:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/36780790/20140809_jla_ab2_419.jpg.0.jpg)
During Saturday's preseason opener against the Titans, the Green Bay Packers showed flashes of why they'll be a better team in 2014 than they were in 2013, despite three of their best players sitting out. There was depth on display from the second quarter on, and even some of the starters whose abilities were a little bit unknown flashed signs that they'll be competent at a minimum.
Two such players were center JC Tretter and safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, both of whom had solid games in their first game action as Packers. We've got some breakdowns of those two players and more below.
A reason for optimism on Packers' offensive line | JSOnline
JC Tretter had an impressive debut at center on Saturday, and he made one of the key blocks on James Starks' 20-yard touchdown run. Derek Sherrod also showed flashes of great play.
Mike McCarthy welcomes rain, growth in loss to Titans | Packers.com
Coach McCarthy discussed some of the events of Saturday's game, including the rainy conditions (he was a fan) and the decision to call a two-point conversion after Rajion Neal's touchdown.
Peppers disappoints in preseason debut | Packersnews.com
It's true that Julius Peppers was a big reason for the Titans' first-half touchdown, but I'd argue it's tough to read anything into a guy playing 10 snaps in his first game as an outside linebacker. There's a look at Clinton-Dix's solid play here as well.
Rookie Joe Thomas avoids serious injury - ESPN
We haven't head anything new on running back Rajion Neal's knee yet, but at least ILB Joe Thomas' injury isn't serious enough to need surgery.
"Chips Report" from Packers Preseason Loss at Titans | Cheesehead TV
Here's a look at two players who were great, two who were good, and two who were poor in Saturday's game.
NFL preseason 2014 scores and results: Blake Bortles impresses, Teddy Bridgewater struggles - SBNation.com
Teddy seems like a good kid and ordinarily I'd wish him success, but he's wearing purple. Therefore, I hope 6-for-13 for 49 yards is a common stat line of his in the future.