A new era of the Green Bay Packers gets underway this season, with Jordan Love set to be the starting quarterback for the first time in his career. The 2023 season will be the first year since 1991 that someone not named Brett Favre or Aaron Rodgers has been the starting quarterback, so the pressure on J. Love to perform is immense.
The Packers’ season kicks off with a preseason game this week against the Cincinnati Bengals, who are also facing potential struggles at quarterback. Joe Burrow’s calf strain in camp puts his status for Week 1 in doubt. In his absence, Trevor Siemian is expected to step in until Burrow is 100% fit.
Preview: Packers vs Bengals
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Match | Green Bay Packers vs Cincinnati Bengals |
| Date | Friday 11th August |
| Time | 7:00 PM EST |
| TV Channel | NFL Network |
| Live Stream | NFL+ (US), DAZN (UK & other) |
Packers’ Offense: A Youthful Force
The Packers and Bengals will practice together before the game, offering Jordan Love and his offense a chance to square off against first-team competition. These reps will be crucial; the starters will likely see more action in practice than in the game itself.
Jordan Love may get a series or two on Friday to simulate game day experience. Though a fourth-year quarterback, his game day experience is extremely limited. With upgrades to his receiving core and a young, hungry group of receivers, the preseason is a chance to see how this new era takes shape.
Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs lead the starting pass catchers, both in their second year. With high-ceiling draft picks like Jayden Reed and Luke Musgrave, the Packers have youthful talent eager to prove themselves in the preseason.
The Bengals: Quarterback Clarity and a Battle for RB2
For the Bengals, the quarterback situation is clearer, with Joe Burrow established as a league leader. Backup Trevor Siemian is expected to cover during Burrow’s absence, keeping the team in contention with AFC rivals.
Cincinnati’s run game will be interesting to watch this preseason, with a battle for the RB2 spot behind Joe Mixon. The competition between Trayveon Williams, Chris Evans, and rookie Chase Brown will be exciting, with Brown’s dynamism potentially setting him apart.
Defensively, the Bengals are reloading after losing both starting safeties to free agency. Former Michigan standout Dax Hill is expected to lead, while third-round pick Jordan Battle and free agency signing Nick Scott compete to play beside him.
Three Players to Watch
Dontayvion Wicks – Packers Wide Receiver
Dontayvion Wicks has shown promising form in training camp, and fans hope to see him replicate this on game day. If successful, he could compete with the likes of Samori Toure for reps and climb his way up the depth chart in readiness for the season.
Wicks’ college highlight came in 2021 when he recorded 1,201 receiving yards and nine touchdowns for Virginia. This is the performance level the Packers hope to see from him in the upcoming season.
Chase Brown – Bengals Running Back
Chase Brown’s role as RB2 this season should not be ruled out. Although it might not happen in Week 1, his playing style as a small, shifty back has the potential to create space in the open field and outmaneuver defensive backs.
Brown’s college career includes back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons for Illinois, with the past season yielding an impressive 1,632 rushing yards and 10 TDs. Drafted by the Bengals in the fifth round, he could prove to be an excellent value pick for the team this year.
Colby Wooden – Packers Defensive End
Colby Wooden is an exciting young prospect. Drafted by the Packers in the fourth round this year, he comes with four seasons of college experience at Auburn and 17 career sacks. He’s expected to see some rotational reps this season, coming off the edge.
Wooden’s athleticism and power will add depth to the Packers’ defensive line, especially with Rashan Gary returning from a torn ACL. His enthusiasm was evident when he donned the pads for the first time this year, and his performance in drills and practices so far in camp promises an exciting display on Friday night.
Conclusion
The preseason opener between the Green Bay Packers and Cincinnati Bengals this Friday is more than just a kickoff to the new NFL season; it represents the beginning of a new era for both teams. With the Packers starting fresh at quarterback for the first time since 1991, and the Bengals handling their own uncertainties at QB and significant defensive changes, this matchup provides an exciting glimpse into what the 2023 season might hold.
The game serves as a critical opportunity for emerging talents like Jordan Love, Dontayvion Wicks, Chase Brown, and Colby Wooden to prove themselves, and for coaches to assess their teams and strategize for the regular season. Though it’s only a preseason game, for fans, analysts, and the teams, the clash on Friday 11th August will be an essential gauge of the strengths, weaknesses, and potential of both franchises. It promises to be a thrilling contest, rich with promising new faces and strategic previews for the months ahead.
FAQS
The preseason game is scheduled for Friday, August 11th, and will kick off at 7:00 PM EST. You can watch the game on the NFL Network. For live streaming options, you can access the game through NFL+ in the US or DAZN in the UK and other selected regions.
For the Packers, the transition to a new era with Jordan Love as the starting quarterback and a youthful receiving core will be central. The Bengals’ situation at quarterback is also intriguing, with Joe Burrow’s injury and the competition for the RB2 spot behind Joe Mixon. Defensively, both teams have exciting prospects, making this game rich with storylines.
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