The Green Bay Packers’ kicking battle is intensifying as the preseason draws to a close. Greg Joseph bolstered his chances of replacing incumbent Anders Carlson by successfully making a 55-yard field goal and a 36-yarder, contributing to the Packers’ 30-7 victory over the Baltimore Ravens. This matchup was played without most of the starting players from either team.
Carlson kicked a 54-yarder in the first quarter but struggled later, missing a 32-yarder in the final quarter. Following the game, Packers coach Matt LaFleur commented that the team would continue to evaluate the kicking competition.
After Carlson’s difficulties as a rookie last season, the Packers signed Joseph, who has experience with the Cleveland Browns, Tennessee Titans, and Minnesota Vikings. Joseph expressed confidence in his performance: “I’ve controlled what I can control. Anything further, it’s no point in losing sleep over because it’s out of my control.”
Both teams strategically rested their key players to minimize injury risks before the regular season. However, the Ravens faced setbacks with running back Owen Wright suffering a broken foot, and center Nick Samac, a rookie, being carted off the field. Samac had been taking first-team reps while Pro Bowler Tyler Linderbaum is sidelined with a neck issue.
Despite the injuries, Ravens head coach John Harbaugh remained optimistic, believing Linderbaum and tight end Mark Andrews, who was injured in a car accident last week, would be ready for the season’s start.
The game served as a critical opportunity for players vying for roster positions ahead of the NFL’s deadline to finalize 53-man rosters. Green Bay’s Arron Mosby made a strong case for himself with a strip-sack that led to a touchdown and an interception on consecutive plays. Additionally, the Packers’ rushing attack, featuring Ellis Merriweather, Nate McCrary, and Emanuel Wilson, combined for 190 yards, which may be crucial as AJ Dillon nurses a stinger and rookie MarShawn Lloyd deals with a hamstring injury.
In the battle for the backup quarterback position behind Jordan Love, Sean Clifford completed 6 of 14 passes for 53 yards and a touchdown, while rookie Michael Pratt went 8 of 12 for 80 yards, also tossing a touchdown but throwing an interception.
The Ravens, missing reigning MVP Lamar Jackson, saw Josh Johnson go 5 of 7 for 71 yards, including a 48-yard touchdown pass to Tylan Wallace. Rookie Devin Leary struggled, going 6 of 13 for 34 yards while throwing two interceptions and losing a fumble.
Baltimore did feature some potential starters on an offensive line that has seen significant changes. The team lost several key players in free agency and trades, leading to new faces like Andrew Vorhees and Daniel Faalele stepping up.
Ravens coach Harbaugh praised rookie cornerback Nate Wiggins, who missed the previous game due to a shoulder injury, highlighting his strong performance in training camp.
The standout plays, however, came from players fighting for their roster spots. Mosby, with limited NFL experience, made crucial contributions with his strip-sack and interception, and now he awaits the team’s decision.
“You never know how these 72 hours go,” Mosby remarked. “If it’s here or somewhere else, you’ve always got to be ready.”
Looking ahead, the Ravens are set to open their regular season on September 5 against the Kansas City Chiefs, while the Packers will face the Philadelphia Eagles on September 6 in Sao Paulo, Brazil.