Winners and Losers for the Packers in Preseason Game 2 vs. Colts

The Green Bay Packers overcame a sloppy start and scored a 23-19 comeback victory over the Indianapolis Colts. The win evened the Packers preseason record to 1-1. Here is a look at winners and losers for the Packers in preseason game 2 against the Colts. Winners helped their chances to win a starting job or a spot on the team or practice squad; losers hurt their chances or failed to take advantage of an opportunity. This list is by no means complete and is based on first impressions.

Winners and Losers for the Packers vs Colts, Winner: OL Jordan Morgan

Jordan Morgan started at left tackle and had another solid game. He faced the Colts first string defensive line early in the game and did a solid job protecting Malik Willis. The Arizona alum did not allow a pressure or a sack.

Morgan continues to compete for the starting left tackle position with incumbent Rasheed Walker. While Walker remains the favorite to start, Morgan is making the coaching staff’s decision more difficult with each passing week.

Loser: OT Anthony Belton

Anthony Belton played a sloppy game. He was called for five penalties in the first half. That included two illegal formations, one personal foul, one facemask, and one false start. One of the illegal formation penalties wiped out a touchdown pass to Ben Sims. The personal foul was obviously a late and unnecessary hit and points to a lack of discipline.

The good news is that Belton made some strong blocks later in the game. He clearly has the physical tools to succeed in the NFL. He needs to reduce the mental and physical errors to reach his potential. The question is how long will it take.

Winners and Losers for the Packers vs Colts, Winner: RB MarShawn Lloyd

MarShawn Lloyd was finally healthy and ready to play on Saturday, and he showed flashes of the ability that made him a third-round pick a year ago.

The biggest highlight was a 33-yard catch on a wheel route that highlighted his speed and elusiveness. The USC alum also ran the ball six times for 15 yards. While his running was unspectacular in this game, you could see why the Packers were so excited about his potential.

Lloyd was hit hard on the 33-yard catch and did not return to the game after that. The Packers have to hope he can stay healthy and be ready to play next week and especially in Week 1 of the regular season.

Loser: LB Isaiah Simmons

For the second straight week, linebacker Isaiah Simmons looked tentative when playing linebacker. He has elite speed and athleticism, but he doesn’t seem to be able to translate it to consistently put him in the right place and time to make plays.

Simmons did make a strong tackle near the goal line that prevented a touchdown, so he did have some positive moments. But he hasn’t inspired confidence in his ability to win the third linebacker job.

Winners and Losers for the Packers vs Colts, Winner: Both Third Quarterbacks

Last week, Sean Clifford got a lot of playing time and Taylor Elgersma came on late in the game to finish, this week the roles were reversed. Both Elgersma and Clifford moved the team well and showed why they are in an NFL training camp.

Elgersma finished 7-of-11 for 109 yards while Clifford was officially 1-of-4 for 11 yards. Clifford was very effective when running the football while Elgersma was more effective passing it.

Elgersma has more raw athletic ability than Clifford but is still learning the offense and adjusting to the NFL rules after playing his college ball in Canada. There were times you could still see him thinking when he drifted back in the pocket.

Clifford’s experience gives him an edge in the short run, but will the Packers choose long-term potential or short-term effectiveness when choosing a developmental third quarterback?

Loser: A Lack of Discipline

In the first half, the Packers simply couldn’t get out of their own way. They were called for 11 penalties in the first 30 minutes with so many of them being pre-snap, mental errors.

The good news is that in the second half, the team was called for just one penalty and they cleaned up the dropped passes that we saw against the Jets.

While most of the starters sat this game out, the mental errors and sloppy penalties have to be drastically reduced before Week 1, or quality opponents will make the Packers pay.

Winners and Losers for the Packers vs Colts, Winner: LB Kristian Welch

Linebacker Kristain Welch had another strong performance as he continues his fight to make the Packers roster. The former Iowa star tied for the team lead with five solo tackles and was second with seven total tackles. He also made a strong hit that broke up a pass in the second half.

Welch will need to continue to excel at special teams to make the roster, but he’s also proving he can handle backup duties at linebacker if the team needs him in that role.

Loser: OL Donovan Jennings

The Packers depth along the interior offensive line remains a question after a poor performance by Donovan Jennings. Last week, it was Jacob Monk who struggled mightily. Against the Colts, Jennings was called for a penalty that wiped out a potential 31-yard catch by Julian Hicks. Hicks had a good game even if he only had one official catch. Jennings also gave up three pressures according to Pro Football Focus.

Jennings has the versatility the Packers like and can play multiple positions along the offensive line, but neither he nor Monk looks ready to step in if the team’s starting guards went down long term with injuries.