The Green Bay Packers, at 2-3, are far from being a well-oiled machine in any facet of the game. The Miami Dolphins, on the other hand and at 5-1, are on pace to set some NFL scoring records and have already put up 70 points in one game already this season. In other words, the two teams are obviously at different levels.
The Packers, of course, are in a transition year with a plethora of young inexperienced players while the Dolphins boast multiple Pro Bowlers and All-Pro’s at the skill positions on offense and defense. If there was ever a team for the young Packers to try and emulate, it is Miami, and it sounds like that is what they are going to try and do for the rest of the season.
Green Bay Packers Right Guard Jon Runyan Jr. Says the Offense Is Going to Look More Like the Miami Dolphins Going Forward
The Dolphins currently lead the NFL with a whopping 498.7 yards per game on offense. The next closest team, the Philadelphia Eagles, are averaging 395.0 yards per game. Miami is also averaging an incredible 37.2 points per game. The San Francisco 49ers are second in the NFL with 30.7.
On the other end of the spectrum, the Packers rank 28th in the NFL with 281.6 yards per game on offense. However, it may be surprising to learn that they rank 13th in points per game with 22.6.
Obviously, the Packers are far from being on the same level as the Dolphins; but offensive guard Jon Runyan Jr. claims that Green Bay is going to look at a lot more like Miami going forward. As he told reporters today:
Jon Runyan Jr.’s take on the #Packers offense, in which he says they “can and will have shades of” the Dolphins going forward. 👀 pic.twitter.com/hH4wIPHF4c
— Brandon Kinnard (@brandonkinnard) October 18, 2023
“I think we’re slowly developing and finding our identity. This is a way different team that we’ve had in, well, this is my fourth year here. The first three years, really veteran led and we could really lean on those guys.
“But this year we have a young, a really young, squad. We’ve got playmakers. Kind of a different offense too. Want to get the ball out into space and see what these young kids can do with it.
“And that’s exciting. That’s kind of what football is going to now. I think, kind of look at like Miami, and their offense, I feel like our offense can and will have shades of that going forward.”
Given what the Packers’ offense has looked like, it is hard to see how they can look even a little like the Dolphins going forward; yet, there could be a way (or two).
How Can the Green Bay Packers Spark Their Offense?
The Packers’ offense would get a significant boost if Aaron Jones is healthy enough to play on Sunday against the Denver Broncos. In Green Bay’s Week One win, they put up 329 yards of total offense and scored 38 points (though seven points came off of a Quay Walker interception that was returned for a touchdown). Jones himself had over 120 total yards and scored twice.
In other words, Jones really makes the offense go.
However, Jones is not the only player that can improve the Packers’ offense. In many cases, Green Bay has the exact playmakers they need, but have not called the right plays for them consistently.
Take the eight touchdown passes Jordan Love has thrown this season into consideration. They have been:
- An eight-yard pass to Romeo Doubs
- A 35-yard catch and run by Aaron Jones
- A four-yard pass to Doubs
- A nine-yard pass to Jayden Reed
- A 32-yard catch and run by Dontayvion Wicks
- A ten-yard catch and run by Reed
- An eight-yard pass to Doubs
- A one-yard pass to Christian Watson
What sticks out? Most of his touchdown passes have come in the red zone on short throws. The ones that were not were short passes that Love’s pass catchers turned into big plays.
In other words, the big play throws, especially early in drives, need to be put on the shelf. The offense moves better and scores more when Love is not called on to make home run plays.
There is also this to consider: rookie wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks gets open more against man coverage than any wide receiver in the NFL. This is not an opinion. It is a verified fact. Yet, Wicks has only been targeted 14 times this season.
Wicks should be targeted more, especially when the defense is playing man coverage. That will make the entire offense look better.
Not Miami level perhaps; but better.
The Green Bay Packers, currently at a 2-3 record, are looking to revamp their offensive strategy, drawing inspiration from the high-scoring Miami Dolphins. Right Guard Jon Runyan Jr. expressed optimism about the Packers’ offense evolving to resemble the Dolphins’ dynamic playstyle. For more insights and updates on the Packers, check out the latest Green Bay Packers News.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does Jon Runyan son play in the NFL?
Yes, Jon Runyan Jr. plays in the NFL as a guard for the Green Bay Packers. Born on August 8, 1997, he joined the team after playing college football at Michigan. With his skills and talent, Jon Runyan Jr. contributes to the success of the Packers in the National Football League (NFL).
What is Jon Runyan doing now?
Jon Runyan currently holds the role of NFL's Vice President of Policy and Rules Administration, working closely with Troy Vincent, the league's Executive Vice President of Football Operations.
1 Comment
So long as Barry is still coaching the other side of the ball, does it really matter if the offense improves? The offense can only catty them so far so long as Barry insists on covering opponents top receivers with linebackers/defensive ends.