The Packers rode a high into their second week pre-season match against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank stadium in Baltimore. However, it wasn’t enough as they suffered a 26 to 13 loss in an intense match.
Veteran Quarterback Aaron Rodgers was held out because of back problems. When head coach LeFleur was asked about this after Thursdays game he had this to say, “I don’t want to put him at risk putting him out there when he’s not 100 percent.” Which is understandable considering there is so much season left to play.
LeFleur also stressed the need for better tackles in his defense. Given how many yards Ravens Quarterback Lamar Jackson was able to rack up LeFleur was less than pleased. The Ravens offence was able to pile up over 170 yards just on the ground to produce a total of six scoring drives, including four Justin Tucker field goals.
DeShone Kizer started as Quarterback for Aaron Rodgers and led one drive for a field goal after a few mistakes. At the end Kizer completed 5 out of 10 for a total of 70 yards.
An unfortunate interception made by Ravens player Curtis Bolton off a deflection made by cornerback Tony Brown made for a prime scoring opportunity and a then easy touchdown. Mix that with the barrage of penalties called against the Packers it was anyone’s guess who would come out on top. Nine penalties in total with a few being questioned by LeFleur.
The Packers only managed 55-yards on the ground which also include a 28-yard burst by Derrin Hall. That combined with them successful receivers Allen Lazard and Jake Kumerow with three catches totalling for 115 yards didn’t make for that explosive of an offence.
As far as issues on offence head coach had this to say, “If you want to score points in this game it’s about getting explosive plays,” LaFleur said. “That’s where we’re struggling as an offense”.
One thing is for sure the Packers need to work on the ground game. That ultimately is what moves offences and scores points. The Packers will now be heading to Canada for their next match on Friday against the Oakland Raiders, with a lot of film to analyse and learn from.