3 X-Factors for Green Bay Packers against Vikings in Week 1
By Paul Bretl
Green Bay Packers X-Factors: Royce Newman
At this time, we don’t know what the makeup of the Green Bay Packers offensive line is going to look like, with both Elgton Jenkins and David Bakhtiari listed as questionable. For all we know, Royce Newman may not even end up playing, or he is going to be the starting right tackle against a very good Vikings pass rush.
Newman was the starting right guard for much of 2021 and did progress as the season went along. But even by the end, he still had struggles with pass rush stunts and in the run game. This summer would come with its ups and downs at right tackle, where Newman spent much of his time.
If Aaron Rodgers has time in the pocket, he will then have the opportunity to pick on a questionable Vikings’ cornerback room. However, without it, moving the ball becomes all the more challenging. For what it’s worth, Rodgers ranked near the bottom of the NFL in completion percentage last season when under pressure, according to PFF ($$).
If at right tackle, Newman will likely need some assistance from the tight ends, and the Packers will lean on the quick passing game. Finding success on the ground will also be important, not only to have a somewhat balanced attack but also to prevent the Minnesota pass rush from pinning their ears back on every play.
Again, we don’t know who the starting offensive tackles will be for the Green Bay Packers, but if Newman ends up as one of them, his success is going to be vital to this offense moving the ball with consistency. When it comes to offensive line play, the unit is often only as strong as its weakest link.