The Green Bay Packers sat 29 players for Saturday preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts, including most starters on both sides of the ball, and Matt LaFleur’s team predictably fell behind 13-0 while facing most of the Colts’ starters in the first half. But once the game evened out, and Packers backups faced Colts backups, Green Bay came alive, out-scoring Indianapolis 20-6 in the second half to score a 23-19 win at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Considering so many important players for the Packers didn’t participate, the things of consequence were few and far between.
Quick takeaways
— Jordan Morgan looked comfortable again at left tackle despite facing the Colts starting defensive front.
— The Packers are deep at running back. MarShawn Lloyd had a 33-yard catch on a wheel route, Emanuel Wilson created a 31-yard catch after breaking a tackle on a dump off pass, Israel Abanikanda almost single-handedly created a touchdown drive, had five kickoff returns and a tackle covering a kickoff, and Amar Johnson powered his way to a 9-yard touchdown run. Who the Packers keep on the 53-man roster and the practice squad will be worth watching because many at the position have stated a strong case.
— Mecole Hardman had a few nice reps, and his decisions on punt returns were vastly improved. On a third down in the first quarter, Hardman exploded off the ball, got a clean release and was wide open for Malik Willis on an out-breaking route. He also had a 10-yard punt return and let another punt hit on the 5-yard line for a touchback.
— The QB3 battle is heating up. Taylor Elgersma, the rookie from Canada, was the first one up after Malik Willis played three series. Elgersma needed a second to get settled in after a shaky start, but he eventually led three scoring drives and flashed his big-arm talent on several downfield throws. Sean Clifford didn’t enter the game until midway through the fourth quarter, but he led the game-winning drive.
— Who will be the ninth offensive lineman on the roster? Donovan Jennings, who started at left guard, really struggled early, giving up a handful of pressures and committing a holding penalty that negated a big play. A review of the tape will be required, but it didn’t appear as any of the offensive linemen took a big step toward winning a roster spot on Saturday.
— Jeff Hafley and the Packers have been emphasizing takeaways, especially forced fumbles, and it was clear several players were consistently ripping at the football. But the Packers didn’t get a takeaway for the second straight preseason game.
— Bo Melton, who started, had a pass breakup on a slant and later blew up a run with a force inside, creating a tackle for loss. He continues to look the part in his transition from receiver to cornerback.
— Isaiah Simmons had issues in coverage early and missed a tackle inside the 10-yard line. For all his athleticism, Simmons still looks like a player learning a new position.
— Julian Hicks should have had a bigger day in the box score. Two of his catches, including an incredible one-hander in the first half, were negated by penalty. Cornelius Johnson caught three passes, including two converting big first downs.
— The Packers were 4-for-4 on fourth down and 3-for-3 scoring touchdowns in the red zone.
— Isaiah Neyor got behind the coverage at least twice, but Elgersma and Clifford both missed him short.
— Daniel Whelan put all three of his punts inside the 20-yard line, including a 59-yarder that flipped the field. Rookie kicker Mark McNamee missed an extra point and a field goal, creating four lost points. McNamee is getting his first taste of NFL kicking.
Biggest play
Not long after his scramble converted a fourth down, quarterback Sean Clifford used his legs to put the Packers ahead — and ahead for good — on this 11-yard touchdown run with just under two minutes to go in the fourth quarter.
Standout player
Running back Israel Abanikanda carried the load on the Packers’ first touchdown drive, finished with 12 carries for a game-high 43 rushing yards, averaged 24.0 yards on five kickoff returns and delivered a tackle covering a kickoff. Can he push for a 53-man roster spot? He has speed and one-cut ability, and the Packers clearly like him as a kickoff returner.
Reason for optimism
The Packers second-string defense held its own against the Colts starters. Green Bay’s defense forced a punt on the opening drive and was only responsible for giving up 10 points considering a fumble set up a short field for three points. Again, this was all backups against the Colts preferred starters. It wasn’t perfect but many of the second-stringers held up just fine against better competition.
Cause for concern
Rookie offensive tackle Anthony Belton committed five first-half penalties — including three pre-snap infractions — during a sloppy first 30 minutes of football. Coach Matt LaFleur was visibly upset with the performance of his second-round pick coming off the field at halftime. To his credit, Belton didn’t have a penalty and played much better in the second half. He needs to get much more consistent as a young player. Overall, the Packers had 11 first-half penalties, including several wiping out big plays.
Injuries
Three of note: Safety Omar Brown left on a cart and will stay in an Indianapolis hospital overnight because of a chest contusion, rookie defensive end Barryn Sorrell has a knee injury and running back MarShawn Lloyd has an unknown status after taking a big hit after his 33-yard catch in the first half.
This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Quick takeaways from Packers’ preseason win over Colts
Reporting by Zach Kruse, Packers Wire / Packers Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
