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When you’re as injury riddled as the Green Bay Packers’ offensive line has been over the past few seasons, sometimes you gain benefits out of necessity.
What was once a thin group that was lacking experience is now a deep group with at least a decent amount of experience. Add in a free agent and a draft pick that was considered one of the top lineman prospects and you have a recipe for turning a weakness into a strength.
The Packers of course return David Bahktiari, the best left tackle in football, along with the underrated Corey Linsley, a healthy Lane Taylor and the still talented Bryan Bulaga who played at a high level even injured last season.
The team also added Billy Turner to occupy the other guard position and drafted Elgton Jenkins who will assume a guard position at some point.
As for depth, Lucas Patrick, Justin McCray, Jason Spriggs, Alex Light and Adam Pankey round out the rest of the depth chart and all have professional playing experience. At last there isn’t a threat of an undrafted rookie protecting Aaron Rodgers.
With head coach Matt LaFleur installing a new zone blocking scheme, a lot is going to be asked of the line besides staying healthy. But should problems arise (which are inevitable, really), the Packers are in much better shape than they have been in recent years.
There’s more on the offensive line plus the Packers are planning their birthday party in today’s cheese curds.
Countdown to Camp: Experience, depth aplenty on offensive line—Packers.com
You never want to see your offensive line injured but at least there won’t be a completely raw player (save Jenkins) helping protect the franchise quarterback.
In case you didn’t know, LaFleur wants to run the football. This is the best way to ease pressure on Rodgers and if for some reason it doesn’t work, it won’t be due to lack of trying.
Packers’ birthday plans include cupcakes, giveaways and signed grass seed—PackersNews.com
The Packers are planting the seeds for another successful 100 years, but a free event during training camp will provide a look back and a chance to celebrate the first century of Green Bay football.
Aaron Rodgers describes what it’s like to face Aaron Donald—Rams Wire
Rodgers respects Donald and his description of going up against the Rams star is one of the highest compliments a quarterback can give a defender.
Two-headed turtle born in Malaysia—AFP
Is this a precursor to Godzilla? Because I’m pretty sure this is the opening scene to a monster movie. Just keep that turtle away from radiation.