With the Green Bay Packers more than a week into training camp, there has been a lot to take in from practice. There have certainly been some positives, as some of the young players that the team needs to step up in 2023 have been playing well.
Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs and Jayden Reed have all had highlights at the wide receiver spot. Devonte Wyatt and TJ Slaton are cementing themselves as key contributors along the defensive line along with Kenny Clark. The defense, as a whole, remains dominant, which is what the team needs to find success in 2023.
Alas, there are still some questions that will need to be answered in the coming weeks about the team. Things are far from perfect for the Packers and joint practices and preseason games in the coming weeks will give them a chance to further iron things out.
One question that needs to be answered is how much can the offense improve. There have been glimpses of positivity, but overall, they have had their struggles against a very good defense.
More specifically, can the offense succeed in pressure situations, such as the two-minute drill and red zone? Thus far the results have been very mixed as the defense has won all of those matchups, leading to up-downs and push-ups for the offensive players and coaches.
When the offense has been able to move the ball, special teams have let them down. That leads to the second question, is Anders Carlson the guy for the kicking job? His struggles have been well documented and he missed another kick this week during a two-minute drill.
There is no denying the leg strength that Carlson possesses; he can certainly boom the ball. But, if there is no accuracy when he is kicking, what good does a big leg do for the Packers? Mason Crosby’s phone number is likely on speed dial if the struggles persist.
A somewhat surprising question has arisen during the first week of training camp. The Packers’ offensive line should be among the best in the league, but some shuffling could be occurring. Zach Tom, who was expected to challenge for the right tackle spot, has been getting reps across the line.
At right tackle, he is competing with Yosh Nijman, but Tom has also taken snaps as the first-team center. Could the starting competition be coming down to Nijman and center Josh Myers? It is certainly looking that way as the versatile Tom can lock down a number of spots in the trenches.
The next question was about Wyatt and Slaton stepping up alongside Clark along the defensive line. That is something that the Packers have been pleasantly surprised with in the early going, as the depth there no longer looks like a concern.
Along with Wyatt and Slayton, Chris Slayton and rookies Karl Brooks and Colby Wooden have all received rave reviews. The speed of the unit has been impressive as the Packers look to get their run defense back on track after an abysmal performance in 2022.
Last but not least, who is going to be the starting safety? Right now, that role looks like it will be going to Rudy Ford, who stepped into the lineup last season when Darnell Savage Jr. was benched. But, with Adrian Amos moving on in free agency, a spot has opened up.
Tarvarius Moore and Jonathan Owens were both signed in free agency and could push for playing time. Moore opened training camp on one of the injured lists while Owens is running with the second team currently. Will either of them catch Ford in the pecking order or will both be relegated to a reserve role to start out?
