Coordinators for the Green Bay Packers answered questions from media on Thursday. Among the key comments? The rotation at right guard will continue, rookie Evan Williams will get more snaps in Week 2 and Brayden Narveson’s impressed in his NFL debut.
Here are some important comments from the Packers coordinators from Thursday before Week 2:
Offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich
— Some familiarity and carryover for Malik Willis. “He’s working really hard, trying to get up to speed as much as possible.”
— Calling plays in the huddle is a hurdle for Willis. Still learning the verbiage, terminology. “Every day he’s getting better.” He’ll wear a wristband to help.
— Planning to evaluate right guard position week to week. Neither took hold of the job in the opener. Thought it was good for Jordan Morgan to get experience in a rotation. “I kind of like what we’re doing, to keep those guys involved.”
— On Zach Tom’s performance: “I’m not surprised by it.” Said it was business as usual for Tom in the opener.
On Tucker Kraft/Luke Musgrave snaps: “We definitely don’t want that. We want that more even.” Kraft out-snapped Musgrave 64-to-17 in the opener. Stenavich said the Packers need to do a better job managing snaps.
Defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley
— Hafley loved the three takeaways but said “there should have been more.” Noted two potential sack-fumble opportunities on pressures and two near-miss interceptions. “I like the way we attacked the ball.”
— Hafley credited the defensive line for disciplined pass-rushing against Jalen Hurts. Said the plan was to keep Hurts in the pocket and limit scrambles. Hurts only had 33 rushing yards. Pass-rush operated differently against a mobile quarterback.
— On Evan Williams: “We do believe Evan deserves to play.” Said Williams will have a role going forward after not playing on defense in the opener. “We need to have 33 have a role.”
— On Colts QB Anthony Richardson: “Big, strong, threat of him running the ball on first and second down, and he can throw the ball as far as anyone I’ve seen in my entire life…he has some serious arm talent.”
— On Edgerrin Cooper: Just needs game reps to catch up after missing time in camp with an injury. “He gives us an explosive player that needs to play.”
— On Week 1 performance: “It wasn’t coached good enough, it wasn’t executed good enough.” Confident it will get better and better with experience. “You’ll see us evolve as we get going and do more.” Expecting a big jump in Week 2.
Special teams coordinator Rich Bisaccia
— On kickoffs: Too early to tell if most teams will just aim for touchbacks on kickoffs. Weather will be a factor.
— On Brayden Narveson’s debut: “We thought he played well.” Made 7-of-8 kicks, including a re-kick, on a big stage in Brazil.
— On Narveson’s leg strength: “He’s got a strong enough leg.” Said he’s hit some big kicks in practice.
–Bisaccia said he’s worried about Colts speed at returner and ability of Colts special teams to block punts and kicks. Colts do some exotic things in terms of blocking punts.
— Great quote on kickers: “Glory is fleeting.” All about the next kick. The Packers really like Narveson’s mental makeup.
