4 Concerns for the Green Bay Packers Ahead of Training Camp
By Paul Bretl
Green Bay Packers Concerns: Can the OL stay healthy?
When taking into consideration that the Green Bay Packers utilized seven different offensive line configurations last season as they dealt with numerous injuries, this unit held up fairly well.
With that said, this 2021 Packers offensive line wasn’t nearly as good as their 2020 version — as should have been expected — which resulted in a less efficient offense.
We didn’t see nearly as many explosive runs, with that total dropping from 53 to 37, according to Sharp Football. Play-action also wasn’t as effective, in part because the defense wasn’t as concerned about the run game, but another factor could be that Rodgers just didn’t consistently have the time he needed.
We also saw fewer downfield attempts, which could be attributed to trying to get the ball out quicker. Tight ends were delayed in getting into their routes because they had to help block, and even with Rodgers getting the ball out more quickly, he was still pressured more often in 2021, according to PFF ($$).
As I wrote recently, while there are unknowns about this Packers offense this season, which largely stems from the uncertainty at receiver, the play of the offensive line can go a long way in quelling those concerns. Giving Rodgers time in the pocket plus a strong run game can be the catalysts to Green Bay’s success on offense. These two factors are always important, but they feel particularly crucial to the Packers’ effectiveness this season.
Being able to give Rodgers time and having a run game to lean on begins with having a healthy offensive line and putting the best five on the field–which means having David Bakhtiari available and getting Elton Jenkins back as quickly as possible.