Takeaways for the Packers From Their First Preseason Game vs. The Bengals

Emanuel Wilson runs past Bengals defenders for an 80-yard touchdown, helping the Packers win 36-19.

(Photo Credit: Sports Illustrated)

Cincinnati, Ohio (PSF) - Packers football and the Jordan Love era is (kind of) officially underway in Green Bay. The Cincinnati Bengals hosted the Packers for week one of the preseason, with much anticipation from Packers nation as they anxiously await to see Jordan Love’s development in action along with the young receivers and young defenders. Here were the biggest takeaways for the Pack after their 36-19 victory:

Jordan Love has an imperfect, but solid showing.

Overall, Jordan Love showed promise in his limited action on Friday night, completing 7/10 passes for 46 yards and a touchdown pass to Romeo Doubs. The only blemish significant blemish on Jordan Love’s game was an overthrow to a wide open Luke Musgrave which caused the Packers to have to punt on their first drive of the night. But Love made up for it with a touchdown on the next drive, showing his poise and ability to bounce back. The jitters that were clearly present in his first ever start in 2021 against Kansas City seem to have certainly subsided. 

Sean Clifford impresses.

After two drives, the Packers rookie fifth round draft pick out of Penn State Sean Clifford would take over and play a majority of snaps at quarterback. On the surface, it may not seem like a great preseason debut for Clifford as he did have two interceptions to one touchdown pass. However, he also completed an efficient 20/26 passes for 208 yards and added another 27 yards on the ground. While two interceptions are obviously not ideal and must be addressed in the film room, Sean Clifford did not seem like a rookie fifth rounder out there considering how calm and confident he was in the pocket, an important trait for any quarterback but especially rookies as they find their way in the big leagues. He is clearly not afraid to take chances as he completed multiple deep balls and connected on some tight window throws. 

Carrington Valentine CB4?

Another Packers rookie who showed out during their preseason opener was cornerback Carrington Valentine, a seventh round pick out of Kentucky. Valentine had three pass breakups, four tackles, and an interception on the day. These are remarkable numbers for a seventh round rookie who far outplayed that status. Given that Eric Stokes is still recovering from a Lisfranc foot injury, Valentine is clearly competing for the open fourth cornerback spot behind Jaire Alexander, Rasul Douglas, and Keisean Nixon. Given what he showed against Cincinnati, Matt LaFleur may feel confident having him in that slot and ready to go in case a top three corner goes down.

Emanuel Wilson for RB3? 

Seemingly out of nowhere, a top candidate for the Packers’ third string running back slot may have emerged. That third string running back spot behind Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon has been a battle for years, but Emanuel Wilson most definitely made his case to firmly earn that spot with his performance in Cincinnati. He finished the night with six carries, 111 yards, and two touchdowns, which includes an 80 yard breakaway in which Wilson flashed his great speed. His story is also incredible as well since it marked his first NFL action which happened to fall on the 14th anniversary of his father’s death. 

Missing Mason

Although the Packers’ first preseason game saw many young players and rookies shine, there is one rookie that has Packer Nation concerned after the game. Kicker Anders Carlson did drill a 45-yarder early in the game, but proceeded to miss two extra points later on. This is not what Packers fans hoped to see at all out of the guy they spent a draft pick on to replace fan favorite and long time Packers kicker Mason Crosby. But there is more time before the kicks really count and there is hope that Carlson’s mishaps were due to the NFL debut jitters. Carlson will have to show improvement to show he can be the long-term solution at kicker for Green Bay. 

All in all, most young ones showed out in Cincinnati as the Packers cruised to a blowout win over the Bengals. They hope to see even more improvement and build on this win next week in their home preseason opener against New England.