The Packers beat the Seattle Seahawks in a 17-0 victory and are now 8-2. They are first place in the NFC North and are currently in the number one seed of the NFC. The Packers have overcome drama in the offseason and devastating injuries this year. There are a lot of players, people, and coaches who deserve credit for the Packers’ success this season. Here are all of the unsung heroes for the Packers this year.
Player #1: Kevin King
The player that deserves a lot of credit this year is Kevin King. He has taken criticism for his bad play in the NFC Championship game giving up a touchdown before halftime. Despite that, he has played very well this season. A big part of it is that Joe Barry is playing to his strength which is playing press-man coverage. His tackling has been very better this year and has been the highest-graded corner according to Pro Football Focus these last couple of weeks. If he can continue his level of play especially when Jaire Alexander and Zadarius Smith come back this team will be dangerous on defense.
Player #2: Dean Lowry
A player that has been certainly a surprise was Dean Lowry. He has played some of his best football this season. He has not played well when he signed his extension and has not earned his payday. However, took a pay cut this offseason and is proving himself this year. Kenny Clark has been in need of help alongside him on the defensive line Dean Lowry has been a big contributor to taking the pressure off of Kenny Clark this season. He has been very stout against the run this year and has constantly been getting the interior pressure. If Dean Lowry can continue his level of play he may force the Packers to keep him around a little bit longer.
Player #3: Yosh Ninjman
Packers were devastated at left tackle early in the year with David Bakhtiari recovering from torn ACL. Also, Elgton Jenkins missed a couple of games with an ankle injury. Yosh Ninjman became the starting left tackle due to injuries and there were indeed concerns. Yet, he has come through for the Packers in the games that he started at left tackle. Faced a lot of good pass rushers like Nick Bosa and TJ Watt. Had his bad moments but for the most part, did very well when he was in the starting lineup. His good performance showed the Packers have depth along the offensive line something that they did not have last year especially when David Bakhtiari tore his ACL. Thanks to Ninjman’s good performance it gives the Packers quality depth on the offensive line and also could be a starter in the near future.
Player #4: Henry Black
The Packers have always been one of the best teams in finding hidden gems. They indeed might have found one in Henry Black. He was an undrafted rookie free agent out of Baylor last year as he was just supposed to be a camp body or a depth piece. However, he is proving he is more than just that. Black showed flashes last year he could be a good player in the NFL. In his first NFL game, he caused a forced fumble that sealed a victory for the Packers against the Houston Texans. That play indeed caught the eye of the Packers. This year he has been a key contributor to the Packers defense this year. In addition, had a key interception against the Arizona Cardinals this year. He may be a starting safety for the Packers in the near future.
Player #5: Rashan Gary
The Packer’s drafting of Rashan Gary was considered a reach by many critics. This year, however, he is starting to come into his own as a pass rusher. No, he does not have any big sack numbers but sacks are not what judge a pass rusher. Sacks can be the most overrated stat to judge a pass rusher with. Gary does a lot of things that do not show up on the stat sheet. Numerous times you see him hold the edge in the run game and getting numerous pressures on the quarterback. In fact, Gary is one of the best in the NFL with quarterback hits with over twenty already. Has really stepped up with pro bowl pass rusher Zadarius Smith missing most of the season. Gary might be in line for a big payday if he continues to trend up with the Packers.
Player #6: De’Vondre Campbell
The Packers got the steal of free agency this year as they signed De’Vondre Campbell to a bargain deal. Campbell has been a stud for the Packers defense this year as he is having a career year. Helps to have an inside linebacker specialist in defensive coordinator Joe Barry. He is the leader and signal-caller of the Packers defense and has been flying all over the football field. Campbell is giving the Packers the best inside linebacker play since Nick Barnett. Right now according to Pro Football Focus he is one of the best inside linebackers in the NFL. In the offseason of 2022, the Packers need to most likely try to extend him as he might be the best inside linebacker they have had in a long time.
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