OM DENNE EPISODE
The Green Bay Packers' first preseason game gave us real reasons for optimism. It also left some of the roster's biggest concerns completely unresolved.
On Packers: DERAILED, J.J. Lahey and Jake Schyvinck break down six things we like, don't like and still need to see after Green Bay's preseason opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The young defensive front created legitimate pressure. Lukas Van Ness, Brenton Cox Jr. and Barryn Sorrell made plays, while Warren Brinson and John Ford showed encouraging signs inside. Trey Smack delivered a confident night in Pittsburgh, and Green Bay's special teams looked far more disciplined than the units we have grown accustomed to watching.
But the offensive line is still the biggest concern on the roster.
Jacob Monk looked stronger at right guard, Jager Burton needs as many meaningful reps as he can get, Anthony Belton's role remains uncertain, and Aaron Banks' availability is still clouding the entire starting-lineup conversation. With Zach Tom working back toward a return, can the Packers finally settle on five players and let them build real chemistry before Week 1?
We also discuss:
• Why the pass rush deserves some early optimism, even without Micah Parsons
• What Cisse's touchdown-saving tackle showed, and what he still needs to prove in coverage
• Why Benjamin St-Juste needs meaningful reps against the first-team offense
• Whether Keisean Nixon should move back to the slot
• The concerning lack of cornerback and defensive-line depth
• Why the backup quarterbacks did little to help Green Bay evaluate its skill-position depth
• Our evolving confidence in Monk and Burton
• Whether Belton should be left at tackle instead of shuffled around the line
• Tucker Kraft and Zach Bako-Bewele returning to practice
• Green Bay's waiver claim of former Colorado EDGE Arden Walker
• What Jordan Love's planned preseason action in Denver could reveal about this offensive line
• Our hopes for the Packers' upcoming Rivals uniform
The Packers do not need every question answered in August. They do need a functional offensive line, a clear CB2 plan and enough healthy depth to survive until the stars are back.
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