In contrast to the earlier piece that delved into the “5 Most Disappointing Packers,” we’re opting for a glass-half-full perspective in this installment. It’s time to turn our gaze to the brighter side and highlight five Green Bay Packers who are brightening the season.
Indeed, the first four games have brought moments of frustration. Yet, they’ve also revealed plenty of occasions where the Packers have showcased their potential for dominance and brilliance.
For those who relish positivity, we’ve got your fix. Let’s delve into the world of these five Packers who are ascending in Green Bay.
These five players on the Green Bay Packers are emerging as rising star following the completion of the first four games of the season.
Packers Brightening the Season: Rudy Ford
Rudy Ford might not have been on everyone’s radar as a standout safety this season, but that doesn’t mean he hasn’t pleasantly surprised us all in the opening four games.
Granted, he’s had his share of less-than-pretty moments, but he’s also showcased a dependable presence in the secondary. With only five receptions allowed on 14 targets and a clean tackling record since the season opener, it’s hard to ask for much more from him.
Packers Brightening the Season: Dontyavion Wicks
Fifth-round rookie Dontayvion Wicks faced some uncertainty after an injury sidelined him for most of training camp and preseason. However, he’s quickly proven his worth.
In Week 2, he made his presence felt with two receptions for 40 yards and a touchdown, followed by another solid showing in Week 3 with four catches for 45 yards. His explosiveness and ability to create separation were evident in these games, providing a promising glimpse of his potential in the NFL.
Nevertheless, consistency remains a challenge. He’s sandwiched these impressive outings with games where he didn’t record a single reception and has occasionally gone off the radar. Such fluctuations are somewhat expected from a rookie, but the encouraging aspect is his demonstrated playmaking ability for the Packers.
Packers Brightening the Season: Rasul Douglas
While Jaire Alexander earned a spot on our list of most disappointing Packers, his counterpart, Rasul Douglas, is making a different kind of impact.
Douglas hasn’t been flawless, but he consistently injects Green Bay’s defense with swagger, confidence, and an unyielding spirit. This mentality proves invaluable, ensuring that his team remains resilient throughout the game.
Across four games this season, Douglas has displayed sturdy run support from his cornerback position, missing just two tackles while recording 17. In coverage, despite being frequently targeted, he has held his own. Douglas remains a steal for Green Bay, far exceeding expectations.
Packers Brightening the Season: Zach Tom
Despite the occasional chaos on the Packers’ offensive line this season, particularly with mounting injuries on the left side, Zach Tom has shone as a standout.
In the first four games, he’s emerged as Green Bay’s top-graded offensive lineman, trailing only David Bakhtiari, according to PFF. Among 68 qualified offensive tackles, Tom stands at a respectable 12th place. This comes as a pleasant surprise for a team now searching for another high-caliber offensive tackle, given Bakhtiari’s placement on injured reserve, leaving his season and potentially his career in question.
Packers Brightening the Season: Rashan Gary
All Rashan Gary does is win, win, win no matter what. He’s got money on his mind, cant never get enough.
Gary is on fire this season, and it’s evident despite his limited snaps. In just 59 pass-rushing plays across four games, he’s notched a remarkable 17 pressures and four sacks. This performance ranks him 11th out of 107 qualified edge players in the league.
With each game, Gary’s next contract gets more expensive. It’s somewhat surprising that the Packers haven’t locked him down with an extension yet, especially considering he’s in the final year of his contract. Nevertheless, we’ll be keeping a close watch on this situation as the season unfolds.