Packers OL Dominates Despite Playing Musical Chairs
Despite what has seemed like constant movement, the Green Bay Packers' offensive line continues to dominate.
By Paul_Bretl
Coming into the 2020 season, we knew that the left side of the Green Bay Packers' offensive line, made up of David Bakhtiari, Elgton Jenkins, and Corey Linsley, was going to be very good. However, there were some questions when it came to the right side.
Who will replace Bryan Bulaga? Can Rick Wagner bounce back? Can Billy Turner effectively play tackle for an entire season? Will Lane Taylor challenge for the starting right guard spot?
But now here we are eight games into the Packers' season, and many of those questions and concerns have been alleviated as Green Bay has one of, if not the best offensive line unit in the NFL.
ESPN's pass block win rate metric measures how often an offensive lineman can hold his block for at least 2.5 seconds. As a unit heading into Week 9 of the NFL season, the Packers offensive line ranked first, with a win rate of 73 percent. They've also allowed just nine sacks, which is the second-fewest in the league and their adjusted sack rate -- which gives sacks per pass attempt adjusted for down, distance, and opponent -- from Football Outsiders of just 4.1 percent is the second best as well.
In terms of running blocking, once again by ESPN's run blocking win rate metric, the Packers ranked first in the NFL heading into Week 9. Not to mention that the 4.7 yards per carry that the Green Bay running backs are averaging is the sixth most in football.
As good as those numbers are and as good as this unit has been, what makes it all the more impressive is that they've been playing musical chairs all season long. Due to several injuries along the offensive line this season, we have seen a lot of movement and positional changes. Here is a quick breakdown of where each offensive lineman has played this season:
By ESPN’s pass block and run block win rate metrics, the Packers are 1st in both with:
Turner at LT & RT
Jenkins at LT, LG, C, RT
Linsley at C
Bakhtiari at LT
Taylor at RG
Patrick at LG, RG, C
Wagner at LT & RT
Runyan at LG & RGIt’s been musical chairs & they still dominate.
— Paul Bretl (@Paul_Bretl) November 7, 2020
After wondering if Turner could be effective as the right tackle, he's instead been very good at both tackle positions. Meanwhile, Wagner is yet to allow a sack or quarterback hit at right tackle, and Lucas Patrick has been dominant along the interior with no sacks or quarterback hits either. Then there is rookie 6th round pick Jon Runyan has stepped in to play both guard positions, while Elgton Jenkins' versatility and high level of play is just unmatched.
To put it simply, what this unit is doing is incredible. Look around the NFL, and typically when you see injuries along the offensive line, the unit suffers greatly, and as a result, so does the rest of the offense. But in Green Bay, you instead have one of the best units in the game.
The versatility of this group speaks volumes, as several of them have been able to transition from one position to the next, oftentimes within the same game, and their level of play doesn't change. Also, credit where credit is due as GM Brian Gutekunst drafted both Jenkins and Runyan, signed Turner and Wagner, and he gave Patrick a contract extension last December.
At the halfway point, the Green Bay Packers sit at 6-2, first in the NFC North, and tied for the best record in the NFC. There are, of course, a number of reasons behind their success, but one of the biggest factors has been the play of the offensive line. And the fact that they've had to deal with several injuries makes their performance all the more impressive.
At the end of the day, you don't see bad offensive lines winning Super Bowls.
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__________________________
Born and raised in Green Bay, WI and I still call it home. After my family, watching the Packers, sharing my opinions on the team through my writing and interacting with other fans is my greatest passion. You can find me on Twitter at @Paul_Bretl.
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Comments (12)
Leatherhead
November 09, 2020 at 01:01 pm
This is as good of a line as I recall the Packers having. The Clifton- Tauscher lines from 2000-2010 were real good but this one is deeper, I think. We’ve had a lot of different combinations out there and have still protected an old QB from getting hit most of the time.
I think linemen must love all this misdirection, because it gives them a better chance at getting leverage.
Hematite
November 09, 2020 at 02:07 pm
The offensive line has been a very pleasant surprise
considering the injury factor.
I have to be honest, I didn't have a lot of faith in some of these guys at the start of the season but they have gelled into quite an effective unit.
egbertsouse
November 09, 2020 at 02:41 pm
I don’t know about the analytics but my eyes told me the OL stunk against Tampa Bay. Otherwise, they’ve looked good.
PeteK
November 09, 2020 at 04:37 pm
Even worse against an inferior Vikings defense.
TarynsEyes
November 09, 2020 at 03:15 pm
The rotating of the OL, less for injury purposes, is likely the attempt to match up against the opponents defensive skill players at varying positions. The benefit is taking away or attempt to, that is the threat to the offensive scheme/plan, and if each of the linemen can enhance offensive output by the ability to match up on demand instead of locked into one spot, it would behoove MLF to do so under the circumstances, although some defenses will make such moot.
porupack
November 09, 2020 at 07:56 pm
I don't think that is really possible. Defensive lineman can move all over on any given play. An offensive lineman is stuck. So there would be no advantage to trying to line up an Olineman against a specific Dlineman. That Dlineman, would just move once the line was set. Or maybe I'm not getting your point.
TarynsEyes
November 09, 2020 at 10:24 pm
I'm not referring to in-game rotation, but who gets the start. Even with defense allowed to move, the match up in regard to Tackles and OLBs will be higher percentage from designated sides, right or left. Start the LT more matched to the skill set of the pass rusher for the team, speed, bull, bend.
porupack
November 09, 2020 at 07:52 pm
Great feature Paul! Very impressive and as you say, all the more due to the constant shuffling. I wonder if any team has ever been able to match that feat. Must be some fine coaching/coordinating.
Thegreatreynoldo
November 10, 2020 at 07:09 am
I don't think win rate is a good metric. I agree with the thrust of the premise that the OL has been very good and the players have been very versatile.
I don't think this is a dominant run-blocking team. Not when they need a yard.
Since'61
November 10, 2020 at 08:26 am
Any offense goes as far as their OL takes them. The Packers OL has done a solid job so far this season. The fact that they have numerous players who can play numerous positions on the OL is a great asset. My compliments to the OL coaching staff.
I believe that they still need to work on their short yardage and goal line blocking but overall, given the number of injuries they have experienced they have been very effective.
If we could get the same level of performance from our DL we would be a dominant team. Go Pack Go!
Thanks, Since ‘61
PatrickGB
November 10, 2020 at 11:00 am
Like many of the players on the line, I was sad to see James Campen go. I had heard so many good things about him but Matt was adamant that he wanted his guy. Matt was right.
Lare
November 10, 2020 at 02:16 pm
Really a pleasant surprise to see the OL perform well in a variety of formations & positions this season.
That said, a bummer for Linsley & Bakhtiari. They'll get their money somewhere but it probably won't be in Green Bay.