A benchmark day for the young Green Bay Packer offense on the steamiest day of the summer. With temperatures climbing into the humid 90’s, the Packer defense’s run of five consecutive wins in the competitive period of the day came to an end, for the first time, they were subjected to a brisk set of up-downs after one of the longest practices of training camp.
Head Coach Matt LaFleur had the squad in full pads for just over two hours total, keeping everyone but the specialists indoors for the first 25 minutes of practice.
Jordan Love admitted Wednesday it was a little frustrating coming up losers every day in camp so far. The starters didn’t have a big hand in securing the day’s win however. Another two minute drill came up empty although Love moved the chains with a daring fourth down scramble.
It took rookie quarterback Sean Clifford to finally score in the 2 minute period. The 5th round pick from Penn State hit Bo Melton twice to get the offense moving, second year running back Tyler Goodsen took a swing pass up the right sideline for a huge gain. He cut back inside late and the offense thought it was a 60 yard touchdown but coaches placed the ball down at about the 10. Tucker Kraft got ’em close with a contested catch near the goal line and then Clifford zipped a short, hard slant to Malik Heath for the touchdown, the first for the offense in two minute all camp.
Goodson helped seal the unit’s win for the day by ripping off a touchdown run through a gaping, well blocked hole on the left side.
Kicker Anders Carlson had another curious day. The Auburn rookie and only player without direct competition in camp, made like an NBA player of old, remember the rule allowing three free throws to make two? Carlson had two sets of three kicks and in each, missed the first and made the next two. After pushing a 41 yard kick wide right, he came back to hit from 43 and 45 yards. The next set started with a 47 yard try and once again, it was pushed wide right. Carlson then pounded through a 49 yarder and with plenty of leg to spare, a 54 yard boot. There’s no doubt about the kid’s length strength but he’s been a spotty 16 of 27 on field goals since camp began.
On the medical front, rookie receiver Dontayvion Wicks has returned after missing a couple of days with a concussion. Aaron Jones caught got behind the line of scrimmage by Justin Hollins and got up slowly after a visit by trainers. Jones would return but got limited team snaps the rest of the day. Grant Dubose remains sidelined with a back injury and Jake Hanson is still down with an elbow injury.
David Bakhtiari got another day off but he’s expected to dress out for snaps Saturday at the Family Night practice.
The RB’s ready for a drill. We know #1 and #2 but who will be #3?
LaFleur believes the Packers have one of the best running back tandems ready to roll this fall with Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillon. The team is going to need a dependable back-up or two if they want to keep that duo fresh through December. Before practice, I asked LaFleur about the RB3 competition and how Patrick Taylor, Tyler Goodson and draft choice Lew Nichols can separate themselves and lay claim to that number three job. His answer was detailed and thorough:
Taylor saw action in December, getting 10 carries down the stretch for 31 yards. Goodson spent the entire year on the practice squad in 2022, activated for one game but not playing after impressing during the pre-season. Nichols was a 7th round pick from Central Michigan who led the nation in rushing two years ago. It was Goodson who had the most productive day of the three on Thursday and I spent a few moments with the former Iowa Hawkeye after practice. He feels a lot further along this summer than he did a year ago.
General Manager Brian Gutekunst continues to make moves with the back end of the roster. On Wednesday, he released linebacker LaDarius Hamilton, an undrafted free agent who made the roster in each of the past two years but played sparingly, appearing in only nine games. He’s the second edge rushing veteran to be cut after Jonathan Garvin was cut loose last week. The Packers formally announced the re-signing of offensive lineman Cole Schneider who is getting his second camp look in as many years. He took turns at center with the third unit. After passing a physical today, the Packers also announced the signing of linebacker Arron Mosby who was claimed off waivers from the Carolina Panthers. The 6-3, 250 pound linebacker from Fresno State went undrafted in 2022 and signed with Carolina, spending most of the year on the practice squad. He was active for three games last season.
Packers President and CEO Mark Murphy has been named a defendant in two of the four most recent lawsuits filed by former athletes at Northwestern University. The suits allege the plaintiffs were subjected to hazing, racial discrimination and sexual abuse. A total of 13 lawsuits have been filed in all in the wake of a University investigation that led to the firing of long-time football coach Pat Fitzgerald. Murphy was the Athletic Director in Evanston between 2003 and 2007 which is when two of the plaintiffs contend the incidents took place. Murphy and the Packers have “respectfully” declined comment.
Comments Murphy made during a morning radio show on 97.3 The Game Thursday morning quickly grew legs. When asked about Love, Murphy said it’s night and day from where Jordan was as a rookie to where he is now ready to assume the starting role. As for Love’s predecessor, Aaron Rodgers, what did Murphy hopes 2023 brings? “65%” he blurted out. That’s the offensive play time threshhold that if eclipsed, would land the Packer a first round draft choice in 2024. Murphy was very animated at the time and a video clip became an “X” favorite. Murphy said he hopes Rodgers does well with the team but also would like the Jets to have a rough season to improve the Packer pick even more.
The team will spend Friday with meetings, perhaps a walk through in the new football facility but nothing for the fans. Gutekunst is scheduled to meet reporters at 1:00 PM Friday and up next, the Family Night practice inside Lambeau Field Saturday night. LaFleur said “I think we’ll have a few wrinkles” for the only night practice of the summer.
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