Each season, the training camp of each NFL team is different. Position changes change, key players come and go in free agency and the NFL Draft, and coaching staff evolves (or in many cases are completely resurrected).
These ever-changing changes make the storylines in each team’s camp unique. This year, the Green Bay Packers have a good amount of continuity, both in the coaching staff and on the roster. In fact, the team ranks second The AthleticThe NFL Continuity Rankings this summer. But that does not mean that everything on this team is regulated – not by a long shot.
If there are any, there are more questions because from the fact that most of the key players remain, especially since the team added heirlooms to a few positions. In today’s walks, several of our employees share what we feel are the most compelling and intriguing storylines for the Packers in August of 2020.
Drop us a line in the comments and tell us which of these – or which storyline we have not mentioned – that you find most interesting.
Rcon14: Aaron Rodgers, all Aaron Rodgers
We can talk about all sorts of different things with the 2020 Packers, but except COVID, nothing will dictate the Packers season more than Aaron Rodgers. Will they go to more play action? Will he throw more to the middle of the field? Will a weak right side of the offensive line suddenly turn him into an MVP again?
It will be difficult to grab one of these for the first month of the season. Bits for training camps are fun and all, but do not tell us much about everything. Coach pressers also do not tell you much, as they are a fountain of cliché coach-speak. It’s hard now because we are not in the building, but this is the thing that is important for Green Bay in 2020.
Shawn Wagner: Tyler Ervin and the Packers’ offensive creativity
Some news from the camp this week consisted of a lot of desire from Ervin and the Packers to give him time with both the wide receivers and running backs. Creating creative use for Ervin, beyond his duties of special teams, could make him an intriguing part of the crime, especially closer to the line of control. Ervin was already used to some jet-sweeps late last season and his explosiveness for playing could be beneficial if he could get the ball in his hands in a similar way as passing on screen this season. If so, his presence as a decoy would also add a new dimension to Packers’ approach and perhaps he could also bring some closing value.
But even outside of Ervin, the Matt LaFleur system could have extra creativity in 2020 in the second year of coaching with the team. Will the Packers use more two-tier end-to-end formations? Could Jace Sternberger stretch the seam and help improve the midfield’s midfield? In what ways will the newer H-back sets open the offensive? Can the H-back, along with the power of AJ Dillon, give the Packers more options in short yardage situations? I am a lover of creativity and Green Bay has a chance to take a step forward with a year of continuity on offense.
Jonathan E. Barnett: Broad receivers
There are many things to follow here. This was a place where people really expected a good amount last year and it turned into a massive weakness. Then, we all expected it to the point of emphasis in the off-season and we basically had Reggie Begelton. Devin Funchess is gone, but there are still some things to look for.
First off, what happened to MVS? He has the tool and has certainly shown flash here and there. I was very impressed with the way he got into rookie camp, but we have not seen a breakthrough yet. He ruled even as the season went on last year. Second, I want to see what we can expect from Reggie Begelton. I have not seen him in the CFL, but I would like to see what the Packers are interested in this young man. He seems to be doing okay in practice, but we are in this camp so early. Finally, I want to see how Equanimeous Tristan Imhotep J. St. Brown is recovering from a year-long injury. He’s someone else who has a lot of talent, but we missed a whole year with him and he last played a regular season match in a completely different offense.
Davante Adams and Allen Lazard did not like me much. I just want to see the same from Adams and hopefully a little more growth from Lazard. However, this room will have a lot to say about how this season plays out and it is worth my attention.
Paul Noonan: Jace Sternberger
For this team to be any good, Jace Sternberger probably needs to take a big step forward. If they can get through without adding a wide receiver, it will be because that wide receiver is Sternberger. He is the only TE on the roster with the ability to add anything in power runs and in passing formations, and the only one LaFleur is able to run his preferred offensive line. When he wrestles all the time, there are so many knock-on effects, from more telegraphed offensive sets, to more time for untalented and incompetent receivers, to less success in the running game.
I’m also interested in Deguara, and in seeing just how closely they imitate San Francisco, but Sternberger is the lynchpin on offense. Marcedes Lewis is old and slow, Robert Tonyan can’t block a twitter account, and honestly, they probably should have added extra depth. It’s a bold plan not to add any extra wide receivers like true tight ends. Let’s see how it works for them.
Tex Western: The right side of the offensive line
From the day of practice on Saturday, Matt LaFleur made it very clear that the team has plans to hold a wide open competition for the right guard and right tackle positions. With Billy Turner switching between those spots and Lane Taylor (guard) and Rick Wagner (tackle) getting the other reps from the first teams, it looks like it will be a battle of three men and one that will make a significant impact have on the season.
Personally, I would still like to see some sign of a young player or two coming into the mix. Yosh Nijman is still on the PUP list, but I hope he (when he returns) and rookie Jon Runyan get a few reps to test their mettle as well. In any case, the Packers seem like every veteran they can throw at these jobs to see who will appear to fill in for the outgoing Bryan Bulaga, and with injuries always a concern, Turner’s ability to both spots to play sometimes handy come season.
(Even if the Packers re-signed Jared Veldheer to enter and compete, we would really have a stew
