Green Bay Packers: 5 Under the Radar Performers from Week 3
By Paul Bretl
We can spot on television or look at the stat sheet and see that Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams had another pair of terrific performances for the Green Bay Packers on Sunday Night.
We all saw Jaire Alexander’s impressive interception, Kenny Clark busting through the offensive line on several occasions, as well as the 40+ yard receptions from Allen Lazard and Marquez Valdes-Scantling.
But as they say in football, it takes all 53 to win a game. So who provided this Packers team with some impactful performances that may have flown under the radar?
Well, I have five Green Bay Packers players in particular that deserve some recognition.
Preston Smith
Through three games, Smith hasn’t necessarily filled the stat sheet with eye-popping numbers, but he is playing so much better than what he did in 2020.
In San Francisco, he was very good at setting the edge against the run — as a team the 49ers averaged only 3.2 yards per rush — and as a pass rusher, he tallied four pressures and a sack, according to PFF ($$), along with one tackle for loss.
Billy Turner
We don’t often talk about Billy Turner much anymore, which for an offensive lineman is almost always a good thing. With plenty of movement along the offensive line due to injuries and some inexperience inside, Turner continues to provide a steady and reliable presence at right tackle.
Up against a very good San Francisco pass rush, Turner did not allow a single sack or quarterback pressure. Aaron Jones also averaged 6.5 yards per rush on four attempts when he was running behind Turner.
Corey Bojorquez
What an upgrade Bojorquez has provided at punter for the Green Bay Packers. On three attempts he averaged 54.7 yards per punt, but what makes him even more effective is his ability to kick directionally, pinning the return man along the sidelines, and leaving him with few options.
De’Vondre Campbell
I’m not sure how much Campbell flies under the radar at this point as many are starting to see what he offers this Green Bay Packers defense, but he is deserving of a shoutout.
Campbell once again led the team in tackles, which can be a hollow stat, but in this instance, it is because Campbell always seems to be around the football—making plays at the line of scrimmage as well sideline to sideline. In coverage against the Niners, he allowed only 4.8 yards per catch on five receptions.
Through three games, Campbell is PFF’s 10th highest graded inside linebacker. He too has been a major upgrade.
The blocking abilities of Lazard, Valdes-Scantling, Lewis, and Tonyan
The Green Bay Packers offensive line played well, but they did get some assistance from Marcedes Lewis and Robert Tonyan on chip blocks or on occasions when they were kept in-line as essentially a sixth offensive lineman.
When it comes to Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Allen Lazard, even if these two aren’t lighting up the stat sheet, they play important roles in this offense as blockers. On just about any screen or outside run, you will see either one of these receivers making strong blocks and creating running lanes as well as space for the ball carrier.
These blocking roles don’t draw much attention, but they are a necessity for the offense’s success.