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Packers film review: Which young players impressed vs. Broncos?
The big takeaways from the Green Bay Packers’ 33-13 preseason win over the Denver Broncos have been digested and discussed. Now let’s dive into the tape to see what can be found by looking deeper at the All-22.
In the battle for the starting right guard spot, Anthony Belton arguably had the best day despite playing exclusively at right tackle.
He held up well against Denver’s starting defensive line, and although he did get beat a couple of times in pass protection once the backups were in, he was consistently in the right place and able to get people moved in the run game.
The question with Belton has always been whether he has the movement ability to play tackle, and some of his pass pro losses continue to call that into question as he can be exposed if he loses the hand fight, finding it difficult to recover in space.
However, those concerns would be mitigated inside at guard where he could use his power to steer defenders towards his help when he does get beat. Moreover, his ability to generate movement in the run game would be valuable inside.
The other two candidates, Jager Burton and Jacob Monk acquitted themselves well again, although both had moments they would like back, including multiple reps where they were beaten quickly or drew a penalty. Going against Denver’s front will have been a great test for them.
Monk failed to pick up a blitzing linebacker coming right through the A gap at one point, and lacks some anchor in pass pro.
Burton probably suffered more losses as defenders took advantage as he tried to land his initial punch, but he played with real finish and strain in the run game, which stood out.
John Williams got more opportunities at left tackle with the twos and put in a reasonably steady performance, including a strong rep in the run game where he dirted a defender. However, he did almost get Tyrod Taylor walloped after a quick loss and failed to pick up a late blitz on another play.
On defense, there was a lot of talk about Green Bay’s pass rush not getting home when the ‘starters’ were in.
Aside from the obvious caveat that there was no Micah Parsons, Javon Hargrave and Dani Dennis-Sutton, the problem was that there were multiple plays where Packers defenders did have wins, but got in each other's way.
Jonathan Ford and Devonte Wyatt had quick wins on the same play, but they were too close to each other and neither of them could then close to the quarterback as the rush lanes became clogged.
Ford has been one of the pleasant surprises of the summer and seems to be carving out a role as a nose tackle by consistently making himself tough to move in the run game. He is currently PFF's highest graded defensive tackle of the preseason.
Later, Lukas Van Ness won cleanly with some hand usage at the corner, but Karl Brooks tried to rush the same way and drew the guard over, who was then able to get in LVN’s way.
With the backups, Brenton Cox Jr. had a couple of quick wins around the edge and consistently set good edges in the run game, especially when lined up against tight ends, who were no match for him. He also drew a hold when shooting into the backfield against an outside run.
Rookie third-round pick Chris McClellan had a strong day, flashing regularly in the run game with six tackles as he showed his ability to stack and shed, hold the point of attack or split gaps into the backfield.
It was not perfect and there were plays where he was moved out of his gap, but he showed intelligence in not falling for a draw play and bringing it to an end, and also won a pass rush rep on a screen so quickly that he almost wrecked it.
Anthony Campbell continued to impress, and not just with his terrifying sack where he engulfed poor Sam Ehlinger. He has real shock in his hands which helped him to generate knockback as well as hold the point of attack.
Campbell has a relentless playstyle and is a nuisance to O-linemen, keeping his hands active and steadily denting the backfield. Despite a crowded defensive tackle group, he has a shot to make the roster.
This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Packers film review: Which young players impressed vs. Broncos?
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