The Green Bay Packers beat the Pittsburgh Steelers 27-17 in another signature win. This team is indeed proving so much so that the week one game was just a bad day. Since that game, the Packers have definitely been a much-improved team on both sides of the ball. The offense has scored an average of 30 points a game since week one and the defense has been improving right along side them. GM Brian Gutekunst is looking like a great manager for the Packers right now. Here’s why:
Investment In the Offensive Line is Paying Off
Brian Gutekunst had one big qualification for getting the Packers’ General Manager job; Being head scout and having an eye for seeing amazing offensive players. Some of those scouted players include T.J. Lang, Josh Sitton, Corey Linsley, Bryan Bulaga, Scott Wells, and even JC Tretter. In addition recently drafted Elgton Jenkins, Jon Runyan, Royce Newman, and Josh Myers.
The Packer’s offensive line this year has had a lot of moving parts and missing key starters. However, the offensive line has held up really well as Aaron Rodgers has been well protected and most of the sacks he has taken are not on the offensive line. Brian Gutekunst’s eye for offensive line talent is paying off as the Packers may have the deepest offensive line in the NFL.
Free Agents Have Delivered Positive Impacts.
Brian Gutekunst’s signings in free agency have been pretty impressive. Signing Billy Turner, Preston Smith, Zadarius Smith, and Adrian Amos in 2019 was probably his best transaction. All four are currently in their third year with the team which is rare. In 2020, he signed Christian Kirksey and Ricky Wagner. Both have contributed in a major way down the stretch just cap issues caused for their releases. However, Gutekunst may have the most underrated signing in De’Vondre Campbell who has become a leader of the Packers defense. Gutekunst’s free agency signings have definitely contributed to the Packers back to back NFC championship appearances.
Draft Picks Are Showing Up For Gutekunst
Brian Gutekunst’s drafting has had its hits and misses but a lot of his picks are starting to show up. Jaire Alexander clearly was a hit and he became a lockdown corner, but unfortunately was hurt in Sunday’s game. 2019 first-round pick Rashan Gary starting become a factor for the Packers as he had a key sack on Big Ben Roethlisberger. Kingsley Keke had his breakout game and looks to be the guy that gives Kenny Clark some much-needed help. Elgton Jenkins before he got hurt is becoming the best versatile offensive lineman in the NFL. Darnell Savage is becoming a staple for the Packer’s defense. Now Eric Stokes looks like he became defensive rookie of the year in the 2021 season. A good amount of Gutekunst draft picks are really contributing to the Packer’s current 3-1 record.
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