The Green Bay Packers look to be ready for the regular season even if they have only played two games. The Packers’ first string offense looked unstoppable scoring on both of their drives against St. Louis Saturday afternoon. The Packers’ defense even played well, getting seven sacks and holding the Rams to a touchdown.
The Packers’ no huddle attack was lightning fast with Aaron Rodgers calling the shots. Rodgers has demanded more from his receivers this training camp and the early results looking promising. Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb both look great and Jarrett Boykin looks better too in his third year. Rookie Davante Adams and Jeff Janis look to be locks to make the team in what is a very crowded room at wide receiver.
Running back Eddie Lacy got his first action of the preseason and quickly picked up where he left off last year. Don’t expect to see much of him in the last two weeks as the Packers want to reduce the hits he takes in games and he certainly didn’t look like he needs the reps.
The backup quarterback situation isn’t much clearer but I do think Matt Flynn took a step toward securing the number two spot. As has been the case with Scott Tolzien, he can move the team in bits and spurts but can’t seem to get it in the end zone. The final preseason game might determine his fate.
On defense the Packers were able to get a pass rush for the first time in forever and there even was a Julius Peppers siting. Linebacker Jayrone Elliott was the star of the defense garnering three sacks in a four play stretch in the second half. Elliott has been making noise in practice and may be on his way to a roster spot over the likes of a Andy Mulumba or Nate Palmer.
Defensively the Packers won’t know what they have until the regular season starts but even marginal improvement should be enough to keep the Packers in the hunt all season and give them a better chance in the postseason should they make it.
The Packers finally play a game in Lambeau this week and it will interesting to see if the Packers can keep the momentum going in the what is the final real dress rehearsal for the regular season. The last preseason game is bye for most starters and especially so this year with the Packers opening on a Thursday night.
It has been so far, so good this year for the Packers. Hopefully their good luck carries over to games that count.