Packers' defense dominates practice as a scuffle erupts among players
Green Bay's defense outperformed the offense during the final week of training camp, and a brief altercation involving several players was broken up by staff.
Green Bay Packers practice on Aug. 24 saw the defense dominate the offense, stopping a fourth-and-goal at the two-yard line. Tight end Messiah Swinson dropped a one-handed pass in the end zone, and the offense struggled to complete passes, with only a few modest connections to Matthew Golden and Tucker Kraft.
The defensive unit, described as the team's No. 1 defense, forced multiple turnovers, including a zone interception by safety Kitan Oladapo and a pass breakup by cornerback Keisean Nixon. Rookie defensive tackle Chris McClellan and defensive end Lukas Van Ness also impressed in drills.
A brief fight broke out when wide receiver Matthew Golden and defensive end Barryn Sorrell shoved each other, prompting defensive end Zaire Franklin to throw a punch. Both sidelines intervened and cleared the area. The incident follows previous scuffles among teammates.
The practice also featured kicker Trey Smack converting a 60-yard field goal and a 43-yard attempt, and running back MarShawn Lloyd recording his first fumble of camp. Several players were listed on the injury report, including Micah Parsons (knee) and Matt Orzech (calf). The team is preparing for a joint practice with the Arizona Cardinals on Wednesday.
"If there’s an issue, I’ll tell the guys, ‘Hey, you come tag me in, they can tag in my brother, and we’ll throw down on the 50,’" head coach Matt LaFleur said, referring to a potential altercation with the Cardinals.
The Packers will host the Cardinals in their preseason finale at Lambeau Field on Aug. 28.