Five things we learned about the Packers this preseason
The Green Bay Packers are ready to rebound from last year's disappointing loss in the NFC Championship game. They made it through the preseason, but not without their setbacks. Although they're down one of their biggest offensive playmakers, the Packers are still among the favorites to win Super Bowl 50. That's because they are well-coached under Mike McCarthy and well-quarterbacked behind Aaron Rodgers.
With the regular season set to kick off on Thursday, here are the five most important things we learned from the Packers' preseason.
1. Wide receiver depth will be tested
The Packers lost their top receiver for the season when Jordy Nelson went down with a torn ACL in Week 2 of the preseason. Randall Cobb must lead the unit now, despite a shoulder injury of his own. The Packers are counting on second-year pro Davante Adams and third-round rookie Ty Montgomery to help hold the receiving corps together.
2. Aaron Rodgers doesn't like the preseason
A player of Rodgers' caliber sees a preseason snap as nothing more than a risk of injury, so naturally, the Packers quarterback thinks four exhibitions is too many. That's an easy stance to have when your roster spot is as secure as Rodgers', but it's an unlikely one to have if you're among the few dozen other players fighting for a chance to make the team.
3. Casey Hayward is under pressure
Hayward is in line to start opposite Sam Shields at cornerback, but the Packers have a deep crop of rookies coming up behind him. Damarious Randle and Quinten Rollins -- Green Bay's top two picks in this year's draft -- displayed solid coverage skills and overall athleticism. And yet Ladarius Gunter, the undrafted rookie, may have gained the most this preseason.
4. Special teams must improve
The Packers have a top-tier offense and enough playmakers on defense to make it to the playoffs. Subpar special teams, however, leave the Packers far from complete. The Packers won't contend for the Super Bowl if they're called for eight special-teams penalties a game, like they were against the Eagles in Week 3 of the preseason.
5. Brett Hundley has NFL potential
As long as he's healthy, Aaron Rodgers is going to be the Packers' starting quarterback. Having said that, the team may have stumbled upon something special in the fifth round of this year's draft. Hundley saw extensive playing time in Week 3 of the preseason and posted a 111.6 passer rating with over 300 yards through the air. In the finale, he bumped it up to a 142.4 rating and tossed another four touchdowns.
