Anthony Belton is a project for the Green Bay Packers and it showed in their last pre-season game against the Indianapolis Colts. They won the game but there were obvious plays that need to be corrected.
Anthony Belton, Green Bay Packers, Packers news
Mar 1, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; North Carolina State University offensive lineman Anthony Belton (OL02) answers questions at a press conference during the 2025 NFL Combine at Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images
The 2025 NFL draft 54th pick surrendered five penalties in the first half, all of them in the second quarter. Matt LaFleur was visibly pissed during half time as he let the rookie hear about his mistakes.
He responded accordingly come the second half and even made plays that could have changed the outcome of the game. This includes a key block and push to help Amar Johnson get a touchdown run.
Belton’s game still needs to be polished but he already got the focus that Packers offensive line coach Luke Butkus is already feeling excited.
“That first half was pretty bad, he’ll be the first one to admit it. Guys were all over him and it wasn’t just me, it wasn’t (DC Adam Stenavich), it was our guys on the sidelines, too,” Butkus told reporters.
Luke Butkus
Green Bay Packers offensive line coach Luke Butkus surveys practice on Friday, August 1, 2025, at Ray Nitschke Field in Ashwaubenon, Wis.
Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
“For him to come back and play a cleaner second half, he’s going to play with physicality.”
“He didn’t go down in the dumps, he came back and admitted to it, stuck his chest out and said, ‘Let’s go, I want some more.’”
Matt LaFleur wants Anthony Belton to be smarter
Belton’s mistakes in the first could have been avoided. He made two illegal formations and then was flagged for an unnecessary roughness and a false start.
LaFleur liked the way he responded after getting an earful but wants the kid to think better in-game.
“I love the effort,” LaFleur told reporters after the game when asked to talk about the exchange.
Matt LaFleur
Green Bay Packers coach Matt LaFleur leads his team againt the New York Jets during their football game Saturday, August 9, 2025, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin.
“It’s just that you got to be smarter than that in those situations.”
The Packers will wrap up their pre-season game assignments this weekend against the Seattle Seahawks and Belton is expected to get some reps again.
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