5 Big Questions Facing Green Bay Packers v. Ravens
By Paul Bretl
How will Dennis Kelly hold up at RT for the Green Bay Packers?
After yet another injury along the offensive line, Dennis Kelly had to take over at right tackle last week for Billy Turner, who left with a knee injury. And just as every other offensive lineman has done this season, Kelly performed well, allowing no pressures in 24 pass-block reps.
However, it’s fair to wonder how he will hold up in his first start of the season against Baltimore.
Kelly was the Tennessee Titans starting right tackle in 2020, playing over 1,000 total snaps and not allowing a single sack, according to PFF ($$). This week he will be up against rookie Odafe Oweh, who leads the Ravens in pressures, as well as Justin Houston, who is third on the team in pressures.
When it comes to Kelly, as well as Yosh Nijman and the rest of the offensive line, there is help that LaFleur and Rodgers can provide with the quick passing game, tight end chips, motion, and of course, running the ball, that will put the offensive line in more favorable positions.
As already mentioned, this Ravens front is allowing only 3.9 yards per rush this season, but they will be without Calais Campbell, who has been one of the better interior run defenders this season. The Baltimore pass-rush is good but not great, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see them really try to blitz Rodgers in an effort to help their depleted secondary.
It’s incredibly rare that a team will be deep enough along the offensive line that their fourth option at tackle is a player of Kelly’s caliber and his experience. At this point, there’s no reason to think that he won’t play well.
"“Dennis is the consummate pro — and I knew that when we got him,” LaFleur said via the Wisconsin State Journal. “He’s so reliable, and he graded out really, really well in this last game. So, I was really pleased with his performance. I do think it will be beneficial for him to get those first-team reps (in practice).” Added offensive line coach Adam Stenavich: “Dennis did a very good job. Stepped in, and the offense didn’t miss a beat. You could see that he was champing at the bit for the last five or six weeks now to help out any way that he could. So he got in there, did a great job, and I feel confident that he’ll keep that level up.”"