Preseason Game 2 Packers at Colts Game Thread

[Firethorn1001]

Yea that guy is blowing his chances majorly. It's even worse as they are in a climate controlled dome.

He is an international exemption so costing nothing to keep other than some other international guy.

 

[Sanguine camper]

Did anybody really stick out in this game? I think Elergsma passed up Shaun Clifford for QB #3. While Welch made tackles in the running game he was badly trailing guys across the middle on passes.

These games are opportunities for roster bubble players to make a statement. I really didn't notice any headturning performances. Lloyd ran some nice routes as a RB so I'll take that.

 

[RicFlairoftheNFL]

What I liked:

Definite improvement from Week 1, especially on offense. Maybe the 1s are the problem?

Both backups behind Willis played really well. I think we especially saw why we drafted Clifford today and maybe for the first time ever.

LaFleur holding guys accountable

What I hated:

Hafley's "Ball hawk" defense not showing up yet again in game situations. We should've had 3 turnovers, and didn't come up with any of the opportunities. This HAS to improve.

O-Line while it didn't play horrible played well below average.

TMJ 4 going to weather at the 2 minute warning and those of us in the Milwaukee area almost missing the game winning TD.

 

[gopkrs]

TMJ 4 going to weather at the 2 minute warning and those of us in the Milwaukee area almost missing the game winning TD.

Wow. And in Wisconsin. Preseason or no.

 

[GreenNGold_81]

I missed the game unfortunately, how did Lloyd look? Did he survive unscathed?

 

[gopkrs]

I missed the game unfortunately, how did Lloyd look? Did he survive unscathed?

I thought he looked good and made a very nice catch. Got hit hard and got up. But no opp to break a run.

 

[OldSchool101]

The 1st half was the GB2’s against the Colt 1’s. Indy started 4 of 5 starting OL (they were missing Lane) While it was obvious their Starters are better then our #2’s, much of our 1st half was self inflicted penalties. 11 penalties and a Packer TD was called back for OL alignment issues (3 in a row).
Had we simply made a 39 yard field Goal and Belton been on the LOS it would’ve been 13-13 score at Halftime.

That was our backups playing their starters. Indy announcers were so excited you’d of thought they qualified for Postseason!

Second Half

The second we brought in our 2’s and 3’s against THEIR 2’s and 3’s it was clear that GB was better. We held them to a pair of FG’s. Indy almost came back on the last play but there’s zero question our Starters would’ve beat them to pulp.

The best part was I didn’t see 1 injury for GB. Yet I recall 4 Indianapolis players injured and 1 was wheeled off on a cart with a leg brace. Not good.

 

[OldSchool101]

I thought Kitan Oladapo played pretty good. He was in the Slot but he was sticky rice on coverage with smothering Colts TE for a breakup.

Kamal Hadden was consistently burned. He lost coverage so bad he was just completely outplayed and I witnessed 3 times he gave up a 1st down and at least 1 time it was an 20+ yarder. Again grain of salt, this was guys like Michael Pittman and Adonai Mitchell running around. Hadden did have 1 or maybe 2? Run stops. He looks more geared to Run Stop, but looks too slow in Pass protect with no makeup speed.

 

[OldSchool101]

#67 Donovan Jennings at RG had a leaky 1st half. Got caught twice on consecutive plays and flagged on 1 to erase a beauty throw by Malik to Julian Hicks. Hicks 1 arms a 32 yarder that puts us edge of FG range at the 33 Yardline. Called back Holding.

Bo Melton with blanket coverage on Dulan directly forcing a nice breakup. I’m just surprised how quickly he’s adapted to CB. Then Melton flies in for a -1 loss a few plays later.

 

[Voyageur]

Elgersma or Clifford? One is gone; one is going to the practice squad. I think they keep Elgersma even if Clifford has a great game next week. I don't think they'll give him enough time out there to prove himself.

Anyone else concerned about Marshawn Lloyd constantly getting injured? Even small nicks are making me concerned about where it's going with him. We almost need to carry 4 RBs on the active roster.

Adam Stenovich called a good game on offense. He really mixed it up out there. You couldn't get a handle on him being in the slightest bit predictable.

Chris Brooks needs to drop his pads won 3rd and short. He's way too upright. That's a good way to get stuffed.

Anthony Belton is at best a project. He beat defenders in college because he was bigger than them. In the NFL, defenders use skills to blow past him. He can't react to it and that's when the penalty flags start flying. He has poor footwork and ends up a stationary target. Did I mention he's slow? They don't time him in the 40 with a stopwatch. They use a calendar.

This wasn't a game that you could evaluate the majority of the players. Both teams played too sloppy to gauge them.

 

[Pkrjones]

Elgersma or Clifford? One is gone; one is going to the practice squad.

Anyone else concerned about Marshawn Lloyd constantly getting injured? Even small nicks are making me concerned about where it's going with him. We almost need to carry 4 RBs on the active roster.

Anthony Belton is at best a project. He beat defenders in college because he was bigger than them. In the NFL, defenders use skills to blow past him. He can't react to it and that's when the penalty flags start flying. He has poor footwork and ends up a stationary target. Did I mention he's slow?

GB knows what Clifford can do, Elgersma should go to PS as his upside is much higher, imho. Love Clifford running downfield to block for Jonson, last week, though.

With the increase (hopefully) in runs/game I hope there are 4 RB's kept on the 53.

If the coaches can't teach Belton better technique & footwork he'll be a heckuva road-grader RG... time will tell.

 

[OldSchool101]

I missed the game unfortunately, how did Lloyd look? Did he survive unscathed?

@GreenNGold_81

Imo he looked good considering what I’d call C- grade blocking. I’m talking for a player I have high expectations. The RB’s Ran behind our #2 OL against Colts #1 Defense. Lloyd rarely hit LOS before being confronted but still powered or slithered for a couple 1-3 tough yards mostly YAC. I think with proper blocking (Donovan Jennings at LG got beat much of the day and eventually Monk followed having a tough performance. Lloyd 2.5 per carry were almost exclusively YAC. His strength is give him a Hole or Crease and he’ll bust one open.
Lloyd was actively involved in the Medium Long range Passing game which I didn’t expect. Lloyd beat the Colts in the Paint but Malik overthrew him by a good couple yards, but at least it couldn’t be intercepted!

His best play came on a sideline Pass where he got behind the LB’s for a beautiful Malik throw and catch for 31 yards. Indi was fortunate it didn’t go to the house. He took a pretty hard Forearm by the Safety and I was surprised Lloyd got up so quickly.

In retrospect. Lloyd just looks natural out there. It’s apparent MLF sees him as more than just a Run threat. Marshawn was leaking out or working the LB’s or Slot Defender, where if you throw an accurate Pass? Imo He’s already giving glimpses that he’s going to absolutely punish you.

 

[Heyjoe4]

For me it is watching footwork of lineman, route and blocking knowledge of our young WRs and off ball backers (who as a unit struggled last time)

It's certainly important that all players, but especially the new guys, are grounded in what I consider the basics, and you've listed several.

Certainly these guys come from pressure situations in college. They should be aware of their assignments and surroundings. Understanding the basics - footwork, blocking, tackling technique and others must become second nature. Equally important is staying emotionally grounded. Belton's mind must have been on another planet when he pushed an opponent from their back well out of the field of play, drawing the yellow flag.

Personal fouls are gonna happen - but the deliberate fouls, where there are clearly better choices (like do nothing), must be avoided, ideally eliminated. I keep thinking of a Bengal playoff game from many years ago where a win was clearly within reach. I think it was LB Burfict (sp?) who committed two or three consecutive PFs and allowed the opponent to get into easy FG range.

That is best controlled from the top down. I was glad to see MLF join Belton on the way to the locker room after the 1H, and 5 penalties, and give him an earful. Better to nip that **** in the bud, and it clearly worked, he had a good 2H.

It's probably boring for these guys, but imo can't be stressed enough.

 

[Voyageur]

It's certainly important that all players, but especially the new guys, are grounded in what I consider the basics, and you've listed several.

Certainly these guys come from pressure situations in college. They should be aware of their assignments and surroundings. Understanding the basics - footwork, blocking, tackling technique and others must become second nature. Equally important is staying emotionally grounded. Belton's mind must have been on another planet when he pushed an opponent from their back well out of the field of play, drawing the yellow flag.

Personal fouls are gonna happen - but the deliberate fouls, where there are clearly better choices (like do nothing), must be avoided, ideally eliminated. I keep thinking of a Bengal playoff game from many years ago where a win was clearly within reach. I think it was LB Burfict (sp?) who committed two or three consecutive PFs and allowed the opponent to get into easy FG range.

That is best controlled from the top down. I was glad to see MLF join Belton on the way to the locker room after the 1H, and 5 penalties, and give him an earful. Better to nip that **** in the bud, and it clearly worked, he had a good 2H.

It's probably boring for these guys, but imo can't be stressed enough.

The penalties that bug me the most are those that happen away from the ball, where it did nothing to change the outcome of the play. It tells me the player doesn't seem to totally understand the play itself and how to him taking a guy down doesn't matter. As a coach, that was the biggest way for a player to find the bench with me. You can't afford to lose good plays to stupid mental errors because a player is either too stupid to understand his job or just doesn't care.

 

[milani]

Did anybody really stick out in this game? I think Elergsma passed up Shaun Clifford for QB #3. While Welch made tackles in the running game he was badly trailing guys across the middle on passes.

These games are opportunities for roster bubble players to make a statement. I really didn't notice any headturning performances. Lloyd ran some nice routes as a RB so I'll take that.

Clifford may still have won the job with that final drive. I know it was 3's out there. But he ran for a 1st on 4th down. Then he did the same for the TD. He showed surprising speed. I try to picture if either Rodgers or even Love was quick enough to escape like that. What the Packers have to consider is both the upside of each athlete along with the status of Jordan Love come WK 1 or WK 2. If Love cannot go who is the back up to Willis?

 

[Voyageur]

Clifford may still have won the job with that final drive. I know it was 3's out there. But he ran for a 1st on 4th down. Then he did the same for the TD. He showed surprising speed. I try to picture if either Rodgers or even Love was quick enough to escape like that. What the Packers have to consider is both the upside of each athlete along with the status of Jordan Love come WK 1 or WK 2. If Love cannot go who is the back up to Willis?

Interesting perspective on his running skills. Something we should think about. It's a 3 QB progression. If you go to Willis from Love, the offense changes. LeFleur mentioned that himself. Now, with a 3rd QB what do you do? You need to go to the Love offense, the Willis offense or design a 3rd offense. I think designing a 3rd is a recipe for disaster.

So, which QB, Clifford or Elgersma could run the offense designed for Love or Willis, if he was required to play? Personally, I see Clifford capable of running the offense designed for Willis and would therefore be a better 3rd QB option for the sake of expedience. How the coaching staff sees it could be completely different. We're going to find out on about 10 days.

 

[OldSchool101]

Imo As of now it’s Clifford’s job to lose. He's got far more playbook knowledge and I just have not seen enough from Elgersma to erase that.

Good news. That said the International exemption will keep them both. That Pathway would be perfect for this situation. Also K, Alex Hale was just recently released a couple of Weeks ago
He was out last Roster exemption. Not too much need there when we just signed McNamath to a 3yr Contract.

 

[Voyageur]

Imo As of now it’s Clifford’s job to lose. He's got far more playbook knowledge and I just have not seen enough from Elgersma to erase that.

Good news. That said the International exemption will keep them both. That Pathway would be perfect for this situation. Also K, Alex Hale was just recently released a couple of Weeks ago
He was out last Roster exemption. Not too much need there when we just signed McNamath to a 3yr Contract.

I never thought about that exemption for an international player. That could be interesting. It could give the Packers time to evaluate and work with both on the practice squad.

 

[gopkrs]

I would take Elgersma and not look back.

 

[David Ciembronowicz]

Right.. it works for what one game then everyone has tape to watch.. and it’s not like other teams think teams will completely switch up their style of play… like what’s the difference in reg season to preseason. I agree practice what you will do

If you don't practice pre-season what you will do in the reg season how do you get better, how do you determine what the opponent is going to counter with and how do you respond. So far GB is undisciplined, attention to detail is lacking, poor technique - all of that is not just on the players but on the coaching staff. After 2 games not impressed at all and concerned that this team is not ready to win the division or get into the playoffs. With Love missing the remainder of preseason (pretty much), the O line seems to be in disarray, and other aspects of both O and D are questionable. Have seen Lions play and Vikes and both of them also appear to have big questions, the Bears game yesterday (regardless of what "string" they played against) looked pretty good, Williams has more confidence which may be a harbinger of future performance. Do not see that in the Pack or other two teams. This bears team added a lot of new players and contributors this offseason, they "seem" to be jelling while the other 3 "seem" to be trying to pull it together.

 

[OldSchool101]

I would take Elgersma and not look back.

Technically you can have both your cake and eat it too. Elgersma can be our International Pathway exempt player. It’s not costing a Roster spot. Next season our QB2 is highly likely gone. Now you’ve got 2 QB’s in system for 2+ seasons. Push this decision out until after the 2025 season is over.

I was thinking Clifford wants to be best friends with Elgersma, he’s essentially protecting his spot. It’s not as much Elgersma vs Clifford as it is Elgersma vs RB or some other International qualifier.

 

[OldSchool101]

I know someone has probably mention it. It deserves mentioning. P, Whelan had a tremendous day. Averaged just under 50 yards per boot and 3/3 inside the 20.

We’re holding an Ace - King on the first 2 “Teams” cards we’ve been dealt. This hand is shaping up nicely.

 

[gopkrs]

Technically you can have both your cake and eat it too. Elgersma can be our International Pathway exempt player. It’s not costing a Roster spot. Next season our QB2 is highly likely gone. Now you’ve got 2 QB’s in system for 2+ seasons. Push this decision out until after the 2025 season is over.

I was thinking Clifford wants to be best friends with Elgersma, he’s essentially protecting his spot. It’s not as much Elgersma vs Clifford as it is Elgersma vs RB or some other International qualifier.

I just don't consider Clifford cake.

 

[OldSchool101]

If you don't practice pre-season what you will do in the reg season how do you get better, how do you determine what the opponent is going to counter with and how do you respond. So far GB is undisciplined, attention to detail is lacking, poor technique - all of that is not just on the players but on the coaching staff. After 2 games not impressed at all and concerned that this team is not ready to win the division or get into the playoffs. With Love missing the remainder of preseason (pretty much), the O line seems to be in disarray, and other aspects of both O and D are questionable. Have seen Lions play and Vikes and both of them also appear to have big questions, the Bears game yesterday (regardless of what "string" they played against) looked pretty good, Williams has more confidence which may be a harbinger of future performance. Do not see that in the Pack or other two teams. This bears team added a lot of new players and contributors this offseason, they "seem" to be jelling while the other 3 "seem" to be trying to pull it together.

I gave you a like because it was a positive post for you David. Lol

Truly though we’re slapping an entire string of OL2 against a string of DL1. If anyone contests that did you notice how the tune changed after Halftime when teams put their backups in? We went TD, TD, TD
Not to mention this group is largely inexperienced. Let’s be realistic though. What’s the probability these guys play together? Like 5% 2%. It’s just not going to happen.

What going to happen is a player goes out and who is next? Jordan Morgan? He’s one of the highest rated OT of any backup as if this minute. 0 pressures
0 sacks, o hits, 0 flags. I mean you can’t draw up a better games worth of snaps in PS1-2. He’s going to be tough to best.

So now who’s your backup? Walker? Rhyan? I’ve seen worse. Unless we get into that OL #8 area? then I’d be concerned. However at that point you get a veteran OL before deadline. That’s why you hold the 6th highest Cap available (Packers). We’re not desperate we’re completely in the Drivers seat. OL is never a finished product. Certainly not after 2 preseason games.

 

[Firethorn1001]

Elgersma can not be the International exception player (IPP) He is from Canada. US/Canada citizens are exempt from the program.

rules :

• age 24 or younger
• out of high school (or equivalent) for at least four years
• did not play football at an American college
• ability to speak English
• not a citizen of the U.S. or Canada
• must be available and eligible to travel to the U.S. for two months from the first week in March