Riding the preseason hype train

How Far Can This Packers Team Go?

Even accounting for the usual preseason hype, optimism is flooding through the veins of Packer nation, and why not? The next franchise quarterback is for real and secured with a long-term deal; a new (finally), aggressive defensive coordinator is in the house; a top-notch front office and head coach are running the show, and a deep, talent-filled roster is also one of the league’s youngest. So when Jordan Love dropped a 65-yard dime to Dontayvion Wicks on the third play from scrimmage in the Packers’ game last Saturday in Cleveland, visions of Super Bowls could be seen dancing in cheeseheads everywhere.

Unfortunately, nothing is higher variance than running the 20- or 21-game NFL gauntlet required to prevail. One ill-timed injury, one bad call by the refs, one Brandon Bostick moment and it all can melt away in an instant. Not to mention the handful of very tough teams standing in the way. As much as possible, everything needs to be top-shelf at the same time, so it’s useful to consider — of the things Green Bay can control — what critical questions remain as we ride the preseason hype train.

5 Takeaways From Packers 23 - Browns 10

The battle for roster spots in the wide receiver room is heating up, as 2023 seventh-round pick Grant DuBose staked his claim in the first pre-season game. He ran crisp routes throughout the contest and made an impressive athletic catch along the sidelines. Perhaps more important to his chances of not only making the roster, but earning playing time during the regular season, was his work as a blocker. DuBose gave great effort all afternoon and had some impressive blocks.

DuBose has more natural athleticism and pass catching upside than Malik Heath, who was the sixth and final receiver on last year’s depth chart, and now having shown he can be trusted to do the dirty work which Heath was often tasked with, DuBose looks to be in the process of moving ahead of him. In truth, DuBose may be closer to Melton, who had a poor day by his standards, including multiple drops, than he is to Heath. Do not be surprised to see DuBose be active each week and play a cameo role in the regular season.

Check out four other takeaways from Mark Oldacres off of the first preseason game.

Keep It Up/Pick It Up: Packers preseason stars and struggles vs Browns

Aaron highlights guys who need to either Keep It Up or Pick It Up after their performances in the first preseason game against the Cleveland Browns.

Carrington Valentine returns to practice

Packers second year cornerback Carrington Valentine returned to practice on Wednesday in a limited capacity. Valentine suffered a hamstring injury early in training camp and has missed nearly two weeks worth of work, which in camp is somewhat of an eternity. As is the norm for guys coming back from injury, Valentine will only do individual work at first before being eased into team drills. It would be a surprise if he's a full go for either the joint practice or preseason game in Denver.

Is there still enough time for Valentine to challenge Eric Stokes for CB2?

Emanuel Wilson Belongs on this Roster

With rookie Marshawn Lloyd out at the moment with a hamstring injury, second year running back Emanuel Wilson's top competition is likely AJ Dillon. Wilson already has outperformed Dillon on the field in one preseason game, but the stat line means absolutely nothing to some coaches when evaluating talent.

Something AJ Dillon may have a leg up on Emanuel Wilson for is his pass blocking and skill in picking up blitzes. If Wilson can progress as a pass blocker and pick up a blitz quickly, he may make things difficult for general manager Brian Gutekunst on cutdown day, writes Greg Meinholz.

Packers Periscope: Headed to Denver

The Green Bay Packers at the Denver Broncos. Sunday, August 18, 7pm Lombardi time. Same story as last week - play well, put some good film out, stay healthy, get the hell outta there. What a way to wrap up the weekend. Late summer, Sunday Night, put up your feet, crack a cold pop and take in a Packers game. Cheers!

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Confessions of a Polluted Mindset - Dreaming

Jersey Al writes: We've heard this before - Mike Pettine said it. Joe Barry said it. Jeff Hafley has said it. "We're going to fly to the ball." It would always start out that way in preseason and maybe carry over into the first regular season game or two, but then it would fade like the colors on that old concert t-shirt you wore and washed a hundred times. Sure enough, you saw it Saturday in the game against the Browns - players pursuing from all over the field. LaFleur talked about it in his presser.

SO do I believe it? Will it really be different this time? Shouldn't I be singing. "We won't get fooled again?" And yet, this sucker believes the third time will be the charm. This time around, the defense has been filled out with fast and aggressive players. The personnel is finally there to make the dream a reality. I'm currently choosing to live in that dream. Don't wake me up.

Come dream with Jersey Al in his weekly brain drain of all things Packers.

Ken Lass Gives Thoughts On Packers-Browns

Unstoppable: Emanuel Wilson, who led all rushers with 67 yards, including a powerful five yard touchdown run. He showed burst and a good eye for the hole.

Undeniable: My nominee for Most Improved Player is receiver Grant DuBose. He makes plays at every practice and led all Green Bay receivers against the Browns with five receptions for 66 yards. That included a lovely sideline toe tap on a 23 yard catch on fourth down in the two minute drill to set up a field goal on the final play of the half.

Unimpressive: AJ Dillon, who was stuffed three times in a row in an effort to pick up two yards to keep a drive alive. His line did not block well, but still, Dillon’s calling card is supposed to be power, and he has to move the pile on at least one of those plays. If the mayor of Door County doesn’t pick it up in these next two preseason games, he may be voted off this team by the coaches.

Unsung: Tight end Joel Wilson, who caught all three of his targets, including a clutch third down conversion.

Unnoticed: Linebacker Arron Mosby, who has been making plays all summer, and did so again in this game. He set the edge solidly to force an end around back inside for no gain, had a sack, then batted down a fourth down pass in the red zone to stop a scoring drive.

Unhealthy: Running back Marshawn Lloyd showed his talent when he avoided tacklers in the backfield and exploded to the outside for an eight yard gain. However, he aggravated a hamstring injury on the play and figures to miss time.

Unexpected: Hello, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Jarveon Howard. I ran over, under, around and through the Cleveland defense in the fourth quarter and announced my candidacy for a spot on this team. My 44 yards rushing were second highest on the team, and my 5.5 yard per carry average was numero uno. Don’t you wonder what I might have done if I had entered the game sooner than five minutes from the end?

Join CHTV in Brazil prior to the Packers game!

We’ve partnered with Packers Brasil, the premiere Packers fan group in Brazil, for a NFL season kickoff party the night before the Packers take on the Eagles in São Paulo! Come hang out with Aaron and Packers fans from Brazil and all around the globe. Tickets are limited and cost R$35.00 for the general public.

Get your official 2024 Packers Yearbook!

We’re proud to be partnering with the official Packers yearbook again this season. Use code "CHTV" for 10% off when you order yours right here!

The AJ Dillion hate is WILD

Pack's What She Said: Packers Browns Preseason Recap

On the latest episode of Pack’s What She Said, Maggie and Perri discuss their major takeaways from the preseason game against the Browns, players that stood out the most and made the case to make the team, along with a little back up QB conversation.

Be on the lookout for updates on this season’s release of Carry The G Cream Ale, the official beer of Cheesehead TV!