The Pretend Season Is Over » Brats & Beer

August 29, 2008
posted under: Packers, Post-game, Pre-season

So close yet so far. The Packers lost to the Titans 23-21 in their pre-season finale, but then again Green Bay is 2-5 in final exhibition action against Tennessee so the final score matters very little. What does matter is how the players played, who will make the squad based on their efforts in the game, and whether or not this all bodes well for the regular season.

Just some quick thoughts:

Aaron Rodgers to Greg Jennings touchdown bomb on the first play of the game was an awesome way to start, but it left a lot of questions unanswered about the offense. I wanted to see if the line could hold up for a second game in a row, and I really wanted to see Ryan Grant get out an run. We’ll have to wait until Sept. 8 against the Vikings.

I’m officially a Kregg Lumpkin fan now. The dude is a gamer and he can only get better with playing time, so I’m confident he’ll be making the team. Too bad for Noah Herron, though; hopefully he’ll make the practice squad.

Best runner in the game was not Lumpkin, but Jon Ryan. “The Scramblin’ Canuck” had the rushing play of the game running 34 yards for a first down after a high snap from J.J. Jansen.

The defense still looks like a work in progress but kudos to the second string for keeping the #1 Tennessee offense from reaching the end zone.

Back up quarterbacks Brian Brohm and Matt Flynn both struggled in this game, but when Flynn was on his game he looked closer to being a pro player. Still, it’s a bit of a toss-up in the competition between the two, and I’d say the #2 QB this year will probably come through a free agent signing or trade.

Are you ready for seven linebackers? I am.

Joey Haynos and Jake Allen played their way onto the practice squad, maybe Brett Swain also. Jermichael Finley obviously makes the 53-man roster as a third-round pick, but he’s got a long way to go to become a starter.

Penalties are to be expected in a game where lots of rookies get playing time, but that was way too many. Spencer Havner had two, both Jarrett Bush and Pat Lee were called for infractions against receivers. Lee will make the squad (hands away from the face, please), as will Bush (hopefully as more of a safety), but Havner is probably done.

Can we get the season started already?