The Green Bay Packers offense has been putting on a clinic all season. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers looks like he is on the verge of winning his third career NFL MVP trophy. Wide receiver Davante Adams and his regular-season 115 receptions have made a strong argument he is the best pass catcher in the NFL. Tight end Robert Tonyan looks like he is the pass-catching tight end the Packers have been in search of. The combination of running backs Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams has led an impressive run game. All previously players mentioned have been key pieces to the offense’s success. However, one unit, that does not nearly get the recognition they should has been just as good. On Saturday, the Green Bay Packers offensive line domination over the Los Angeles Rams shows why they are the best in the league.
Green Bay Packers Offensive Line Dominates Los Angeles Rams
When you talk about superstars playing in the NFL, offensive linemen are not the first to come to mind. Quarterbacks, wide receivers, and running backs are usually the ones to grab the headlines. Even defensive players are mentioned before offensive linemen. They do dirty work and never get attention unless they fail to do their job.
The Packers offensive line is littered with superstars. Left tackle David Bakhtiari, out for the remainder of the season with a knee injury, was voted to the Pro Bowl as well as to the first-team All-Pro team. Joining Bakhtiari on the Pro Bowl team is the second-year guard Elgton Jenkins. While starting center Corey Linsley, like with Bakhtiari, was voted to the first string All-Pro team.
However, it is not just the superstars of the Packers offensive line who have made the team so good this year. Tackle Billy Turner could be the MVP of the Packers offensive line. His ability to flip from right tackle to left tackle because of Bakhtiari’s injury has been a season saver for the Packers.
Backup linemen Rick Wagner and Lucas Patrick have been just as important. Both players have stepped in when injuries forced starters out. Their play has allowed the Packers offensive line to continue their high-level play.
The Packers offensive line continuity and play are major reasons the offense has been so successful this season. Both attributes were on display in their playoff victory on Saturday against the Rams.
Shine Bright on the Biggest Stage
The NFL playoffs are the biggest stage for the NFL season. For players, they either shine or melt under the pressure. On Saturday afternoon at Lambeau Field the Packers offensive line showed they were up for the challenge.
The equipment manager for the Packers owes the Packers offensive line a big thank you for keeping Aaron Rodgers uniform sparkling. The Packers offensive line did not allow a sack to the Rams defense on Sunday. With the time the Packers offensive line allowed Rodgers, he completed 23 of 36 passes for 296 yards and two touchdown passes.
Standout Rams defensive lineman Aaron Donald came into Saturday’s game less than 100 percent due to a rib injury. Still, a 50 percent Donald is better than most NFL defensive linemen. Guards Elgton Jenkins and Lucas Patrick kept Donald in check on Saturday. Donald was held to zero sacks and just one tackle.
The Packers offensive line also shined in run-game blocking. Aaron Jones rushed for 99 yards on just 14 carries with one touchdown run. Included in that 99 yards for Jones was a 60-yard run that took place early in the second half. Fellow running back Jamaal Williams also got into the fun carrying the ball 12 times for 65 yards.
The Packers offensive line dominated in all facets of the game. If they can continue this pace, it is hard to envision anyone stopping the Packers offense.
The Offensive Line’s Performance Allowing Rodgers to do What he Does
Aaron Rodgers is not your normal 37-year-old quarterback. While some people have called him an “elite game manager”, that is far from reality. Rodgers still has the ability to scramble and make plays on the run with his arm as well as his feet. However, with the Packers offensive line playing at an elite level it has allowed Rodgers to not have to do that this season.
This season the Packers offensive line ranked third in sacks allowed. Those types of numbers illustrate why Rodgers has played more in the pocket this season. It is highly doubtful that Rodgers could have been more of a pocket passer if the offensive line had not done so well in pass protection.
This is not the first time the Packers have had an elite offensive line protecting an older veteran quarterback. In 2003 the Packers offensive line was one of the best. The line consisted of tackles Chad Clifton, Mark Tauscher, guards Marco Rivera and Mike Wahl, as well as center Mike Flanagan. That unit allowed a 34-year-old Brett Favre to throw for 32 touchdowns and 3,361 yards. Favre was sacked just 19 times.
The current Packers offensive line is giving that unit a run for its money. They might not be as good at run blocking (Packers running back Ahman Green rushed for over 1800 yards in 2003) but they are right up there in pass protection. Both units are showing what happens when you have an exceptional offensive line protecting a quarterback that is capable of changing a game with their arm when given time.
The current Packers offensive line has the chance to do something the 2003 unit did not do: Win a Super Bowl.
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