GREEN BAY, Wis. — The Green Bay Packers held a joint practice with the Baltimore Ravens Thursday in Green Bay. They’ll play the Ravens in their preseason finale on Saturday at Lambeau Field.
After a less-than-satisfying showing in the joint practice with the Broncos last week in Denver, the Packers felt much better about their performance Thursday.
“We’ve ran all these plays throughout camp a good amount versus our defense,” said Packers quarterback Jordan Love. “So, just being able to see a different defense and see somebody who hasn’t really seen some of the stuff we’re doing, and just trying to see if we execute at 100%, and that’s what we did out there.”
“This practice was important,” said Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander. “I think it gives guys a little bit more confidence. We could have [done] better [last week]. I think we did a little bit better today. So we’re taking strides in the right step. “
Packers defensive lineman Kenny Clark echoed the sentiment that this week was already off to a better start.
“Last week we kinda started off fast and kinda went down a little bit,” said Clark. “This week we kept the energy going. We started fast and kept having that self talk with each other.”
The joint practice also offered both teams a chance to shake things up.
“You kind of get repetitive when you play against the same teammates over and over again,” said Packers returner and cornerback Keisean Nixon. “Being able to go against somebody is always good feeling And then, we didn’t have to deal with the Denver altitude, so it was a lot better.”
But there were some familiar faces. Packers Head Coach Matt LaFleur was the offensive coordinator in Tennessee when Baltimore running back Derrick Henry had his first 1,000 yard rushing season for the Titans.
LaFleur and Ravens Head Coach John Harbaugh had clear communication on what they wanted out of the practice, too.
The coaches got their wish: No major fights.
“I thought the practice was excellent,” said Harbaugh. “It’s what you hope for in a practice like this. It’s what we expected against the team coached by Matt LaFleur.”
From the Ravens’ perspective, the joint practice was a success.
“I feel like it was a great opportunity,” said Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely. “Especially when alot of guys aren’t playing in the preseason. So going against another defense, seeing how the league is shaping their defenses around, especially going against an NFC opponent. It was great work today.”
LaFleur emphasized the importance of the practice beyond the field, too.
“It’s a pretty cool experience for our guys with these open practices,” said LaFleur. “We talked about it in the team meeting this morning, just in terms of the tradition with the kids, riding the bikes. What a great experience it is for those kids and how memorable it will be for them. Don’t take it for granted.”
The Packers will play the Ravens Saturday at noon at Lambeau Field.