Packers vs Bengals: Preseason Game 1 Game Thread

[Voyageur]

The int was clearly on Clifford. He should have eaten the ball. Desperation throws are not good.

Yes, it was on him, but was precipitated by the fact that the block wasn't made. Clifford acted like a rookie on the play. He'll move past those mistakes.

 

[gopkrs]

I liked the receivers. Of the ones I think are on the bubble; Heath looks the best and he has good size. DuBose is second and Melton did not get much of a chance but the other two look so good and he looks small to me. I would like to see Heath and DuBose make the team and Melton on practice squad. And I would actually like to see all of the receivers play during regular season games. That could tend to confuse the D backs by throwing different personalities at them and they all can catch and run. Of course fewer plays than the starters. But I still want to see the two headed monster of Kroft and Musgrave.

 

[OldSchool101]

Toure quietly put up 100 All Purpose yards.

Carrington just layered another strong day against foreign competition. 3 pass breakups, 1 INT and a great open field Tackle (which analysts said was a weakness). The more I watch him, he reminds me of a small version of a young Sherman in his play style. He looks tiny out there in college film, but he’s actually 6’0 193lb. and when he gets his paws on you he plays stronger than his weight.
He’s got that swagger thing 39” vertical 4.4X40 is plenty fast and I’ve got him pegged as becoming a solid primary backup. He’s what I thought Shemar would be.

 

[Pkrjones]

Tyler Davis tore ACL & done for '23. Wonder if that changes MLF's plan to run more 12 personnel or if it just changes the 2 TE's on the field?

 

[OldSchool101]

Tyler Davis tore ACL & done for '23. Wonder if that changes MLF's plan to run more 12 personnel or if it just changes the 2 TE's on the field?

Sucks to hear that it’s a tough deal for him. I had this as a season he might breakout a little. Thought they might balance his ST and O snaps more. Oh well.

We were light on experience at TE before this. I suspect we will be focused on bringing a veteran aboard through some means.

 

[lambeaulambo]

Well thanks for taking time out of your busy life to poop on our parade!

Although we can't conclude the Packers will win the SB based on a preseason game, there were a bunch of positives:

1. We played with more speed than in the past
2. Players were more aggressive
3. Our QBs looked poised
4. Our backups outplayed the Bengals backups meaning we have much better depth.
5. Some of the individual performances were very surprisingly good.

This wasn't your father's Bengal team, they were in the 2022 SB and nearly upset the Rams.

It's better than sucking right?

yrvw...lol...lets compare Clifford to Love in NFL game experience and how they looked...uh oh...Clifford looked miles better with a fraction of experience. I have seen enough of Rhyan Hanson Myers and Newman no matter what position they play but now the injury bug immediately has bitten - so 2 of these may survive. Good energy for a first game which is positive. Anders had better get his head on straight in a quick hurry or he could be ousted by a udfa that can kick an extra pt. The irony is his brother was exactly the same, and is now one of the better kickers in the league. Back up grade: B+..Starters grade: Incomplete

 

[Pugger]

Watching that is sickening after having Mason all these years. Missing consecutive XPA’s is becoming worrisome. We can’t go into the season missing gimme’s. Many Kickers don’t miss any XP all season.

I got a feeling we'll bring in some competition there.

 

[Pugger]

Are you in The Steelers area? I'm near Tampa and I'm getting the Packers game.

We just got back to Fort Myers after spending the summer in GB. Is it hot down here this year!

 

[Pugger]

The int was clearly on Clifford. He should have eaten the ball. Desperation throws are not good.

I think both deserve "credit" for that INT. I did like Clifford's demeanor on the sidelines after that and how he came back in and went to work.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

yrvw...lol...lets compare Clifford to Love in NFL game experience and how they looked...uh oh...Clifford looked miles better with a fraction of experience. I have seen enough of Rhyan Hanson Myers and Newman no matter what position they play but now the injury bug immediately has bitten - so 2 of these may survive. Good energy for a first game which is positive. Anders had better get his head on straight in a quick hurry or he could be ousted by a udfa that can kick an extra pt. The irony is his brother was exactly the same, and is now one of the better kickers in the league. Back up grade: B+..Starters grade: Incomplete

While I think Clifford may have silenced some doubters, for now, I wouldn't get too worked up over the results of the night. Love saw 2 series and all in all was pretty sharp for a preseason game. More importantly, keep in mind that while Love didn't face all first team defensive players from the Bengals, I assure you Clifford was playing against guys that most likely won't be playing in the NFL after Sept.

We have seen this every year. A guy looks great in preseason and sucks once the games count. We have also seen players have a bad game and bounce back. One preseason game doesn't make HOF players.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

Tyler Davis tore ACL & done for '23. Wonder if that changes MLF's plan to run more 12 personnel or if it just changes the 2 TE's on the field?

Suspected it was going to be the ACL from MLF's comments after the game.

I doubt this changes much of anything as far as what the offense runs, they will no doubt pick up another TE before too long. I think Davis will be missed more on special teams than the offense.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

Toure quietly put up 100 All Purpose yards.

Carrington just layered another strong day against foreign competition. 3 pass breakups, 1 INT and a great open field Tackle (which analysts said was a weakness). The more I watch him, he reminds me of a small version of a young Sherman in his play style. He looks tiny out there in college film, but he’s actually 6’0 193lb. and when he gets his paws on you he plays stronger than his weight.
He’s got that swagger thing 39” vertical 4.4X40 is plenty fast and I’ve got him pegged as becoming a solid primary backup. He’s what I thought Shemar would be.

I would give the game MVP to Valentine. That guy was playing like his pants were on fire. Even if it was against the Bengals backups, I was impressed with his energy and abilities. That performance will go a long way to getting him on the 53.

 

[OldSchool101]

I would give the game MVP to Valentine. That guy was playing like his pants were on fire. Even if it was against the Bengals backups, I was impressed with his energy and abilities. That performance will go a long way to getting him on the 53.

Yes. He (Valentine) just seems to be sticking out as one of those players that has adapted really fast. Obviously it’s against a mixture of backups and starters. However as a close friend (who has followed college football very closely for decades) always said “just to make it in the bottom of the NFL means you’re one heck of a football player”.
I thought about that simple statement over the last few years and however trivial it seems, once you’re here, it’s a matter of leaving an impression and then performing when given your opportunity. Thus far Valentine checks every box and he just needs to keep stacking good with good. It’s his spot to lose and even #53 is a pretty darn good gig. Heck PS makes you like 12-13K weekly.

 

[Poppa San]

Yes, it was on him, but was precipitated by the fact that the block wasn't made. Clifford acted like a rookie on the play. He'll move past those mistakes.

Unless he channels his inner Favre and becomes a yeah/nay depending on the last play QB.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

However as a close friend (who has followed college football very closely for decades) always said “just to make it in the bottom of the NFL means you’re one heck of a football player”.

There really isn't a league that comes close to the collection of talent in the NFL. When Jace Sternberger is one of the top TE's in the USFL, that tells you all that you need to know about that league. Just like MLB, NBA and NHL, the NFL has a total monopoly on professional football and the prices reflect it.

 

[milani]

Well thanks for taking time out of your busy life to poop on our parade!

Although we can't conclude the Packers will win the SB based on a preseason game, there were a bunch of positives:

1. We played with more speed than in the past
2. Players were more aggressive
3. Our QBs looked poised
4. Our backups outplayed the Bengals backups meaning we have much better depth.
5. Some of the individual performances were very surprisingly good.

This wasn't your father's Bengal team, they were in the 2022 SB and nearly upset the Rams.

It's better than sucking right?

Very true. There was a lot of speed. I felt that the team appeared to play like they were unshackled. As if they were not on " Rodgers " team but rather their own team if that makes sense.

 

[milani]

Yes, it was on him, but was precipitated by the fact that the block wasn't made. Clifford acted like a rookie on the play. He'll move past those mistakes.

That is what preseason is for.

 

[milani]

I got a feeling we'll bring in some competition there.

If it is January at Lambeau those PATs are not a gimme. But it was August in Cincy with no pressure either. At least he is getting opportunities to kick.

 

[lambeaulambo]

While I think Clifford may have silenced some doubters, for now, I wouldn't get too worked up over the results of the night. Love saw 2 series and all in all was pretty sharp for a preseason game. More importantly, keep in mind that while Love didn't face all first team defensive players from the Bengals, I assure you Clifford was playing against guys that most likely won't be playing in the NFL after Sept.

We have seen this every year. A guy looks great in preseason and sucks once the games count. We have also seen players have a bad game and bounce back. One preseason game doesn't make HOF players.

Clifford is our backup though, and isnt going anywhere. He showed some definite ability and potential. New and growing right off the bat. To me this o line has not small but HUGE concerns. When you are seeing multiple lineman playing center it points to Myers and Hanson being cut. Rhyan already is on cut watch. The defense right now appears to be stronger, but they didnt face Burrow and the real Bengal O hence the incomplete. Van Ness against the run looked mediocre, but he is young and should improve throughout the season.

 

[RicFlairoftheNFL]

First INT was on Rhyan at RG getting smoked allowing a free rush at Clifford forcing a hurried throw he couldn't step into.
Injuries suck especially at OL. Looks like the final 9-10 on the 53 could be settled by attrition. I had hoped that 2 of Jones, Walker, Tenuta showed enough to make Nijman tradeable for a 3-4 rounder to a needy OL team. Now lower leg injuries will hobble two of them.
Mercedes shouldn't have signed with the Bears because he could now re-up his rental agreement in GB. Sounds like Davis' season is done.
Damn kickers.
I liked the sticky DB coverage in the parts of the game I saw. Even in the 4th qtr the PS bubble boys were in the receivers jerseys. Hope the scheme is that and not letting receivers run free across the zones.

The angle from behind the D suggests he eyeballed the receiver the whole way..so while your point about Rhyan is correct...the INT goes on Clifford for committing a highschool error. 2nd INT to me goes on Kraft for not fighting for the ball.

 

[RicFlairoftheNFL]

Thoughts on the game.

I am back to 85% sure Love is the guy long term. It dipped to 84% after Family Night. He had a bit of the yips early that I'm hoping is only in pre-season or his 1st start in PS as 'the man'.

Anders Carlson is doing as advertised. 72% on kicks at Auburn last year, he comes in hits from 45...and shanks 2 PATs. As an Auburn fan he was the guy I wanted the LEAST.

D looked real good last night with alot of starters sitting. Though I do believe if Burrow was playing that game may have been 36-31.

I would HATE to have to make cuts in that DB room this year. Not only can most of the castoffs play on other rosters, but they can start for most teams.

I get the feeling the final WR spot is gonna come down to Heath and Toure...and right now after 1 game it's Heath.

I LOVED what I saw out of Clifford except for the 1st INT. You can't eyeball your target.

O-Line depth is a concern as we saw last night BEFORE the injuries.

Not sure what to make of the D-Line or D-Line depth, haven't seen enough yet to assess.

ILB depth is gonna be an issue as it seems that Walker and Campbell might be all there is on the whole roster. You guys know I'm a LB guy, and I think not drafting new blood or upgrading may bite this team in the a** this yar.

RB depth looks phenomenal.

TE group I don't think we're gonna know what we have until mid-season, I also wouldn't be wholly surprised if we have multiple starters until about Week 10.

Returners weren't great, but they weren't as bad as Carlson was on PATs.

 

[Zartan]

We just got back to Fort Myers after spending the summer in GB. Is it hot down here this year!

It's hotter than Satan's family jewels outside. It's awful if I have to go outside I feel sick. I have a low heat intolerance.

 

[milani]

Clifford is our backup though, and isnt going anywhere. He showed some definite ability and potential. New and growing right off the bat. To me this o line has not small but HUGE concerns. When you are seeing multiple lineman playing center it points to Myers and Hanson being cut. Rhyan already is on cut watch. The defense right now appears to be stronger, but they didnt face Burrow and the real Bengal O hence the incomplete. Van Ness against the run looked mediocre, but he is young and should improve throughout the season.

Whatever defense we had on the field only allowed 4 FGs and 3 of those were long kicks. Keeping teams out of the end zone could win us some games.

 

[milani]

Suspected it was going to be the ACL from MLF's comments after the game.

I doubt this changes much of anything as far as what the offense runs, they will no doubt pick up another TE before too long. I think Davis will be missed more on special teams than the offense.

Have to feel terrible for Tyler. Hopes of getting a chance to be in the mix this season get dashed instantaneously in the very first preseason game. More painful than the injury is the long process of healing and getting back on the field. It feels like an eternity. We recall when Jordy went down this way years back. But at least he was an established star who knew he still had a future.

 

[rmontro]

yrvw...lol...lets compare Clifford to Love in NFL game experience and how they looked...uh oh...Clifford looked miles better with a fraction of experience.

I don't see any downside to the Packers having two good quarterbacks. We're a long way from a quarterback controversy. I'm not married to Love, regardless. If Clifford were to beat him out and be a better quarterback, it doesn't hurt my feelings any. Of course, that kind of talk is simply ridiculous at this point. Love looked good enough, I thought. I like Clifford, but didn't care for the two interceptions.

By the way, while the NFL Network screwed me over last night, I did get to record the rerun this morning.