Training Camp: Monday, August 1st

Another day of practice, another stellar defensive effort. Today the prowess of the defense was once again on full display. From stuffing runs up front, to stopping runs in the backfield, to playing sticky coverage, and yes, even good special teams coverage, the defense "won" today's practice.

Defense/Special Teams

Another savvy veteran addition? One of last off-season's success stories was the June signing of linebacker De'Vondre Campbell. The Packers signed defensive tackle Jarran Reed this March to help team with Kenny Clark. In today's practice, Reed dominated the offensive line and showed how he can contribute to stopping the run.

Strong pressure up front helps the linebackers and defensive backs make plays, too. The importance of dominating at the line of scrimmage cannot be overstated. Strong pressure up front today helped the defense clamp down on the potent offense.

Players today were wearing their shoulder pads but were not fully padded. Therefore, there was still no live-tackling. If there were, the defense had shut this play down. Instead, it ended in newly-acquired receiver Sammy Watkin's first touchdown of training camp.

Some players have really been making great strides in showing why they should be kept on the 53-man roster. One such player is cornerback Rico Gafford. In college, Gafford played at Wyoming as a cornerback but was transitioned into a wide receiver when he last played with the Raiders. With his elite speed (4.2 40 yard dash) and the depth of the wide receiver room, he was transitioned back into a cornerback earlier this summer. Today he showed how his speed can be game-changing on both defense and special teams.

Speaking of special teams, kicker Gabe Brkic had a better showing today. His accomplishments in college were extensive, but that does not matter if he cannot put it together in the pros. He was already released by the Minnesota Vikings in June. If he can show enough promise, he may be worth stashing on the practice squad. In the last two seasons, the Packers have kept an additional kicker on the practice squad. Could he eventually become Mason Crosby's successor?

Offense

On the offensive side of the ball, it was clear that the defense was making it difficult to get anything done. It did not help that the offense had several miscues. If anyone is keeping track, today's practice was another win for the "chumps" — as Aaron Rodgers lovingly referred to them last week.