The wait is almost over as training camp for the Packers starts this week and the 2023 Preseason kicks off in a few short weeks.
After an eventful offseason full of changes to the team’s roster including the departure of Aaron Rodgers and additions of new players during the draft. The 2023 Green Bay Packers look to improve on their 8-9 record from last year with a new starting quarterback in Jordan Love.
But before we get to the regular season, where it all counts, we have the Preseason.
We’ll take a look at 5 things that you should watch for this Preseason.
How Much is Jordan Love going to play in the 2023 Preseason?
The biggest question going into the 2023 Preseason is whether or not Jordan Love will get extended playing time at all during the Pre-season. In the past the Packers played it safe with Rodgers but with Loves inexperience, look for the Packers to play Love during the first three Preseason games. Love will need some of that experience as he get accustomed to this offense. Sometimes practice and offseason workouts don’t provide the experience a starting Quarterback needs. Putting Love in “game situations” will help.
Who will be starting at Safety during the 2023 Preseason?
The Packers do have some holes to fill on defense. With the departure of Adrian Amos, the battle at safety will be the biggest battle to watch.
It will be interesting who the Packers put at safety as there is no guarantee who the Packers will put there.
The current depth chart lists Darnell Savage at one safety spot but he could easily lose that position if he does not perform well during training camp. Rudy Ford, who took over for Savage when he wasn’t playing well last year is listed as the back-up but he could very well take over for Savage.
At the other safety spot, the Packers list Jonathan Owens at the other safety spot. Owens was signed as a Free Agent from the Texans. It will be interesting to see how he performs after joining the Packers.
The Slot Wide Receiver Battle
While the first and second wide receiver spot seem to be already won by default. The slot/ third wide receiver spot will be a battle to watch for during the Preseason. Between Samori Toure and new draftees Jayden Reed and Dontayvion Wicks, there is no clear front runner for that spot on the roster. Although Toure has the experience over Reed and Wicks, that doesn’t mean that he will be the slot receiver by the end of the Preseason. Look for Reed to start pushing for that spot during both Training Camp and Preseason as he has drawn comparisons to former Packer Wide Receiver Randall Cobb.
The Kicking Situation
The kicker position will be something to watch this preseason as the Packers go in to 2023 with a new kicker after Mason Crosby was not resigned during the off-season.
Anders Carlson, the Packers 6th round pick from this year will have to prove to the Packers he has the leg accuracy and strength to be an NFL kicker.
Currently Carlson is the lone kicker on the team but that could very easily change if Carlson doesn’t impress the coaching staff. The Packers could bring back Crosby during the preseason if Carlson doesn’t perform. It will be interesting to see what the Packers do at that position once the Preseason is done.
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Hau Khuong has been a Packers fan since 1996. He currently works as a video editor in Green Bay and writes for PackersTalk.com and you can follow him on twitter at @HauKhuongSports.
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