Green Bay Packers 2022 regular season superlatives before Week 1
By Paul Bretl
Green Bay Packers 2022 regular season superlatives
Breakout player: Josh Myers
Josh Myers, unfortunately, missed a large chunk of games during his rookie season due to an injury, but based on what we saw this summer, he very much appears poised to make that Year 2 leap that so many successful NFL players have made in the past.
This summer, Myers was incredibly steady at the center position and really one of the few constants as we saw players rotating in and out. During the preseason, Myers didn’t allow a single pressure in pass protection, and he ranked ninth among all offensive linemen with at least 30 snaps in PFF’s run-blocking grade.
As a center, it won’t be as easy to see Myers’ contributions and if he is having that breakout season, but if the offensive line is going to be that X-Factor, it’ll be important that Myers is playing at a high level.
Darkhorse contributor: Shemar Jean-Charles
With Eric Stokes, Jaire Alexander, and Rasul Douglas, it’s not as if there are going to be a ton of extra cornerback snaps to go around. But with that said, Shemar Jean-Charles could work his way into a niche role with his ability in the slot.
Speaking of Year 2 leaps, Jean-Charles is another player who may be making one. He finished the preseason allowing just two receptions on seven targets for a total of 13 yards.
If he can be a trusted option for Joe Barry in the slot, he will provide the Packers with additional flexibility. Perhaps this would allow them to move Douglas to safety for some snaps, something that we did see this summer.
Again, Stokes, Alexander, and Douglas will see the majority of the cornerback snaps, but Jean-Charles’ play this summer may have created some opportunities for him in specific situations.
Unsung Hero: TJ Slaton
A good defense begins with strong play in the trenches. Given TJ Slaton’s role as a nose tackle and a run-stuffer, he oftentimes won’t show up on the stat sheet; however, his teammates will know he’s there.
In part, a few of the key responsibilities that come with being a run-stuffer is eating up space and occupying double-teams. This makes it difficult for Slaton to make plays, but it frees up the linebackers as well as the other members of the defensive front.
Whether it be against the run or the pass, the best way to quickly wreck any offensive play is with a strong push from the interior defensive line.