(Photo AP / Mike Roemer)
– Kurt Benkert against the Jets starters: The Packers third-string quarterback started with backup Jordan Love still recovering from a shoulder strain he suffered last week against the Texans. Benkert produced a promising performance in the first half against the Jets ’first and second string when it really mattered, throwing 103 yards and a touchdown. He completed 12 attempts out of 16 with a 112.2 pin rating. It should be noted that two of the four incompletions were drops from Jace Sternberger and Malik Taylor. Benkert does not make it easy for the coaching staff to decide whether to keep three quarterbacks on the final roster.
– Royce Newman on the right: The rookie started inside the offensive line after getting several representatives from the first teams this week. Newman did not allow pressure in the passing protection and played an important role in the running game. His best block came in an 11-yard run by AJ Dillon with 8:30 remaining in the first quarter, where he sealed the inside shoulder of a Jets defender and created a huge hole to cross. There’s a strong chance Newman could be the right-back in Week 1 against the Saints.
– Malik Taylor as number 1 in WR: He was the de facto No. 1 receiver for Green Bay with several veterans resting, which provided a great opportunity to demonstrate why he deserves a spot on the roster. He had an early fall, but quickly bounced back to the pitch of four 66-yard catches (on the team). All four went for a first descent to the third descent. His best play came with a nice throw and catch on the back that put the offense in the red zone and helped set the Packers ’second score.
– The running game: The Packers ’rushing offense was much better compared to last week, especially in the first quarter against the Jets starters. AJ Dillon finished 28 yards on four gates (7.0 on average), Kylin Hill had 29 yards on seven gates (4.1 on average) and Patrick Taylor had 48 yards on eight gates (6.0 on average). This is more than a testament to the blocking of the race by the offensive line, although Dillon looked impressive in the backyards after the contact.
– TJ Slaton as interlocutor: Who would have thought that the 6-foot 4 and 330-pound debutant had the ability to affect the passing game? Slaton had an impressive sack with 12:30 remaining in the third quarter, which helped curb the Jets ’first action in the second half. As he lined up along the inside shoulder of the Jets ’right attack, Slaton burst into the line with an impressive bathing move for his first (unofficial) career sack.