If Van Ness can return healthy, I think that will help to minimize the loss of Devonte Wyatt in rushing the passer. I have two concerns for Bears week. The Packers need to score enough touchdowns to keep the crowd cranked up throughout four quarters, and how will GB defend the run without Wyatt? Can you alleviate my worries?
I think it will be more challenging to replace Wyatt’s pass rush than necessarily the run defense. Wyatt is a penetrating defensive tackle who can collapse a pocket, which is why he’s third on the team in quarterback hits and sacks despite missing as much time as he has. The Packers have what they need to effectively defend the run still. Colby Wooden and Nazir Stackhouse major in that while Green Bay has the speed and physicality at the second level to fit it. It’s who steps up to push the pocket in Wyatt’s stead.
Gregory from Westerville, OH
OK, check my memory on this one, but I seem to remember that us Packers fans were ready to run Davante Adams out of town because of his drops during the early years of his career with the Packers. He eventually overcame his dropsy issues and became one of the best NFL receivers of this new millennium. I think that Dontayvion Wicks is moving on the same trajectory. With his improved hands, together with his body size and speed, Dontayvion Wicks could end up being as successful as Adams. Here’s hoping I’m right.
We’ve seen immeasurable growth from Wicks over the past year. Everybody who’s watched the Packers knows what Wicks can do. He’s made some spectacular plays in a variety of ways for this offense, but consistency is always key. Thursday may have been Wicks’ best day in a Packers uniform. Now, let’s stack it.
Knock on wood, but the O-line play has been exemplary in the three-game winning streak. One sack in the last two games allowed, and three overall in that span. And the team has averaged 133 yards on the ground, at 4.2 yards a carry. That’ll play.
That’s been the difference. Also, shout out to assistant director of communications Tom Fanning and the fine folks at Elias Sports Bureau for this odd nugget: The Packers have not turned the ball over or allowed a sack in their last three Thanksgiving games. They’re the first NFL team since the merger to do so in three straight Thanksgiving games. Unsurprisingly, Green Bay won all three contests.
Marcos from Albuquerque, NM
I’m a first-time poster, and I’ve got to say, I’m absolutely loving how the offensive line is playing right now. They’ve really helped spark the run game and have been keeping Jordan Love upright lately. I love Elgton Jenkins, but I never felt like the move to center was the best fit for him. Maybe it’s just coincidence, but I can’t help noticing how different the line has looked since Rhyan stepped in at center. I hate that it took a Jenkins injury for the move to happen, but are you seeing the same thing?
Jenkins is a two-time Pro Bowler and the leader of that room. It ain’t easy replacing a player of his caliber. That said, I’ve always felt center is Rhyan’s best position. He reminds me a lot of Lucas Patrick in that he’s a smart football player who’s learned to snap in the pros. It hasn’t been perfect, but Rhyan passed a major test going into Detroit on Thanksgiving and keeping the operation clean.
While Caleb Williams has made some good throws, the frequency of “good throws” is pedestrian. He currently has a 58% completion rate, compared to Love’s 67%. The only starting QB with a lower completion percentage is J.J. McCarthy. To put the comparison into perspective, Love could spike the ball for his next 53 attempts and still have a better completion percentage than Williams! Given how errant Williams’ passes have been, it’s remarkable that he only has five INTs. Pack needs to increase that number!
Williams protects the ball at a premium, which can often result in more throwaways. It looked to me like he attacked the field a bit more in Philadelphia, but everything goes back to the run game for Chicago. If D’Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai get going, that offense becomes difficult to stop.
