There are a lot of reasons that the Green Bay Packers are the 2019 NFC North Champions. Running back Aaron Jones was a weapon, on the ground and in the passing game, this season. The pass-rushing combo of Za’Darius Smith and Preston Smith led the Packers defense. The cornerback play of Kevin King and Jaire Alexander shored up the secondary. But there is a group that doesn’t get nearly the credit they should. The Packers offensive line, with their play and depth, was a major contributor in their 13-3 regular-season record.
Play and Depth of Green Bay Packers Offensive Line Proving Vital
Not taking anything away from the play of Jones, the Smiths, King, and Alexander. Each of them was major contributors for the Packers successful regular season. However, what the Packers offensive line did this season was quite remarkable.
A lot of Packers fans, including this writer, had written off veteran starting right tackle Bryan Bulaga heading into this season. Bulaga’s injury problems had hampered him throughout his career. So much so, many wondered if the Packers would release him before this season. But Bulaga was hearing none of that. Not only did he start every game this season, only the second time in his career, but he played at a very high level.
On the opposite side of Bulaga, it wasn’t David Bakhtiari‘s best season, but still, it was better than most starting left tackles in the NFL. While his play might not have been up to his high standards, it was good enough to make the Pro Bowl. The Packers have been blessed with quality play at both tackle positions this season. Both players were a major reason that quarterback Aaron Rodgers was only sacked just 36 times this season.
But the tackles weren’t the only part of the Packers offensive line that stood out this season.
Rookie Leads Interior Part of O-Line
When the Packers were on the board in the second round of the 2019 NFL draft, most fans were hoping for a wide receiver selection. But instead, general manager Brian Gutekunst selected offensive lineman Elgton Jenkins. For Packers fans, they should thank God for unanswered prayers.
When former starting left guard Lane Taylor went down to injury in week two, Jenkins stepped in and hasn’t looked back. Jenkins has been a standout both in the passing and ground game. The former center out of Mississippi State looks to be a longtime starter on the Packers offensive line. His play has been so impressive, it appears that Taylor won’t be in the Packers future.
The Packers signed Billy Turner as a free agent to shore up the starting right guard position. He has done just that. His play has been steady, but most importantly, he has been available. He started all 16 games, which included last week against the Detroit Lions, even with having to deal with an injured ankle. Turner has bolstered that position for the Packers offensive line.
Corey Linsley isn’t a sizzle player. He comes to work every day and just does his job. He might not be named to Pro Bowls or make All-Pro teams, but he does what is needed for the Packers offensive line.
Once again, he started a full 16 game regular schedule for the Packers. However, he had to bow out of last week’s game with a back injury that has hampered him throughout the season. But fortunately for the Packers, they have the needed depth.
Depth on Offensive Line Important for Packers
Don Barclay, Byron Bell, Jason Spriggs, and Justin McCray. These were past Packers offensive linemen that were supposed to provide depth. Unfortunately for the Packers, they either struggled or failed to do so.
But this season, the Packers offensive line has depth. That was shown last week when Linsley went down with an injury. Lucas Patrick stepped in and provided solid play. A former undrafted free agent for the Packers, he has worked himself into a top reserve position. His play is so valued by the Packers, he was given a contract extension before week 17.
Patrick wasn’t the only reserve that had to step up in the Lions game. Bulaga suffered a concussion that forced veteran tackle Jared Veldheer into action. Veldheer, a ten-year veteran who was picked up on waivers late in the season, filled in admirably and had a solid game in place of Bulaga.
Having a veteran tackle like Veldheer as your top reserve tackle is quite an asset for the Packers. Bulaga has battled injuries throughout his career, so having an experienced player like Veldheer helps if Bulaga falls to injury. Veldheer has started 113 games in the NFL during his career.
Even Jenkins is a great example of the Packers offensive line depth. When Taylor, a longtime starter for the Packers, went down, Jenkins stepped right in. The depth the Packers offensive line currently has might play into how far they will go in the playoffs.
With solid, if not exceptional, play and the depth in case of injury, the Packers offensive line is ready for the playoffs.
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