The Green Bay Packers have hit the quarter mark of the season with a 2-2 record, and it’s a fair reflection of their performance thus far.
What’s promising, however, is the glimpses of potential brilliance this young squad has displayed. It’s only natural for a team with so many fresh faces to experience ups and downs, but the true measure of their progress lies in the remaining 13 games. Can they build on their flashes of excellence?
A good starting point for improvement is to focus on the individual performances of the following five players. These individuals have been among the most disappointing Packers this season and need a turnaround to help the team succeed.
These five players on the Green Bay Packers have been the most disappointing on the team after their first four games of the season.
Most Disappointing Packers: Jon Runyan
Jon Runyan finds himself in a pivotal contract year, with substantial financial stakes hanging in the balance. However, his performance this season hasn’t lived up to his previous standards since he became a starter in 2021.
Over the course of four games, he’s conceded seven pressures and incurred two penalties. Furthermore, his running grade, per PFF, is the second-lowest on the team, trailing only Royce Newman. Runyan has demonstrated his capabilities as a reliable right guard in the past, and it’s high time he rediscovers that level of play.
Most Disappointing Packers: Josiah Deguara
Josiah Deguara is yet another Packers’ player approaching the end of his contract, and his recent performances aren’t making a compelling case for the team to extend his stay.
Selected in the third round of the 2020 draft, Deguara was envisioned as the Packers’ answer to Kyle Juszczyk—a versatile fullback/tight end hybrid capable of opening up running lanes and contributing as a pass-catcher. Regrettably, he has struggled to carve out a defining role and often appears lost on the field.
Currently, he occupies the Packers’ second-lowest spot on PFF’s grading system (just behind Newman), yet he continues to see significant playing time. Coach Matt LaFleur may need to face reality and reconfigure the offense to operate without relying on Deguara’s presence.
Most Disappointing Packers: Kingsley Enagbare
Expectations were high for outside linebacker Kingsley Enagbare, who is entering his second year in the NFL. He had ended the previous season on a high note and had showcased impressive skills during training camp and the preseason. However, the reality hasn’t matched the hype, as he’s struggled in the early part of this season.
Enagbare, primarily known for his pass-rushing prowess, has been slow off the blocks. Despite 57 pass-rushing attempts, he’s managed three pressures and has yet to notch a sack. This is a significant disappointment, given his reputation as a quarterback disruptor.
His woes extend to run defense, where he’s struggled to maintain containment on the edge, allowing opposing running backs to break free. According to PFF, his run defense grades as the second-lowest on the team, painting a concerning picture for the Packers.
Most Disappointing Packers: Jaire Alexander
Jaire Alexander currently boasts the NFL’s highest average salary for cornerbacks, courtesy of his recent four-year, $84 million contract extension with the Packers. However, his on-field performance hasn’t matched this lofty financial status.
While he’s been limited to just two games due to a back injury that sidelined him for Weeks 3 and 4, his performance against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 2 left much to be desired. During that game, he surrendered five receptions on six targets, yielding a total of 99 yards and a touchdown. Moreover, his tackling efforts seemed half-hearted, and his contributions to run support were lackluster.
It’s possible that his injury contributed to this underwhelming display. Nevertheless, if Alexander wants to live up to his reputation as the NFL’s premier cornerback, he needs to elevate his game significantly and not be another warm body on the field.
Most Disappointing Packers: AJ Dillon
AJ Dillon’s rushing average has been on a concerning decline since his rookie year, plummeting from 5.3 yards per carry to half that figure to kick off this season.
Certainly, blame can be spread among various parties, especially his offensive line, but Dillon himself hasn’t escaped scrutiny. His recent performances have showcased a lack of speed and explosiveness. Rather than eluding defenders, he often collides with them, resulting in quick takedowns.
This issue is further magnified given Aaron Jones’ injury concerns and the Packers’ reluctance to deploy him as a full-time back, even when he’s in good health. Dillon must rediscover the prowess he displayed early in his career and become a playmaker with the ball in his hands once more.