Green Bay Packers Post Bye Week Superlatives
By Paul Bretl
Green Bay Packers Post Bye Week Superlatives Part II
The Unsung Hero: Billy Turner
We don’t talk about Billy Turner very much, and when it comes to the offensive line, well, that’s a good thing. Despite all of the injuries and movement this season, Turner has once again been rock-solid at right tackle, providing the Green Bay Packers with a very reliable presence.
We don’t talk enough about how good Billy Turner is (except @RossUglem) pic.twitter.com/tedTGDAwAW
— Peter Bukowski (@Peter_Bukowski) December 1, 2021
And if you don’t believe me, then take Aaron Rodgers’ word for it. Recently on the Pat McAfee Show, Rodgers would call Turner the “unsung hero” of this offensive line.
"“Billy Turner needs to get consideration for the Pro Bowl,” Rodgers said via Packers Wire. “I know we’re only six games in, but he’s played outstanding. He really has. He’s a master of his craft. Nobody works harder at his craft than Billy. I’m really proud of him.”"
X-Factor: Dean Lowry
When Dean Lowry is playing well — something he’s done fairly regularly this season — the entire defense benefits. There’s less attention on Kenny Clark and the edge rushers, and it also gives Clark the freedom to move around more to find those one-on-one matchups away from the A-gap. The linebackers are kept clean to make plays, and there’s really no better way to blow a play up than getting a good push up the middle.
Although Lowry is not one to typically fill the stat sheet, he has been doing so this season. Through 12 games, he has logged 25 pressures and four sacks per PFF. For some context, in each of the last two seasons, he has never accumulated more than 21 pressures and had just three total sacks.
Most Improved Player: Rashan Gary
From 2020 to 2021, Rashan Gary has gone from being the third edge rusher with some really good flashes here and there to being that guy and one of the more productive edge rushers in football. Despite missing a game, Gary’s 50 pressures are tied for the seventh-most among edge rushers, and his 12 quarterback hits are tied for fourth. He’s also been very good against the run as well.
"“That’s the thing about Rashan, his motor is hot all the time,” said OLB coach Mike Smith via SI. I couldn’t be more proud of Rashan. Nothing will ever change with that kid. He’ll always be the same, humble, hungry, love football, study, still texting me at 11 o clock at night. I’m lucky to be his coach, for damn sure.”"