Packers at Rams Review | Green Bay 2014 Preseason Continues

The Green Bay Packers traveled to St. Louis to take on the Rams in week two of the 2014 NFL Preseason. Here are our takeaways from that game.

First Team Offense: The first team offense played the first two drives of the game. They played both with perfect precision scoring a touchdown on the first drive, and a field goal on the second drive. Had it not been for a penalty, they would have scored a touchdown on both drives. Both drives were 12 plays each, and the first team offense had no trouble moving the ball at will. Aaron Rodgers looked like Aaron Rodgers, and on several plays showed us why he is the best in the business at what he does. Eddie Lacy looked very sharp on the games opening drive. He ran the ball well and was effective catching it out of the backfield. James Starks played the second drive, and did a very good job.

Scott Tolzien: Scott Tolzien entered this game with a chance to win the backup quarterback job. He did not win it, but he did not lose it ether. He made some good plays, but he also made some bad ones. We will say this though, it is very obvious that Matt Flynn has resigned himself to the fact that nobody wants him to win this job and he is simply plan B. Scott Tolzien is more talented and has a higher upside at the end of the day.

The defensive line: The defensive line played great all game. They consistently pressured whoever was playing quarterback all game. Nothing else to see here, move along.

The Secondary: So just when the Packers finally begin to figure out their front seven, the secondary decides that now is the time to fall apart. This secondary needs to clean up these issues our all of this work spent on fixing the issues up front will be worth nothing.

The errors: The Packers made way too many mistakes and committed way too many penalties in this game. Championship teams do not do these things. Officials: The officials were working out their own kinks in this game, end of story.

Quarterback Battle In Green Bay | Preseason Update Ticket King Green Bay

Well everyone, just like that, the first week of the preseason is in the books. Since we have some tape now, here are some of our early observations of the 2014 Green Bay Packers team.

Entering Packers training camp, Sean Richardson and Micah Hyde were slotted as the reserve safeties. They have had great camps, and could actually start over either or both first round draft choice Ha-ha Clinton Dix and Morgan Burnett. However, at the end of the day, we do expect both Clinton-Dix and Burnett to start, as Thompson drafted Dix in round one and paid Burnett too much money last year to sit him on the bench.

With the ACL injury to Jarred Abberderis, the 5^th wide receiver slot is now wide open. Chris Harper, Kevin Dorsey, Myles White, and many others are competing. Dorsey made some nice plays in the family night scrimmage, and had three catches for 23 yards in the first preseason game. Chris Harper has had a decent camp and had two catches for 55 yards in the first preseason game. Myles White hasn’t done so well and has a lot of work to do to catch up. This battle is open, and we do expect Kevin Dorsey to win it at the end of the day.

Packers Backup Quarterback Contest Continues

And then there is that little backup quarterback battle going on. Chase Rettig knows he has no shot at all of making this roster, so he is just biding his time and having fun until he is released. This is a two horse race between Matt Flynn and Scott Tolzien. So far they both have looked on and off. Tolzien went 8-12 with a 124 yards passing in the first preseason game and Matt Flynn went 5-10 for 49 yards in the first preseason game. Expect this battle to drag on until the start of the season.

What about the tight ends? Well Colt Lyerla pretty much took himself out of the running by trying to do too much in the family night scrimmage, and will now miss a few weeks. Nobody else has looked particularly good so far- Andrew Quarless, Brandon Bostick, Ryan Taylor, or Richard Rodgers. This may be a tight end by committee this season.

Packers Players That Need To Step Up In 2014

Which young Packers players will step up and make a difference in 2014? Every season, it seems like Green Bay needs somewhere south of six players that must emerge as stand out players as quickly as possible, if the team is to move on to the post season.  So logically, the first question that comes to mind is “Which players are going to make the difference?”

Let’s start on Defense.  Casey Hayward is key to the Packers coming up big in 2014. In 2012, Hayward had six interceptions.  Some of those came late in games, when opponents were desperate to get a score. In 2013, Hayward played in fewer games, but showed promise in the game against Chicago. On the line, Datone Jones will be under the microscope. With Nick Perry failing to avoid the injury bug, Jones has the spotlight forced upon him. The pass rush must come from somewhere other than the usual places. Jones could be just the player to make that happen.

On offense, it looks like the Packers need Jarrett Boykin to find a way to get open. He stepped up and caught nearly 50 passes when filling in for Randall Cobb. With Nelson and Cobb being one and two, Boykin has an opportunity to be the third receiver on offense.

Eddie Lacy looks to be the running back that will do even more for the Packers in 2014. He’s got to be the “check-down” back, that can get open in the flat, and wait for the ball. Finally, the mystery player that will take over at tight end has yet to emerge.  Will it be Brian Bostick, Richard Rodgers, or Colt Lyerla.  Lyerla came in as an undrafted player, but he’s showing spark. A lot of fans would like to hear “Rodgers to Rodgers for the touchdown!” but Brandon has to show the coaches that he’s better than his past performances.   Finally, we could guess as to which player will elevate the team, but guesses are just that, guesses. The preseason starts in just four days, and the Packers will evaluate every player that hopes to once again make the team.