Packers Practice Notebook, 8/5: The Love Mindset, QB Relationships, and a Versatile O Line



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In about 48 hours, the Green Bay Packers will head under the lights of Lambeau Field for one of the annual training camp highlights. Family home evening begins at 7:00 p.m. Central on Saturday, and it’s clear players and coaches are eagerly awaiting their first opportunity to see the stands full since the 2019 Division playoffs.

But ahead of Saturday’s arrival, the Packers held another public and padded practice on Thursday. There were a few highlights across the board, but perhaps the most impressive element of the day was Aaron Rodgers, showing off his legendary precision in the net drill.

After practice, the team’s other two quarterbacks spoke to the media and talked a bit about their relationship with Rodgers and their approach as they head into preseason action in nine days.

Pre-Workout Press Conference: Head Coach Matt LaFleur

  • LaFleur confirmed that Josiah Deguara would return to practice, but would be limited to individual work.
  • About Aaron Rodgers mentoring Jordan Love, LaFleur said, “He’s been awesome, just giving a glimpse (of love) into the little things that make the whole operation run smoother, which helps the 10 other guys to go out there and do their job to the best of their ability. “
  • LaFleur joked that Rodgers “There are certain games where we could have two games called and we have criteria for a certain ‘power’. And you look over there and Aaron might not fit the specific criteria, but he has a reason why he did what he did. He added that for a younger quarterback, he would prefer the player to stick to the explicit criteria when deciding between those games.
  • LaFleur is excited for Family Night, especially the rookies, as the energy is expected to be huge. “We are very happy to find our fans in the stands. “

Practice updates

  • As expected, Deguara focused on individual work.
  • Jordan Love to Reggie Begelton was the hookup for the day, with both players checking in for multiple completions throughout the two-hour session.
  • DC Joe Barry tried out a new package today with Jaire Alexander lining up for the first time in training camp. Josh Jackson and rookie Eric Stokes were the corner limits.
  • Tight end Jace Sternberger had the catch of the day, bringing back a one-handed grip with safety Henry Black on cover.
  • Stokes had excellent coverage on the cover against Davante Adams, leaving Rodgers with no room to throw Adams on the sidelines.
  • Rodgers then hit Allen Lazard for a deep touchdown during a deployment with Preston Smith applying pressure.
  • The two-minute exercises have given mixed results today. The first team offense saw a Rodgers-to-Lazard touchdown and an interception on an attempt from Hail Mary to Devin Funchess, but Love and the No.2 unit were 0-for-3 on their attempts.

Post-workout press conferences: OL Lucas Patrick, QB Jordan Love, QB Kurt Benkert, OL Jon Runyan, Jr.

  • Patrick enjoys competition down the line and the ability to line up in different positions. “It’s great for everyone” that the team has rotated many players through the various points of the camp’s offensive line, he said, adding that having these reps places “make you a better football player”.
  • Patrick is also thrilled with the atmosphere of Saturday’s family home evening, saying “I feel a sense of belonging to put on a show for them”, especially fans who might not be able to attend a season game. regular.
  • Elgton Jenkins came by unexpectedly, Patrick saying of him “I don’t know of any other player who can play all five positions at an exceptionally high level.” He added that this is a testament to the Packers’ coaches, who expect all of their linemen to listen when one receives one-on-one instruction.
  • Love opened up about his approach to the offseason amid the uncertainty over Aaron Rodgers, saying exactly what to expect. “All this time I had to convince myself that I was going to be the starter. This is the only way to see this situation. If you don’t, you won’t be ready … If he doesn’t come back, I have to prepare to be the starter. Love also said he was at the airport on his way to Green Bay when his agent called him to tell him Rodgers was coming back for the season.
  • It’s clear Love is more than eager to get out on the pitch and play some real snaps in a soccer game, even though it’s preseason. “This is the moment I’ve been preparing for since last year,” he said, and noted that the last game action he saw was in the 2020 Senior Bowl over 18 months.
  • Love alluded to Rodgers’ love of Star Wars when he discussed his relationship with the three-time MVP, joking that the two are “kind of like a master (Jedi) and a padawan”.
  • Kurt Benkert loves being in the QB room with Rodgers, but they first met in the men’s room at Lambeau Field: “It was like ‘hey, nice to meet you, but I have to go to the bathroom. “”
  • Runyan, who played left tackle at the University of Michigan, said he hadn’t taken any tackle snaps since moving to Green Bay but occasionally attacked the scouts last season. . He said he thought he could still play tackle or anywhere on the line, “but that’s not what we need right now.”
  • Runyan won’t try to disparage new center Josh Myers over the Michigan-Ohio State rivalry. “I really have nothing to say. I went 0-5 against them.

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