Packers Quarterbacks and Specialists Preview
Since the quarterback preview and the specialist preview is pretty straight forward, I've decided to combine the two into one. Just to be clear, I'm defining specialists as kickers, punters and long snappers, and won't be talking about the rest of special teams. So, here are the QB's and specialists.
#1 P Peter Mortell (Rookie)
#2 K Mason Crosby (10)
#6 QB Joe Callahan (Rookie)
#7 QB Brett Hundley (2)
#8 P Tim Masthay (7)
#9 QB Marquise Williams (Rookie)
#12 QB Aaron Rodgers (12)
#59 LS Rick Lovato (1)
You might be able to have determined, just by looking at the players names, why this is simple. To be honest, I myself am more likely to make the Packers' roster than Aaron Rodgers is to not be a starter at full health. If any of you think otherwise (and you likely wouldn't be Packers fans), go look at who your quarterback is and compare career statistics with Rodgers. Not only is the starting job settled, but backup is as well, as Brett Hundley solidified his job when the Packers let Scott Tolzien go to the Colts during the offseason. I personally would be fine with the Packers keeping just the two quarterbacks, as the roster spots could be used elsewhere. For what it's worth, Joe Callahan was supposed to start the Hall of Fame game, which likely means he has an edge over Marquise Williams at this point. Without seeing Callahan play, and knowing what Williams was capable of in North Carolina, it's hard for me to have a fair judgement.
As for the specialists, the fact that there is only one kicker and one long snapper on the roster pretty much sums up who the jobs are going to. K Mason Crosby is one of the best in the NFL, and outside of that down season a few years ago he has been sensational. First-year pro Rick Lovato also has no competition, although I am surprised the Packers decided not to bring back Brett Goode to compete, but it's a vote of confidence for Lovato. It means that at this point, Ted Thompson thinks he's better than Brett Goode.
As for the punters, I know a lot of you despise the incumbent Tim Masthay, and at this point his veteran status and relationship with Mason Crosby is all that is keeping him on the roster. He is Crosby's holder for field goals, and that is way more important to the game than it sounds. All three players involved in the kick, the long snapper, holder and kicker must be on the same page. I'd like Masthay gone because I think he forgot how to punt a few years ago, but if newcomer Peter Mortell can't get on the same page with Lovato and Crosby, Masthay will stay. There's also a chance a guy like Brett Hundley, or even a player like Randall Cobb or Micah Hyde might even do something like hold the kick, just so Masthay can be gone. I think the Packers will figure out something, and Mortell will end up making the roster.
So, here are the QB's and specialists making the roster: Aaron Rodgers, Brett Hundley; Mason Crosby, Rick Lovato, Peter Mortell
