The Packers first showing of the year to at least the local masses was almost as impressive as the national media forecasts for the team. The Packers’ first-team offense and first-team defense were clicking on all cylinders and the key to the Packers’ success – tight end Jermichael Finley did not disappoint. Finley has received the most hype this offseason and how he handles his new-found fame is a key piece to the Packers’ puzzle this year.
Finley proved to be a man among boys, especially when playing against the second-team defense. The man simply is better than anybody that will be covering him unless the opponent makes a major change to their defensive game plan. Of course, with Aaron Rodgers at quarterback that just opens up other guys for big plays, either way the Packers win.
The first team defense looked every bit the force it was last year. The offense couldn’t run the ball at all and also couldn’t score in the two-minute drill. It seemed like on every running play the ballcarrier was getting smothered at the line of scrimmage or before. Granted, the Packers’ offense won’t be facing the leagues number two run defense every week, so I’m not too concerned, but damn, it would be nice to cross the line of scrimmage at least once.
The Packers’s special teams looked great, but with no tackling in those aspects of the scrimmage it really doesn’t mean anything other than from a kicking standpoint. Placekicker Mason Crosby looked better than I’ve seen in a while, but again, without the pressure of a real game to bother him. The punters looked like punters who never kicked in a game before. Anybody can boom them down the field when there is no pressure. I’m not worried about Crosby, I do admit he must be better, but the punting game is still a big question mark.
Aaron Rodgers looked like Aaron Rodgers but Matt Flynn looked like Brian Brohm, only worse. The Packers’ need for a backup quarterback was never more evident than last night when Flynn and Graham Harrell looked pitiful at best. I hate to even admit it, but Jeff Garcia would probably be the Packers’ best option at backup QB. I do love Daunte Culppeper, but Garcia is smarter and knows the offense, he could win a game or two.
The Packers kick off the preseason next weekend and we better see a better performance from Flynn. The Packers need a new Mr. October, but unfortunately, Flynn ain’t it. Oh well, the Cowboys and Bengals are about to kick off. Football is back! Football on one TV and “The Spy Who Loved Me” on the other. You don’t need sound when Barbara Bach is on screen.