Talk about ending training camp in style. The Green Bay Packers wrapped up their final practice of camp by welcoming the Seattle Seahawks, and it got heated early and often.
There were multiple scuffles and fights between the teams, with Kay Adams of Up & Adams noting: "Biggest camp fight I've ever seen." Offensive linemen Zach Tom and Elgton Jenkins and tight end Tucker Kraft were reportedly in the midst of the various scuffles. Key takeaway: punching someone's helmet still makes zero sense.
Through all the noise and chaos of an ugly practice, what did we learn? There were a few standouts for the Packers, both positive and negative.
Winners and losers for Packers in final practice of training camp vs. Seahawks
Winner: Tucker Kraft
Not only was Kraft in the middle of one of the many fights at practice, but he also tore apart the Seahawks' defense. Outside of a fumble, it sounded like a dominant day from the Packers' star tight end.
"Kraft having himself a day against Seahawks secondary. Already four catches for about 60 yards," Ryan Wood of the Green Bay Press-Gazette reported from practice.
It's encouraging when Kraft makes plays against the Packers, but it's even more exciting when he can dominate against other teams. That's a sign of what's to come in September and beyond.
While the focus is often (understandably) on the Packers' receivers, we shouldn't forget about Kraft. He has quickly become one of Jordan Love's favorite targets over the past 12 months, and his role in this offense is only increasing.
Loser: Brandon McManus
Brandon McManus looked like he'd never miss a kick ever again after such a red-hot start to camp, but he endured a bizarrely difficult day in an unusually heated practice. According to Andy Herman of Packer Report, the veteran kicker missed two field goals, including one that bounced off the uprights.
It's only one practice, and there's zero reason for concern. But, hey, even McManus can have an off-day.
Winner: Matthew Golden
Matthew Golden is going to be special. That's an evergreen comment.
While he did have a rare drop in the 7-on-7 period, that's not before he shredded the Seahawks' secondary. How often have we seen practice updates like this one from John Miller of NBC 26?
"Malik Willis just dropped a dime in one-on-ones to Matthew Golden who torched a Seahawks defender for a touchdown," Miller writes.
We need to see Golden make plays in the regular season before we can make any grand declarations, but it sure looks like the Packers have found their WR1. He turns heads every time he takes the field in practice (or the preseason, for that matter).
Loser: Jordan Love
It's a little harsh to include Jordan Love, who is still working his way back from thumb surgery. Love only took part on a limited basis, playing 12 snaps during the 7-on-7 red-zone period. He completed just three of 12 passes, although two went for touchdowns to Kraft and Luke Musgrave.
Love is still not back to full participation, a little over a week from surgery, but the Packers continue to feel the pain from starting him in the preseason opener. Only two weeks away from the season opener, the Packers need Love to rediscover some rhythm once he's a full-go at practice.
Winner: Luke Musgrave
We all know how talented Kraft is, but is Musgrave launching a breakout season of his own? The former second-round pick has battled injuries in his short NFL career but is quietly having an excellent summer.
"Musgrave also having a big day. Just Moss'd Seahawks CB Riq Woolen for about 35 yards down right sideline. Woolen just sat there on his knees in disbelief after the highlight catch," writes Ryan Wood of the Green Bay Press-Gazette.
That's the upside Musgrave brings to this offense. He needs to translate this success into the games and stay healthy, but Musgrave's talent is undeniable. If he can put it all together this season, look out.
Loser: Aaron Banks
The Packers' offensive line depth is a major red flag entering the season, and it may get tested early. Aaron Banks has dealt with a back injury all summer, and he again sat out of practice on Thursday.
"Concern level has to be rising on the Aaron Banks back injury. It's lingered all training camp, and he's missed at least 5 practices," writes Zach Kruse of Packers Wire.
Hopefully, the Packers are playing it safe and easing him back so he's ready for the regular season, but it's concerning nonetheless.
Loser: Brian Gutekunst
The Packers still have high hopes for Lukas Van Ness, who is enjoying a strong training camp, but fans aren't over the team passing on wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba in the draft two years ago.
He gave the team a harsh reminder of their draft-day miss with a dominant practice. Various reports indicate that Smith-Njigba shredded a Packers secondary without Nate Hobbs. That included two red-zone touchdowns in the 7-on-7 period and a one-hander on the sideline.
Brian Gutekunst has hit plenty of draft home runs, and Van Ness may still live up to his potential, but the Smith-Njigba snub still stings.