Key Takeaways From Preseason Game #2 vs. Saints

In the team’s second preseason game of the 2022 NFL season, the Green Bay Packers rode yet another sound performance from Jordan Love to their first win of the preseason slate, 20-10. With the offense producing three consecutive scoring drives in the first half, this unit finally established some early rhythm that helped set the tone for the game.

Has Love turned the corner?

Love has been given the lion’s share of the work this offseason with the first unit, and Friday’s contest was more of the same. But the confidence and game management that Love has been putting on display these past two games certainly shows a different side of Love, one that he ultimately was drafted for.

While a 12/24, 113 yards, and 1 TD performance is nothing that will wow anyone, Love had quite a few throws that were pinpointed into tight windows, a la Aaron Rodgers. He confidently progressed through his reads during passing plays and made sure he played turnover-free football, even if his wide receivers were not as forgiving.

With Rodgers potentially up for some work against the Chiefs in their final preseason game, Love has shown that he has made a ton of progress this offseason. Regardless of if there was a program more tailored to him this offseason or what, Love has shown signs of life, ones that could reinvigorate this fan base.

RB3 battle all but sewn up

Needing to find that depth piece for their backfield, undrafted rookie free agent Tyler Goodson from Iowa looks to be very close to earning that spot. Having taken the majority of carries against the Saints, Goodson was efficient in his work, moving the pile, and using his legs to fall forward on many occasions.

10 carries for 42 yards was the final line for Goodson, and he did haul in his lone target for 10 yards through the air, but the Iowa rookie is primed to make this roster and be yet another diamond in the rough that this front office unearthed.

Patrick Taylor and Dexter Williams were the only two other backs to earn playing time on Friday, combining for 13 carries but were bottled up for most of the night. Barring an injury or setback, Goodson’s spot on the final 53-man roster is likely already booked.

LB group is now a strength

Not since the days of A.J. Hawk, Nick Barnett, Brandon Chlllar, and others have the Packers had this strong of a linebacking room. With DeVondre Campbell and rookie Quay Walker as the two anchors, the depth here is quite impressive.

Isaiah McDuffie (12 preseason tackles) has been playing with his hair on fire this preseason, Krys Barnes (4 preseason tackles) has developed and would be a starter elsewhere, and Kingsley Enagbare (1 sack, 2 QB hits) has positioned himself as one of the best high-motor options rushing from an edge spot.

While playing in the preseason only shows so much, this unit looks to be ten times better than it was last year, hopefully wiping away a sore subject for this defense. As this unit looks to be the best this team has had in years, their development and growth will be paramount to the entire unit being successful.

Mike Johrendt has been an avid fan of the Packers ever since he can remember. He is now a writer at PackersTalk and you can follow him on Twitter at @MJohrendt23

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