It’s almost time for the regular season baby! This will be the last time you should see Aaron Rodgers in the pre-season. So here are a few things to look for in the game tonight!
1. How about a first team offense touchdown?
The first team offense has yet to score a touchdown. Don’t get me wrong, they have been moving the ball well. I love the early use of Finley (however he is losing sleeper status in fantasy, which I had him pegged for) and Lacy is looking great so far. Also, with Cobb and Nelson sitting out, it is somewhat understandable why the first team hasn’t hit pay dirt just yet. Tonight is the night my friends! I am hoping that the first team offense plays the whole first half, and I am looking for a rushing touchdown and a passing touchdown. Put it on the board!
2. The kicking competitionOh, Mason. I thought you had it. I really thought you had, but you were just playing with me, weren’t you. After the St. Louis game, Mason Crosby had just about been penciled in as the starting kicker. Then Mason missed 3 straight kicks in practice from very makeable distances. This is where we stand, Crosby has the leg, but apparently no longer possesses the mental make up to kick in the NFL. Tavecchio seems to be much more accurate, but if he is the kicker, the Packers are sacrificing some distance on kicks. Honestly, I hope Crosby gets it together, however when you are hoping for something in professional sports, that is never a good sign. I would not be surprised if the Packers 2013 kicker is not yet on the roster.
3. The progression of David Bakhtiari
This is probably something we are going to have to watch the entire season. Bakhtiari has had highs and lows in the first two preseason games. It will be interesting to see how he fairs against the tough Seattle defense. This is a big test for the rookie. As long as Rodgers is getting rid of the ball relatively quickly, he should be just fine. I am still not comfortable with the 4th round pick as the starting LT, but with each game that passes and Rodgers is still upright, my confidence grows.
4. Cornerback competition
The beauty of this competition is the Green Bay Packers have five quality cornerbacks! Tramon Williams really needs to earn his starting spot, especially with Sam Shields, Davon House and Micah Hyde playing so well. Let’s not forget about last year’s star, Casey Hayward. He is coming off a severe hamstring injury and is listed as the #4 cornerback right now. That number does not even include Williams! Hayward has to earn his playing time back, which I am very confident he will do. Tonight, I am looking for some good CB play to see if anyone will separate themselves from the rest of the group.
5. Repeat performance from Eddie LacyLacy’s first real action has Packers fans buzzing. However, DuJuan Harris is still listed as the started. Against St. Louis, Lacy looked great with eight rushes for 40 yards and one reception for 11 yards. He made great cuts behind some sub standard blocking and even used the spin move he made famous at Alabama. I want to see all of this and more again. The better Lacy plays, the more effective the offense will continue to be. The threat of the play action being real?? That should have defensive coordinators shaking in the headsets. Lacy is the key. As long as he continues to play well, the Packers offense is going to be just fine.
Enjoy tonight’s game, have a few cocktails and try to remember this is still the preseason! Let’s score some touchdowns, avoid injuries and get a little payback for the Fail Mary. Go Pack Go!
Until next time, Beer, Brats, and Championships.
- Stephen Perhach (@Stevie2Westside)
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