Five Takeaways From Packers Preseason Victory Over Browns
The Green Bay Packers kicked off their preseason campaign on the road in Cleveland, Ohio defeating the Cleveland Browns 23-10 to start 1-0 in exhibition play for the second straight year. Here are five takeaways from the Packers' first contest in 203 days.
1. Jordan Love Is Still Him
Many analysts criticized giving Packers’ quarterback Jordan Love a huge 55M-per-year contract just a few weeks ago, but #10 wants to quiet the doubters. Although it was only preseason, Love shined during his first and only drive against the Cleveland Browns completing both his passes including a 65-yard touchdown to Dontayvion Wicks on third down.
It’s expected that Love will play a drive or two in the last two preseason games including the lone exhibition at Lambeau Field. Playing Love and the starters will ensure that the team will be well-prepared for Week 1 in Brazil.
2. Wide Receiver Battle Gets Interesting
Entering the preseason Green Bay had five wide receivers who were expected to be a lock to make the 53-man roster —Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, Jayden Reed, Dontayvion Wicks, and Bo Melton. The battle for the sixth wide receiver spot was between Malik Heath, Samori Toure, and Grant DuBuse.
While Toure and Heath were quiet on the stat sheet, the focus is on DuBuse and Melton for different reasons. DuBuse shined in his first preseason game catching 5 passes for 66 yards including an incredible 23-yard toe drag catch. Melton did not look as great. He had just a single 100-yard game last season, and in this outing, he dropped multiple passes and was only able to muster one catch for 12 yards. While Melton will certainly make the roster, DuBuse’s performance will put pressure on Toure and Heath as they compete for the final spot.
3. Is AJ Dillon On The Roster Bubble?
AJ Dillon had high expectations when he was drafted in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft. He has not lived up to those and become a Derrick Henry-like third-down back like most fans hoped he would be. He has actually been the exact opposite.
Originally expected to sign elsewhere, Dillon re-signed with the Packers this off-season for less than two million dollars. Despite being widely expected to make the roster, Dillon might now be on the roster bubble. The 26-year-old struggled to pick up one yard on three straight plays in Green Bay’s second drive of the game. Running back Emmanuel Wilson clearly looked better, rushing for 67 yards and a touchdown.
4. Jeff Hafley’s Defense Shines In Win
This preseason game was the first opportunity to see defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley’s defense in action and it did not disappoint. The unit did not allow a touchdown until late in the fourth quarter and played with a lot of energy.
Rookie safety Evan Williams stood out in his first professional game with six solo tackles and a forced fumble in two quarters. The Packers' defensive line looked tough, with sacks from Lukas Van Ness, Colby Wooden, and Spencer Waege.
5. The Kicking Battle Gets Intense
The biggest story out of camp was whether 2023 starting kicker Anders Carlson or veteran Greg Joseph would win the kicking job. Both kickers were perfect on the day with Carlson good from 33 and 45 yards while Joseph made his from 35 yards away. It is unclear who has the advantage at the moment, but Joseph has felt more comfortable so far than Carlson.
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