5 Quick Takeaways from Packers Week 5 Snap Counts vs. Giants

The Green Bay Packers fell apart in the second half against the New York Giants, thanks to a lackluster offense and a defense that couldn’t get off the field.

As part of my weekly recap from the Packers performance, here are five quick takeaways from Green Bay’s snap count figures.

25 snaps for David Bakhtiari

Initially, after seeing that David Bakhtiari played 25 snaps this week compared to 70 the week prior, a wave of concern might wash over you. However, my guess is that the 25 snaps are more so a product of how the game played out.

The Packers continued rotating Bakhtiari with Yosh Nijman as both alternated series for the entire game. Nijman would finish with 38 snaps to Bakhtiari’s 25, but a big factor in that discrepancy was that one of Bakhtiari’s series was the three-and-out following the New York scoring drive.

Matt LaFleur would mention that the long flight and playing on turf did factor into the Packers continuing with their rotation. Overall, Bakhtiari was credited with allowing only one pressure, according to PFF ($$).

One kick return attempt for Amari Rodgers

Amari Rodgers’ already limited role continues to shrink. With no opportunities for him on offense, Rodgers has been the kick and punt returner for the Packers this season, but he lost those kick return responsibilities on Sunday to Christian Watson.

Rodgers entered the game ranked 30th, averaging 20.8 yards per kick return. Watson, unfortunately, didn’t fare any better, totaling just 35 yards on two attempts–although the blocking wasn’t great, and with his speed, he brings a lot more playmaking ability.

Watson left with a hamstring injury, which is where Rodgers’ one return attempt came from. We will see what Watson’s status is for next Sunday’s game or if Green Bay will look for another return man instead of Rodgers. In addition to losing the kick return job, Rodgers also fumbled a punt for the second time this season, likely putting him on even thinner ice.

40 snaps for Randall Cobb

Out of Allen Lazard, Romeo Doubs, and Christian Watson, Randall Cobb has consistently seen the least amount of playing time this season. However, when on the field, he has been very efficient, especially on third downs, averaging 1.40 yards per play overall prior to Week 5, as Justis Mosqueda of Acme Packing Co. pointed out.

Given Cobb’s play this season, Rodgers mentioned last Wednesday that he needed more opportunities.

"“He looks like 2016 Randall, I think,” Rodgers said via Packers Wire. “He needs more opportunities. He deserves more opportunities.”"

Well, Cobb got those additional opportunities on Sunday, playing 40 snaps and receiving 11 targets, both of which are season highs for him. He finished the game with seven receptions and 99 yards.

The usage of four tight ends

The Packers have a wide variety of skill sets at the tight end position, and they use them all fairly regularly. Robert Tonyan is able to stretch the field as a pass-catcher, while Marcedes Lewis is like a sixth offensive lineman on the field. Josiah Deguara fills the H-back role, and Tyler Davis has been utilized both as a blocker and pass-catcher.

Overall this season, Lewis and Tonyan have both played just under 45% of the offensive snaps. Davis is at 25%, and Degaura is at 18%. The usage of all four tight ends and their differing skill sets provides additional flexibility when it comes to mixing and matching his personnel.

Robert Tonyan also continues to be worked back slowly. When fully healthy in 2020, he was playing, on average, over 60% of the offensive snaps, compared to the 44% he has played this season.

25 snaps for TJ Slaton

Facing Saquon Barkley and the run-heavy Giants, TJ Slaton was on the field for 25 snaps in London, the most of the 2022 season, and he had perhaps the best performance of his career. Slaton was getting a steady push into the backfield from the nose tackle position while also eating up space and taking on double teams, which helped create opportunities for his teammates.

Barkley may have had a 40-yard run, but otherwise, the Packers’ front seven did a good job of bottling him up, allowing only 30 yards on his other 12 attempts. Following that performance, Slaton could be in store for a larger role moving forward.