The Packers had the their final preseason game today vs. the Bills. While sitting 31 players, the Packers had a good idea of their starters on offense and defense before the game started. Almost everyone that started today was fighting for a final spot on the 53.
The Bills played their starting offense for the entirety of the first half. The good thing about that is the Packers got to really see their roster bubble players against elite competition. Last year the Bills season ended the same way the Packers did. They have a really good team.
There was some good, and some bad in this game. Let’s highlight six players from this game. Three players who showed up and likely will make the 53, and three who will likely be looking for a job. Let’s start with the good.
Malik Taylor
Malik Taylor just beat Tredavious White for a catch. Lock in his roster spot.
— Zach Kruse (@zachkruse2) August 28, 2021
That tweet says a lot. With the injury and release of Devin Funchess, that almost guarantees Malik Taylor a spot. He certainly helped himself today. He had two big catches of notice. The first against All-Pro Tre White. The second was a jump ball between two defenders that he absolutely snatched down.
A really nice snag here by Malik Taylor. Earlier this week Matt LaFleur said if they do keep 6 WR it will be “a fight right down to the finish.”
Taylor continues to set himself apart. pic.twitter.com/KhFIaYA8lN
— Nicole Menner (@NicoleMenner) August 28, 2021
Keeping Taylor guarantees the Packers will keep at minimum six wide receivers. Another weapon for Rodgers to work with and gain his trust. When Rodgers and his receivers are on the same page, it’s a nightmare for opposing defenses. Taylor finished the game with five catches for 69 yards, that’s a nice stat line.
Kylin Hill
Kylin hill was drafted in the seventh round. Hill continued to impress after his two touchdown game last week. He’s our third running back. Aaron Jones, AJ Dillon, Kylin Hill. You have to feel bad for anyone in his way. The future is bright in Green Bay at Running Back.
255 players went before Kylin Hill. Explain it to me like I’m five
— Peter Bukowski (@Peter_Bukowski) August 28, 2021
Jack Heflin
Jack Heflin’s motor never stops running. Hard to see the UDFA not making the #Packers final roster at this point pic.twitter.com/fmWoaPaoYY
— Joe Kipp (@joepkipp) August 28, 2021
Jack is an undrafted player out of Iowa. I noticed him in the first preseason game, and it seems so did many others. He’s shown hustle and drive and it’s hard not to notice his presence on the field. For someone who was undrafted and had to make the best of his opportunity you wanna do exactly as Heflin did. There’s a good chance that Heflin makes the 53 and you have to feel great for the guy. Hard work pays off, especially when you’re starting against the Bills starting 11.
Now we get to the Bad.
Issac Yiadom
so basically the packers traded josh jackson for josh jackson
— Zachary Jacobson (@itszachariahj) August 28, 2021
The Packers took a flyer on Yiadom when they traded him to the Giants for Josh Jackson. We all knew that Jackson wasn’t making the team, but the Packers figured they may as well get something for nothing. It was a flyer and honestly still worth it. Yiadom looked lost out there, and Josh Allen threw a dart on third and 20 for a touchdown right in Yiadom’s face. His career may continue somewhere else, but his short stint in Green Bay is all but over.
Former #Giants CB Isaac Yiadom in coverage on this play. #NYG #GB https://t.co/6wAbWpR3Q3
— Anthony Rivardo (@Anthony_Rivardo) August 28, 2021
Jace Sternberger
Jace was on the bubble coming into this game. At tight end, the Packers have Deguara, Tonyan, Lewis, and Dafney to name a few. I don’t believe he did anything for the Packers to warrant keeping him. He’s already missing two games to start the season for an NFL substance abuse issue, he calls a “horrible decision.” While I believe he will not make the 53, I believe that his career will continue somewhere else. Best of luck to the guy.
Jake Hanson
Jordan Love was clapping furiously to get Jake Hanson to snap the football. Hanson was completely unaware. His first snap in this 2-minute drill was dribbled at Love's ankles. This time, he doesn't snap at all. Delay of game.
— Ryan Wood (@ByRyanWood) August 28, 2021
Not a good look for Hanson coming in for Myers at Center. Being unaware during a two minute drill is the complete opposite of what you wanna do. Was he admiring the Lambeau Field architecture? It is nice after all. The Center and QB HAVE to be on the same page. Fighting for a roster spot with a deep, deep Offensive Line room, Hanson didn’t do anything to standout and make the 53.
The Cuts Are Coming
August 31st is an important day for Packers players on the bubble. They’ll find out if they made the 53, or if they’ll be looking for work elsewhere. While some will make the practice squad, some may have played their last down in the NFL. Whether they make the Packers or sign with another team, best of luck to all the players that have had the honor of putting on A Packers jersey.
As Always Go Pack Go!
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