The Green Bay Packers wrapped up the 2024 preseason with a 30-7 victory over the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday at Lambeau Field. After Thursday’s joint practice, Packers coach Matt LaFleur decided to sit most of his key players to make sure his team is in the best possible shape for their Week 1 matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles in Brazil.
The Packers started swift in the secondary, scoring on three of their first four possessions before taking a 20-7 lead with a defensive touchdown. Green Bay allowed just one touchdown — a 48-yard touchdown pass in the first half after a fumbled defense. A pair of second-half interceptions helped the Packers close the door on a dominant preseason victory.
Here’s the good, the bad and the ugly from the Packers’ win over the Ravens in the preseason finale:
Good
Bo Melton and Malik Heath caught the game-winning touchdown passes, the defense forced four turnovers, and the Packers came out of the preseason in good shape in terms of injuries. Melton had a pivotal 18-yard touchdown run on 3rd and 4 in the first half, while Heath outscored the defender for a 7-yard touchdown run on 4th and 4 in the second half. Both receivers have a good chance of making the 53-man roster. Jeff Hafley’s defense produced two interceptions and two fumble recoveries, including a fumble return for a touchdown. Defensive end Arron Mosby had two of his four catches on a strip sack and an interception when dropped into coverage. As for injuries, the Packers sat out 38 key starters and veterans, ensuring they don’t suffer any season-altering injuries in the preseason finale. The only reported injuries were linebacker Ralen Goforth and Jonathan Ford.
Bad
Michael Pratt’s interception and attempted tackle. After a solid first half in which he completed six of his first eight passes and threw an impressive touchdown pass to Bo Melton, Pratt struggled through a challenging second half, highlighted by a penniless interception thrown directly to a Ravens linebacker. Under pressure, he rushed the throw into sturdy coverage. Clearly frustrated by the decision, Pratt tried to get to Trenton Simpson but ended up running out of breath while trying to tackle. It looked like a car accident, but after catching his breath, Pratt walked off the field and eventually returned. While Pratt struggled in the second half, Sean Clifford had his own struggles in the first half, completing only 3 of 10 passes while dealing with ponderous pressure.
Ugly
Anders Carlson’s overdue fumble. Just when it seemed he had the kicking job secured, Carlson pushed a 32-yard field goal wide open in the second half. The conditions at Lambeau Field were nearly perfect, and the shot was good. Carlson barely missed, and the attempt wasn’t really close. The miss was a painful reminder of Carlson’s volatility as a kicker. He made his first three kicks, including a 54-yarder, but after another fumble, can the Packers really trust him going into the regular season?
