The first preseason game of the year for the Green Bay Packers went about as well as anyone could have hoped for. While this won’t count in the standings, it had to feel good to pick up a victory, as Green Bay demolished the Cincinnati Bengals, 36-19.
There were a lot of positives to take away from the game, as the Packers had plenty of standout performances. However, there were also a few players that caught the attention of people but for the wrong reasons.
For as many players that stood out positively, some stood out negatively. Over at PFF, grades were handed out and there were a few Packers who have put themselves behind the eight-ball with their performances.
The lowest-graded player of the evening was quarterback Alex McGough. The USFL MVP received a 28.1 overall grade as he turned the ball over on the only passing snap that he recorded in the game. That certainly isn’t going to help him gain ground on Sean Clifford in the QB2 battle.
The second-lowest grade went to defensive tackle, Devonte Wyatt. Wyatt has been a standout for the team this offseason, as people have lauded the improvements he has made heading into Year 2. Alas, his first preseason action wasn’t great.
He did create one pressure but was also credited with two missed tackles, one of which led to a big play by Bengals’ running back Chris Evans. One bad game isn’t going to change the narrative on Wyatt, but a 29.1 overall grade is certainly not something the Packers can afford in the regular season.
Fellow defensive lineman Jason Lewan also found himself near the bottom of the grades in preseason Game 1. His run defense grades were poor, which won’t endear him to the coaching staff looking for run defense upgrades. His 34.8 overall grade isn’t going to help him earn a roster spot.
A somewhat surprising name on the list is safety, Jonathan Owens. He has found himself in a real battle for a starting spot and was on the field with the first-team defense against the Bengals. He received a grade of 35.0, missing a tackle and allowing one explosive play in his 15 snaps, leaving something to be desired.
Offensive lineman Royce Newman rounded out the bottom five with a grade of 35.4. He played 45 snaps and is in competition for a roster spot. He will need to improve in the next preseason games as allowing two pressures and one quarterback hit while drawing two penalties won’t get the job done.
With so much competition along the offensive line for the Packers, Newman could play himself off the roster with another performance similar to the one he put together against the Bengals.
