The Green Bay Packers play football today! What a wonderful statement to say. The Packers will face the Steelers, and old friends Aaron Rodgers and Mike McCarthy, in Pittsburgh tonight at 6:00 P.M. CST. Although, tonight is an exhibition game, the three things to watch are the level of urgency and tempo from the offense, the offensive line, and the rookie kicker.
Matt LaFleur told the media that one of the offseason’s points of emphasis is to increase the urgency and tempo on offense. LaFleur mentioned that he wants the Packers offense to get out of the huddle and to the line of scrimmage faster. He wants to relay the play call faster as well. Controlling the ball and winning the time of possession battle is always a key but the Packers averaged 8.9 offensive drives, that did not end in a kneel down, a game in 2025. That is the lowest number since this statistic began in 1999.
The second aspect to watch against the Steelers is the Green Bay offensive line. This goes hand in hand with the increased level of urgency. Over the past week, it has been clearer and clearer that there is a competition for the starting right guard job. It will be interesting to see how the coaching staff approaches this game. Will they start with Anthony Belton at right guard or will he start at right tackle in place Zach Bako-Bewele? Will Belton play both positions? How much will Jacob Monk and Jager Burton play at right guard?
An offensive line that flows well together and communicates at a high level will help increase the urgency level from the offense. As the Packers navigate the three preseason games and the rest of training camp, it will be interesting to see who wins that right guard job. That 5th lineman will play a pivotal role alongside Jordan Morgan, Sean Rhyan, Aaron Banks, and ZBB, once ZBB and Banks are fully cleared, in helping achieve LaFleur’s urgency and tempo goal.
Packers Special Teams and Rookie Kicker
The Green Bay Special Teams is taking on a whole new look in 2026. The Packers have a new Special Teams Coordinator and a rookie kicker. Watching the new Coordinator Cam Achord, who has received some praise from the Green Bay for his intense coaching style during training camp, approach the game tonight will be intriguing. It will be interesting for Packer fans to see how the special teams performs tonight. Keep an eye on the punt and kick coverage as well a the return game. Will it be Sky Moore or Savion Williams or Will Sheppard?
Finally, all eyes will be on rookie kicker Trey Smack. The Packers drafted Smack in the 6th round of the Draft. Smack has had a bumpy start to camp but had a solid performance during Family Night. Smack made 5/6 kicks last Friday. Both Gutekunst and LaFleur have expressed the need for patience with a rookie kicker.
It would be reassuring if the Smack plays well tonight in Pittsburgh. These three preseason games are critical for Trey Smack and the Packers. If Smack kicks well in these three games, that will give him and the Packers confidence heading into Week 1. If he struggles against the Steelers, Broncos, and Cardinals, that might cause Gutekunst to make a move for a second kicker.
