Our First Peek at 2012

The Packers' first preseason game of 2012 is in the books—an ugly 21-13 loss to San Diego, if anyone puts stock in such things—and with it, we had our first look at the Packers' new Nike uniforms.

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers looks to throw against the San Diego Chargers during the first half of an NFL preseason football game Thursday, Aug. 9, 2012, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Lenny Ignelzi)

So far, so good. I especially like the rubberized NFL shield, which looks worlds better than the "NFL EQUIPMENT" patch.

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Randall Cobb (18) scores a touchdown in front of San Diego Chargers defensive back Shareece Wright during the first half of an NFL preseason football game Thursday, Aug. 9, 2012, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)

Interesting that the Packers are still wearing black cleats. I don't know if they will continue to wear black during the season or if they will take advantage of the new "team color" rule; the last time the Packers changed cleats, they did so after the last preseason game.

San Diego Chargers wide receiver Jason Barnes (30) is pursued by Green Bay Packers nose tackle B.J. Raji (90) during the first half of an NFL preseason football game Thursday, Aug. 9, 2012, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)

Two things stand out to me from this photo:

1. Nike has the same stretchy-number problem as Reebok; and
2. Man, the flywire collars on those Chargers' jerseys are brutal.

The material looks good under sunlight, even on a backup QB. The shorts are a little high over the knee, though.

Green Bay Packers quarterback Graham Harrell throws against the San Diego Chargers during the first half of an NFL preseason football game Thursday, Aug. 9, 2012, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Lenny Ignelzi)

Note the "EQUIPMENT" patch on Harrell's towel. Better there than on the jersey.

On the whole, I'm impressed. And once again, I'm very glad that the Packers rejected Nike's "Speed Machine" template and opted to remain with their classic construction.