Green Bay Packers Anthony Belton Gives Blunt Self-Assessment After 5 Penalty Performance
Rookie growing pains were on full display Saturday as Green Bay Packers second-round pick Anthony Belton had a preseason game to forget against the Indianapolis Colts. The offensive tackle was flagged for five penalties in the second quarter alone during the Packers’ 23-19 victory. Following the performance, Belton spoke candidly about his struggles, highlighting both his accountability and determination to improve.
“I’ve just got to grow up,” Belton admitted following the game. “All the penalties were drive killers. That touchdown was called back because of self-inflicted penalties. Stuff like that can’t happen. I’ve got to get out of those old habits. I’ve got to learn quick.”
Green Bay Packers Anthony Belton: A Rough First Half
Belton’s issues began from the opening snap of the second quarter. A false start forced the Green Bay Packers into an early hole, and moments later, a personal foul for unnecessary roughness turned a manageable third-and-5 into a near-impossible third-and-20. The rookie’s troubles mounted with back-to-back illegal formation penalties during a two-minute drill, one of which wiped out a beautifully executed 20-yard touchdown pass.
These mistakes drew a sharp response from head coach Matt LaFleur, who didn’t hold back in his postgame comments. “You can’t be getting personal fouls because that really hurts the team,” LaFleur said. “I appreciate the effort he plays with, but you’ve got to be smart in those situations.”
Despite the criticism, Belton’s response demonstrates self-awareness and accountability that could serve him well as he works to clean up his game.
Lessons From a Difficult Night
Belton’s postgame reflections show a player intent on growing from his mistakes. Far from shirking responsibility, the 6-foot-6 lineman acknowledged his struggles and pledged to take lessons from the experience.
“I mean, I’m here for a reason. So I’ve got to adjust,” Belton said. “There’s not really an excuse to why I went out there and got penalties. I just know. I’ve been told. It’s something that I’ve got to prevent from happening again in the future.”
LaFleur and the coaching staff have praised Belton’s physical tools and effort, but the rookie knows that raw talent alone won’t cut it in the NFL. Learning to channel his aggression while maintaining discipline will be key as he transitions into a league that demands precision and consistency from its players.
What This Means for Belton’s Development
The road ahead for Anthony Belton will likely include plenty of film study, practice reps, and guidance from offensive line coach Luke Butkus. The lessons learned from this game could help solidify his approach going forward, particularly in cleaning up avoidable penalties like false starts and unnecessary roughness.
While Belton remains a work in progress, his performance against the Colts underscores both his immense potential and the challenges of learning on the job. With Green Bay invested in developing its young talent, the rookie’s willingness to take accountability positions him as a player capable of growth.
Room for Redemption
The Green Bay Packers, who have one of the youngest rosters in the NFL, are no strangers to dealing with growing pains. What matters most is how players respond, and Belton’s comments reveal a mindset geared toward improvement. With one preseason game remaining against the Seattle Seahawks, the rookie has another opportunity to show he can learn from his mistakes and bounce back with a more disciplined performance.
For Green Bay, the hope is that this tough preseason lesson will translate into meaningful progress. For Belton, it’s a chance to prove he can rise above the challenges and solidify himself as a valuable part of the team’s future.
