My Take -> Preseason Week 2

Greetings, G-Force.

In Matt LaFleur’s preseason debut, the Packers walked off of Lambeau Field with victory in hand. Sure, penalties were high and special teams were sloppy, but there were plenty of individual performances that left me excited.

As I write, I listen to the Dirty Heads new album, “Super Moon.” The album brings a relaxed smile to my soul. I dig their work. I sip a 2015 Crooked Stave Motif. It still pours with plenty of carbonation. The body remains full. It’s not as sour as it once tasted. I’ve learned to only age this beer for three years.

Here are my quick vibes from the last week:

* The Oren Burks injury is a major bummer. It’s way too early in the season to have season ending injuries to starters. And, I had high hopes for Burks. So, I’m really hopeful that Gutekunst was not fluffing when he indicated that Burks might be back sooner than originally anticipated. In the short term, the Packers have a major concern at ILB. Ty Summers and Curtis Bolton have suddenly become names to watch in the preseason. Both were consistently around the ball. Both played well in their first preseason game, but they need to continue to take drastic leaps forward. At this stage, both are likely to make the team.

* There’s zero question about it, Rashan Gary has burst off of the ball.

* Jake Kumerow looks like the real deal.

* After one preseason game; it’s Boyle 1, Kizer 0.

* I’m bullish on Robert Tonyan. It was great fun to see him in motion. He’s a peg that can be used to create disguise.

* Raven Greene brought intensity. I liked seeing him going for the strip. He hits with a mean approach.

* Tony Brown is playing with confidence. The form tackle was textbook. He looks chiseled. Seems primed to have a breakout year.

* Montravious Adams looks really fit. He was active. He was quick off the ball. Let’s hope he can continue to develop. We are going to need him.

* Tyler Lancaster didn’t finish like I’d hoped, but he was getting a push.

* Kudos to Gutekunst for the quickness he’s added in the secondary. I really like what Jamerson brings to the field. He can fly. Redmond can cover ground. Kabion Ento is raw. But, he has the length and quickness desired to play the perimeter. I really like the way he plays the ball, too. Chandon Sullivan plays with attitude. He carries himself with an assertive step. Gutekunst has compiled great depth at CB. After one preseason game, it looked like the deepest position on the roster.

* Fun to see Vitale showing soft hands and making the one handed grab.

* Happy to see Ibraheim Campbell back on the team. He was assignment sure and a solid tackler. Pettine trusted him. I hope his arrival doesn’t mean that Jamerson fails to sneak into the 53.

* JK Scott was a weapon.

* I was really happy to see Randy Ramsey finish the play with a sack. It got me out of my seat with a fist pump. I liked his work on special teams. I wished he’d have play with more instincts and aggression. Felt like he was thinking too much. He was passive in his attack. I expected more.

* After Ramsey didn't meet my expectations in Preseason Week 1, I'm going to focus attention on Markus Jones. Jones was a dynamo in college. He has the tools to make the transition. The Packers have a need for another EDGE player. Reggie Gilbert is fine, but he has not developed into a playmaking rotational player. Jones has upside. He'll bring effort. Let's see if he's talented enough to make a push for the bottom of the roster.

* Markus Jones, Randy Ramsey and Reggie Gilbert are battling for one spot. Gilbert is definitely the most refined today. He looks like his body has developed into an NFL player. Gilbert is the front runner. I'm hoping Jones and Ramsey make a strong push this week.

* I can't wait to see the Smith Bros and Gary on the field at the same time.

* Josh Jones. I can’t believe that he’s really nursing minor injuries and illnesses. The Packers have to be looking to unload him. I’d take a 7th round pick for him, at this stage. It’s a bummer. But, thinking long term, Gutekunst likely wants ten picks entering the Draft. Today, he has 8. He will work to try and secure two late round picks over the next month.

* How did Gutekunst go to bed on game night? Well, let’s look at his draft picks:

* Gary - dude looks the part. Physical. Quick. Intense.

* Savage. Limited reps. Was near ball when it was in the air. Didn’t finish the play, but he was in position.

* Jenkins. Held point at G and C. Looks like a stud. A mammoth man. Moved well. Plays with intelligence. Great preseason debut.

* Sternberger. Out with injury.

* Keke. Kid can play. Active, quick. Good energy. Will be a rotational player this year.

* Hollman. Interception. Walked with confidence. Believes in himself. Played with the attitude you crave in a corner.

* Dexter Williams. Looked legit dancing to the 2nd level and finding his way into the secondary. He brings a juiced up burst to the hole. Liked seeing him in the passing game.

* Summers. 10 tackles. Flying around the field early. He played with patience. He took the right angle to the ball. He was plugging holes. He was really efficient early.

* Yes, thus far, Gutekunst has to feel good about his 2019 Draft.

This week - its the Ravens. A great test for the Packers. In many ways, it feels like the Packers are trying to build their roster in a similar fashion to what the Ravens have done through the years. While they run a 3-4 defense, it’s more of a hybrid defense with bigger EDGE rushers. It’s a stronger, more fierce front. With heightened evil intentions.

Look for Rodgers to lead a TD drive. He relies on Adams to grab his first 3rd down pass.

Look for the Smith Bros and Gary to team up to do damage on an early 3rd down.

Look for Jaire to be bouncing with swag.

Look for Dexter Williams to get himself to the second level. Especially in the screen game.

Look for Boyle to hit Lazard on another dart.

Look for Jamerson to fly to the football.

Look for Markus Jones to get a sack.

Look for Bolton to be intensely pursuing the football.

Look for Keke to grab a sack.

Crosby is money.

Packers 23.
Ravens 20.

Go Pack Go!

Talkin’ S-Mac.
Talkins-Mac.blogspot.com