Green Bay Packers: 4 Matchups to Watch in Week 12
By Kenny Jilek
Elgton Jenkins vs. Akiem Hicks
Last week, the big heavyweight battle in the interior was on the other side of the ball, but with Akiem Hicks coming to town — who is listed as questionable but let’s assume he plays — the focus shifts to the Green Bay Packers’ interior offensive line and whether they can keep the big man in check.
Hicks loves to move around the interior of the line, playing in either A or B gap on any given snap, so we won’t know exactly who he’ll see the most of, but when he’s across from Jenkins, expect to see a great duel.
Like Hicks, Jenkins also moves all around the offensive line and will play either guard or center on Sunday. If Corey Linsley is still out with the injury he incurred on Sunday, Jenkins will likely be slotted in at center as he was against the Colts, but if Linsley plays, he’ll go back to his spot at left guard. Either way, he’ll be getting a heavy dose of Hicks.
Hicks made his first Pro-Bowl in the 2018 season, and after a year hindered by injuries in 2019, he’s back and wreaking havoc in the interior across the league. His 3.5 sacks rank him seventh in the league among defensive tackles, and his 30 pressures are good for third.
Jenkins, meanwhile, has been great everywhere the Packers have asked him to play. He’s allowed just one sack this season and has been instrumental in the running game as well. This is two of the league’s best in the middle, and Green Bay will need Jenkins to be a strong anchor for both their rushing and passing attacks to get going.