The Packers and the New England Patriots ended their second preseason game on Saturday.
However, the game ended pretty early in the fourth quarter after a scary hit to Patriots cornerback Isaiah Bolden. The game ended with the score being 21-17, giving the Patriots the win. Both teams prioritized player safety, and that was the right call as it was bigger than football. All prayers to Isaiah Bolden and hope for a speedy recovery.
Here are the essential takeaways from Packer’s second preseason game:
Top Takeaways From the Packers Second Preseason Game
Packers’ Offensive Line Did a Great Job Pass Blocking
The Packers’ offensive line was very impressive against the New England Patriots. Despite the Patriots ‘ strong pass rush, they did not allow a single sack all game. The Packers have a very deep group on the offensive line, particularly at the offensive tackle position. They did very well in protecting both quarterbacks, Jordan Love and Sean Clifford. The offensive line is certainly a strength for the team this season.
Kingsley Enagbare & the Packers Edge Rushers Dominated
The Packers’ pass rush dominated the New England Patriots’ offensive line for most of the game on Saturday. Second-year player Kingsley Enagbare stood out with two sacks, including a game-changing strip-sack:
Kingsley Enagbare with the strip sack and fumble recovery!#GoPackGo pic.twitter.com/VIgZ1maCt0
— Packers Total Access- Clayton (@packers_access) August 20, 2023
Enagabare is looking to take that next step this season, and his monster game against the Patriots shows he could be in for a breakout season.
Rookie UDFA Brenton Cox keeps improving each week and playing himself onto the final 53-man roster. That continued against the Patriots as he kept making plays. No, he did not get any sacks, but he is getting pressure and has been good against the run. The Patriots had a very difficult time blocking him.
Here is what Brenton Cox did in the second preseason game:
Brenton Cox Jr is a beast!! #packers @brenton_cox_ pic.twitter.com/h3yWsaVZky
— DKYSports Wisconsin (@dkysportswisco) August 20, 2023
Lukas Van Ness was effective, as he was facing double teams and showing off his power. Still, he will take time to develop, as he is a raw player. Justin Hollins has also been solid, and he looks to be in a nice rotation this year for the Packers. The Packers’ pass rush could be really strong this season, especially with Rashan Gary returning soon.
Jordan Love Keeps Getting Better Every Week
Jordan Love is proving himself and getting better each week. He faced a good test against the New England Patriots’ defense on Saturday in the second preseason game. Love seems to struggle on one series, but then he leads his team on a touchdown drive in the next one, showing he can face some adversity. Here was his touchdown throw to rookie Jayden Reed to tie the game against the Patriots on Saturday.
The rookie for the score!@JaydenReed5 🙌 #NEvsGB | #GoPackGo
📺: Packers TV Network pic.twitter.com/bi1cqYTvGX
— Green Bay Packers (@packers) August 20, 2023
Jordan Love seems more comfortable in the Packers’ offense. He stated in a post-game interview that he feels ready for the regular season, which is just a couple of weeks away. Whether he should play in the last preseason game is up to head coach Matt LaFleur and the Packers to decide. Overall, Love looks ready to prove his doubters wrong this season.
Carrington Valentine, Despite Some Shaky Moments, Played Hard
Carrington Valentine, the rookie standout cornerback, had some difficult moments against the New England Patriots on Saturday. He drew a couple of pass-interference penalties and got burned for a touchdown late in the second quarter.
However, despite all of that, he still played well in the second half, having multiple pass breakups. He made mistakes, but he is a rookie, and those are expected. He showed that he could bounce back from adversity. Valentine is looking to be a steal from this year’s draft, and he may force the Packers to give him serious playing time as a rookie.
Josh Myers Is in Jeopardy of Losing His Starting Job
Josh Myers may lose his position as a starter due to consistent mental errors and botched snaps that have happened over the past couple of weeks. Myers has the potential to be a very good player, but he lacks consistency. He did himself no favors with a botched snap on Saturday that led to a New England Patriot touchdown. The Packers’ coaching staff has shown confidence in him, but he has not delivered. The Packers do have options at the center like Zach Tom, a second-year player who can play every position on the offensive line. Josh Myers could end up on the bench soon if he does not improve.
Malik Heath Will Be Hard To Keep off the Roster
Malik Heath, the rookie UDFA from the University of Ole Mississippi, just keeps making a name for himself. He’s impressed the Packers coaching staff with his solid preseason performances. He led the Packers in receiving against the New England Patriots on Saturday. A
lso, his run-blocking ability has been good in both preseason games, which is especially important in this offense under Matt LaFleur. With one more preseason game left to prove himself, Heath may be a lock for the final 53-man roster.
The Defensive Line Looks Deep This Year
The Packers’ defensive line has been very impressive in the preseason. Devonte Wyatt, T.J. Slaton, and Kenny Clark have been disruptive. The rookies Colby Wooden and Karl Brooks have also shown promise. Karl Brooks, especially, has been continuously improving. Brooks’ performance could soon see him move up the depth chart. Watch his impressive tackle for loss against the New England Patriots here.
Karl Brooks with the easy TFL pic.twitter.com/jtR2mePyQs
— Hogg (@HoggNFL) August 20, 2023
This group appears to be the strongest the Packers have had in years. They could potentially have one of the best defensive lines in the NFL.
Emmanuel Wilson Might Win the Third Running Back Spot
Rookie Emmanuel Wilson, a rookie undrafted free agent, is making the most of his opportunities with Tyler Goodson and Lew Nichols out with injuries. He had a breakout game against the Cincinnati Bengals with 111 yards and two touchdowns. In his game against the New England Patriots on Saturday, he had another solid performance with 62 rushing yards. Wilson appears to be in contention for the third spot behind Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon.
On the other hand, Patrick Taylor has not had a strong preseason. With one more preseason game, if Wilson can have another solid showing, there will be little reason not to include him on the Packers’ 53-man roster.
Certainty At Safety Remains At-Large
The status of the Packers’ safety position is uncertain. While the group as a whole so far has not been all bad, they have not been all good either. Darnell Savage is expected to be the starter, but the guy next to him and the rest of the safety group are up in the air.
Rudy Ford began as the starter in training camp but has since been demoted, and both Johnathan Owens and rookie Anthony Johnson have seen some time with the starters, but neither has stood out. Tarvarius Moore showed promise but suffered an injury on Saturday against the New England Patriots, leaving his status unclear. The safety situation will be something to watch as the season approaches.
For More Wisconsin Sports Content:
Follow us at @WiSportsHeroics for more Wisconsin sports content. To keep up on all of your favorite sports in Wisconsin, click here! Also, check out our merch store for some amazing WSH merchandise!