Packers At Steelers Preseason Game Day thread

[MadScientist]

Hope this is a sign of things to come for Smack.

[Anti-Polar Bear]

Typical boring preseason futbol. I’m going to go take a nap to get ready for a poker session.

[MadScientist]

So far, the defense seems to know how to tackle, unlike some previous years. They are leaving holes in the zone that are getting exploited.

Offense has been underwhelming. Even with the Steelers giving them 85 yards.

[MadScientist]

Not sure that was really roughing, but it's preseason so no reason for anything extra on the QB.

[bobblehead]

Bobble will be happy. QB tackled late. OL comes over and shoves the Steeler player.

It's a start.

[bobblehead]

Glad to see smack looking good. I really don't want to regret just paying Anus a million for memories.

Tuned in late but williams is LT now and looks decent. Not sure what it means that he is the backup LT. Figured he'd get some action at guards, but I think it bodes well.

[MadScientist]

These scrubs are making a good case for filling the practice squad with the cast offs from other teams.

[texaspackerbacker]

It was a pretty crappy game in general - with just very few positives. The biggest one for sure was Smack - distance and consistency, not only made 'em all, but right down the middle and he didn't look strained at all.

I hated the play calling all the way through, first team right down to the scrubs. Of course, maybe LaFleur just wasn't putting anything on film for future opponents. I was also very disappointed with Gannon's defense although it's possible he also wasn't giving away any trade secrets.

The Packers back up DBs looked pathetic and the first stringers weren't much better. They made stars out of all of the Steeler QBs.

I did see a few Packers worth mentioning for doing well: Neyor and Sturtevant as WRs and special teams too; Nyjalik Kelly looked good on special teams also. McCord looked good too, a lot better than Taylor, although I suppose he was playing against scrubs while Taylor probably had better D against him.

[Joemailman]

It was a pretty crappy game in general - with just very few positives. The biggest one for sure was Smack - distance and consistency, not only made 'em all, but right down the middle and he didn't look strained at all.

I hated the play calling all the way through, first team right down to the scrubs. Of course, maybe LaFleur just wasn't putting anything on film for future opponents. I was also very disappointed with Gannon's defense although it's possible he also wasn't giving away any trade secrets.

The Packers back up DBs looked pathetic and the first stringers weren't much better. They made stars out of all of the Steeler QBs.

I did see a few Packers worth mentioning for doing well: Neyor and Sturtevant as WRs and special teams too; Nyjalik Kelly looked good on special teams also. McCord looked good too, a lot better than Taylor, although I suppose he was playing against scrubs while Taylor probably had better D against him.

Never worry about play calling in preseason games. They're not game planning to try and win the game. They're game planning to evaluate players in certain situations.

[MadScientist]

I wouldn't worry about the play calling. It could be bottled and sold as double strength vanilla. Some pluses that should carry over into the season are the solid tackling and the decent kick coverages. The scrubs won't carry over.

The run blocking was poor, and that might be a lingering concern. Love and the receivers were a little off, but that should tighten up by the start of the season.

[MadtownPacker]

Some weird shit M3 and AR on the SB losers.

[pbmax]

I saw very little but on the radio is sounded terrible. The playing, not the broadcast.

[texaspackerbacker]

Never worry about play calling in preseason games. They're not game planning to try and win the game. They're game planning to evaluate players in certain situations.

I agree with that, but it seemed like they were channeling McCarthy ball - running so much on early downs. Also, it seemed like they were trying out a lot of plays I don't like - like that lameassed wide receiver screen.

[Joemailman]

https://packerswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/packers/2026/08/14/good-bad-and-ugly-coming-out-of-packers-preseason-opening-loss-to-steelers/91304977007/?taid=6a7f451a1a40190001efb63e&utm_campaign=truean them&utm_medium=trueanthem&utm_source=twitter

The Good

Trey Smack's dream debut: Could the Packers have asked for a better debut from their rookie kicker? Smack connected on all four of his kicks, including a pair from 58 yards out. The second 58-yarder came as time expired in the first half. If the Packers wanted a confidence boost at kicker coming out the preseason opener, especially after some shaky moments to start training camp, Smack certainly provided it.
Jordan Morgan's start: The debut of Morgan at left tackle went nearly as well as Smack's at kicker. The 2024 first-round pick played 22 snaps, including 15 as a pass-blocker, and he not only didn't allow a single pressure, but he was the Packers' highest graded run blocker, per PFF. Morgan looked right back at home at left tackle. Your fantasy edge starts here Sync your league for custom roster advice, projections, and tools to win your matchups every week.

The Bad

Jaylin Simpson's missed opportunity: A pair of standout practices leading into the preseason opener put Simpson is a strong spot entering Thursday night, but a chance to improve his standing was missed. Badly. Simpson fell down and gave up a 74-yard catch, allowed a touchdown catch inside the 10-yard line when he got picked, and committed a pass interference penalty setting up another touchdown. Simpson's issues were emblematic of the Packers' struggles in coverage in the second half.

The Ugly

Final six drives: After the Packers took a 9-7 lead in the third quarter, the Steelers ripped off three straight touchdown drives while forcing three straight punts from Green Bay. Pittsburgh gained 229 total yards on the final three series (not including the kneeldowns); Green Bay lost 14 total yards. Ugly. The backend of the Steelers' roster thoroughly out played the Packers' on Thursday night.
Kyron Drones' NFL debut: Drones, an undrafted rookie, did not have a fun time during his pro debut. He took three sacks losing 26 yards, completely missed on an out-breaking route and finished 0-for-1 passing. His two drives resulted in -23 yards and ended in back-to-back punts. With Kyle McCord playing so well ahead of him, Drones' chances of winning a job on the practice squad looks much more challenging entering the second preseason week.

[Joemailman]

MLF Basically said the LG position is an open competition between Banks and Burton.

I was watching a tweet where someone posted every snap by Jordan Morgan. He looked good. What was interesting was on the other side of the line, Belton looked pretty good at RT. The bad news is that the Packers may have a 2nd round pick with no obvious path to becoming a quality starter any time soon.