A week into this journey and it’s become pretty clear, a Jordan Love-led Green Bay Packers offense is still trying to find it’s way to Consistency Road. The 6th day of camp, with players in full regalia for the first time was another example of a unit, capable of making an explosive play or two but one that’s been challenged to string several executed plays in a row, much less finish off a competitive two minute drill. Love’s series in that final team period was a dreadful four and out. Even the backup units have had difficulty, a Danny Etling march did get pick up a couple of first downs, only to see the drive die with a missed Anders Carlson field goal.
The Auburn kid is also having a hard time hitting the net strung up between the uprights at practice. After a 2 for 7 Saturday, Carlson improved slightly, going five for 8 on the day. Both sets of three started with a miss, from 40 and 49, but coming back to connect from 45, 47, 48 and 52 yards out. He also made a 45 yarder in a brief team period before pushing his two minute drive, 52 yarder wide right.
That’s why the offense has been subjected to a week’s worth of post-practice push ups and up-downs. While there was good popping during other team periods, the defense kept the offense bottled up to the point where late in practice, the entire offensive roster was huddled up and it looked like a tongue lashing session.
On a cloudy, humid day, Matt LaFleur’s offense looked like it was in a fog.
On the medical front, David Bakhtiari’s on and off practice schedule is nothing to sweat over according to LaFleur, the team wants to be very careful with a veteran who has taken more snaps than he needs and when playing healthy, makes a huge difference for the offense. The team is short on centers however. After signing a young free agent in James Empey Tuesday, Jake Hanson went down with an elbow injury and didn’t practice today, forcing guard Jon Runyan to handle a couple of snaps. Hanson was the only new injury.
Two of the three wide receivers picked in April are quickly moving behind the 8 ball. Dontayvion Wicks (concussion) and Grant Dubose (back) are still sidelined and falling behind the likes of Jayden Reed, and even the likes of Malik Heath and Bo Melton.
More roster moves were made today. Guard Chuck Filiaga and tight end Camren McDonald were released by General Manager Brian Gutekunst who also announced the signing of wide receiver Andre Miller, a first year player from the University of Maine who spent time in the New York Giants organization. There was also a report guard Cole Schneider will be brought back after trying to make the roster in the 2022 camp, nothing official from the Packers on Schneider.
Peyton Manning sure made an impression on the team Tuesday. The Pro Football Hall of Famer, two time Super Bowl champ and five time MVP visited camp, considering Packer related projects for his Omaha Production company. Head Coach Matt LaFleur talked about his appearance, visit with the team and recalls competing against him.
The most wide-eyed player to sidle up against Manning was Love. What a great opportunity to bend the ear of one of the all-time greats.
Two straight days in pads is enough according to the CBA, the team will take Wednesday off and return to Ray Nitschke Field on Thursday.
