There are still quite a number of matters Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur will need to settle before the start of the new season. In terms of the team’s safety position, there appears to be a bit of uncertainty outside of Darnell Savage’s starting spot.
Rudy Ford and Jonathan Owens are the two top candidates to start alongside Savage, but at this point, it appears that rookie Anthony Johnson Jr. is also making some noise.
Anthony Johnson Jr. Moving Up in Pecking Order
Johnson made his case on Sunday at practice after he got the opportunity to play with the starters during the two-minute period. This by no means guarantees that he’s going to get the nod to start alongside Savage, but the fact that he got the chance to show what he can do, albeit at practice, goes to show how much potential this young man has.
It would not be surprising if Coach LaFleur gives Johnson even more chances in this week’s joint practices with the New England Patriots, as well as in their preseason game on Sunday.
Matt LaFleur Critical of Anthony Johnson’s Mistake
Johnson didn’t exactly take the league by storm in his cameo at practice, but it is clear that he left quite an impression on LaFleur. However, the Packers shot-caller could not help but call the seventh-round pick out for one crucial error:
“I think he’s done a great job. You can certainly see his speed, his athleticism. He made plays on [special] teams, which is absolutely critical. But I thought he went in there, outside of the dropped interception I thought he played pretty well. He’s got to make that play, he knows it, we know it. Those opps are few and far between. But I think he’s done a great job. He loves football, he’s totally invested into it and he’s doing a really nice job for us.”
In spite of the criticism, LaFleur had more positive things to say about Johnson. The former Iowa State standout won’t be in the running for Rookie of the Year this season, but he could turn out to be a revelation for Green Bay in 2023.
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