The Green Bay Packers handily defeated the Baltimore Ravens in their final NFL preseason game by the score of 30-7. As was the case in their 27-2 loss to the Denver Broncos last week, no starters played. Even rookie safeties Javon Bullard and Evan Smith, who are competing for the second starting job next to Xavier McKinney, were held out of action, showing how highly Green Bay thinks of both players.
The purpose of the final preseason game for the Packers was to give players competing for a spot on the 53-man roster a chance to earn a job. Some players rose to the challenge, as seen by the final score. Others, unfortunately, did not.
Three Studs from the Green Bay Packers Win Over the Baltimore Ravens
Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
Going into their final preseason game, there were still some questions about key roles on the Packers’ roster, including kicker and backup quarterback. However, there are still some other jobs open, especially on defense. Two players, especially, made a very strong case for being on the Packers’ roster once Week One rolls around.
1. Arron Mosby
Last season, Arron Mosby spent the entire season on Green Bay’s practice squad after being released by the Carolina Panthers, with whom he signed as an undrafted free agent in 2022.
In the Packers’ win over the Ravens, Mosby proved to be a one-man wrecking crew on defense. He had a strip sack of Baltimore quarterback Devin Leary that led to an Anthony Johnson Jr. touchdown. Shortly after, Mosby intercepted a pass from Leary as well.
2. Kristian Welch
There has been one Packers defensive player who has forced a turnover in each preseason game: Kristian Welch. In Saturday’s win, Welch had an interception that he returned 19 yards.
He also led Green Bay in tackles with six.
Both Mosby and Welch have had strong preseasons, but it will be hard to keep both linebackers on the 53-man roster on a group that already includes Quay Walker, Isaiah McDuffie, Edgerrin Cooper, and Ty’Ron Hopper.
Either one of them that does make the 53 will see most of his playing time on special teams.
3. Emanuel Wilson
For the second year in a row, it appears as if running back Emanuel Wilson has won himself a spot on the 53-man roster. Not only that, with AJ Dillon and Marshawn Lloyd hurt, he may start Week One as Green Bay’s second running back behind Josh Jacobs.
Against the Ravens, Wilson had 11 carries for 52 yards and two receptions for 26 yards. He also showed improvement over last season in pass protection.
Three Duds from the Green Bay Packers Win Over the Baltimore Ravens
Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
As mentioned earlier, two of the biggest questions going into this final preseason game were at the kicker and quarterback positions. Obviously, Jordan Love is locked in as the starter for years to come, but both quarterbacks competing to be his backup have not had good training camp performances, which unfortunately continued on Saturday.
1. Sean Clifford
While Green Bay’s running game was consistently successful all afternoon, Clifford and the passing game got off to a slow start. He started the game just one-of-seven on passing attempts and was benched after just two series.
While he did come back in and threw a touchdown pass, he continued to show the kind of indecision and poor footwork that has plagued him all summer.
2. Michael Pratt
Based on previous preseason performances, Pratt could have locked up the second-string quarterback job with a solid performance against the Ravens.
However, he was just slightly better than Clifford, completing eight of 12 passes for 80 yards, a touchdown, and an interception.
3. Anders Carlson
Another player that could have locked up his job on Saturday was kicker Anders Carlson as Greg Joseph had a rough week of practice. While he made a 54-yard field goal (barely), he badly missed a 32-yard chip shot.
Joseph, meanwhile, convincingly made a 55-yard field goal and all of his other kicks.
