Green Bay Packers: 3 Biggest Surprises at the Bye Week
By Paul Bretl
Green Bay Packers TE – Robert Tonyan
Over the offseason, it was second-year tight end Jace Sternberger, who was expected by many to have a breakout year in 2020. However, through four games, Sternberger is at the bottom of the tight end depth chart, and Robert Tonyan has emerged as TE1.
During training camp, Matt LaFleur told reporters not to rule out Tonyan for that top tight end spot, and I’m assuming more of us should have listened. But even if you thought Tonyan would be Aaron Rodgers’ go-to tight end target this season, I’m guessing you’re still a bit surprised at just how effective he’s been.
Through four games, Tonyan has hauled in 13 receptions on 14 targets for 173 yards with five touchdowns, which is tied for the second-most among all tight ends and receivers this season. By Football Outsiders’ DVOA metric, which in addition to stats takes into account the opponent, down, distance, as well as other variables, Tonyan is the NFL’s top-rated tight end; and it isn’t particularly close. Not to mention that he’s a willing blocker as well.
After the tight position had underwhelmed in Green Bay for the better part of this decade, it would appear that the Packers finally have their reliable and dynamic receiving option.