Green Bay Packers: Veteran Additions Make Huge Impact in Arizona
By Paul Bretl
With the uncertainty surrounding the Green Bay Packers’ organization beyond the 2021 season, it’s been clear for seven months now that Brian Gutekunst and Co. are operating much differently than what they have in previous years.
For starters, they’ve pushed roughly $51 million worth of cap charges from 2021 into future years to help keep the current team together. On top of that, they’ve also made several veteran additions at this point in the season as well.
Now, many will point to this new operating style as the Packers’ way of trying to appease Aaron Rodgers, and to some degree, that’s true. Even with all the moves made by Gutey, Randall Cobb is not in Green Bay if not for Rodgers.
However, I don’t believe that’s the sole reason for these moves either. Unlike the first two years of Matt LaFleur’s tenure with the Green Bay Packers, the team is battling numerous injuries this season–and that has also played a big part in the moves we’ve seen made.
Although Ted Thompson likely wouldn’t have made many — if any — of these moves, Gutekunst has absolutely shown a willingness to look for upgrades during his time as GM. So as is the case with most things, when it comes to why Green Bay has been so active in adding players, there’s more than one reason why–and no, it’s not only because of Rodgers.
But I digress; regardless of why these veteran players have been brought in, many of these moves have already paid off in major ways, and we saw that on full display in Arizona.
De’Vondre Campbell continued playing at a high level, tallying seven tackles, two of which were for a loss, along with a sack, and again, he was sticky in coverage.
Rasul Douglas led the team in tackles, and of course, came away with the game-clinching interception as Arizona was threatening to score.
Whitney Mercilus, who has been in Green Bay for just over a week, logged three pressures, which were tied for the most on the team, according to PFF ($$).
Then there is Randall Cobb, who hauled in a pair of touchdown receptions. While Corey Bojorquez continues to flip the field, including one punt that resulted in a fumble by Arizona’s Rondale Moore.
This certainly isn’t the first time that either of these players have made an impact in Green Bay. Campbell is PFF’s top-rated linebacker; Douglas has been CB2 since Week 6, while Mercilus logged an impressive four pressures in his Packer debut after being on the team for only a few days.
Cobb remains Mr. Reliable, coming up with big plays in the red zone and on third downs, while Bojorquez has been one of the better punters in football this season.
In a game where the Green Bay Packers were traveling cross country on a short week to face a then-undefeated Cardinals team while also missing several key players, the impact of these veteran additions was absolutely felt. And it’s safe to say that Green Bay does not win this game if these moves aren’t made–that’s the type of impact that was made.
"“You love when you can plug in veteran players who can play football at a high level in those spots,” said Rodgers via Packers Wire.“I love the energy with these guys.”"