The Packers move to 2-1 after falling to the Broncos 21-17. It was a dull night seeing that injuries eclipsed the few players who stood out. The Packers only went with two quarterbacks as Brett Hundley played over three quarters of the game. He completed 20 of 30 passes, though nothing really showed from it. The final drive of the game ended with him taking his fourth sack. Even though Mike McCarthy commended Hundley for battling he still needs time to grow before he can take the reigns for any organization.
Aaron Rodgers played three very short series which resulted in 10 points. His lonesome touchdown drive was set up by a Kentrell Brice interception he returned to the Denver two yard line. Ty Montgomery took care of the rest.
Montgomery had his best game of the preseason rushing three times for 31 yards. Post game he was asked if he was ready for the opener. His response: “I’m ready.”
Montgomery has done enough to earn the Packers starting job despite a committee of rookies nipping at his heels. Aaron Jones had another productive night with 43 yards from six carries. Jones could be the first back spelling Montgomery when he needs a breather.
Defensively, the Packers secondary played well only allowing 174 yards through the air. Number one corner Davon House was in pads, but did not see the field after going through warmups.
There are reasons to be concerned over the Packers pass rush. Nick Perry left the game in the first quarter with a right ankle injury. He did so under his own power, but the Packers just resigned Perry for big money to stay healthy. His opposition Clay Matthews is almost guaranteed to come down with a nagging injury at some point this season given his track record. The last thing Dom Capers wants to see is both his starting outside linebackers on the injury report every week. Perry’s ankle will be something to keep an eye on in the weeks to come.
As if it could get worse at OLB. Back-up edge rusher Jayrone Elliot was evaluated for a back injury. There is no update as to how serious it is.
Nearly all starters will be resting next Thursday when the Packers welcome the Rams. That gives coaches one last chance to make a case for players on the bubble.
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Brandon Carwile was a Cheesehead at birth. His dad grew up attending games at Lambeau and passed on the legacy. He has covered the Packers for over five years and currently works with packerstalk.com. Find him on twitter at @PackerScribe.
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3 responses to “Third Preseason Game Overshadowed by Injuries (Recap)”
“His opposition Clay Matthews is almost guaranteed to come down with a nagging injury at some point this season given his track record.”
I’d say it’s more likely Clay Matthews will disappear into the background, given his track record. #JAG
Aaron Jones looks like our #2 back, though the other rookies are close. He just seems like the only one who ever cuts to daylight.
I disagree on Hundley. Denver’s defense was dominating our line and smothering our receivers. Hundley looks very, very good, and would be a big upgrade for several teams right now.
Denver’s 1st TD was starters against backups. One backup really looked good, and may have saved his job: Fackrell.
AR was not in the game when we scored our first TD, so in 2 drives he netted 3 pts.Hundley did not look great but I think it was just a manifestation of the entire offense since AR looked no better in his 2 series. Not many open receivers & poor line play. Defense looked pretty good. Held Denver starting QB to rating in the 50s, playing the entire first half.