GREEN BAY - The Packers' last two practices of minicamp on Wednesday and Thursday to conclude the offseason program will feature a hefty dose of 11-on-11 snaps.
Also known as "team" drills, the competitive periods allow for a focus on different game situations with as much "live" action as non-contact practices can provide.
"The team reps, the 'move the ball,' the situational work, we want to max that out today and tomorrow," Head Coach Mike McCarthy said prior to Wednesday's practice.
A day earlier, McCarthy said he had around a half dozen two-minute drills scheduled for the three-day minicamp, and two of them were run on Tuesday.
OTAs and minicamp have emphasized the passing game, because with players not in pads it's harder to get quality work done in the running game. Meaningful evaluations of linemen and running backs are difficult to come by, too, though executing their assignments and responsibilities on any given play provides a foundation heading into training camp.
The full 11-on-11 work is also designed to work on substitution patterns, helping to get ready for games. These spring simulations also help the new coaches on staff smooth out the communication process.
"It's built into the practice structure," McCarthy said. "We'll have two 'move the ball' periods tomorrow, so we'll see the mechanics of the substitutions. Situational football is part of how you train."
