Green Bay Packers: 3 Matchups to Watch in Week 15

Robert Tonyan vs. Jeremy Chinn

Jeremy Chinn was part of Carolina’s defensive overload in the draft this year and has been the most impactful rookie that they drafted. As a safety that often plays down in the box, Chinn has been the Panther’s leading tackler this year and has forced two fumbles, recovered two, and made an interception. His biggest game was just two weeks ago against Minnesota when he had 13 tackles and took two fumble recoveries to the house for touchdowns.

Tonyan, now in his third season with the Packers, has emerged as a top-tier tight end in the NFL. He’s caught 46 of the 52 passes thrown his way for 533 yards and nine touchdowns. It turns out he just needed to not have Jimmy Graham blocking him from being the starter for two seasons. Coincidentally, Tonyan was the only player Graham blocked in those two seasons.

Tonyan might have a tough time finding open space this week; however, as the middle of the defense is Carolina’s strength. Linebacker Shaq Thompson, along with safeties Tre Boston and Jeremy Chinn, are three of their best players on that side of the ball, and they’ll definitely know where Tonyan is at all times.

These are two probable future stars who are just getting started and will likely ascend in their position rankings in the years to come. We will likely see these guys across from each other a few more times before they’re done, and this is an exciting glimpse at a piece of the future of both teams.