The source of the Packers' poor offensive performance begins with the offensive line. It felt like on almost every snap, Broncos defenders were pushing the Packers' front five around, allowing for many errant throws and missed opportunities. We still have yet to see the Packers' first-round pick, Jordan Morgan, take the field, but the hope is that he can help stabilize the ship for the backup linemen as soon as possible.

It is difficult to evaluate individual linemen when the unit as a whole is not clicking, as one missed blocking assignment can lead to many plays being blown up in the backfield. The Packers have continued to believe in their philosophy in regards to developing offensive linemen through experience and versatility.

It fully displayed how much work needs to be done along the backup offensive line, but it is important to note the Packers' recent success in finding and developing linemen. The struggling backup unit should not be a major cause for concern when not many of the linemen will be needed in the immediate future.

Neither QB could pull away for the backup job

The door remains wide open for quarterbacks Sean Clifford and Michael Pratt following a horrendous offensive performance. Clifford had a night to forget, finishing the first half 6/10 with 43 yards and an interception, with zero points to show for it. Pratt was not much better, completing 10/16 passes with 52 yards. Pratt's offense was also unable to generate any points, as a hungry Denver defense blanked both quarterbacks.

Of course, there is lots of behind-the-scenes action going on regarding the two quarterbacks, based on team practices in training camp. Both Clifford and Pratt will have one more chance to show Matt LaFleur and company who should get the backup spot on the roster, with a matchup against the Ravens at Lambeau Field just around the corner. This QB competition is truly coming down to the wire.

The kicking battle is beyond disappointing

During the early stages of training camp, it looked as if Anders Carlson had turned a corner, and Greg Joseph was a veteran who could make some big kicks. Although these are still possibilities, both Carlson and Joseph's kicking numbers have dropped to just above 80%, which is not ideal. On the only field goal of the night against the Broncos, Joseph pushed a 47-yard field goal far right of the uprights.

It could truly be a coin flip for which kicker gets the nod to start the season on the roster. Given Brian Gutekunst's tendency to not move on quickly from former draft picks, one could assume Carlson has the slight edge. Similar to the quarterback situation, this is all subject to change with one preseason game to go, where they will be kicking in Lambeau Field.

Expect both kickers to get their opportunities on Saturday, assuming the Packers' offense can move the ball.

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