The Green Bay Packers’ preseason opener against the Cleveland Browns ended in a 21-16 loss on Thursday night in the Hall of Fame Game. The game marked the debut of new Packers head coach Matt LaFleur and the first time Aaron Rodgers has taken the field since signing a four-year, $134 million contract extension.
Rodgers was only on the field for one series, completing two of four passes for six yards. He was replaced by backup quarterback DeShone Kizer, who struggled throughout the game. Kizer completed 10 of 18 passes for 134 yards and one touchdown, but he also threw two interceptions and was sacked four times.
The Packers defense was solid, holding the Browns to just three points in the first half. But the offense couldn’t get anything going, and the Browns took advantage of Kizer’s mistakes to pull away in the second half. The Packers had just one scoring drive, a seven-play, 75-yard drive that ended with a touchdown pass from Kizer to Equanimeous St. Brown.
The Packers will look to rebound in their next preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens on August 15th. Rodgers is expected to play more in that game, and the team will be looking for him to get into a rhythm with his new offense. The Packers will also be looking for Kizer to improve his performance and limit his mistakes if he is to remain the backup quarterback.
Overall, it was a disappointing start to the preseason for the Packers, but there is still plenty of time for them to get things together before the regular season begins. With Rodgers back under center and LaFleur calling the shots, the Packers should be able to turn things around and make a run at the playoffs this year.
