Packers Look Impressive in Easy Preseason Win

The Green Bay Packers looked to be in control from the opening moments of their preseason debut against the Cleveland Browns. Jordan Love displayed a precision long-distance touch with his 65-yard strike on the third play from scrimmage. Coach LaFleur promptly shut Love down and it was Sean Clifford’s game for almost three quarters.

If fans remember last season’s first preseason game, with Love going an impressive 7-9 including a nine-yard touchdown pass, the improvement of Clifford is what stood out on Saturday. QB Sean Clifford has been maligned for numerous interceptions during camp, especially during Love’s short hold in.

On Saturday Clifford improved on last year’s first preseason performance. Against Cincinnati last year Clifford threw two interceptions, one a 43-yard pick six. Clifford. While he did not lead the team to three touchdown drives as he did in last year’s opener, the Packers will take an efficient 10-19 passing with no turnovers for the victory.

Green Bay had strong performances from Emanuel Wilson and Jarveon Howard, two undrafted free agent running backs with HBCU level college experience. The same could not be said for former second round draft pick A.J. Dillon. Dillon was given three chances in a short yardage situation to pick up a first down.

Each time he was stuffed for no gain. How a man as big as he is, with thighs the size of tree trunks, can be repeatedly pummeled for a resulting .5 yard per carry average on three straight runs can’t be blamed solely on poor blocking. His tendency to stop behind the line of scrimmage before making a cut has to be eliminated from his repertoire. He does not have the first step burst to recover and gets trapped.

Perhaps his style does not fit the Packer scheme, which rarely includes sets like the Oilers during the time of Earl Campbell. Campbell routinely lined up 8 yards behind the line of scrimmage, giving him more time to read the blocks and gain speed to use his size as a weapon.

Over the past two seasons, no one is mistaking Dillon for Campbell, despite their size similarity. Dillon is fighting for a roster spot and Saturday’s debut did not help his chances.

While Packer Nation was keen to see the first public display of the new defense, caution needs to be included in this win. Jeff Hafley’s defense did not face a legit starting quarterback. It’s way to early to proclaim either the offense or defense playoff contenders.

Last year in their preseason opener Green Bay dominated a Cincinnati team that was mostly second stringers. The beginning of last season proved preseason success is not a predictor of early season results. But that cautionary tale aside, Green Bay looked a whole lot better than their opponent.

Their kickers did their job, and the defense held Cleveland to one late touchdown and an early 55-yard field goal. An impressive start. The fan base is happy. Let’s keep them smiling.