The Packers offensive line can get better after Week 3
The Green Bay Packers offensive line became much better last week when offensive tackle David Bakhtiari was able to play against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The offensive line isn’t the same with him on the sidelines. The run blocking wasn’t super effective against the Buccaneers. Pass blocking has been an issue for the Packers early in the season. The Packers have given up eight sacks in their first three games.
Pro Football Focus ranks the Packers 17th in pass blocking through Week 3. They are ranked 22nd in run blocking. One analyst thinks the Packers should shake up the depth chart on the offensive line to help improve the unit blocking.
Alex Ballentine wrote this week that the Packers should bench offensive guard Royce Newman. Ballentine thinks the Packers could move some players to different parts of the offensive line to get Newman out of the lineup:
If head coach Matt LaFleur looks to make the simple swap, Yosh Nijman will be the odd man out. If he’s looking to get his best five linemen on the field, he’ll find a way to bench Royce Newman.
Through three games, Newman has the worst PFF grade of the bunch (57.7). He has also allowed two sacks. For a team that could have one of the league’s best offensive lines, that won’t cut it.
The Packers have multiple options if they want Newman out of their lineup. Jenkins has played right guard before, so he could kick back inside and allow Nijman to take over at right tackle. They could also try Nijman at left guard and move Jon Runyan Jr. to the right side.
Either way, Newman is not in their best lineups.
Newman needs to improve quickly
Newman will need to step up his game if he wants to continue to start for the Packers this season. His early grades by PFF are concerning. Ballentine’s suggestion the Packers move Elgton Jenkins is an intriguing one. Yosh Nijman is a potential possibility at right tackle. But let’s not forget rookie Zach Tom. Tom had an impressive preseason. He should be considered as an option for the Packers after Week 3.
Head coach Matt LaFleur has said this season that he expects Tom to be in the running for a starting job. He’s played in 30 snaps this season when he played against the Minnesota Vikings. He was rated by PFF at a lowly 43.2 for his efforts in Week 1. However, that was his first game. Tom hasn’t started yet. If he gets more playing time, it’s possible he’ll quickly become a much better option than Newman.