Green Bay Packers: 3 Matchups to Watch in Week 17
By Kenny Jilek
Packers Tackles vs. Khalil Mack
The Green Bay Packers got some devastating news this week with the loss of David Bakhtiari for the rest of the year. However, they’ll have to have the next man up philosophy this week because Khalil Mack will feel no sympathy for anyone that he meets on the edge.
There are three guys that can play offensive tackle for the Packers and have this season. Elgton Jenkins, Billy Turner, and Rick Wagner have all seen time there this season and have all done a good job. Wagner, if healthy, will almost definitely be the right tackle, which leaves left tackle for either Jenkins or Turner. That is the one that will likely take on Mack the most, and they’ll have to be ready for one of the best pass rushers in the game coming at them.
Mack has been a Pro Bowler in every season since his rookie year and continued that streak in this 2020 season. He can be an absolute game wrecker if you let him, similar to what Brian Burns did, stopping the Packers in the second half with his pressure on Rodgers. Mack is on another level from Burns, and he will be the most important factor in the Bears trying to stop the Green Bay Packers’ passing attack.
The offensive line has thrived on their versatility this season, but this week will be their biggest test and will be a great measuring stick for how they’ll be during the playoffs. They have to hold up against Mack to get that number one seed and get an extra week for Turner and Jenkins to practice at tackle.