The Green Bay Packers will end the 2021 preseason schedule Saturday against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York.
The launch is scheduled for noon, central time.
As was the case during each of the first two preseason games, the Packers are expected to rest 30 or more veterans. But there’s still a lot to tune in to, including the return of a young quarterback, the jobs available along the offensive line, and several different undecided roster battles.
Here are five things to look for at the end of preseason:
(Photo AP / Mike Roemer)
Quarterback Jordan Love, who missed last Saturday’s loss to the Jets due to a right shoulder injury, is expected to come back and start and possibly play in the second half. If an unexpected injury to the current NFL MVP doesn’t occur, Saturday’s preseason finale could be the definitive playing time for Love in 2021. More than anything, it’s a major development opportunity for the player and a major opportunity. evaluation for the team. The Bills hope to play to start to open the game, so Love should look closely at the speed and talent of an early NFL defense in a live game environment. Can love be processed quickly, play with your feet, make good decisions, and throw the ball accurately? And avoid injuring your throwing shoulder again?
Royce Newman of the Green Bay Packers warms up before a preseason NFL football game against the New York Jets on Saturday, August 21, 2021 in Green Bay, Washington (Photo AP / Mike Roemer)
The Packers have a lot of list battles to control during the preseason finale, but really just a competition for a starting job. Well, two. It is necessary to decide the two guard points along the offensive line. The Packers have to pick two starters from Lucas Patrick, Royce Newman and Jon Runyan, who will all play against the Bills. Newman has been fantastic in every preseason game and could seal an initial job with another strong start. Patrick is probably safe, but if he loses his initial job and the Packers want to save a few million dollars this year, he could be in trouble. Runyan should play better after two average performances to start 2021.
(Photo by AP / Bruce Kluckhohn)
While Love works under the center and Patrick, Newman and Runyan compete to start work, three others along the offensive line will fight to get key safety points. Yosh Nijman, Ben Braden and Cole Van Lanen have a real chance to make the list. And they could go from template bubbles to template locks with solid performances against the Bills. Nijman has impressed as he played 100 preseason snapshots on the left inning, and both Braden and Van Lanen look like the versatile linemen capable of playing guard and attack. The preseason finale should help determine the final build of the nine or ten offensive line men who stick to the 53-man roster.
Samantha Madar / USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
The Packers’ top four defensive players this preseason are through Pro Football Focus (minimum 20 strokes): safety Henry Black, defender Ray Wilborn, cornerback Kabion Ento and defender Jack Heflin. All four are worth seeing in Buffalo. Black has been the number 3 security for much of the camp and could already have a closed list spot. The others could make their way into the team. Wilborn moves well and has excelled in coverage. Ento continues to make back plays but has to bounce back after a disappointing performance against the Jets. Heflin has been solid all summer and may force Tyler Lancaster off the roster or force the Packers to keep six along the defensive line.
William Glasheen / Appleton Post-Crescent through the USA TODAY NETWORK
Special teams will play an important role in deciding the last places on the list. This includes battles on the receiver, outside defense, inside defense, corner and security. The best special comrades in these positions will greatly help your cause. Pay attention to blocking players for points and kicks and coverage of kicks and kicks, especially before. And don’t lose sight of the real specialists. Long parp Hunter Bradley hasn’t been consistent enough this summer after an inconsistent season in 2020, and pointer JK Scott could be one more point away from forcing the Packers to make a change. Both compete against possible cuts in the NFL’s list of pairs and long toes.