The Green Bay Packers got off to a fast start in their 23-10 victory over the Cleveland Browns in their first game of the 2024 NFL preseason. Jordan Love played just one series but scored a 65-yard touchdown to second-year wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks. The Packers never looked back as Jeff Hafley’s new defensive scheme kept the Browns at bay for the majority of the game.
Many Packers players had fantastic performances in their convincing win. Jarveon Howard, an undrafted free agent running back from Alcorn State (Donald Driver’s alma mater), had eight carries for 44 yards in the fourth quarter. Michael Pratt, one of Green Bay’s seventh-round picks, completed five of his seven passes for 46 yards.
Anders Carlson and Greg Joseph, who are competing for the team’s starting kicker position, both had perfect performances. Carlson kicked an extra point and two field goals (one from 46 yards out). Joseph converted both of his kicks, an extra point and a 35-yard field goal.
Apart from these achievements, there were others that were more remarkable, both good and bad.
3 Stars for the Green Bay Packers against the Cleveland Browns
Choosing the three best performances from the Packers’ win is no easy task since so many players played so well, but there are a few names that stand out for different reasons.
1. Wide Receiver Grant Dubose
DuBose, a seventh-round pick of the Packers in 2023, was injured during training camp and never made the Green Bay Packers roster. He was signed by the team to the practice squad but has become an afterthought for many fans.
In their win over the Browns, DuBose led the team with five catches for 66 yards. He was also good at blocking up front and on running plays, something head coach Matt LaFleur values in his wide receivers.
Although it’s still early, DuBose’s name will be one to keep an eye on as the regular season approaches. If he continues to play like he did against the Browns, it will be difficult for Brian Gutekunst to keep him off the 53-man roster.
2. Defensive end Luke Van Ness
As a first-round pick in 2023, defensive end Lukas Van Ness was expected to take a step forward for the Packers this year, especially because of the new defensive scheme that Jeff Hafley brought with him when he was hired to replace Joe Barry.
Van Ness definitely looked like a player ready to play a bigger role on defense, totaling three tackles, all of which resulted in a loss, one of which was also a sack.
The Iowa product played just 33% of the defense’s snaps as a rookie but still recorded 4.0 sacks. More playing time, improved fundamentals and a bigger role could make him one of the most exciting players on the team this year.
3. Running back Emanuel Wilson
Packers fans will remember the hype surrounding running back Emanuel Wilson last preseason. He was the NFL’s top preseason rusher in 2023 and eventually made the 53-man roster. Wilson only managed 14 carries all of last season, but gained 65 yards, averaging 6.1 yards per attempt.
With the free agent signing of Josh Jacobs, the selection of Marshawn Lloyd in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft, and the return of AJ Dillon, many wondered if Wilson would be the underdog this season.
Wilson again led the Packers in both rushing and rushing yards in this year’s season opener, carrying the ball 13 times for 67 yards and a touchdown. He again received high praise from fans on social media, with many wondering if he could be back on the roster in 2024.
Which brings us to …
3 blanks for the Green Bay Packers against the Cleveland Browns
Unfortunately, not every player on the Packers roster had a good day. Even though it was only the first preseason game, many players are running out of time to make the 53-man roster. Additionally, there are intense battles at many positions, and poor performances can result in those battles being lost.
1. Running back AJ Dillon
Many people were surprised that the Packers brought AJ Dillon back on a one-year deal after his terrible 2023 season. Last year, he had just 613 rushing yards and two touchdowns while averaging a pathetic 3.4 yards per carry.
With Jacobs and Lloyd all but assured of a spot on the roster (assuming Lloyd stays healthy; he left the game against the Browns with a hamstring injury, his second injury of training camp), many believed Dillon would have to compete with Wilson for the third running back spot.
Dillon was unable to improve his situation significantly, gaining only two yards on four attempts on Saturday.
The fact that he hasn’t played much suggests he’s still in reasonably good shape, but with other running backs being successful, he can’t afford to average 0.5 yards every time he touches the ball.
2. Wide Receiver Bo Melton
The Packers are very deep in wide receivers, potentially having between six and eight players at the position that could play a role on any NFL roster, so it’s imperative that players make the most of their opportunities.
While DuBose played well, Bo Melton did not, dropping three passes and catching just one for 12 yards.
The Packers have had plenty of wide receivers on their 53-man roster, but Melton will have to compete with DuBose and Samori Toure, two of Green Bay’s most recent draft picks.
He played well for the Packers late last season, but to be included in the roster again he will need to perform better in preseason games.
3. Quarterback Sean Clifford
When Love struggled early in 2023, there was a vocal faction of Packers fans who wanted to see Sean Clifford as the starter instead of him. Now they have to think differently about it.
Clifford struggled throughout the offseason and training camp. In the Green Bay Packers’ win over Cleveland, he was by far the worst of the Packers’ three quarterbacks. Clifford played the most offensive snaps and completed 10 of his 19 passes for 111 yards.
It’s obviously too early to make a decision on the backup quarterback, but Clifford could end up losing his job to Pratt if he doesn’t play better.
More great sports content from Wisconsin
Follow me on Twitter at @theotherRobin19 and follow us @WiSportsHeroics for more great content. Click here to read more of our articles and stay up to date with the latest Wisconsin sporting events!
Mayfield Sports Marketing
Call Mayfield Sports Marketing at 262-366-8188 to book Green Bay Packers players or former players for your corporate appearance or product endorsement. Our booking agents will work on your behalf to get you the best price for your desired sports speaker. Mayfield Sports Marketing has earned a reputation as the go-to place when it comes to booking top athletes as speakers for events and trade shows. To learn more about the costs and booking fees for appearances by Packers players or former players, call us today. www.MayfieldSports.com.
