The Green Bay Packers, at 2-5, are at the point of the year where they need to start trying something different if they are to win games. Some may say that it is well past time for the coaching staff to implement changes, particularly on offense. However, it seems as if the Packers’ latest loss, a 24-10 embarrassment at home in the confines of Lambeau Field may have persuaded head coach Matt LaFleur to make a much needed change.
During his press conference on Monday, LaFleur was asked about the starting left tackle job. Rasheed Walker, who has been filling in for the injured David Bakhtiari, was benched in favor of Yosh Nijman during the game. He only returned after Nijman exited with a foot injury.
Nijman, though, avoided serious injury and will be available to play against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday. LaFleur indicated that either one of them, Walker or Nijman, could be named the starter.
The Green Bay Packers May Have Yosh Nijman Start at Left Tackle Instead of Rasheed Walker
Through seven games, Walker has allowed the most sacks of any other offensive lineman on the team (three) and has given up the second-most pressures (14). He also has been penalized more than any other offensive player having been flagged seven times already this season. Jordan Love has the second-most (four- delay of game penalties) and Jon Runyan Jr. is second among the lineman with three flags.
On Sunday, Walker erased a massive gain by Jordan Love and the offense. The first-year starting quarterback hit Jayden Reed down the sideline for a 20+ yard gain on third down. However, Walker was flagged for being an illegal man downfield.
Walker also gave up a sack on a play in which he completely missed the defender he was tasked to block. After these plays and other frustrating non-movement up front, LaFleur decided to replace Walker with Nijman during the game.
Nijamn, however, has been banished to the bench for most of the season, despite being a good backup and swing tackle for the Packers over the last two seasons. While it is unknown why Walker has been favored over Nijman, it appears that Walker’s own poor play might have put Nijman back into the rotation.
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1 Comment
When is the coach going to wake up and try a new quarterback