The Green Bay Packers are coming off a pretty disappointing loss against the Atlanta Falcons in week two. They blew a 12-point lead in the fourth quarter, where mistakes were obvious, and the offense couldn’t get going. Green Bay truly let the game slip out of their hands, which is something that’ll happen to a young team but stuff they’ll definitely need to clean up.
Despite the loss, the Green Bay Packers had some players who still impressed and had some momentum to build off of this game. The Packers play the Saints next week in their home opener, which should help players continue their momentum or get them back on their feet.
Slay
Jayden Reed
Packers WR Jayden Reed (11) – Brett Davis/USA TODAY Sports
One of the stars from the loss was Green Bay Packers rookie Jayden Reed. He recorded his first NFL touchdown on a jet pass, where he showed off his speed and ability to get around the corner. He then recorded another touchdown later in the game, where he found himself open on a busted coverage.
Reed totaled four catches to go along with 37 yards and his two scores. It was nice to see the rookie make a difference and a building block to build off of going into the home opener.
Quay Walker
Packers LB Quay Walker (7) – Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
For a second straight week, Green Bay Packers linebacker Quay Walker found himself having another good game. Two games into his sophomore season, Walker has looked the part of this defense. Despite a struggling run defense, Walker had a career-high 17 tackles along with a handful of pressures and stops.
Along with all of his tackles, Walker didn’t miss one and also dropped a potential interception as well. Walker was able to put a bandaid on the Packers’ run defense this game with his great play and ability to make tackles.
Kenny Clark
Packers DL Kenny Clark (97) – Evan Siegle/packers.com
The heart of this Packers defensive line was star Kenny Clark. While the team’s run defense struggled, Clark constantly filled his gaps and dominated his matchup. He recorded multiple pressures that also included one that resulted in a Rash Douglas interception early in the game. He also combined for a sack as well with Rashan Gary.
His tape should be something that’s emphasized for the rest of the young linemen. He was a force all game and was one of the lone bright spots from the team’s loss.
Bomb
AJ Dillon
Packers RB AJ Dillon (28) – Dale Zanine/USA Today Sports
Making his way on this list for a second straight week is AJ Dillon. Dillon was thrust into the RB1 role with Aaron Jones out with an injury. It was a good spot for him to bounce back, and he didn’t exactly do that. On paper, it didn’t look awful, with 15 carries for 55 yards and a 3.7 average. Dillon just didn’t provide any spark or really make a splash play.
It didn’t help that the Packers were missing David Bahktiari and Elgton Jenkins when he exited from an injury. The Green Bay Packers had a third and one late in the game, which should be Dillon’s specialty. He tripped up and failed to get a yard, which factored into Green Bay’s lowly fourth-quarter offense.
Jaire Alexander
Packers CB Jaire Alexander (23) – Dale Zanine/USA Today Sports
A surprise player on this list is star cornerback Jaire Alexander. It’s rare Alexander has a bad game, and Sunday against Atlanta wasn’t his best work. He allowed four catches to Drake London, one of which was a touchdown, and dropped a potential pick-six that could’ve helped flip the game.
While it wasn’t a terrible performance, it’s definitely not one that reaches Jaire Alexander’s expectations. The Green Bay Packers shouldn’t have to worry about this too much though.
Colby Wooden
Packers DL Colby Wooden (96) – Dale Zanine/USA Today Sports
The Green Bay Packers rookie lineman got an extensive amount of snaps this week. With the Falcons constantly running the ball, Wooden saw more snaps this game. He struggled to help the defensive line, which was dismantled all game, and Atlanta tended to run the rookie’s way.
He missed a tackle and couldn’t get pressure on his pass-rushing snaps. It’s early on in the year, but if the rookie wants to stay on the field, he must make a difference with his opportunities.
