Luckily, it’s Aug. 22.
After looking solid in two preseason games thus far (and splitting them), the Packers slogged through one of their final training camp practices in front of fans at Nitschke Field, directly across from Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis.
In individual drills, receivers dropped passes. In team periods, there were multiple false starts and one botched snap to rookie tight end Luke Musgrave. In the kicking game, it was a major struggle for rookie kicker Anders Carlson, who missed more field goal attempts than he made.
Still, through all the errors, the reasons why believing in the Packers makes sense began to show.
Morry Gash/AP
By my count, first-year starting quarterback Jordan Love went 11-of-18 with a pair of touchdown passes in team drills, including a strike on the first play of red zone work to receiver Christian Watson. Most importantly, no interceptions.
For most of the afternoon, the best part of Green Bay’s offense was its inside rushing attack, which saw running back Aaron Jones blasting through seams. Yet Love made his presence known, launching a gorgeous deep ball to rookie receiver Jayden Reed (more on that below) while extending a few other plays with his mobility.
Defensively, the Packers have talent on all three levels, and got a huge boost Tuesday when edge rusher Rashan Gary worked in his first team drills since tearing his ACL.
While the big question is whether defensive coordinator Joe Barry can adjust his scheme to be more aggressive and therefore utilize said talent better, the opportunity to be a quality unit is here in Titletown.
Ultimately, the Packers no longer have a first-ballot Hall of Famer in Aaron Rodgers to make up for miscues. At the risk of being obvious, Green Bay must play clean football to win. Under coach Matt LaFleur, the bet is it will considering his 47–19 career record in four seasons.
But Tuesday serves as a reminder of why the Packers could be a talented, inconsistent team this year.
Or, how if they avoid simple mistakes, how they can surprise in a wide-open NFC North.
Best thing I saw: A Love connection … deep down the sideline.
In the latter portion of team periods, Love started firing.
After a few short passes and some RPOs to start teamwork, Love took a deep drop near midfield and lofted a beautiful throw down the right sideline to Reed. Reed looked straight up and hauled in the throw, good for approximately 40 yards.
For the Packers, it’s the type of play they must hit to succeed in 2023. Throws down the field will loosen up the defense. The good news is Love has the arm to deliver, and his plethora of youthful pass catchers have plenty of speed.
Best thing I heard: Tucker Kraft’s bone-crunching collision with Keshawn Banks.
Usually, this is a space I reserve for a good quote. But at Packers camp, a play was deserving of a note here.
During a team period, Kraft came off the left side of the line to run a crossing route before finding Banks was occupying the middle. In an instant, the rookies collided with a popping thud as Banks slammed to the ground, while Kraft continued on his delayed route.
In eight camp stops, it was easily the loudest pad-pop I’ve heard.
Rookie who impressed: Malik Heath, WR.
Christian Watson, Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs, Dontayvion Wicks. Everybody knows about that quartet on the outside.
But don’t forget about Heath.
“Malik Heath,” Jones told Sports Illustrated when asked about who has impressed him this summer. “He was undrafted, so you don’t know why he wasn’t drafted or whatever. He’s gotten in here and he’s been balling, making plays.”
An undrafted free agent out of Ole Miss, there’s an excitement within the building about Heath, and it’s easy to see why. At 6'2" and 213 pounds, Heath is a big body who runs tight routes and can shake tacklers.
In practice, Heath caught passes on in- and out-breaking routes, while mixing in with both the starters and reserves. With the Rebels in 2022—after transferring from Mississippi State—Heath caught 60 passes for 971 yards and five touchdowns.
In two preseason games, Heath has eight receptions for 111 yards.
It’s a long road to being a rookie contributor, but Heath is worth monitoring.
Veteran who impressed: Aaron Jones.
Entering his seventh year, Jones is being relied upon more than ever as the Packers transition from Rodgers to Love.
On Tuesday, Jones gave ample reason to believe he’ll handle the assignment.
Running hard through interior lanes on many of his carries, Jones made one play that brought the crowd to its feet. Catching a screen pass across the middle, the veteran back cut upfield between defenders and accelerated, going for a long touchdown.
In each of the past two years, Jones has had more than 50 receptions. This season might produce his highest total yet.
Song of the day: “Best of You” by Foo Fighters.
The tune blared out over Nitschke Field in the early periods of practice, and the name is perfect for the Packers’ season.
Green Bay doesn’t have more proven talent than many of the top-tier NFC contenders. But it has a coach in LaFleur hell-bent on motivating them to reach their potential. With a bevy of young talent, specifically at receiver and tight end, the Packers could be intriguing.
