Green Bay Packers: Jon Runyan Keeps Guard Competition Alive & Well

With two rookies starting along the offensive line and Elgton Jenkins at left tackle, this Green Bay Packers offensive line unit already looked quite different than what it did a year ago. But in Week 2 against Detroit, they again saw another change.

Lucas Patrick, the starting left guard against New Orleans, suffered a concussion on the last offensive play of the game. He was in concussion protocol for much of the week, and even though he was cleared to play and suited up, it was Jon Runyan who got the start.

As Matt LaFleur told reporters after the game, they made this decision early on in the week knowing that Patrick was likely going to miss practice time.

Runyan was one a few candidates competing for both of the starting guard openings this summer. While ultimately Runyan was eventually the odd man out with Patrick and Royce Newman being named the Week 1 starters, with his performance against Detroit he may have earned himself that title moving forward.

According to PFF ($$), in 35 pass-blocking snaps, Runyan did not allow a single sack or quarterback pressure. He also held up well as a run-blocker.

Although PFF’s grading system is not the be-all-end-all, it can be a useful tool to help illustrate really good — or really bad — performances. In Runyan’s case, he was the fourth highest-graded offensive player on the team, the 11th highest graded guard in Week 2, and he had the fourth-highest pass-blocking grade among guards last week as well.

Now, it’s worth noting that the Lions’ defensive front hasn’t exactly been an imposing force during these first two games. Detroit has the third-fewest quarterback hurries logged, they’re tied for 29th in pressures, and 19th in sacks. They also allowed 5.7 yards per carry to the San Francisco running backs Week 1.

This entire Green Bay Packers offensive line is going face a much tougher test this week against the 49ers.

But nonetheless, Runyan still impressed on Monday. When it comes to Patrick, he had some miscues against the Saints — who have a stout defensive front — but overall he was reliable.

For LaFleur, he now has a decision to make for Sunday’s game. Stick with the hot hand and likely future starting guard in Runyan, or go with the experience of Patrick, who is coming off a solid 2020 season.

Regardless of who LaFleur chooses, it’s important to remember that the configuration of the offensive line could change from week to week—which is something that we have seen in the past.

From the sounds of it, Sunday’s starter at left guard will be decided this week at practice, and as LaFleur always says, the goal is to put the best five offensive linemen on the field.

"“It’s going to be a competitive situation throughout,” LaFleur said via Sports Illustrated. “Runyan practiced all week and we felt comfortable with him. We felt it was probably best for Lucas long-term, as well, to only use him if absolutely necessary just to kind of let him rest another week. We decided to go with Runyan early in the week. We’ll look at it on a week-to-week basis. We’re always trying to get the best five out there.”"