The Green Bay Packers left Cincinnati with a 36-19 victory. The starters had only played a few series, one of which ended with a beautiful pass from Jordan Love to Romeo Doubs for a touchdown. The defense looked fast and aggressive. It is only the first preseason game, but there is plenty to be excited about.
Here’s a look at the studs and duds from the Green Bay Packers preseason opener.
Stud: Carrington Valentine
Carrington Valentine was picked in the seventh round out of Kentucky. Valentine has had a lot of hype in camp, and now we see why. He ended the night with four tackles, three passes defended, and an interception. He showed his ability to cover and willingness to tackle in the open field. The Packers may have found a late-round gem.
Dud: Green Bay Packers Kicker, Anders Carlson
The Packers sixth round pick out of Auburn has been a roller coaster. Carlson has struggled in practice, but outside of one kick was great at family night. In the preseason game he had made one 45 yard field goal but missed back to back extra points. Whether the blame wants to be put on Carlson, the hold or the snap, it can’t happen. They are a month out from their first game and it may be time to bring in some competition.
Stud: Green Bay Packers QB, Sean Clifford
When Sean Clifford was drafted in the fifth round, many people questioned the pick and considered it a waste. Against the Bengals, Clifford looked like a different quarterback from his Penn State days. His throws had zip, and he was making plays. Clifford went 20-26 for 208 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. Outside of the two turnovers, he looked exceptional.
Stud: Emanuel Wilson
After the Broncos released him, the Packers signed Emanuel Wilson as a free agent this offseason. With Green Bay already having two good running backs and a special team guy in Patrick Taylor, it would be an up hill battle.
That did not stop Wilson from having himself a night. Wilson Had six carries for 111 yards and two touchdowns, highlighted by his 80 yards touchdown run. Wilson showed good vision and speed when running the ball. After his performance, he may be pushing Taylor for that number three spot.
Dud: Tight-End Depth
The Packers took a substantial hit in the preseason game by losing Tyler Davis to what sounds like a severe knee injury. Davis was the Packer’s only veteran tight end and had a significant role on special teams. He was in line for a more prominent role in the offense with the losses of Tonyan and Lewis.
The Packer’s tight-end depth is thin, especially with two rookies whose injuries have hindered them throughout college. In an offense that heavily relies on the tight end to block in the run game, the Packers will be in the market to add depth.
Final Thoughts
It was an exciting preseason game with a plethora of guys making plays. The young wide receivers shined, highlighted by Jayden Reed coming down with a tough contested catch. The defensive line was once again impressed by winning at the line of scrimmage. The Packers now head back to Lambeau to host the Patriots on August 19th.
Contact/Follow us @Packer_Notes on Twitter, Subscribe to our Newsletter here, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Green Bay Packers news, notes, opinion, and analysis. You can also follow Jimmy Malchow on Twitter @JimmyMalchow.
Join our watch party on Playback Sports and stream Packers games by following this link.
