The Packers need Royce Newman to be more consistent
Royce Newman has struggled on the Green Bay Packers offensive line through the first three weeks. The Packers’ 2021 4th-round pick has been criticized by the media recently for his poor play. One analyst suggested the team bench him as PFF currently rates Newman as the Packers’ least productive offensive lineman. Newman has already given up two sacks of quarterback Aaron Rodgers this season. With David Bakhtiari and Elgton Jenkins becoming healthier here in Week 4, the Packers have more options on the offensive line to start.
Packers offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich is letting Newman feel the heat before the Packers game this Sunday against the New England Patriots. According to Matt Schneidman of The Athletic, Stenavich told reporters Thursday that Newman needs to step up his play in the next few weeks:
“I would still like him to be more consistent and more physical. I’m really hoping in the next few weeks we see that out of him because he has great ability, but we just need to see him take that next step and really get after some people,” Schneidman quotes Stenavich as saying.
OC Adam Stenavich on Royce Newman: "I would still like him to be more consistent and more physical. I’m really hoping in the next few weeks we see that out of him because he has great ability, but we just need to see him take that next step and really get after some people."
— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) September 29, 2022
Newman will need to up his game against the Patriots
Stenavich is letting Newman know the Packers will monitor his performance in the future. Newman and the entire offensive line must be more productive in the rushing attack. The offensive line struggled against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ run defense in Week 3 as the Packers gained just 67 yards on the ground. Not good production from a team that relies heavily on their running backs to succeed.
Newman will have a chance to respond against the Patriots. Stenavich believes Newman can be more physical, or he wouldn’t be starting. However, plenty of offensive linemen are waiting to get a chance to start if Newman cannot impress the Packers’ coaches soon. Zach Tom is an offensive lineman that impressed many Packers fans and coaches during the preseason. It’s possible the Packers could turn to him soon.
