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With continuity key, Zach Tom to left tackle makes most sense for Packers

By Paul Bretl

LANDOVER, MD - OCTOBER 23: Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers reacts to a play against the Washington Commanders during the second half of the game at FedExField on October 23, 2022 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - OCTOBER 23: Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers reacts to a play against the Washington Commanders during the second half of the game at FedExField on October 23, 2022 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /
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Without David Bakhtiari for Sunday’s game against Chicago, the Green Bay Packers have a few options when it comes to replacing him at left tackle. This includes Zach Tom, Elgton Jenkins, and Yosh Nijman, but if I were to guess, I’d bet that it is Tom who gets the start.

Continuity is an important element of offensive line play, and starting Tom at left tackle allows Jenkins to stay at left guard and Nijman at right tackle, keeping the other four positions along the offensive line intact. On top of that, the last time Bakhtiari missed time came in Week 9 against the Detroit Lions, where Tom was the one who took over at left tackle.

Tom has played 99 snaps at left tackle this season and another 96 at left guard, according to PFF ($$). At tackle, he is yet to allow a sack or a pressure in those two appearances. Tom has certainly held up well, but those impressive pass-blocking numbers were also assisted by the game plan, which utilized the quick passing game to get rid of the football. Matt LaFleur also said following the Washington game in Week 7 — one of Tom’s starts — that some plays had to be scrapped without Bakhtiari protecting Rodgers’ blindside against a very good Commanders’ pass rush.

The Packers have dealt with a lot of movement and injuries along the offensive line this season. In fact, they have already utilized nine different configurations. However, they had been healthy and had that elusive continuity the last few weeks, and it’s not a coincidence that in two of their last three games, they’ve scored over 30 points. A healthy offensive line finding its groove led to Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon totaling 310 rushing yards against Dallas and Philadelphia, along with providing Rodgers the time to find Christian Watson, who had 217 receiving yards during that span.

This week the Packers face a Bears defensive front that has struggled to get after the quarterback, ranking 26th in pressure rate this season. Meanwhile, against the run, Chicago is allowing 4.7 yards per carry and ranks 28th in rush DVOA. Overall, the Packers’ offense has an opportunity to continue building upon some recent strong performances against a Bears defense allowing over 25 points per game.

At least by my calculus, Tom starting at left tackle seems like the most likely outcome. But as we all know, under LaFleur, we’ve seen a few surprises when it comes to how the offensive line is configured. If the Packers want Jenkins at left tackle, Tom then likely slides into left guard. If Nijman moves back to left tackle, then Green Bay could move Jenkins back to right tackle, with Tom again moving to left guard.

The overall versatility that the Green Bay Packers have at the offensive line position has provided them with a lot of options as they have dealt with injuries this season, but in my opinion, the less movement, the better.

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