The Green Bay Packers have one of the worst rushing offenses in the NFL this season. Aaron Jones, of course, injured his hamstring in Week One, causing him to miss the Packers’ games against the Atlanta Falcons and New Orleans Saints. When he did return for the loss against the Detroit Lions, he was given limited snaps in an effort to bring him back slowly.
In the absence of Jones, AJ Dillon has received a great deal of criticism from fans for being unable to gain yards on the ground at the rate they expected him to. Similarly, Emanuel Wilson and Patrick Taylor have not been able to establish themselves as legitimate rushing threats this year.
Related: Green Bay Packers Legend Defends AJ Dillon Amidst Recent Struggles
Most of the criticism towards the running backs, though, is terribly misplaced. The fact of the matter is that none of the Packers’ offensive linemen, even when they are completely healthy, are good run blockers. As a unit, the offensive line is great at pass blocking (the Lions’ game aside), but has consistently failed whoever is lining up at running back.
The Green Bay Packers Offensive Line Is Below-Average at Run Blocking
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According to PFF, the Packers has a team run blocking grade of 52.7, which ranks 24th in the NFL. In contrast, Green Bay has a pass blocking grade of 72.6, which ranks third in the NFL.
As Packers legend Gilbert Brown has noted on multiple occasions this season, the Packers have not built their line to run the ball. They built their line to protect the quarterback and, aside from the loss to Detroit, they have been very good at it.
The fact of the matter is that it does not matter if it is Jones, Dillon, or Jonathan Taylor lining up as the Packers’ starting running back. If the offensive line cannot run block, the running game will not be good regardless of who is running the ball.
Green Bay Packers Center Josh Myers Is One of the Worst Run Blockers in the NFL
According to PFF, Packers center Josh Myers has the fourth-best pass blocking grade of any NFL center who has played at least 80% of offensive snaps this season (68.2). This is an area that he seems to have improved upon in the offseason. However, he was always a better pass blocker than he was a run blocker, and the difference this year is concerning.
Also according to PFF, Myers has a run blocking grade of 57.0, the second-worst among starting centers in the NFL. Only Lucas Patrick of the Chicago Bears is worse (47.0).
The Green Bay Packers Are Encouraged to Sign Free Agent Center Ben Jones
In order to upgrade their center position, Bleacher Report‘s Alex Ballentine suggests that the Packers explore signing free agent center Ben Jones:
“With Jenkins and Baktiari out, this Packers offensive line could use a veteran capable of providing stability and leadership. Moving Zach Tom to the pivot is out of the question given how good he has been at right tackle.
“This could be a job for Ben Jones. The former Tennessee Titan is 34 years old but he posted a PFF grade of 71.9 while allowing just one sack on 682 snaps last season.
“Jones was released by the Titans with a failed physical designation but he hasn’t ruled out a return to the NFL. If he’s healthy, he would be a logical addition.”
That 71.9 overall grade from PFF sure looks good, but his 73.7 run blocking grade from 2022 would look even better on this Packers’ offense.
The chances that Green Bay make a move in-season like this, replacing Jordan Love’s center just a few weeks into the season, are not high. However, the center position is certainly one that needs an upgrade at some point, whether it be during this season or during the offseason.
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