The Green Bay Packers wrapped up their training camp in thrilling fashion on Thursday, hosting the Baltimore Ravens for a one-day joint practice at Ray Nitschke Field. This wasn't just any practice, though—it marked the final open session of the Packers' camp and served as the last tune-up before their preseason finale against the Ravens on Saturday. With John Harbaugh’s squad in town, featuring the electrifying Lamar Jackson at quarterback and one of the NFL's most formidable defenses, the Packers had a chance to measure themselves against a top-tier team. After a couple of lackluster days in Denver, everyone was eager to see if the Packers could bounce back. And boy, did they ever.
Red-Zone Magic from Jordan Love
If you're looking for the headline of the day, it's all about Jordan Love and his stellar performance in the red zone. Love was on fire, throwing four touchdown passes on just seven attempts. That’s right—four scores in seven tries. He found Romeo Doubs twice for touchdowns, and Christian Watson made a highlight-reel catch over Ravens' safety Kyle Hamilton. To cap it off, Tucker Kraft snagged a score on a perfectly executed screen pass. Remember, the Ravens were the second-best defense in the NFL at preventing red-zone touchdowns last season, which makes Love’s performance even more impressive. Situational football is where games are won or lost, and the Packers offense clearly dominated on Thursday.
Packers Win Big in Two-Minute Drills
Now, let’s talk about the two-minute drills. The Packers and Ravens squared off in six different two-minute scenarios to close out the practice, and the Packers came out on top in all three of their matchups. That's no small feat, especially against a Ravens defense that has been a top performer in the league. Each offense managed to get into field goal range and convert the game-tying points, but it was the Packers' defense that really shined, stopping the Ravens in all three of their attempts, including a crucial interception by Evan Williams. The No. 1 offense, led by Love, marched over 50 yards to set up a short field goal for Anders Carlson, while the No. 1 defense forced Justin Tucker, the NFL’s most accurate kicker, into a 62-yard attempt that he missed.
Anders Carlson Stepping Up
Speaking of Carlson, the rookie kicker had a day to remember. He went 5-for-5 on kicks, including two clutch conversions in those aforementioned two-minute drills. For a team that desperately needs stability at the kicker position, Carlson is making a strong case to be the guy. He was perfect in last Friday’s joint practice in Denver, nailed all three of his kicks in the preseason opener, and continued his flawless streak on Thursday. With camp winding down, it's looking more and more like Carlson has a leg up—pun intended—on securing the job.
Trench Warfare: Winning the Line of Scrimmage
Football games are often won and lost in the trenches, and Thursday’s practice was a perfect example of that old adage. The Packers held their own and then some along the line of scrimmage, on both sides of the ball. On defense, the front seven was disruptive against Lamar Jackson, creating multiple pressures and what would have been several sacks in a live game. The offensive line also deserves kudos for their performance, as they kept Jordan Love mostly clean against a Ravens front that was one of the NFL's best last season. It’s a big confidence boost for both units as they prepare for the regular season.
Tucker Kraft Emerging as a Key Contributor
One of the most exciting developments in camp has been the emergence of tight end Tucker Kraft. After missing the early part of training camp while recovering from offseason surgery, Kraft has come on strong as Week 1 of the regular season approaches. On Thursday, he was a reliable target for the Packers quarterbacks, catching at least five passes during 11-on-11 drills. The Packers utilized Kraft in various ways, including a screen pass in the red zone that he took in for a touchdown. He also made a key catch on a designed rollout and another big gain over the middle of the field. If Thursday’s practice is any indication, Kraft is poised to play a significant role in the Packers' offense this season.
Clifford and Heath Finding Their Groove
Let’s not forget about the connection between quarterback Sean Clifford and wide receiver Malik Heath. The two just missed on a big play in Denver on Sunday, but they made up for it on Thursday. Early in practice, Clifford and Heath connected on a deep ball against Ravens first-round pick Nate Wiggins, showcasing their chemistry. Michael Pratt also got in on the action, hitting Grant DuBose for a big gain down the field. With roster spots on the line, Heath and DuBose are making a strong case for why they should be among the final 53.
In the end, Thursday’s joint practice was exactly what the Packers needed as they head into their preseason finale. Facing off against a team like the Ravens, who are expected to be one of the NFL's best again in 2024, provided a measuring stick for where the Packers stand. From Jordan Love’s red-zone prowess to the strong play in the trenches and the emergence of young talents like Tucker Kraft and Malik Heath, there was plenty to be excited about. As the preseason wraps up and the regular season looms, the Packers appear to be trending in the right direction. Now, all eyes turn to Saturday’s preseason finale, where the Packers will look to build on the momentum from Thursday’s practice and carry it into Week 1.
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