In the Packers’ preseason opener, the Green Bay Packers appeared as prepared for the regular season as one could possibly be during the preseason. The offense started strong, with Jordan Love connecting on a 65-yard touchdown pass to Dontayvion Wicks. The defense was flying all over the place and played with confidence. Still, two standout performances really captured my attention. Offensively, second-year wide receiver Grant DuBose caught every pass thrown to him. Defensively, rookie safety Evan Williams successfully made every tackle that came his way. Both DuBose and Williams were key in the Packers 23-10 victory over the Browns.

The Overall Performance of the Team

Head Coach, Matt LaFleur, was very complimentary of his team’s performance in the game. “I love how our guys competed in all three phases. I thought they put a lot of good tape out there.” LaFleur said. However, what stood out significantly was the aggressiveness of the Packers’ defense, indicating the intense style they intend to adopt under Jeff Hafley’s new scheme. “It was not an overly complicated game plan, we just wanted to see our guys go out there and compete. Play fast, play physical and run to the football.” LaFleur said regarding the defensive game plan.

The defense accomplished exactly that, limiting the Browns to a mere three points until the fourth quarter, when they managed a rushing touchdown. The defense was everywhere, applying pressure on the quarterback and forcing a fumble, something the Packers’ defense has found challenging in recent years.

Making a Change to the Safety Unit

General Manager Brian Gutekunst saw the urgent need to make a change to the safety room. For example, he signed free agent Xavier McKinney, a defensive superstar during his tenure with the New York Giants. A huge free agent acquisition for the Packers, as he could be the leader in the safety room from day one. Gutekunst addressed the safety position accordingly in the NFL draft by selecting three safeties. Javon Bullard, in the second round, out of Georgia. Evan Williams, in the fourth round, out of Oregon and lastly, Kitan Oladapo, in the fifth round, out of Oregon State.

Evan Williams made the most of his opportunity, recording six solo tackles and a forced fumble. The rookie certainly made a big impact. Williams met with reporters after the game to talk about his NFL debut. “I just felt ready for the moment, ready to fly around. Coach always preaches that if you guys just fly around, the jobs aren’t that difficult. So, if you just run to the ball and do your job, you are going to be successful.”

Jeff Hafley seems to know the pulse of his defensive unit. The players appear to be embracing his coaching and instruction. It’s evident that the philosophy of playing a proactive, aggressive defense—characterized by flying to the ball—is making an impact on the team. Lukas Van Ness, the 2023 first-round pick, appears to be progressing well. He recorded three tackles for loss and one sack. The defense looks extremely promising. If they keep up the work of running to the ball, and doing their jobs, they are going to have immense confidence in what they are setting out to do.

A Stacked Wide Receiver Room

On the offensive front, second-year receiver Grant DuBose did absolutely everything he was asked to do. DuBose secured every pass directed at him, except for a deep throw from Sean Clifford, which could have resulted in a touchdown had the defender not interfered.

DuBose’s start of his rookie year was not ideal. He ended up suffering an injury, was cut from the team and brought back onto the practice squad. These opportunities are few and far between, but his performance caught the attention of Jordan Love and Matt LaFleur.

“Since we started camp, Grant has been making plays every day. When the ball comes to him, he is making big time plays. He is knowing what he needs to do with his assignments in the block game.” Love said, incredibly complimentary of DuBose. Love is not the only one who knows the importance DuBose can make, Matt LaFleur also spoke very highly of DuBose’s performance.

“I think he has taken off from where he was last season. His practice habits are what you want. I know last year he was disappointed he did not make the 53, and all you can do is control how you respond to that.” LaFleur said, echoing similar statements to Love.

It’s just one preseason game, yet the potential of this roster is undeniably exciting. DuBose is set to continue to battle for a roster position in a competitive wide receiver group. Meanwhile, Williams will be vying for playtime in a well-stocked safety unit. It’s certain that if DuBose and Williams continue to perform at this level, they will solidify their positions on the roster.

Evan Williams on ‘momentum-changing’ forced fumble vs. Browns (packers.com)

Matt LaFleur on preseason win vs. Browns: ‘It was good to get back out there’ (packers.com)

Jordan Love on Packers’ opening-drive TD: ‘That was the goal’