GREEN BAY – The Packers ended their 2025 preseason with a solid 20-7 win against the Seahawks on Saturday at Lambeau Field. Here are some key takeaways from the game.
- Coaches Got What They Wanted
Despite missing some key players, coach Matt LaFleur aimed to give healthy starters some playing time. Quarterback Malik Willis stepped up, filling in for Jordan Love, who was injured. Though the first drive ended quickly with an interception, the team bounced back with a strong 14-play, 96-yard touchdown drive. This was a satisfying finish to their training camp.
Willis showcased his skills, completing a crucial 1-yard touchdown pass to Romeo Doubs. LaFleur praised Willis for his ability to create plays on the fly. “He’s just scratching the surface,” the coach noted.
Rookie receiver Matthew Golden impressed with a flashy 39-yard catch, proving his value even amid injuries to others on the team. “He brings the right mentality,” LaFleur said.
- Defensive Reserves Shine
Defensive backups made a significant impact, especially linebacker Ty’Ron Hopper and lineman Brenton Cox Jr. Each recorded a sack, helping the team force turnovers. Green Bay ended up with four fumble recoveries, a direct result of the emphasis on defense during training camp.
“It’s exciting to finally see that hard work pay off,” LaFleur commented on their defensive performance.
- Bubbling Talent on Defense
Players fighting for roster spots showed up strong during the game. Veteran linebacker Isaiah Simmons stood out with six solo tackles, while cornerback Kamal Hadden disrupted multiple passes. Their combined efforts kept Seattle from scoring until the fourth quarter, leading to an impressive 3-for-17 success rate on third and fourth downs for the Seahawks.
LaFleur praised the players for their dedication, noting growth from their previous practice squad experience.
- Third Quarterback Scramble
With Willis out, QBs Sean Clifford and Taylor Elgersma took turns running the offense. Elgersma found the end zone with a 3-yard touchdown pass to Will Sheppard. However, the situation remained fluid, as it’s uncertain if the Packers will keep a third quarterback on the active roster.
Despite some highlights, overall quarterback performance was shaky. Yet, running back Emanuel Wilson stood out, rushing for 27 yards on the drive.
- Upcoming Roster Moves
The Packers face tough decisions soon. They must finalize their 53-man roster by 3 p.m. CT on Tuesday. Coach LaFleur expressed mixed feelings about roster cuts, acknowledging the hard work put in by all players and the disappointment that comes with tight decisions.
As teams strategize for the regular season, ESPN’s recent report indicated that 29% of players on last year’s teams faced cuts this year across the NFL. Such numbers highlight the competitive environment that players like those on the Packers are navigating daily.
The Packers seem ready to tackle the challenges ahead while showing promising talent. The upcoming regular season should be an exciting journey.
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