Packers ready to host Ravens for joint practice, preseason contest

The Packers held a jog through practice on Wednesday ahead of the big joint practice with Baltimore.

Green Bay coming off a lackluster performance in their first joint practice of Training Camp a week ago. Still head coach Matt LaFleur not making any major changes, and sticking with the predetermined practice format he and Ravens head coach John Harbaugh worked out beforehand.

“I just think it’s good for our guys to go in and just the mental preparation that it takes. Whether you’re playing another team in practice or a game, I think is something that you can really learn from. And just what it takes to get ready to go, to put your best foot forward,” said Matt LaFleur.

“Oh yeah, it’s always good to see another team, go against another team and compete with other teams. It goes into the matter of you’ve got to keep your guys healthy. You know what I mean, it’s always good to go against other competition as well,” said rookie safety Javon Bullard.

One difference between the two practices will be a total lack of one-on-one periods. A week ago the Packers and Broncos did hold one-on-ones between offensive linemen and the pass rush.

Jeff Hafley’s defense will have their hands full in a different way as they get set to face reigning MVP Lamar Jackson on the practice field.

“I’m excited man. I’m excited. You’re talking about a player I have a lot of praise for, but like I said, I’m going in there to compete at a high level then,” said Bullard.

“Happy that we get to play against him because we’re going to see a lot of mobile quarterbacks in the first couple of weeks of the season. So, it’s a good start to that,” said defensive lineman Kenny Clark.

One member of the Pack that has seen plenty of Jackson on the practice field is linebacker Kristian Welch.

“I’m sure it will be really fun. They’re a great team. It will be really competitive. Two great teams going at it. So, it will be fun. If you’re a competitor you’re not goin to shy away from this one,” said Kristian Welch.

The Iola, Wis. native spent the first three years of his career in Baltimore before joining the Packers last season.

Over his time in the league Welch has carved out a career as a special teamer. He also finds himself fighting for a roster spot in a crowded and completive linebackers group.

“I think he’s shown a lot of good abilities as a linebacker as well and certainly has made some splash plays. I thought this last game was much better than the first game in terms of the consistency and that’s something we’re looking for,” said LaFleur.

“You try not to kind of let it overload. Mentally you have to take it one step at a time. Try not to get too far ahead or to far behind yourself. Handle the present and the future will kidn of take care of itself,” said Welch.