On Sunday, the Green Bay Packers shocked the NFL world. The Packers took down the number two seed Dallas Cowboys 48-32 in playoff action. A lot of players/units stood out and easily could have been named MVPs of the game. Quarterback Jordan Love continued his torrid play while running back Aaron Jones was magnificent. The Packers defense impressed by shutting down the Cowboys offense for three quarters. However, there is one unit that stood out that isn’t getting the same type of attention. That being the Green Bay Packers offensive line.
Green Bay Packers Offensive Line Starting to Gel at the Right Time
Green Bay Packers offensive line coach Luke Butkus deserves an apology. We are sorry, Luke. It wasn’t long ago that we wrote that it appeared Butkus would be out of a job after this season. Around the mid-point of this season, the Packers offensive line was struggling. It was something that Packers fans weren’t accustomed to seeing. Under current (and former offensive line coach) offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich, the Packers offensive line was the backbone of the offense. The mid-season struggles, deserved or not, fell on the shoulders of Butkus.
But credit to Butkus, he stayed the course. Instead of panicking, he stood by his guys and worked through the issues. Head Coach Matt LaFleur also deserves a big part of that credit. He stood by his offensive line coach, believing he could turn things around. Which is exactly what Butkus did. The Packers offensive line turned it on late in the season and against the Cowboys, they continued their stellar play.
Rushing Attack Comes Alive
The Packers running game got a huge boost down the stretch when Jones returned to the lineup. Jones struggled throughout the season with injuries, but when the Packers offense needed him the most, he made his return. In the Packers past four games (three regular, one playoff), Jones has eclipsed the 100-yard rushing mark.
Jones ability to cut on a dime and make tacklers miss has been a big factor in the Packers rushing success. But it isn’t the only factor the Packers have found success running the ball. The Packers offensive line, especially the interior of the line, has done an outstanding job giving Jones creases to run through.
Interior of Line Standing Out
Veteran Elgton Jenkins, who we recently highlighted, has led the way in opening holes for Jones. While Jenkins might not be the same player he was before his 2021 season-ending injury, he is still one of the better guards in the NFL. If the Packers need to gain a yard, they are doing it behind Jenkins.
Butkus decided to take an unorthodox approach when it came to the right guard position. Around the mid-season mark, Butkus implemented a platoon system between Jon Runyan Jr. and Sean Rhyan. While it might have been unorthodox, the platoon system has worked. Runyan Jr. is the better pass protector of the two, which has helped in protecting Love. Rhyan is a mauler, and that ability has helped in the run game.
It appeared that center Josh Myers might be headed to the “draft bust” list. Myers struggled early this season, so much so it appeared that he was headed to being benched. But Butkus stuck with the former second-round pick and his play improved. By no means is he playing at an All-Pro level, but he is doing enough, especially in the run game, to contribute.
Strong Play at the Tackle Position
In the Packers past four games, all Packers victories, the Packers offensive line has only allowed Jordan Love to be sacked two times. Their ability to give Love time in the pocket is one of the reasons Love has been so successful in his first season as the starting quarterback. Much of the pass-protecting success has to do with the play at the tackle position.
The Packers appear to have a star in starting right tackle Zach Tom. The second-year tackle has been the star of the Packers offensive line. He has started every game this season and allowed just two sacks. Tom has become the Packers most athletic lineman and that ability is on display every time he has taken the field.
When veteran David Bakhtiari went down with another knee injury, it appeared the Packers offensive line would struggle. Those worries persisted after the combination of Yosh Nijman and Rasheed Walker struggled to replace Bahktiari. But like with the rest of the offensive line, things changed down the stretch. Nijman was placed on the bench and Walker became the full-time starter on the left side.
It hasn’t been all smooth sailing for the second-year tackle out of Penn State. He has given up six sacks and been penalized nine times this season. Still, his play has improved over the season and he has done enough that the Packers might believe he could be the long-term answer at left tackle.
Another Tough Match-Up
Against the Cowboys, the Packers offensive line didn’t allow a sack. That isn’t something that should go unnoticed. Micah Parsons (14 sacks), Dorance Armstrong (seven and a half sacks), and DeMarcus Lawrence (four sacks) were all held in check. That was something not many Cowboys opponents were able to do in 2023.
The Packers offensive line will have another difficult task next week against the San Francisco 49ers. This season, the 49ers had a stunning nine players register two and a half sacks or more. Of course, leading the way is defensive end Nick Bosa, one the best pass rushers in the NFL. But Bosa isn’t the only standout the 49ers have on their defensive line. Veterans Javon Hargrave, Arik Armstead, Chase Young, and Randy Gregory all are capable of creating pressure on the quarterback.
It will be a very tough task, but if last week is any gauge, the Packers offensive line will be ready for it. The Packers are embracing the underdog role and once again, they will be the underdog.
Main Photo: Mark Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
