Preseason games rock! The Packers destroyed the Indianapolis Colts 59-24 tonight in game that was great to be a part of. It doesn’t mean a thing that this was the most points the Packers scored in a preseason game since 1938 nor that they beat the defending AFC Champions, it was just fun to be there and fun to watch.
The Packers didn’t really dominate in any phase of the game and the Colts laid down in the second half but it is always fun to put up 59 points in a game. Aaron Rodgers had to overcome a slow start but was as hot as ever once he got in the groove. The guy gets better every game and I’m not sure who was the best QB on the field tonight, A-Rod certainly held his own.
The Packers’ defense actually looked a little better I think, even though they gave up a two play drive to start the game. The Colts led 7-0 with 14:38 time remaining in quarter one. Amazing! The Packers tied the game two minutes later and the shootout was on. The Packers did fall behind 17-7 but there was never any doubt Rodgers and Co. couldn’t get back in it. And it didn’t take long as the Packers led 28-17 by halftime.
The Packers’ defense and special teams looked the best they have all preseason. The defense finally got a little pressure on the quarterback and had some turnovers, and the special teams scored two touchdowns. The Colts’ defense isn’t very good and if this was a regular season game it would have probably ended 38-35 one way or the other.
I hate to admit it again but backup QB Matt Flynn looked great again tonight. I could not have been more wrong about the kid. Maybe the performance of Graham Harrell has sparked Flynn a little, whatever the case, he proved again he can move the ball. Speaking of Harrell, his performance tonight would make him a long-shot to clear waivers and end up on the Packers’ practice squad. I think the Packers should keep three QBs this year. Better safe than sorry. Prepare for the worst and it likely won’t happen, or so it seems for me.
Even with the impressive performance not many roster positions were cleared up. The backup running backs sucked, meaning three fullbacks might be the way to go again this year. Linebacker is still up in the air, but seeing A.J. Hawk playing late in the third quarter with the scrubs doesn’t bode well for him. Other than Clay Matthews and Nick Barnett, I don’t think I like any of them.
Nobody on the offensive or defensive lines stood out either way, even though I thought Marshall Newhouse looked solid at left tackle in the second half. I really like that kid and I doubt he would clear waivers either, and even if he does with his namesake he won’t last long on the practice squad without being offered a job. Here’s hoping they keep him, the more depth on the left side the better.
You can now close the book on the Packers’ starters until opening day in Philly, next week in Kansas City will be a cameo at best. I would love to see the starters play a half to keep them sharp but that went by the wayside years ago. So, on a side note, why would the players have a problem with playing 18 regular season games? Do they like not playing for two weeks prior to the season opener? But I digress, next week in KC will all about final roster spots.
Throw out tonight’s 59 points as fast as you can, the second Peyton Manning left the game the Colts quit. Could be a long year in Indianapolis. Hopefully it is a long year in Green Bay, as in still playing in February.