Cheese Curds, 8/9: Assessing the Packers’ backup QBs after the first preseason game

On Thursday night, the Green Bay Packers won their first game under head coach Matt LaFleur, defeating the Houston Texans 28-26 in the teams’ preseason opener. As expected, most of the team’s starters sat out the contest, quarterback Aaron Rodgers among them.

That left plenty of opportunities for the teams’ backup signal-callers, DeShone Kizer and Tim Boyle, to take the reins of the offense. In doing so, both players had their moments and finished with some solid stat lines. Kizer finished the game 8 of 13 for 102 yards and a touchdown, while Boyle went 3 for 5 for 40 yards and two scores.

Still, there were significant areas that both players can continue to improve upon. For Kizer, staying cool under pressure and making good decisions continue to be his problem areas. Meanwhile, Boyle struggled in the red zone early, needing seven plays from the three-yard line to punch the football over the goal line.

Both of these players should get plenty more action in the next three games, so building on their positives will be the focus in the next several weeks of training camp.

DeShone Kizer, Tim Boyle solid in Packers’ preseason opener | Packersnews.com
Kizer seemed to struggle early with his decision-making — a trend that continued from last year — but he did settle in and looked better on his third and final drive, which ended in a touchdown. Then Boyle came in and struggled a bit at the goal line but threw for a pair of scores, including a great pass to Allen Lazard.

DeShone Kizer, Tim Boyle show signs, but is it enough for Packers? - ESPN
Rob Demovsky has a more cynical take, citing a poor throw by Kizer on his touchdown pass that almost got Darrius Shepherd's head taken off and a few bad missed throws. Still, there were some positives, and the key for both players now is carrying over the good and eliminating the bad.

Four takeaways highlight preseason-opening victory for Packers | Packers.com
As Peter discussed in last night's recap, the splash plays by the Packers' defense were a welcome sight, given the lack of turnovers a year ago. Two picks, a fumble, and a muffed punt were a big difference early in the game.

Matt LaFleur confirms competition between Lane Taylor, Elgton Jenkins at LG | Packers Wire
Taylor still has the upper hand for now, and he seemed to look very good (and healthy) in the few snaps that he played on Thursday night. But even of Jenkins doesn't take the starting job from Taylor, he could be in the lineup if there are injuries at any position other than left tackle.

NFL training camp notebook: Rookie QBs take spotlight in preseason games | SI.com
Kyler Murray and Daniel Jones looked good in their brief debuts, while Dwayne Haskins had both good and bad -- including two interceptions.

Suspected drug dealer calmly finishes breakfast during police raid | CTV News
It's the most important meal of the day! And after all, if you're getting shipped off to jail anyway, you might as well enjoy your last free meal.