Aaron Rodgers is a fan of “game-like” practices
The Green Bay Packers had a “game-like” practice Wednesday, and quarterback Aaron Rodgers was a fan. Packers head coach Matt LaFleur decided against playing starters in Week Three of the preseason. Per multiple reports, he had an alternative plan for the first teams.
On Wednesday, the Packers structured their 11-on-11 periods to have four quarters like an actual game. The Packers rotated their first and second teams on the field. It was the first time the Packers had run one of these practices in Rodgers’ career. Wednesday was the final camp practice before the Packers prepare for Week One of the regular season next week.
Rodgers spoke to the media after the practice. He seemed thrilled about the way the practice was scripted. Per Bill Huber of Sports Illustrated, Rodgers wants to see more of these practices in the future:
“It was the best practice of camp,” quarterback Aaron Rodgers said. Even better than the joint practices against the Saints, he added…
“For us older guys, it was like a preseason game,” Rodgers said. “Conditioning-wise, I wish we would’ve done a couple more of those. It was basically like a game.”
LaFleur is showing his ingenuity as a head coach
LaFleur came up with a perfect idea for practice. The special practice was an excellent opportunity for the Packers to gain much-needed reps before the season without worrying that the opposing team will take your starters with a foul hit. It was nice to see the Packers rest Aaron Rodgers and their starters in their preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
The Packers will now get to work preparing for their Week One matchup against their divisional rival the Minnesota Vikings. Practices like the one Wednesday will go a long way toward beating the Vikings. It’ll be interesting to see when the Packers plan on running one of these “game-like” practices in the future. It’s probably too intense to do for a regular week. But the Packers could try one during a Bye Week to keep rust from forming on thier performance.
