The Green Bay Packers kicked off their 2023 preseason with a 36-19 road victory, over the Cincinnati Bengals on Friday night.
Here is a list of five players who I believe stood out the most:
1. QB Jordan Love
All eyes were on the fourth year man out of Utah State as he made his first preseason start as the Packers QB1. Coincidentally, 15 years ago to the date, his predecessor, Aaron Rodgers, also made his first preseason start as the Packers QB1 against none other than the Cincinnati Bengals.
Love kicked things off by hitting RB Aaron Jones in the flat for a 6 yard gain, followed by hitting TE Luke Musgrave for 8 yards and a first down. His first deep throw was a perfectly thrown ball to WR Christian Watson , that was broken up last second with an excellent play by Bengals S Dax Hill. Love would then overthrow a wide open Musgrave across the middle of the field that would force the Packers to punt.
On the following possession, Love would lead the offense on a 43 yard touchdown drive, capped off with an excellent throw to Romeo Doubs on a crosser in the end zone. That would be Love’s last game action for the night, his final line was: 7/10 for 46 yards and a touchdown.
“I thought he looked poised, it looked like he was in total command,” said coach Matt LaFleur, “Obviously on that first series he’d love to have the throw back to Musgrave, but all in all I thought it was a very productive day for him.” We will see whether the Packers choose to give Love more reps next week, but Packers fans can feel excited about what they saw tonight.
2. RB Emanuel Wilson
Perhaps the most surprising star of the preseason opener was running back Emanuel Wilson, out of Fort Valley State University. Wilson was a UDFA signed by the Packers in May, after he was released by the Broncos.
Wilson was listed as the 6th string running back on the Packers depth chart, but stole the show by scoring two touchdowns. The first was an 11 yard scamper to cap off a 3 play, 47 yard drive. His second was the most impressive, with Wilson showcasing great agility, vision, and speed to break off an 80 yard touchdown run.
His final stat line was 6 carries, 111 yards and 2 touchdowns. The stellar performance comes exactly 14 years to the day after the loss his father. With the 3rd string RB spot up for grabs, this performance will help propel Wilson up the depth chart, and he is a player that is nearly impossible to root against.
3. Carrington Valentine
The player who stood out the most on defense was 7th round rookie CB Carrington Valentine from Kentucky. He received high praise from coach LaFleur, “I think he’s got the skill set you look for. He competes, he’s not afraid, he’s extremely coachable, he shows up in practice and makes plays. Really excited about what he can turn into.”
Valentine flew all around the field making plays, finishing the day with 4 tackles, 3 passes defended, and a brilliant interception on an overthrown ball that was tipped by the receiver.
Coming into the game, he was listed at the bottom of the depth chart behind the likes of Kiondre Thomas, Shemar Jean-Charles, and Corey Ballentine. The Packers are deep at cornerback, but with it being unclear whether Eric Stokes will be cleared to play in week 1, there is an opening behind starters Jaire Alexander, Rasul Douglas, and Keisean Nixon, where the rookie can slot in and see some game time in the regular season if he keeps this up.
4. WR Dontayvion Wicks
The 5th round receiver out of Virginia is someone that Packers fans have been excited about seeing for quite some time, and he didn’t disappoint. He battled some injuries early in camp, but Wicks was ready to go and flashed his ability on multiple occasions Friday night.
Wicks led Packers receivers with 3 catches for 68 yards, including a 47 yarder across the middle in traffic after a DIME from Sean Clifford.
On top of what he did receiving, Wicks also showcased great running blocking, which is an ability that the Packers value heavily. The Packers receiving room is young and exciting, meaning all receivers have the opportunity to separate themselves from the others.
5. WR Samori Toure
There are MANY players who are deserving of the final spot, but I give the nod to second year man, Samori Toure.
Toure hauled in 3 of 4 targets for 56 yards, including an excellent catch on the sidelines on another beautiful pass by Clifford to convert a 3rd and long.
He showed flashes in limited action last year, and is poised for a boost in snaps after the departures of Allen Lazard, and Randall Cobb. He also flashed his ability in the return game. Despite a rough go of it on his first attempt, which saw the Packers starting their drive inside the 15, Toure bounced back in a big way and ripped off an excellent 44 yard return, making up for his previous mistake.
As previously stated, the Packers receiving room is young, meaning that every receiver has an opportunity to capitalize and earn more playing time. Toure has certainly shown great flashes in his short career so far.
What are your thoughts? Leave a comment down below, or let us know on Twitter @WeLikeSportzPC what you think!
– Zachary Lory
Follow me on Twitter for more sports content @Swervin32_
*Photo courtesy of ClutchPoints
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