The Green Bay Packers are entering their third week of training camp, and Family Night is in the rearview mirror, so it’s time we revisit one of the biggest debates fans and media have around this time every year.
Should teams play their starters in preseason games?
In my estimation, the issue has taken on new life in recent years with the elimination of the fourth preseason game, following the league’s addition of a 17th regular-season contest.
It has undoubtedly been a hot-button topic in Green Bay, dating back to the 2015 preseason, when Jordy Nelson‘s season-ending knee injury completely altered the course of that season. Coming off a 2014 when they were the best offense in the league, the loss of Nelson really set them back. It’s a tough call either way. Almost a “damned if you do, damned if you don’t” type of situation.
This year will certainly be no different for Matt LaFleur’s group.
The most obvious factor a head coach must weigh when deciding if (or how many of) his starters should play in “meaningless” preseason contests is the risk of injury. First and foremost, no team wants to lose an important contributor in a game that nobody will remember in a month, especially a contending team such as the Green Bay Packers.
Could you imagine how the fanbase would react if Xavier McKinney or Josh Jacobs were lost for an extended period because a backup New York Jets player went a little too hard in his attempt to make the roster?
LaFleur would be answering questions about it for months. Tackle football is a dangerous game, and every time a player steps on the field, there is risk. Therefore, many feel it’s better not to expose someone unless it’s completely necessary.
At the same time, the counter to such an argument is: Well, it’s football. Players get hurt. That’s just as much a part of the game as the ball they play with.
Football also has the longest offseason among the four major American sports. It’s a long layoff without taking real hits, and your body needs that before the real action starts. The pads have come on during training camp, but even that doesn’t involve full tackling.
The gradual introduction of real contact during the preseason can help players re-adapt to the physical demands of such a grueling sport. There is no better way for that to happen before Week 1 than in the preseason.
But, wait, what about the joint practices that are all the rage? Some teams have taken to replacing the preseason reps their starters would typically receive with joint practices, which teams often conduct the week leading up to their preseason game.
The issue with these practices is that they often lead to physical altercations. Remember the 2023 preseason when the Packers met up with both the Cincinnati Bengals and New England Patriots? Elgton Jenkins and Bengals linebacker Germaine Pratt sparked a brawl that led to the teams calling practice off altogether. Later that same summer, skirmishes and ejections marked the second day of joint practices with the Patriots.
How much quality work can you really be getting when players are more focused on fighting the guy across from them simply because he’s wearing a different uniform? You don’t see that in the controlled environment of a preseason game.
Aaron Rodgers was famously opposed to joint practices. In 2019, LaFleur’s first season in Green Bay, the Houston Texans visited for two days of practices. Rodgers voiced his thoughts on the concept afterward.
“I’m glad it’s over,” he said, “so we can get on to the rest of training camp.”
Rodgers’ biggest frustration stemmed from the increased risk of injury, especially during live special teams periods, as well as the blandness of the play-calling by both teams. “The tough part is, they’re not trying to show a whole lot,” he said, “we’re not trying to show a whole lot.”
Not to say that preseason games are filled with innovative schemes, but they’re certainly more revealing than joint practices.
There is no real substitute for real in-game reps – not just for players to hone their craft, but to demonstrate their progress. Consider the fact that during 2024 training camp, media personnel were raving about how much Jordan Love had improved on his deep ball accuracy.
We can see the tweets and hear the soundbites during press conferences. Still, nothing proves it more than the second play of a preseason game, against a real opponent, when he drops a 65-yard dime in for a touchdown. What better way to start a season? Would that feel the same if it were just a regular pass in practice? Likely not.
Didn't take long for Jordan Love 🙌 @Packers take an early lead!
📱: Stream #GBvsCLE on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/yyJlhvP170
— NFL (@NFL) August 10, 2024
The NFC — and, specifically, the NFC North — is going to be highly competitive this season. Getting off to a fast start will be imperative for the Green Bay Packers, the youngest team in the league. Is there a direct correlation between starters playing meaningful preseason snaps and strong regular-season starts? Maybe, maybe not. But it certainly doesn’t hurt.
LaFleur has kept his cards close to the vest when asked during this week’s press conferences on whether he will play the starters.
All healthy starters should play at least a handful of snaps during the preseason. It will allow them to gel as a cohesive unit, put real action on tape, and help set the foundation for what should hopefully be a successful season in Green Bay.