The preseason has come and gone. There have been no shortage of overreactions especially on the Green Bay Packers. It can be hard to decipher which of these are real and which are just preseason new fodder that will flame out once the season starts. Here are some statements about the Packers preseason and whether or not I think they are overreactions.
Romeo Doubs is the Next Great Packers Receiver
Verdict: Overreaction
I love Romeo Doubs just as much as the next guy. However, I think we have gone a little too far. Doubs will get some playing time this season but I don’t think as much as we expect. Allen Lazard, Randall Cobb, and Sammy Watkins are the top three receivers easily. Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon are great targets. Robert Tonyan should be back soon and Aaron Rodgers loves his tight ends. Christian Watson is also the big question mark of how he fits into the offense. Don’t get me wrong I think Doubs will get some playing time this season but I think we need to pump the brakes on his greatness for now.
The Packers Special Teams are a Huge Problem
Verdict: Not an Overreaction
If there was one thing the Packers needed to fix this offseason, it was the special teams. It seems like they have done very little. Besides one good kickoff return in the first preseason game, the kickoffs and punt returns have been nothing to write home about. The coverage is even worse. Missed tackles happen multiple times each play. The lone bright spot has been the punting. However, it doesn’t matter how far Pat O’Donnell can kick it if no one can wrap the runner up. I hope for improvement during the season but it really looks like a repeat of last year.
The Packers Secondary is in Trouble if Someone Gets Injured
Verdict: Overreaction
It is easy to point to the secondary giving up big plays. In the last game against the Chiefs especially the secondary blew the coverage for a big play. However, there have been some wonderful bright spots for the Packers back up secondary. Micah Abernathy burst onto the scene as injuries happened. A great interception against the Saints and a near one against the Chiefs have been highlight plays. Throw in 12 tackles and he has been a solid piece. Shemar Jean-Charles has been another player that many do not seem to be talking about. He was excellent in coverage and was a nice surprise for the Packers. The hope is to have the starters stay healthy but if not, the Packers have some pieces that can step in.
Quay Walker is the Next Great Linebacker
Verdict: Not an Overreaction
Oh man does Quay Walker look good. He is flying all over the field to make tackles. In coverage, he is able to keep up with running backs and make tackles immediately. The Packers also seem to be using him in blitz packages which has been interesting but not surprising. Someone with that amount of speed would be a perfect candidate to rush the passer. The Packers look like they have another first round stud on their hands. With rookies, it is hard to know if they will be NFL ready. There is no question Quay Walker is ready.
As the regular season starts, it will be interesting to see whether these statements about the Packers preseason are overreactions or not.
