Green Bay Packers Rookie Has Nightmare Outing In 2nd Preseason Game

Rookie mistakes and growing pains are expected in the NFL, but Green Bay Packers second-round pick Anthony Belton had a preseason game he’ll want to forget against the Indianapolis Colts. The rookie offensive tackle was flagged for five first-half penalties, including an unnecessary roughness call that drew the ire of head coach Matt LaFleur. While the performance was undoubtedly a setback, it also showcased both Belton’s raw potential and the work needed to transition into a starting-caliber NFL player.

Green Bay Packers Anthony Belton: A Nightmare First Half

Anthony Belton’s difficulties began almost immediately. The rookie was flagged for multiple infractions that disrupted the Green Bay Packers’ offensive rhythm. Perhaps the most glaring example of Belton’s struggles came when he picked up back-to-back illegal formation penalties, compounding issues for an offense already working to find its footing in the preseason.

Then came a 15-yard unnecessary roughness call, where Belton shoved a Colts player out of bounds after the whistle—a penalty that cannot be written off as a learning curve but rather as an ill-advised decision. To underscore his rough outing, Belton was credited with three pressures allowed by Pro Football Focus, marking struggles not just with penalties but also in pass protection.

If there was a defining moment, it was when Belton’s penalty wiped out a beautifully executed 20-yard touchdown pass from Taylor Elgersma to Ben Sims. This unforced error was emblematic of the rookie’s night, as promising moments from the Packers’ offense were undercut by Belton’s avoidable mistakes.

“Matt LaFleur is letting Anthony Belton have it as he runs off the field at halftime,” The Athletic’s Matt Schneidman observed, capturing the visible frustration of the head coach.

Signs of Potential Amid the Struggles

While Belton’s penalties and inconsistent play rightfully drew criticism, it wasn’t all negative for the rookie. There were moments that reminded everyone why the Packers invested a second-round pick in him.

Belton played a key role in Amar Johnson’s touchdown run, making a critical block with a strong second effort. It marked the second consecutive preseason game in which Belton displayed his ability to make impact plays in the running game. Despite his struggles, these flashes of dominance suggest he has the potential to be a force on the offensive line if he can address his issues with discipline.

The preseason is, after all, the time to make mistakes and learn from them. And while growing pains are inevitable, the question is whether Belton can absorb and apply the lessons from this rough outing in time to be a reliable option for the Packers.

The Packers’ Offensive Line and Belton’s Development

Green Bay’s offensive line remains a work in progress heading into the 2025 season. With seasoned veterans like Elgton Jenkins anchoring the unit and Rasheed Walker developing into a consistent starter at tackle, Belton’s role will likely be depth-focused in the near term. However, the Packers’ coaching staff has high hopes for his long-term potential.

Belton’s performance against the Colts will undoubtedly be a focal point in next week’s film sessions, with the coaching staff breaking down his decision-making and techniques. The key for the rookie will be mastering his discipline and cleaning up unforced errors, as penalties like unnecessary roughness and illegal formations cannot be part of the team’s identity if they are to contend for a championship.

Additionally, Matt LaFleur’s fiery reaction is likely a strategic play as much as it is a genuine expression of frustration. Sending a strong message—both to Belton and the rest of the team—that mental lapses will not be tolerated is critical in setting a high standard for accountability.

Final Thoughts

Anthony Belton’s game against the Colts was far from the ideal preseason showcase, but it’s too soon to sound the alarm. The NFL is a steep learning curve for any rookie, and moments like these, while painful, often catalyze growth.

The Green Bay Packers remain invested in developing Belton, and the flashes of potential he has already shown are enough to keep hope alive for his future. For now, the focus must remain on discipline, technique, and mental sharpness—three pillars that can help Belton transform from a liability into a long-term asset for the Green Bay Packers’ offensive line.