Luckily, it’s Aug. 22.
After looking solid in two preseason games thus far (and splitting them), the Packers slogged through one of their final training camp practices in front of fans at Nitschke Field, directly across from Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis.
In individual drills, receivers dropped passes. In team periods, there were multiple false starts and one botched snap to rookie tight end Luke Musgrave. In the kicking game, it was a major struggle for rookie kicker Anders Carlson, who missed more field goal attempts than he made.
Still, through all the errors, the reasons why believing in the Packers makes sense began to show.
By my count, first-year starting quarterback Jordan Love went 11-of-18 with a pair of touchdown passes in team drills, including a strike on the first play of red zone work to receiver Christian Watson. Most importantly, no interceptions.
For most of the afternoon, the best part of Green Bay’s offense was its inside rushing attack, which saw running back Aaron Jones blasting through seams. Yet Love made his presence known, launching a gorgeous deep ball to rookie receiver Jayden Reed (more on that below) while extending a few other plays with his mobility.
Defensively, the Packers have talent on all three levels, and got a huge boost Tuesday when edge rusher Rashan Gary worked in his first team drills since tearing his ACL.
While the big question is whether defensive coordinator Joe Barry can adjust his scheme to be more aggressive and therefore utilize said talent better, the opportunity to be a quality unit is here in Titletown.
Ultimately, the Packers no longer have a first-ballot Hall of Famer in Aaron Rodgers to make up for miscues. At the risk of being obvious, Green Bay must play clean football to win. Under coach Matt LaFleur, the bet is it will considering his 47–19 career record in four seasons.
But Tuesday serves as a reminder of why the Packers could be a talented, inconsistent team this year.
Or, how if they avoid simple mistakes, how they can surprise in a wide-open NFC North.
