Green Bay Packers: 10 Quick Observations from Matchup w/ Jets
By Paul Bretl
![Aug 21, 2021; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Malik Taylor (86) catches a pass during the second quarter against the New York Jets at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports Aug 21, 2021; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Malik Taylor (86) catches a pass during the second quarter against the New York Jets at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/3b03f3508585841203fb81a55ef6369cb4f4dcebde664804582c30c89ff623f7.jpg)
Yosh Nijman improves quite a bit
Speaking of improved offensive line play, Yosh Nijman had a much better week against the New York Jets. According to PFF ($$), Nijman didn’t allow a sack or any pressures. For a Green Bay Packers team that has very few true tackles on this team, Nijman is still someone who could carve out a roster spot and provide some depth.
Kurt Benkert is creating a difficult decision for LaFleur
Benkert had the opportunity to play a majority of Saturday’s game, and he took advantage of it. He finished the game completing 18 of his 25 passes — including two beautiful sideline completions to Taylor and a perfectly placed ball to Jace Sternberger in the end zone — for 151 yards along with a touchdown and one interception.
The difficult decision that I referenced is whether or not the Green Bay Packers decide to keep three quarterbacks on the active roster. Given how many teams struggle to find good quarterback play, I wouldn’t be surprised whatsoever if Benkert didn’t clear waivers prior to being placed on the Packers’ practice squad.
In making this decision, it’s not only about the 2021 season but 2022 as well. We don’t know what the future holds for Aaron Rodgers, and perhaps the Packers, like what they’ve seen from Benkert, to want him as Jordan Love’s backup next season if Rodgers is gone. But if Green Bay does choose to only keep Rodgers and Love because they’d rather use that roster spot on a different position, then they’ll have to know that Benkert may end up elsewhere.
Will Redmond and the safeties
Will Redmond had spent a good portion of training camp on the NFI list and has just recently returned. He was on the field for only nine defensive snaps — I’m not sure if that’s a good or a bad thing — and came away with one tackle against New York.
On the other hand, Henry Black (7) and Innis Gaines (6) had 13 combined tackles between the two of them, which was the first and second-most on the team. Both players also saw 15 special teams snaps, which was tied for the second-most behind only Kabion Ento. With how well Black, Gaines, and Vernon Scott have been playing, Redmond very well could be on the outside looking in.