The Green Bay Packers kicked off training camp with press conferences from coach Matt LaFleur and general manager Brian Gutekunst on Tuesday. The two answered questions from the assembled media for over 30 minutes.
Here are all the important things to know from the two press conferences on Tuesday:
Coach Matt LaFleur
— LaFleur says Packers are young, especially on offense, and that brings the “unknown” aspect, but the talent of the youth is “exciting.” Every year has unique challenges. “How quickly can we acclimate these young players, and how we come together as a team.”
— Has an awareness of personnel and youth on offense entering training camp.
— Calls playing time for the preseason a “fluid” situation. Thinks there’s a lot of value in having two different joint practice opportunities (vs. Bengals, Patriots).
— On Rashan Gary and Eric Stokes: “Hopeful” both will be back this summer. They put in the work during rehab. “They are doing really well.” Plan all along was to start camp on the PUP list. “Provided there are no setbacks, I would see them eventually coming off (PUP).”
— Excited about players working out with Jordan Love this summer. Mentions benefit of guys getting together outside of the facility.
— Strongly believes in the efficiency of the new football facilities at Lambeau Field. Coaches now on the first floor with players. Better logistically. “It’s by far the best facility I’ve been in at this level.”
— Not concerned about heat during training camp. Will keep players hydrated but wants camp to be hard/uncomfortable. Team can’t control air quality and will adjust accordingly.
— Wants to see Jordan Love get better every day. “Can’t give him enough reps.” More consistent on a daily basis. “He has complete command of our offense. He’s put the work in.”
— Unsure on Love’s playing time during preseason. Says it will be fluid.
— On safety competition: “Would like to see two guys separate themselves.” Likes group overall.
— Says it will be a challenge to get four quarterbacks reps, especially with Love commanding so many. Alex McGough has “attacked” the process the right way early on.
— Wants to see rookie tight ends with the pads on. Getting off the ball in the run game. “They are talented guys, they’ve picked up the offense well.” They’ve got a lot to learn, demanding position.
— On adding another kicker: “We’ll see.”
— Calls the backup quarterback situation a “fluid situation.”
— On offensive line competitions: “We’re always preaching competition.” Says Packers are trying to find the best five.
— Attempting to stay ahead of trends, study teams, add wrinkles. Need plays to play off of other plays. Must keep defense off-balance.
— Feel like a different training camp? “Feels like Year 1.” Says it’s exciting. “We’re going to coach these guys hard.”
GM Brian Gutekunst
— Said he’s “very excited” about current wide receiver group. Looked at veteran market and will continue to assess, but he noted the current receivers are young and need to play and get the reps. “They need to play, they need the reps, so we’re excited about that.”
— Like quarterback Alex McGough. USFL champion. “Big, strong, good looking athlete. Always had a big arm.” Believes he’s progressed as a young player. Opportunity in USFL helped.
— On USFL: Teams have a history on players in the league. Players on betting on themselves, important to keep developing. Nice avenue to look at players before training camp.
— Unsure of Jordan Love’s preseason playing time. Would like to get him the experience but also wants him protected from injury. Goes for all the young players on the roster. It will be a “feel thing” for Matt LaFleur.
— Joint practices provide live look while protecting quarterbacks, more control. Preseason provide the chaotic experiences for players.
— He wants to “see how training camp goes” before deciding on the kicker situation.
— Always looking for “consistency” in young players. Everyone can “flash,” but teams look for consistent players who can make plays down in and down out within the scheme.
— On the NFC North: The whole division is talented. Every year is a new year. Too many unknowns to predict how the division looks overall.
— Competition and depth along offensive is “very important” to Packers. Have a lot of young players coming to camp, adds to “healthy” competition. Calls it a “really deep” group. Had 13 players returning from last year. Helps evaluation phases of training camp and preseason games to have good depth along the offensive line.
— On international player Kenneth Odumegwu: “He’s working his tail off, growing. Accepted by the guys, and I think he’s enjoying himself…he’s done a great job.”
— Complimented the new Lambeau Field facilities. Improves efficiency between coaches, front office and players.
— Said the Packers will be “very cautious” on Rashan Gary’s recovery timeline. Suggests Gary will get a chance to practice during training camp and Week 1 isn’t off the table.
— On Marcedes Lewis: Called it a tough decision but “things can change fast.” Doesn’t rule out bringing back the veteran tight end.
— On rookie class: Seem to be “team-first guys.” Hard workers. Excited to see how the handle adversity, approach opportunities. Likes the makeup of the rookies.
— “We’re counting on a lot of young guys this year.” Says the youth is exciting.
