The second practice between the Green Bay Packers and New York Jets was a little shorter, so were the fuses. The temperature was a little hotter and so were the tempers.
A couple of imbroglios broke out, one involving Randall Cobb and New York rookie corner Brandin Echols in the end zone. Not very nice considering both are former Kentucky Wildcats. When both went to the ground, the teams converged quickly with Aaron Rodgers and even Matt LaFleur jumping in to play peacemakers. It still took a minute to separate the squads and resume play. The second scrum involved linemen and was no less spirited but ended quickly.
Behind the Jets line, players untangle after camp scuffle.
The rest of the two hour practice included similar team periods, with third down and red zone snaps and two minute drills. I’ll highlight the day for each team and pass along notes covering everything from throwback uniforms to pep rallies.
PACKERS
Matt LaFleur kept 8 players out of practice because of injuries. Tackle Dennis Kelly hurt his knee on Wednesday, Devin Funchess pulled a hamstring and Tyler Lancaster hurt his elbow. Jordan Love, Vernon Scott, Chris Blair, Juwann Winfree and Za’Darius Smith also stayed on the sidelines.
In the first team period, the starting guards were Lucas Patrick on the left side and Royce Newman on the right. Newman, the 4th round pick out of Mississippi has impressed enough to earn the start in Saturday’s pre-season game. LaFleur said the competition remains wide open for both guard spots with Ben Braden and Jon Runyan still in the mix.
Once again the offense played on the north end of Nitschke Field and the defense went to the south end. On the second snap of the opening team period, Jaire Alexander baited New York’s number two overall draft pick Zach Wilson and made a nifty interception. Meanwhile Rodgers got a roar from the fans attending their last open practice of camp when he hit Marquez Valdes-Scantling on a deep corner route.
In red zone work, aside from the brawl, Davante Adams schooled a pair of Jet corners on consecutive plays for touchdowns. Adams drew high praise from LaFleur after practice for leading the entire wide receiver room.
In a post-workout session with the media, Davante talked not only about the receiver room but what he’s looking forward to in year three of LaFleur’s offensive scheme.
It’s looking more and more like Kurt Benkert will get the starting call Saturday. Love was held out for a second straight day and LaFleur said it’s “unlikely” he’ll play in the game. After sitting 30 veterans against the Texans, it will be interesting to see if the number will be as high against New York.
As for the visitors…
Jets emerge from Hutson Center for joint practice number two.
JETS
It proved to be a pretty devastating day for New York with a pair of significant injuries. Free agent linebacker Carl Lawson, who signed a three year, 45 million dollar deal to leave the Bengals, went down early in 11 on 11 drills and needed to be carted off. Reports emerged after an MRI that Lawson ruptured his Achilles tendon and will need surgery that will wipe out his 2021 season. Later, safety Zane Lewis, a first year player from Air Force, suffered a torn patella tendon and sprained MCL that will end his season. Wide receiver Denzel Mims also was carted off the field but injury details weren’t disclosed.
The injuries overshadowed two feel good stories about New York’s visit.
Third string quarterback James Morgan circled his calendar as soon as the Pre-Season schedule came out and the joint practice was scheduled.
James Morgan warms up.
Last year’s 4th round draft choice was very familiar with his surroundings having grown up just minutes from Lambeau Field playing quarterback for Ashwaubenon High School. After practice, Morgan met with Green Bay reporters to talk about the thrill of getting to practice with the Packers and play at Lambeau Field.
Finally, the ties of the LaFleur family.
Matt LaFleur’s younger brother Mike, the offensive coordinator on Robert Saleh’s Jets staff, talked after practice about how much fun it’s been staying at Matt’s house with his parents and how he may be a New York Jet employee but he’s also a big fan of his big brother.
Notes from the day.
I was born in what may have been the worst season of football in Packer franchise history. The dreadful 1-10-1 campaign of “Scooter” McClean in 1958. The only winning season in the entire decade of the 50’s was in 1959 when a little known rookie head coach named Vince Lombardi went 7-5. Yet it will be the 1950’s that will be honored by the Packers as they introduced their throwback uniforms they will unveil against the Washington Football Team in October.
All green with yellow trim and decal free yellow hats. When Matt LaFleur was asked bout the look he said, “If the guys are fired up about ’em, I’m fired up about it.”
The Packers have announced the cancellation of the Packers Everywhere Pep Rally that was scheduled in New Orleans on September 11, the night before the regular season opener. In a statement, the team said the decision was based on “the continued surge in Covid cases and hospitalizations in Louisiana.”
The team also will “strongly encourage” mask wearing in indoor locations of Lambeau Field including private suites, club seats and even the press box beginning with Saturday’s game against New York.
