The Green Bay Packers opened the preseason with a 23-10 win over the Cleveland Browns. The team gave a solid performance although both teams mostly played their backups through most of the game, as expected. Here is a look at the winners and losers from the Packers first preseason game.
Winners and Losers from the Packers First Preseason Game: Winners, Jordan Love and Dontayvion Wicks
Jordan Love played just one series, but he certainly made his mark. His 65-yard touchdown pass to Dontayvion Wicks on the third offensive snap of the game was the most memorable play of the game.
Love’s eyes forced the safety to hesitate just enough and that gave Wicks a step. He then delivered an accurate deep strike downfield to Wicks who was off to the races. Accuracy on deep passes is something Love has improved upon in training camp and now he showed it off during his brief appearance on Saturday.
Wicks again showed his ability to get deep and why he could see more playing time this season after a strong finish to his rookie campaign a year ago.
Loser: MarShawn Lloyd
MarShawn Lloyd missed the beginning of training camp with a hip injury then suffered a hamstring injury after receiving just two touches against the Browns. Lloyd carried once for eight yards and caught one pass for one yard before suffering the injury.
Head coach Matt LaFleur summed it up well. “That is disappointing, but he’s going to have to get healthy because we’ve seen what he’s capable of doing in practice, you’d just like to see it in a real game,” he said.
The rookie was already behind schedule due to a hip injury. Now, he’s in danger of falling further behind due to this injury. The key to Lloyd getting more playing time will be his ability to pass protect, pick up blitzes and catch passes. This injury was a setback for him.
Winner: Emanuel Wilson
Emanuel Wilson led the NFL in rushing yards last preseason, and he got off to another strong start against the Browns. The undrafted free agent out of Fort Valley State carried 13 times for 67 yards and scored a touchdown. That’s an average of 5.2-yards per carry.
Wilson has a good burst through the hole and gains yards after contact. Yes, most of his running came against backups and third-string players, but Wilson showed his speed and elusiveness.
Combine Wilson’s strong performance with Lloyd suffering another injury, and Wilson’s chances of making the team have gone up after this game.
Winners and Losers from the Packers First Preseason Game: Loser, A.J. Dillon
Throughout training camp and OTAs, coaches were full of praise for A.J. Dillon. They mentioned how he came into camp in great shape and seemed determined to improve his play after an off year in 2023.
Unfortunately, Dillon didn’t look much better in limited reps against Cleveland. He carried four times for two yards. Three times in a row, the Packers handed the ball to Dillon needed a yard or two to pick up a first down. Dillon never picked up the necessary yardage.
Keep in mind, this wasn’t all Dillon’s fault. The backup offensive line that was in the game did not open any holes for the former Boston College star. Defenders penetrated the line or each play. But Dillon didn’t run like a short yardage back should and failed to pick up the first down. That doesn’t bode well for a back who hoped to make the team in part because he has a different running style than the competition and can run inside well.
Winners: Lukas Van Ness and Devonte Wyatt
Lukas Van Ness sacked the quarterback once and recorded three tackles for loss. He showed the ability to penetrate and make plays which fits in well with the defense Jeff Hafley wants to play.
Devonte Wyatt also put pressure on opposing quarterbacks although he didn’t record any sacks. He still showed the ability to be disruptive and play his role in the defense well.
Winners and Losers from the Packers First Preseason Game: Loser, Bo Melton
Bo Melton caught one pass on four targets and had a couple of drops. He also fumbled on an end around although he recovered and gained four yards on the play.
Melton finished the season well last year but has to play better to cement his place on the roster and earn some playing time this season.
Winners: Doug DuBose and Joel Wilson
While both Grant DuBose and Joel Wilson entered camp as long shots to make the team, both have been very productive in training camp, at Family Night, and against the Browns.
DuBose led the team with five catches on six targets for 66 yards. All he does is make catches and be productive.
Wilson added three catches on three targets for 30 yards. The tight end continues to make plays as he battles for a spot on the roster or the practice squad.
Winners and Losers from the Packers First Preseason Game: Winner, Evan Williams
Evan Williams played well against the Browns. The rookie made six total tackles which led the team. He also forced a fumble early in the second half that led to a Packers field goal.
Williams seems to have a nose for the ball and creating turnovers is always a plus. Last year, the Pack struggled to create turnovers so forcing a fumble was a welcome thing.
Loser: Red Zone Offense
Yes, the backup quarterback was on the field every time the Packers entered the red zone and many other backup players were on the field as well. But the offense went only 1-for-4 in the red zone against the Browns. In a more competitive game, that could be costly.
The Packers settled for three field goals. At least the kickers made good on those, but the Packers need to be more efficient in the red zone by the time the games start counting.
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