The Green Bay Packers will have a new quarterback under center for Week One for the first time in 15 years. This, of course, comes with multiple questions regarding what the offense will look like and how well it will perform. Despite the youth in the team’s wide receiver and tight end rooms, the offensive line is composed of multiple veterans with a long history of solid play. One of these is incumbent left tackle David Bakhtiari, who was able to return to the field last year after missing over a year due to a torn ACL.
Bakhtiari, of course, is known for his long-standing friendship with Rodgers, who officiated his wedding last year. Offensive line coach Luke Butkus was asked about Bakhtiari’s health and if he would be “all-in” despite his friend being traded.
Green Bay Packers Coach Luke Butkus Thinks David Bakhtiari Will Protect Jordan Love Like He’s Aaron Rodgers
When asked about Bakhtiari’s health, Butkus revealed that he has been in contact with the five-time Pro Bowler all offseason regarding his knee:
“I can’t speak for him. We had this conversation about knowing your own body. Everybody’s different. But he’s in a good place. I feel confident coming up here and saying he’s in a good place physically and mentally. He’s sharp. This is Year 5 in the system for him, so he knows what to do – he’s always known what to do. To get him a full, healthy, … I think it’s going to be great for all of us.”
On Bakhtiari’s approach being similar or different due to Love starting instead of Rodgers:
“I think you know Dave has juice and will always have juice … Dave’s going to be fine.”
When asked about if the approach of the entire offensive line will change with Love under center, Butkus said:
“It’s Jordan’s time. These guys have a great relationship with Jordan. They’re all kind of the same age, they’ve come in together, they’ve grown together, they’re going to rally around Jordan and protect him like it was anybody else back there.
“We have a little motto in the O-line room. We block to infinity. If it’s No. 10 back there, No. 12, No. 8, it doesn’t matter. We’re going to still block to infinity. That’s our job to protect that quarterback, to help our runners. That’s what we strive for and that’s what we’re going to build on every day.”
Despite the criticism of some fans due to the length of Bakhtiari’s recover, the fact of the matter is that no one that matters has ever questioned his professionalism. Changing up his attitude towards playing to the best of his ability due to who is the quarterback would not necessarily be the most professional thing, and that is not who Bakhtiari is.
With Elgton Jenkins at left guard and Bakhtiari at left tackle, Love’s blindside is very well protected.
For More Great Wisconsin Sports Content
Follow me on Twitter at @theotherRobin19 and follow us @WiSportsHeroics for more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in Wisconsin sports, click here!
