Things We Want To See Saturday Night

After an offseason of angst, what would make you feel good about this team?

Game week is finally here, even if it’s only a preseason game week.  The Packers host the Houston Texans Saturday night at 7 pm Central time.  Many fans don’t pay much attention to these contests, but I do.  There are several things I will enjoy watching for.  Here’s part of my list.  If you bleed green and gold, you probably have your own list. 

 

First and foremost, I want to see Lambeau Field packed and rockin’ again.  I want to hear that “Go Pack Go” cheer loud and raucous.  I want to see cheese hats and green face paint and bare chested fans and number 12 jerseys.  It’s been way too long. 

 

I want to see signs that quarterback Jordan Love can play.  Much will depend on whom he gets to line up with.  I am hoping he gets at least a series or two with the number one offensive line.  I don’t expect him to look like the second coming of Aaron Rodgers, but I want to see him run the offense smoothly and efficiently.  I want to see that arm strength I’ve been hearing about.  I want to watch him occasionally drift out of the pocket, keep his eyes downfield, and calmly make an accurate throw on the run.  I just want to come out of the game feeling better about his being taken in the first round and all of the drama that it caused.   

 

I want to see a fierce battle unfold for that number three running back spot.  I want Kylin Hill, Dexter Williams and Patrick Taylor to run hard, break tackles and catch passes.  I want the coaches to have an extremely difficult decision as to whom to keep. 

 

I want to see Amari Rodgers take the ball off a jet sweep and turn the corner for a big gain.  I want to see him line up in the slot and show he can beat NFL caliber defensive backs.  I also want to see him field punts, and maybe even kickoffs, dependably and securely, and show a little juice on the returns. 

 

I want to see what the Juwann Winfree hype is all about.  All I keep reading is that he is the breakout star of camp thus far, how he is making outstanding catches every practice.  I try not to get too excited about new players who become underwear all stars.  I’d like to see him make a couple of great catches against an NFL opponent in a real game. 

 

In fact, I’d like to see an indication of how the receiver position is going to pan out.  It seems to be the deepest unit on the roster right now.  I don’t expect Davante Adams to play, maybe not MVS or Lazard either.  But I’d like to get at least a feel for whether guys like Funchess, EQ, Malik Taylor and Chris Blair are good enough to make the team.  Would love to see Randall Cobb show he can still run and catch. 

 

I want to see rookie center Josh Myers show command of the offensive line, and execute snaps without fumbles and miscues.  I want to be able to feel good about the depth of our O-line, especially at the tackle positions.  Doubt we’ll see much of the starters, so I’m hoping for solid performances from the likes of newly acquired Dennis Kelly, Yosh Nijman, Jon Runyan, Ben Braden.   

 

And wouldn’t it be extra awesome to see former Wisconsin Badgers Cole Van Lanen and Jon Dietzen look good.  Maybe they could lead the jump around at the end of the third quarter. 

 

I want to see the defense at least look organized and energized.  I know a new system takes time to learn, but I don’t want to see a circus of blown assignments, missed tackles, wide open receivers, and hemorrhaging of big plays.  I want to see whether first round pick Eric Stokes has more to offer than just speed.  I want to see him turn his hips, anticipate routes, play the ball well in the air, and tackle securely.    

 

I want to watch rookie TJ Slaton terrorize opposing linemen and be a force against the run.  I want to see the light come on for Oren Burks and Josh Jackson and Kamal Martin.   

 

I want to see shots of Aaron Rodgers smiling on the sidelines, looking like he’s enjoying himself and engaged in helping his teammates to be better.  I’d love watching a sideline interview with David Bakhtiari and have him pronounce he will be ready for week one.  

 

 I want to see the Packers win the game. 

 

Other than that, I really have no expectations.     

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

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Ken Lass is a former Green Bay television sports anchor and 43 year media veteran, a lifelong Packers fan, and a shareholder.

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10 points
 

Comments (45)

Fan-Friendly This filter will hide comments which have ratio of 5 to 1 down-vote to up-vote.
Bure9620's picture

August 09, 2021 at 06:42 am

I would like to see consistent competent pass and run blocking from the second O-line unit when they are in. We seem to have good depth across the line. The Packers should be able to win the LOS.

I would like to see a WR separate from the rest out of Begleton, Winfree, Funchess, EQ, Taylor( The others won't get enough snaps)

7 points
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Coldworld's picture

August 09, 2021 at 09:46 am

Was disappointed Winfree was out for the scrimmage. Hopefully he will be fully back by Saturday. Be nice to get a few more off the NFI and see some who have returned recently getting action.

2 points
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PackEyedOptimist's picture

August 09, 2021 at 06:24 am

Well Ken, you didn't leave much for us to "add." :-D
All of your above, but also:
Dillon looking like an All-Pro.
One of the backup safeties (Uphoff, Gaines, Scott, Black?) looking impressive.
Campbell or McDuffie making plays.
Jean-Charles flashing.

6 points
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NickPerry's picture

August 10, 2021 at 05:12 am

Uphoff is an interesting player too. It seemed a lot was made when the Packers were able to sign him as an UDFA. Thanks for reminding me about him.

0 points
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NickPerry's picture

August 09, 2021 at 06:48 am

Nice list Ken...BUT, I think you left off one very important thing off the list, maybe it's more of something you DON'T want to see but worth mentioning...

NO INJURIES!!!!!

19 points
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NickPerry's picture

August 09, 2021 at 07:00 am

Now....With that said my number on thing I want to see is Jordan Love. I'd like to see Love sling the ball all over the field and have at least a couple throws that make you do WOW!

I want to see our new ILB Campbell stay with TE and RB in coverage...Well at least within a yard or so (it is just preseason game one).

I'd like to see Taylor and Hill BOTH show they can run, catch, and play pass pro.

Lastly I want to see Amari Rodgers. I think this kid is going to be special, especially in the MLF offense. But since it's preseason lets see nice gains, a few TD's, and to field the ball clean on ST...

Oh, and NO injuries....To either team please!!

9 points
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Since'61's picture

August 09, 2021 at 08:34 am

Nick that is most important. No injuries. I’m with you. The rest is just window dressing. Thanks, Since ‘61

3 points
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Todd's picture

August 09, 2021 at 11:14 pm

You said it, Nick!

0 points
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Coldworld's picture

August 09, 2021 at 07:15 am

No injuries and good exposure for the second line depth at all positions. We know what the established players can do, so let’s get the young and the newer ones out there and test them. I want to see how this D defends against an opponent and see it tackling effectively: show me the new attitude. I’d like to see something from an OLB not named Smith or Gary. Want to see more of Avery too.

8 points
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Spock's picture

August 09, 2021 at 07:39 am

I'm one of those fans that LIKES to see the pre-season games precisely because you get to see some of the "underdog" players you can root for to make the 53. Like everyone else I just want to see what these kids can do and hope no one gets any serious injuries. GPG!!!

11 points
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Swisch's picture

August 09, 2021 at 09:48 am

Me too, Spock. This is fun.

1 points
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RCPackerFan's picture

August 09, 2021 at 07:44 am

My List of want to see:

1 - Jordan Love. I want to see what he has. This will be the first real chance we have been able to see him in true game action. Saturday night he made a beautiful throw to Begleton over 2 defenders. It was a perfect throw that should have been caught for a long TD. I want to see more of that from him. See if he can be the future at QB.

2 - Rookies. For me preseason games are about the future of the team. Not necessarily who will be week 1 starter, but who will be able to contribute this year and who may show up next year. I do love to see the players that will be making a difference this year, so that is the first thing. I want to see Stokes in live action. I want to see Myers take over and have no question that he is the starter. I want to see Amari Rodgers and just get a glimpse of what he will do this year. Returns and doing things in the offense. I want to see Newman and see if he could be a key player for us this year. I want to see Slaton be a wall in the middle of the DL. I want to see if Jean-Charles can be our Star Nickel and what he can do on special teams. I want to see Van Lanen playing a few different spots and seeing if he can be a key backup/contributor this year. I think McDuffie is out? I could be wrong about that, but when he does play I want to see how he can do on special teams. Kylin Hill I want to see become the 3rd RB.

3 - Position Battles. These are the position battles I'm really looking forward to seeing.
RB3 - We know who 1&2 are. We don't know who 3 will be. Preseason games is the best place to find the RB. Kylin Hill I think has a great chance at taking that spot. Another player I'm looking forward to seeing is Patrick Taylor. We didn't get to see him last year, but he has the size and speed. Williams is the other RB in that fight.

WR 6/7 - We can pencil in who our 1-5 spots are. Adams, MVS, Lazard, Cobb, Rodgers. We don't know if they will keep more then 5 or how many spots after 5 they will keep. But for the spots after those 5, we are looking at Funchess, EQ, Winfree as the likely top options. Taylor, Begleton, Thompkins might be in the next tier. This battle maybe one of the best on the team. As for players I want to see here, I really want to see Winfree and what he can do. He has been talked about as much as anyone at WR, and he could make the 53.

OL - We currently dont know who the starting OL will be. Assuming Bakhtiari won't be there the first week. We will likely have Jenkins at LT, Myers at OC, Patrick at RG. Turner at RT. We don't know who LG or RG will be. There is a chance that they could move Turner and put Kelly at RT too. Players I am looking forward to seeing is Runyan, Van Lanen, Newman. Do any of those guys unseat Patrick who likely is penciled in at RG. Runyan is the guy I'm really wanting to see. He filled in nicely last year. I think he could make a run at one of the OG spots. Van Lanen could be this years version of Runyan.

CB - Alexander is the best CB in the league, feel free to change my mind. The guys opposite of him will see a lot of balls thrown their way. This is where Stokes could be the most important rookie, even over Myers who is basically written in as the Starting OC. If Stokes can come in and shut down the other side, our defense instantly becomes top tier. Stokes could make a HUGE difference on our team this year. King we have yet to see, but I think he has a lot to prove coming back. He had some bad moments, but he isn't as bad as what a lot of people remember either. He can still be a very good CB. His biggest thing is staying healthy. Sullivan looks to be taking over the Star CB spot. Josh Jackson I still like. I would have liked to have seen him more last year. He is a guy to keep an eye on as well. He could be on the field a lot or could be let go. Jean-Charles is one of the rookies I am looking forward to seeing the most. Especially on special teams. But he is a guy to keep an eye on, that could sneak into the Star CB role. Ento is another guy to really watch. It sounds like he has been really good in practices. If he carries that over to games, he could find himself on the 53.

4 - Year 2/3 players taking a step. Who might take a leap in their year 2/3. Last year we saw Gary, Savage and even Jenkins take a step. Don't be surprised if all 3 take another step this year. It sounds like Gary is about to bust out big time this year. Some other guys that I'm looking forward to seeing taking a big step.
Dillon - While I don't think we will see him a lot in the preseason, I expect a big leap for him this year.
Deguara - He was really good in his first few games that he got to play. He could be one of the best pieces added to the team with all the things he can do.
Barnes - He had an impressive year as an UDFA. Its crazy to think a guy who didn't have an offseason last year due to the covid crap, could come into training camp as an UDFA and earn the starting role. I expect him to really take a step this year.
Runyan - I really think he pushes for a starting spot this year. If not he will be one of our top backups.
Vernon Scott - Don't be surprised if he makes it onto the field as our Safety/ILB hybrid. Or even as the next safety and having Savage or Amos sliding into that role.
Sternberger - There just seems to be something a bit different with Sternberger this year. He has added some weight. He has made some great catches in camp. He is a guy to really watch that could emerge. While we already have Tonyan, and Lewis, Sternberger could really add another piece to the already dangerous offense.

5 - Packers! I just am looking forward to seeing the Packers play! Last year we had no preseason games which meant we didn't get to see any of the rookies and young players until games started. I'm looking forward to seeing that this year!

4 points
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KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

August 09, 2021 at 08:00 am

RCPackerFan,
Wow...you pretty much summed it up!

1 points
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dobber's picture

August 09, 2021 at 12:44 pm

If he couldn't sum it up in the first two volumes, the last three got it.
;)

3 points
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RCPackerFan's picture

August 09, 2021 at 02:58 pm

I may focus on my book next time. :) lol.

3 points
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RCPackerFan's picture

August 09, 2021 at 02:58 pm

I'm impressed you read it all lol.

4 points
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stockholder's picture

August 09, 2021 at 07:52 am

This tickled my funny Bone. It shouldn't matter who Love has around him. Rb: - None of them have the razz-ell dazzle. But if one can run the sweep. I'd keep him. Amari Rodgers only needs to stay in the slot. He'll fair catch everything. The WR battle won't have anything to do with Live action. You practice like you play. The OL ? Don't get penalized. Barry and his Defense Line-ups. Now that will be something to see. Jackson vs. Stokes. I can't help but think both will fail. And if I made the pick. Baremore wouldn't be dominating the patriots practices. The sight of #12 will bring more cheers, and smiles, then a TD by Love. And what about the kicking game? Maybe they'll go for a td instead.

-5 points
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packer132's picture

August 09, 2021 at 09:50 am

That a way, Stockholder. Back to your old negative self.

0 points
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Packers0808's picture

August 09, 2021 at 07:56 am

Nobody mentioned this I don't believe, see a great improvement on special team, returns and coverage especially. A more steady punting game would also be welcome for sure. And lastly seeing he can't play yet see Bakh chug one down on the sidelines[kidding here of course]

10 points
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Coldworld's picture

August 09, 2021 at 10:59 am

I’m certainly hoping for some positive returns and to see players emerging at gunner and other roles. At this point discipline would be a great sign. It’s difficult to know how many of the STs on the field will be there after cut downs at this point, but if we can show more cohesion, that will speak volumes about the new coach. I hope we get tested.

0 points
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KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

August 09, 2021 at 08:08 am

A lot of good things already mentioned, but as always...I'd like to see the Packers kick ass and take names in the trenches on both sides of the line. Nothing empowers a player/team more than having the ability to impose your will. Conversely, nothing is more devastating knowing the player across from you is dominating you physically, and there is nothing you can do to stop him.

Some good old fashioned smash mouth football would be my choice. Knowing you can get that 3rd and 2, or 4th and 1.

7 points
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Bure9620's picture

August 09, 2021 at 08:30 am

If we win the LOS then Love has a pocket to operate in and will make these reps that much more valuable for him. If the line is demolished and Love is running for his life playing pick up schoolyard ball.....Then the reps suck....

4 points
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Coldworld's picture

August 09, 2021 at 09:50 am

It will be interesting to see how they address that. I’d expect a fair amount of the first group O line (including alternates seen in practice) in the first half for that reason and then a period with others rotating in before Benkert takes over.

2 points
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Swisch's picture

August 09, 2021 at 09:46 am

While I still think the Packers will pass the ball the majority of the time this season, and am glad of it, I'm also glad that we are implementing a formidable running game for balance.
It's this element of a substantial ground game that I think could be the difference in putting us over the top for a Super Bowl victory. I think Coach LaFleur is at the forefront of a new and effective trend in this sense -- physicality to go with finesse.
As part of the running game, along with the lightning flashes of Aaron Jones, I'm looking forward to the thunderous rumblings of A.J. Dillon. (I'm also excited about our backups.)
To put it another way, seconding the comment above, I'm enthusiastic about the Packers being able to knock the snot out of opposing teams.

0 points
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Ferrari-Driver's picture

August 09, 2021 at 08:13 am

Ken, what I would really like to see is Josiah Deguara who is now off the PUP take out two defenders again on a single block. The play he made last year before the injury against the Vikings was perhaps my favorite of the year.

8 points
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PackfanNY's picture

August 09, 2021 at 08:21 am

Honestly, I think the number one thing I want to see (the article basically says it so I admit I’m not adding some pearl of wisdom here) is a competent Jordan Love. This will silence some of the detractors who are hoping and praying this kid is a bust. He doesn’t need to be “great” but it’s amazing how negative some people are without even seeing the guy play. Just look around at how some of the other young QBs are talked about. Some of them have never played a game or proven themselves at this level. Yet, they seemingly are given the benefit of the doubt.

7 points
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mrtundra's picture

August 09, 2021 at 08:28 am

I want to see Josh jackson play like he belongs on this team. I want to see the kind of things that made GB draft him, right behind Jaire.

1 points
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Duneslick's picture

August 09, 2021 at 12:27 pm

I think that train left the station. Playing zone may help him but he is not an nfl corner

1 points
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Since'61's picture

August 09, 2021 at 08:40 am

No injuries. One series for the starters and get them out.
Thanks, Since ‘61

5 points
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TheBigCheeze's picture

August 09, 2021 at 08:52 am

I'm guessing ken lass was a difficult child to buy for at Christmas....😜

3 points
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dobber's picture

August 09, 2021 at 12:46 pm

The guy who wants everything is the one I want to shop for in the office secret Santa pool.

3 points
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Bearmeat's picture

August 09, 2021 at 09:25 am

I don't care about winning. I want nothing to do with seeing Amari run jet sweeps in the preseason.

What I do want to see is Love out there with the starters. I want to see Aaron Rodgers smiling on the sidelines. I want to see how the depth fights at WR, TE, RB, and IOL shape up as well as at CB. Most of all, I want to see no injuries.

Other than that? Meh. We'll find out come Labor Day.

5 points
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dobber's picture

August 09, 2021 at 12:47 pm

I think they need to do some sweep action in preseason. They do enough of it that opponents will be preparing for it anyway...might as well make sure they've got the timing down.

0 points
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Swisch's picture

August 09, 2021 at 09:30 am

I'm pumped for the preseason.
I like to DVR these games if available in my region and watch them all the way through to the last play.
For one thing, it's been so long since that last football game that it's so much fun to be back.
Also, I'm excited to see all of these new guys I've been reading about actually on the field in competition against another team. Even if it doesn't count in the standings, it's a huge game for them.
Which of the new guys are keepers? Which of the younger players are ready to take a big step forward? Who is going to make a spectacular play, or just show solid effectiveness play after play?
All of this won't be answered on Saturday night completely, but it's a beginning, an opportunity for glimpses.
I'm actually kind of sad there are only three preseason games now instead of four.
***
While standing behind prior comments, I'm still rooting for Aaron Rodgers to somehow rise to the occasion to be a unifying leader for the Packers. I want things to end well for him, his teammates and coaches, the front office, and the fans.
That being said with earnestness and emphasis, how can one not be excited to see Jordan Love on the field for the first time? As opined previously, he may be the most talented quarterback other than Trevor Lawrence taken in the past two drafts. He may also be the most exciting without any exceptions.
All of this potential may not show at first, likely won't, but again I'm hoping for some glimpses.
I'm enthusiastic about Love showing signs of excellence not in competition with Rodgers this season, but as the guy for next season.
Best case scenario: Rodgers leads us to a glorious win in the Super Bowl as his grand finale with the Packers, while at the same time adjusting his attitude to be more gracious and magnanimous to all. At age 38, he retires in triumph or goes on to another team with good feelings all around from Packerland. Jordan Love then steps up amidst a groundswell of positivity and patience to lead this team to great success for the next 15 seasons or so.
Preseason is a great time for hope, even prayer, for a great future for the Packers and us as fans.

-1 points
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Matt Gonzales's picture

August 09, 2021 at 09:29 am

I doubt we will see anything fancy from an offensive scheme perspective, so it will be up to the OL to make holes for the RBs, up to the WRs to read coverage and create separation, and up to Love to read the field and work his way through his progressions without getting happy feet or pulling the ball down if his first or second read isn't there. Given those limitations of we see a couple young guys show well it will really help their case to make the final roster. To that end, I'd like to see a lot of Winfree and Begelton, as I think one of them could sneak their way through final cuts and this will be their best chance to show they can put it all together.

The RB battle excites me, as there are three guys fighting for that last spot, and Taylor and Williams seem to be all in to try to show they belong. I think it will ultimately come down to Williams or Hill, but there could be a surprise there.

On the defense, I'm looking forward to seeing if Slayton is as good as advertised and whether the young DBs can stick with their guys and make some plays. I doubt we will see anything other than a simple base defense and straight man coverage, so it will be all about winning the 1:1's. Jackson is fighting for his football life right now so I am guessing we will see him start outside to see what he can do.

On the LBs, I want to see how our OLB depth looks behind our main three. We need at least one guy to step up showing they can both rush and cover.

ILBs - I think we will see a lot of Summers in the PS - if he shows he can do more than play ST it is likely the Packers move on from Burks.

ST units - I just want to see clean plays. Ultimately all of our depth guys need to show they can make an impact on ST as well.

-1 points
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TarynsEyes's picture

August 09, 2021 at 09:38 am

1 points
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cheesehead1's picture

August 09, 2021 at 10:19 am

Would like to see our D step up and show some consistent tackling. And of course, no injuries.

2 points
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ricky's picture

August 09, 2021 at 11:42 am

No injuries, minor or major. Everything else is gravy.

0 points
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ReaganRulz's picture

August 09, 2021 at 12:02 pm

Looks like we all have our hot buttons……I think one other person mentioned LBs, so I’ll chime in on that one as well. Just watching some of these defenses that have have fast and physical LBs is entertaining. I forget the guy for the Buccaneers, but man, he is big fast and absolutely nasty. I hope we get a little more of that from our LBs. Let the games begin!!!

1 points
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PatrickGB's picture

August 09, 2021 at 12:08 pm

I live in the Charleston SC area. I want to see the game on TV.

1 points
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Qoojo's picture

August 09, 2021 at 01:24 pm

As far as I am concerned, this is really Love's first year for some nfl playing experience via training camp. I think the preseason game will be rough, with typical rookie inconsistency, and fans will be overly critical. But it should give us a chance to see the throwing strength and agility. Does he look the part?

I typically watch preseason games to see how the 1st and 2nd string perform. Once the 3rd string starts coming in, it's more about watching the comparison of depth between the two teams. Then looking for that underdog that might make the team.

I particularly look for how the 1st string defense performs, as it's been the limiting factor for 10 years.

1 points
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RedRight49's picture

August 09, 2021 at 04:55 pm

Many great " Things " people want to see Saturday Night have been mentioned.

1. Would like to see improved, wrap 'em up and take 'em down tackling by our D.

Defensive Co-Ordinator Barry has previously mentioned a need for improved tackling by the D - want to see it on Saturday Night - and all season long of course.

2, Also want to see if Randall Cobb is truly deserving of a coveted WR roster spot earned by his talents - and I always liked Randall and would love to see his return to Lambeau make it obvious he is still a talented weapon for AR and JL.

3. And as others have so wisely mentioned above, an injury - free game!

1 points
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crayzpackfan's picture

August 09, 2021 at 05:43 pm

Other than the obvious observations of new players, the main thing I want to see is zero serious injuries and a defense that swarms the ball, wrapping guys up with solid tackling technique. I wanna see a defensive coordinator calling more press on 3rd and short instead of the 10 yard cushion we’ve been providing offenses. Anyway, u folks literally covered everything in this discussion. Moving on. Go Pack

0 points
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PAPackerbacker's picture

August 10, 2021 at 07:02 am

I'd like to see someone stand out in the kick return game, both punt return and kickoff return. And looking forward to seeing Jordan Love finally play in a game. Anxious to see if Barry's new defensive scheme will improve over last year, especially at stopping the run. Interesting to see which player becomes the 3rd running back behind Jones and Dillon. Could very well come down to special teams play. And watching the rookies battle for a chance to make the 53 man roster. And above all I'd like to see no injuries to any player, regardless if they make the team, practice squad, or get cut. The Packers are loaded with talent and some tough decisions will be made for sure.

0 points
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NitschkeFromTheGrave's picture

August 10, 2021 at 09:36 am

"I don’t want to see a circus of blown assignments, missed tackles, wide open receivers, and hemorrhaging of big plays." Agree, we had enough of that with Petine. Nothing makes me pound my fist more that weak arm tackles that usually fail. Get your head(s) down and shoulders in and DRIVE. (Make em feel it and think twice next play)

1 points
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