3 X-Factors for the Packers against the Bucs in Week 3
By Paul Bretl
Green Bay Packers OT Yosh Nijman
Compared to last season, Yosh Nijman is playing with a lot more confidence, and as a result, he has looked much more steady at the offensive tackle position.
Through two games, Nijman has the third highest pass-blocking grade from PFF, allowing no sacks and just three pressures. He has also done this against some very good edge rushers, having already faced Za’Darius Smith, Danielle Hunter, and Robert Quinn.
This week, Nijman faces another tough task going up against Shaq Barrett, who already has 10 pressures this season and ranks among the best in pass rush productivity. This is also a Buccaneers’ defense that isn’t afraid to blitz, either, and overall has been very good at pressuring the quarterback.
With sound play from the offensive tackle position, it can unlock so much more for this Packers offense. For starters, more time in the pocket and less pressure on Aaron Rodgers is always a good thing. Success on the ground will be a must for the Packers on Sunday, and it also frees up Robert Tonyan to be more of a pass-catcher than a blocker.
On the flip side, regular pressure on Rodgers or a stifled run game can lead to Green Bay becoming one-dimensional, and moving the ball on offense becomes a nearly impossible task against a defense of Tampa’s caliber.