If there's ever a time for a reality check, get it over with in the summer.
Jordan Love has given the Green Bay Packers a million reasons ($220 million, actually) to be excited about the offense's potential. However, it was a tough afternoon during Friday's joint practice against the Denver Broncos.
This practice was an important audition for the starters, as many won't feature in Sunday's preseason contest. Matt LaFleur wanted to get the live reps against Denver's defense during practice.
Despite making a promising start, the Packers couldn't get anything going during the 11-on-11 drills. It serves as a valuable lesson for this young offense, and one they must learn from.
Packers offense crashes back down to earth in joint practice vs. Broncos
Near the end of practice, the Packers' starters took on the Broncos' defense in an end-of-game scenario. According to The Athletic's Matt Schneidman, the offense went four-and-out and gained just one yard. Love almost threw two interceptions.
They got another shot but with similar results. According to Schneidman, in the final two-minute drill, Love connected with Luke Musgrave and Romeo Doubs, but the drive ended after a sack and an incompletion.
Love also threw a pick after he was hit in the arm while making a throw.
The Packers needed this.
They've faced their ups and downs against Jeff Hafley's defense this summer, but facing adversity against another NFL defense can help them grow.
Three weeks from today, Green Bay opens its regular-season campaign against the Philadelphia Eagles in Brazil. Practices like this provide far more value than the preseason games and will help the Packers refocus, learn, and prepare for what's ahead.
Sometimes, you need a reality check. Facing adversity is a good thing. The 2010 Packers overcame ups and downs and had to fight their way into the postseason. They won the Super Bowl. The 2011 Packers had everything go their way en route to a 15-1 record. They lost their first playoff game.
Of course, we'd much rather Green Bay's offense go out there and dominate. But we know how good they can be.
This joint practice can be used as the perfect preparation for the regular season.
