RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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The Green Bay Packers opened the 2026 preseason with a 28-9 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday night. While the Packers took a 9-7 lead in the third quarter, the Steelers scored three straight touchdowns in the second half to run away with a comfortable victory. But who cares about wins and losses in the preseason?
Highlighting the good, the bad and the ugly coming out of a preseason-opening loss to the Steelers:
The Good
Trey Smack's dream debut: Could the Packers have asked for a better debut from their rookie kicker? Smack connected on all four of his kicks, including a pair from 58 yards out. The second 58-yarder came as time expired in the first half. If the Packers wanted a confidence boost at kicker coming out the preseason opener, especially after some shaky moments to start training camp, Smack certainly provided it.
Jordan Morgan's start: The debut of Morgan at left tackle went nearly as well as Smack's at kicker. The 2024 first-round pick played 22 snaps, including 15 as a pass-blocker, and he not only didn't allow a single pressure, but he was the Packers' highest graded run blocker, per PFF. Morgan looked right back at home at left tackle.
The Bad
Jaylin Simpson's missed opportunity: A pair of standout practices leading into the preseason opener put Simpson is a strong spot entering Thursday night, but a chance to improve his standing was missed. Badly. Simpson fell down and gave up a 74-yard catch, allowed a touchdown catch inside the 10-yard line when he got picked, and committed a pass interference penalty setting up another touchdown. Simpson's issues were emblematic of the Packers' struggles in coverage in the second half.
The Ugly
Final six drives: After the Packers took a 9-7 lead in the third quarter, the Steelers ripped off three straight touchdown drives while forcing three straight punts from Green Bay. Pittsburgh gained 229 total yards on the final three series (not including the kneeldowns); Green Bay lost 14 total yards. Ugly. The backend of the Steelers' roster thoroughly out played the Packers' on Thursday night.
Kyron Drones' NFL debut : Drones, an undrafted rookie, did not have a fun time during his pro debut. He took three sacks losing 26 yards, completely missed on an out-breaking route and finished 0-for-1 passing. His two drives resulted in -23 yards and ended in back-to-back punts. With Kyle McCord playing so well ahead of him, Drones' chances of winning a job on the practice squad looks much more challenging entering the second preseason week.
This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Good, bad and ugly coming out of Packers' preseason-opening loss to Steelers
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