5 takeaways from Packers’ preseason loss to Broncos

5 takeaways from Packers’ preseason loss to Broncos

  1. Every Packers QB turned the ball over as soon as.

Sean Clifford’s got here on an interception late within the first half, which arrange a Broncos TD after a protracted return. LaFleur mentioned the offense had play dialed up for the protection Denver’s protection was in however did not observe by means of as Clifford tried to hit tight finish Joel Wilson deep over the center.

“We have to flatten that route just a little bit extra and attempt to present up into that window faster,” LaFleur mentioned. “Sean threw it to the correct place. Whether or not it was inside the timing of the play, I’ve received to return and have a look at the tape on that.

“All in all, the execution must be higher.”

Rookie QB Michael Pratt’s turnover got here early within the third quarter on a strip-sack, organising a Denver discipline purpose. He tried to scramble up the center with the pocket collapsing however did not defend the soccer.

General, Clifford completed 6-of-10 for 43 yards, whereas Pratt was 10-of-16 for 52 yards. Operating again Emanuel Wilson had 13 carries for 41 yards and receiver Malik Heath made three catches for 22 yards.

Simply 10 first downs and 168 complete yards of offense made for a disappointing night time of labor, which LaFleur didn’t put solely on the quarterback play.

“I wish to see extra struggle from our guys,” he mentioned. “Simply the dearth of means to maneuver the soccer, each within the working recreation and the passing recreation …

“The manufacturing type of speaks for it, nevertheless it wasn’t simply on (the QBs). It is on all people. We have to dam higher up entrance, we have got to complete runs higher, we had a pair drops. Collectively, all 11 should be higher to ensure that us to have any success offensively.”

  1. The brand new kickoff rule seems to have a serious flaw.

After Inexperienced Bay’s security, Denver executed a free kick from its personal 20-yard line, which isn’t any completely different than the longtime rule.

However with the kicker capable of growth a kickoff virtually to the purpose line, and the set-up zone in the identical place on the sphere, the truth that the kickoff was from the 20 somewhat than the 35 made no distinction.

Receiver Dimitri Stanley was solely capable of return the ball to the Inexperienced Bay 29-yard line.

“I do not actually prefer it,” LaFleur mentioned of the brand new guidelines being utilized this fashion on this occasion. “You lose the benefit you get from the protection. Persons are beginning in the identical spot.”

  1. The final week of coaching camp and preseason can be a intestine test for gamers seeking to make the roster.

The Packers have one other joint follow and preseason recreation left, at dwelling with Baltimore, earlier than roster selections are made on Aug. 27.

LaFleur mentioned he is undecided how he’ll deal with taking part in time for the starters in opposition to the Ravens, however his message to the remainder of the roster was fairly clear.

“The factor I challenged our staff on is you have to test your self each play,” LaFleur mentioned. “Are you giving your max effort? Are you straining the way in which we wish you to pressure? Is the fashion of play what we wish to see?

“It’s going to be alternative for all of us to judge and see the blokes that basically wish to put all of it on the market, not just for themselves however for the staff.”