/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/64996238/1158923936.jpg.0.jpg)
The Green Bay Packers’ first preseason game last Thursday saw a number of intriguing performances. From linebacker Ty Summers to running back Dexter Williams, there were reasons to be excited about a number of different players.
However, some of the most encouraging signs came from the depth on the interior of the Packers’ offensive line. In fact, two of Green Bay’s reserves on the inside earned honors from Pro Football Focus, landing on PFF’s team of the week for the first set of preseason games.
The two players were Justin McCray, who split time between left guard and center, and Anthony Coyle, who spent most of 2018 on the Packers’ practice squad. According to PFF, both players threw shutouts in pass protection on Thursday against the Houston Texans, with double-digit pass blocking snaps for each. McCray got PFF’s pick for the center spot on the team, while Coyle did his work lined up at right guard.
One other player who deserves some recognition for a very solid game is rookie second-round draft pick Elgton Jenkins. Jenkins played a bit all over the interior, starting at right guard and sliding inside to center for a handful of snaps as well. Ben Fennell of The Athletic looked at a few of Jenkins’ standout plays in a video breakdown on Twitter on Monday morning:
#Packers rookie Elgton Jenkins (@Big_E_14) contributed 29 snaps at RG & another 16 snaps at OC. Versatility a major asset for NFL OL rooms!
— Ben Fennell (@BenFennell_NFL) August 12, 2019
Starts at Miss State:
OC - 17
LT - 5
LG - 2
RT - 1
Solid pass pro 1-on-1 vs 3techs & nice pickup on T/T stunt on big Tonyan catch pic.twitter.com/Qo33DdzsO4
All told, it was a good day for many of the players on the interior of the Packers’ line. Probably the one player who had a particularly disappointing performance was Cole Madison, who was flagged twice for holding. Hopefully this group keeps up the good play into week two in Baltimore.