Insider: Hyde shines with pick, Adams drops 2

THUMBS UP

Sean Richardson's two interceptions during the first 1 1/2 weeks of training camp were a nice surprise for the Green Bay Packers secondary, but it likely is going to be either Micah Hyde or Ha Ha Clinton-Dix starting Sept. 4 in Seattle.

Hyde has been around the ball often in camp, but it wasn't until Wednesday that he finally landed an interception.

One play after what would have been a sack of Scott Tolzien, Hyde snagged a one-handed pick off Chase Rettig. The Packers placed a heavy emphasis on takeaways this offseason after tying for 26th in the NFL with 11 interceptions.

Richardson and veteran Jarrett Bush each have two picks in camp, but it's important for the preferable starters to begin making some noise.

"I think we've gotten our hands on a few balls, that's kind of how it goes, no different than rushing the passer," Packers coach Mike McCarthy said. "You get around the quarterback and you're getting him off the spot, it's definitely good to see our secondary start to bring some of them in. We've had some opportunities. The coverage has been tight. I was pleased to see that."

With Morgan Burnett likely to miss Saturday's preseason opener against Tennessee with a oblique strain, Hyde and Clinton-Dix should get plenty of work in their quest for a starting job.

THUMBS DOWN

The Packers like what they've seen from Davante Adams. They'd probably like it even more if the rookie receiver could cut down his drops.

He showed his brilliance on an 11-yard touchdown from Matt Flynn over Casey Hayward in the right corner of the end zone, but also had two drops during other team periods. He had a drop in the middle of the field in a red-zone period from Tolzien off a slant route, which is where he might be used in four-wide sets with veteran Jarrett Boykin typically only playing on the perimeter.

Adams has a lot of potential and was incredibly productive at Fresno State, but those are the plays that separate the special receivers. Adams wasn't alone, though.

Even starter Randall Cobb had a drop Wednesday off a slant route from Aaron Rodgers. Cobb and Jordy Nelson's production allows them the luxury, but each dropped pass is crucial for the rest of the receivers group either trying to carve out playing time or a roster spot.

DID YOU NOTICE?

-- McCarthy waved off the last three periods, which he said were all optional fundamental drills. It was undeniably the hottest day of camp with temperatures in the low-80s and high humidity. It was a good tune-up for Nashville on Saturday when temperatures are expected to be in the high-90s.

-- After ripping a pass away from Boykin on Tuesday, Bush made it back-to-back practices with a takeaway with a red-zone interception of Tolzien. The pass was intended for receiver Alex Gillett, but a hit from undrafted linebacker Jake Doughty popped it up.

-- With Don Barclay out for the season with a torn ACL, Derek Sherrod began taking snaps at right tackle with the second-team offensive line after working mainly at left tackle. Sherrod improved to 12-3 in one-on-ones with three more victories, including one at right tackle. The extra reps trickled down to guard Lane Taylor and practice-squad holdover Aaron Adams, who received his first reps at left tackle with the second-team line when Sherrod shifted to the right side.

-- Myles White muffed another punt late in practice. His performance on offense has made him a front-runner for the No. 5 job, but he's been shaky behind Hyde and Cobb on fielding punts.

-- Rookie linebacker Carl Bradford has been off to a quiet start to camp, but won his first one-on-one against Jeremy Vujnovich. He also batted up a Tolzien pass in a late team period.

-- Mason Crosby continues to kick the ball well. He went 6-for-6 with makes from 33, 38, 43, 44, 46 and 48 yards.