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Three Cheers and three jeers Through three days of Packers Training Camp

Packers training camp
Packers training camp

As we’re now three days into Green Bay Packers training camp, several story lines are already beginning to take shape for this year’s preseason. Some are residual stories from the offseason, and some are new stories being forced by players who’s play is demanding to be noticed.

Here are three positive, and not-so-positive, narratives worth following:


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Cheers

1.Trevor Davis

The most pleasant surprise in camp so far. All three days Davis has made big plays and great catches, several of the one-handed variety. He’s caught deep balls and run quick, precise routes, drawing praise from quarterback Aaron Rodgers. “He’s so quick and athletic,” said Rodgers. “The more reps he gets with me, the better our rapport’s going to be. I’m excited for his opportunities.”

If Davis can continue to learn the little things, and keep his slight frame upright, he just may add a legitimate deep threat, speed dimension to this offense not seen in many seasons.

2.Ladarius Gunter

Picking up where he left off during last year’s preseason when he was the top-rated rookie in the league, Gunter has made several big plays in the secondary. He breaks hard on the ball, shows great speed, and in the first practice with pads on Thursday, he was physical, dropping a ball carrier for a loss and even sacking Brett Hundley.

The Packers have a secondary loaded with young, exciting talent, but it will be hard to keep Gunter off the field. He simply makes too many plays.

3.Datone Jones

Visibly lighter, (much more so than a higher profile player who lost weight) Jones looks much more natural playing the “elephant” position. He appears quicker, as do his instincts, and he is clearly committed to his new role.

Jones hasn’t made many outstanding plays in camp yet, but the difference in his demeanor and field presence between this camp and previous ones is pretty stark. He will get plenty of opportunities this season for a new contract.

Jeers

1.Eddie Lacy’s Attitude

It’s the story that simply won’t die, even as much as Lacy hopes it just would. The question has moved from being simply about his weight, to now being about his attitude and commitment. After working with P90X founder Tony Horton twice this offseason, Lacy looks a little lighter – but that’s it. P90X was designed to transform one’s body in 90 days. Lacy has had six months, and he certainly has not transformed his.

He was terse about it when asked by reporters after camp’s first day, not divulging his weight, and stating he has “no idea” how long he worked out with Horton in Los Angeles. Compare this with two other players who did transform their bodies this offseason, Richard Rodgers and Jones. Both clearly committed themselves and both openly talked about it.

Lacy has done little in camp so far to note any difference on the field. Playing in a contract year, there is nothing, as of yet, to suspect any contract offer should be forthcoming.

2.Davante Adams

Adams continues to struggle to beat one-on-one coverage, continues to let deep balls hit the ground, and had a hot read pass ripped right out of his hands by Quentin Rollins. Adams needs a big camp. It isn’t happening yet.

3.Ty Montgomery

Let’s think about this for a moment: a high ankle sprain – usually a 4-6 week injury – has now cost him ten regular season games, two post-season games, the entire offseason program, and now he begins training camp on the PUP list.

Really?

Couple this with no real explanation by Mike McCarthy and the fact that Montgomery himself says he feels “great.”

Let the conspiracy theories commence.

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