3 X-Factors for Green Bay Packers Against Vikings
By Paul Bretl
Each week, we know the stars of this Green Bay Packers team have to perform if they hope to win, but X-Factors can change from game to game given the matchup and the opponent.
Everyone may have a slightly different definition of what an X-Factor is, but to me, it’s a player who doesn’t quite fall into the super star category that can leave his mark and really dictate the outcome based on their performance.
This week, as the Green Bay Packers take on the Minnesota Vikings, I have 3 X-Factors to keep our eyes on.
Green Bay Packers X-Factor: Josiah Deguara
After losing Robert Tonyan for the season due to an ACL injury against Arizona, it took a few weeks for the other Green Bay Packers tight ends to find their groove and really make an impact. However, over the last several games, they’ve been able to do just that–and I don’t only mean Josiah Deguara, but also Marcedes Lewis and even Tyler Davis who has impressed as a blocker and is earning more playing time.
Deguara is one of my X-Factors for two reasons. The first is that both Lewis and Davis are currently on the reserve/COVID list. Now, there is the possibility under the NFL’s new protocols that Big Dog could be back for Sunday’s game, but Davis will not be given when his positive test occurred. Dominique Dafney has also been a limited participant each day at practice. This means it could be a much larger workload for Deguara.
The second reason that I have him listed is because of what he adds to this offense with the do-it-all nature of his skill-set. According to PFF ($$), since Week 11, Deguara has caught 12 of his 16 targets for 115 yards and a touchdown. He also ranks sixth among tight ends in average YAC per catch during that span, and he’s PFF’s fifth-highest graded run-blocking tight end as well. Also, in addition to lining up in-line and in the backfield, Deguara’s snaps from the slot have really increased as well during Tonyan’s absence.
Matt LaFleur will often discuss the illusion of complexity, which in short, means running different plays that begin similarly as well as the same play from a variety of formations–all of which are meant to keep defenses off balance. With Deguara’s ability as a blocker, pass-catcher, and versatility to line up across the formation, he can be a key cog in helping the offense achieve that illusion of complexity, which ultimately leads to them moving the ball.