1 Big Question Facing Each Green Bay Packers Position Group at the Bye

GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - OCTOBER 24: Aaron Jones #33, Aaron Rodgers #12, and AJ Dillon #28 of the Green Bay Packers meet before the game against the Washington Football Team at Lambeau Field on October 24, 2021 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - OCTOBER 24: Aaron Jones #33, Aaron Rodgers #12, and AJ Dillon #28 of the Green Bay Packers meet before the game against the Washington Football Team at Lambeau Field on October 24, 2021 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /
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Nov 21, 2021; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) and guard Royce Newman (70) in action against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports /

Green Bay Packers OL: How good can this group be?

With numerous injuries and what has felt like constant shuffling along the offensive line this season, the Green Bay Packers offensive line unit has held up well, all things considered. By ESPN’s run-blocking and pass-blocking win rate metrics, the Green Bay offensive line ranks seventh in both categories.

However, the run game isn’t ripping off as many big plays as it did a season ago and it is averaging just 4.1 yards per rush, which ranks 21st. Meanwhile, in pass protection, this group does need to be accounted for whether that be with tight end chips or relying on the quick passing game.

Regardless of whether you looked at ESPN’s rankings, PFF’s or simply the number of sacks and pressures allowed, the 2020 Packers offensive line was the best — or very close — in football. I can’t envision this year’s unit getting to that level, but they are still a very good unit overall–but just how good can they be?

While there is certainly a ceiling on what the current five starters can do, the good news is that this offensive line unit and the entire offense, in general, will get a boost when David Bakhtiari returns–which could happen in December. And hopefully, joining him at some point will be Josh Myers.

I mentioned above that practice time could be one way that this offense finds more success. Well, another is this offensive line taking their play to a new level as well–a more efficient run game and more time for Rodgers will do wonders.