The Green Bay Packers kicked off their 2024 preseason with a bang, securing a dominant 23-10 victory over the Cleveland Browns. The excitement was palpable right from the start, thanks to a dazzling play by Jordan Love. Although Love only took three snaps in the game, his brief appearance was more than enough to leave an impression. On the third play from scrimmage, he connected with Dontayvion Wicks for a spectacular 65-yard touchdown. That early score set the tone for the rest of the game, with the Packers never looking back.
The Packers' preseason opener was a showcase of efficiency and skill. They managed to avoid turnovers, allowed just one sack with no lost yards, and decisively won the rushing battle. The performance was clean, with no major injuries reported. By halftime, the Packers were in control with a 17-3 lead, and they extended their advantage to 23-3 in the second half before cruising to victory.
Jordan Love's limited playtime means he won't be featured in our detailed rundown of Stars, Studs, and Duds, but his performance was noteworthy. He completed both of his pass attempts, including that incredible deep ball to Wicks. With a perfect passer rating of 158.3, Love’s outing was a highlight of the afternoon.
Stars of the Game
WR Grant DuBose: Grant DuBose was a standout performer in this game. His initial target came from a pressured throw by Sean Clifford, but after that, DuBose was nearly flawless. He made the most of his opportunities, catching all five of his targets. His highlights included a spectacular tumbling catch on a low throw near the sideline that converted a crucial fourth down, a first-down reception off a sharp slant route, and a toe-dragging sideline catch for 23 yards during the two-minute drill. DuBose also demonstrated his value in blocking assignments, showcasing his all-around skill set.
DL Lukas Van Ness: Lukas Van Ness made his presence felt, particularly against backup offensive linemen. The 2023 first-round pick was a force on the field. He capitalized on a sack created by Devonte Wyatt's interior pressure on the first drive. Van Ness and Eric Stokes combined to stuff a perimeter run, and he executed a read-option perfectly by crashing down on the running back to make a quick stop. His inside stunt later on helped generate the pressure that led to an easy sack for Colby Wooden.
S Evan Williams: Rookie safety Evan Williams turned heads with his aggressive and confident tackling. He made several key stops in the open field, including a crucial tackle short of the sticks on third down. His most impressive play came on the first drive of the second half, when he delivered a crunching tackle that resulted in a fumble and turnover.
RB Emanuel Wilson: Emanuel Wilson, last year's preseason rushing champ, was at it again. He averaged an impressive 5.2 yards per carry, forced three missed tackles, scored a 5-yard touchdown, and made a highlight-worthy play with a juke move on a 23-yard run. His performance was a testament to his ability to make things happen on the field.
CB Robert Rochell: Robert Rochell had a solid game, disrupting two pass attempts into his coverage and breaking up a key pass on fourth down in the red zone. He allowed only one catch and made a significant impact as a gunner on special teams, where he beat a double-team block and made a perfect tackle on a punt.
DL Devonte Wyatt: Despite playing only nine snaps, Devonte Wyatt was disruptive on nearly every pass-rushing play. His initial pressure contributed to a sack, and his interior push forced quick throws on two occasions. Wyatt’s ability to attack up-field suggests he’s primed for a standout season.
WR Julian Hicks: Rookie receiver Julian Hicks made a notable impact, including a spinning catch on a back-shoulder throw from Michael Pratt for 23 yards. He also demonstrated his speed with a 14-yard run off a jet sweep, showcasing his potential.
S Anthony Johnson Jr.: Although he missed a tackle on a tight end in the flat, Anthony Johnson Jr. had a strong overall performance. He disrupted a play by taking on a pulling guard and made two tackles covering kicks, highlighting his value on special teams.
K Greg Joseph: Kicker Greg Joseph made both of his attempts, including an extra point and a 35-yard field goal. While Anders Carlson had to make some challenging kicks, Joseph's attempts were straightforward and split the uprights with ease.
QB Michael Pratt: Rookie quarterback Michael Pratt showed promise with his performance. His back-shoulder throw to Hicks was impressive, and despite an incomplete pass that could have been a touchdown, his 5-of-7 passing performance was encouraging.
TE Joel Wilson: Joel Wilson was solid as both a receiver and a blocker. He caught all three of his targets for 30 yards and two first downs. Wilson's blocking was particularly noteworthy, as he showed good movement in space and physicality beyond expectations.
Duds of the Game
WR Bo Melton: Bo Melton had a rough outing, struggling with drops and misplays. He had two bad drops, and some sources even credit him with three drops on four targets. One of his drops stalled a drive on third down, while another nearly led to an interception in the red zone. Melton also mishandled a jet sweep handoff but managed to recover the fumble. Despite these issues, he put in effort as a perimeter blocker.
RT Kadeem Telfort: Kadeem Telfort had a challenging game, struggling with his blocking assignments. He had difficulty getting off the ball and finishing blocks, particularly in the run game. Telfort was also beaten with speed around the corner on one pressure, impacting his performance in the swing tackle competition.
OL Royce Newman: Royce Newman’s performance was a mix of highs and lows. While there were some positive moments in pass protection, he missed several blocks in the run game and committed a penalty. Now in his fourth year, Newman still seems to lack the consistency needed to take his game to the next level.
Overall, the Packers' preseason opener was a promising start to the 2024 season, with standout performances and areas for improvement. The excitement surrounding the team is building, and as the preseason progresses, fans will be eager to see how these players continue to develop and contribute to the team's success.
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