Packers vs. Chiefs: First Impressions
So'oto has been doing his best Clay Matthews impression.
The Green Bay Packers beat the Kansas City Chiefs 20-19 on Thursday night in both teams’ final preseason game.
Here are my initial reactions.
- Undrafted rookie linebacker Vic So’oto earned his roster spot with 1.5 sacks, an interception that he returned for a touchdown, and a forced fumble. With improved coverage skills, he could become a starting outside linebacker.
- Defensive lineman [intlink id="1337" type="category"]Howard Green[/intlink] was impressive in beating a double team to sack quarterback Matt Cassell.
- Rookie [intlink id="1626" type="category"]D.J. Smith[/intlink] and veteran Robert Francois are going to be solid backups at inside linebackers.
- The Packers may really carry five tight ends. [intlink id="1236" type="category"]Tom Crabtree[/intlink] earned his roster spot with two catches for 13 yards and a touchdown. Rookie [intlink id="1624" type="category"]D.J. Williams[/intlink] had two catches for 12 yards.
- Cornerback [intlink id="157" type="category"]Pat Lee[/intlink] may have saved himself, leading the team with nine tackles, two fumble recoveries and one forced fumble.
- Wide receiver Tori Gurley impressed with two catches for 12 yards. If the Packers keep a sixth receiver, it’s a tough choice between Chastin West and Gurley.
- [intlink id="25" type="category"]Aaron Rodgers[/intlink] looked great leading a scoring drive and completing 3-of-4 passes and throwing a touchdown in his only series. Unfortunately, the Packers backup quarterbacks, [intlink id="84" type="category"]Matt Flynn[/intlink] and [intlink id="1102" type="category"]Graham Harrell[/intlink], were embarrassingly awful. They combined for three fumbles and an interception.
- Most of the starters only played one series.
- It was a typical preseason game. The Packers won 20-19 to go 3-1 in the preseason.
09/01/2011 - 10:19 pm
Okay, time for some real &$#*(*&^ football already. GO PACK!
09/01/2011 - 10:45 pm
I think the impression I carried is that you can have alot of “name” players and still be just okay. To be the champions, you need the kind of depth that will beat a playoff-caliber team’s first strings.
It makes me sick to think of the talent the Packers will have to cut.
09/01/2011 - 11:40 pm
Keep Gurley, he’s big and a redzone threat. He also has a cool name.
09/02/2011 - 12:54 am
I think Gurley has earned a spot, he makes plays, not sure the name is cool though…lol…Pat Lee should be cut. i still think he’s awfull. I’m gonna give Harrell, and Flynn a pass citing the Chiefs played most of their starters almost the whole game. (who does that in the 4th preseason game…wtf was that?…lol) Sherrod got beat alot. I hate judging these guys because of Chiefs starters in, but….Was that flynn who lost the ball going back to pass?….Did that remind anyone of a QB that used to play for us?…he used to do that too.
09/02/2011 - 4:13 am
lol Flynn had a ghastly game…I’ve never seen a QB obtain a 0 passer rating before. i guess being 2/10 for 12 yards with 0 tds and 1 int will do that. I’m sure he’ll bounce back though like Clifton.I’m assuming Clifton had a reasonable series since Rodgers wasn’t sacked. but i think we are definitely going to kick the saints ass!! go pack go!!
09/02/2011 - 7:11 am
I’m pretty worried about that left side of the o-line they need to figure out how to move their feet and block.
09/02/2011 - 11:50 am
If Vic So’oto does not make the team I will sh*t myself!
09/02/2011 - 12:05 pm
As much as I love Driver, I really think the Packers should keep 6 WRs NOT named Donald Driver – I’m surprised, given the TT way, it isn’t a done deal. Gurley and West are both cheap prospect with real potential upsides, and if Cobb can stay healthy, he looks to me like a faster Driver.
09/02/2011 - 5:32 pm
You said it Peter….frozen..If So’to doesnt make the team, i’ll become a (cough) bear fan. Also agree verona….I’m concerned about the (not discussed too much) injurys to Neal and Cobb…whats going on?..Day to day, has turned to week to weeks.