Earlier this summer NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell stated this in support of only 2 NFL Preseason games:
"It's clear the fans don't want four preseason games. It's clear the players don't want four preseason games. They tell me that all the time. YOu ask them the question and they'll tell you. And we really don't need it to make the game better. So we have to evolve just as we did" a couple of decades ago when we went from six preseason games to four."
I bet the Packers offense is wishing that would happen this season.
The Packers rebounded after losing their preseason opener by defeating the Seahawks 27-24 at Qwest Field in Seattle with plenty of positives from the game, heading into week 3 of the preseason.
Aaron Rodgers again made his case for developing into one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. He completed 8-of-11 passes, bringing his total up to 20-24 in two preseason games. He threw a beautiful pass to Jennings on play action fake for the first offensive play for a "make it look easy" 56-yard completion.
Rodgers also continued the trend of throwing to Jermichael Finley, who caught 4, 12-yard passes including one for a touchdown. The Packers offense hardly missed a beat without Donald Driver.
Matt Flynn and Graham Harrell followed with solid performances, but let's be real: Does anyone care?
Brandon Jackson seems to be solidifying himself behind Ryan Grant as a solid 3rd-down running back and No. 2 on the depth chart. Kregg Lumpkin and Quinn Porter are still battling for third on the depth chart. However, McCarthy had to be pleased with Jackson's key runs on the game-winning drive late in the fourth quarter.
The Packers offensive line seemed to show progress and improvement as a collective unit. They didn't allow any sacks despite the relentless pressure from the Seahawks. The odd man out on the depth chart may be Allen Barbre. He struggled mightily against Seattle's second-string defenders.
The defense improved from their week 1 showing against Cleveland but there are still many question marks.
The linebacker corps is severely plagued by injuries without Clay Matthews, Nick Barnett, and A.J. Hawk among others. Two-way player Spencer Havner had one of the better nights filling in at linebacker with a key interception near the end of the game. However, Brady Poppinga and Brandon Chillar struggled to put pressure on the quarterback, a key aspect to the 3-4 defense.
The secondary, albeit without Charles Woodson, again looked disorganized. Brandon Underwood was victimized multiple times, starting opposite Tramon Williams as Hasselbeck connected multiple times with T.J. Houshmanzadeh.
Yet, Underwood still looks more dependable as the nickel corner than Jarrett Bush, who hasn't shown any value in his extended action on the field.
Morgan Burnett started opposite Collins and seemed to look a little more comfortable, giving Packers fans glimpses here and there of his athletic ability.
Blackmon also played on Saturday for the first time since early last year, but seemed hesitant. It will probably take him some time to get back to game speed with his knee.
Mason Crosby was perfect on his field goals, including a 51-yarder, yet special teams still looks a little behind for whatever reason.
The Pack will play the Colts at Lambeau on third, which should be a good indicator as where the Packers stand depending on how long the Colts play their starters.
The Colts historically have never invested much in the preseason, going 4-18 since 2005 and 65-15 in the regular season. Hopefully, the Packers and Colts starters will at least play the first half to see how each stacks up against each other as two of the top teams in their respective divisions.
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