What is a realistic expectation for contributions from our new three linemen? I feel like everyone is acting like the calvary has arrived but there are reasons all three were still available.<\/p>\n
Veteran players, especially those coming off injuries, are always the last to sign. The Packers aren’t asking Zeitler, Tomlinson and Becton to save their season. They’re simply asking for their best effort and to help push this offense forward.<\/p>\n
The big-body additions to the O-line look as though the Pack may go to straighter ahead running and less outside zone blocking. Do you think that calls for a bigger back like Kaleb Johnson<\/a> that runs hard between the tackles?<\/p>\n It could, especially in the interim when Zeitler and Tomlinson are still getting a feel for the offense.<\/p>\n Rich from Combined Locks, WI<\/p>\n After signing three offensive linemen, are the Packers still under the salary cap? And if so by how much?<\/p>\n It’s a drop in the bucket, especially with the Packers’ reported use of void years on Zeitler’s deal. Green Bay remains in the middle of the pack in cap space\u2026no pun intended.<\/p>\n Wes, would it be unrealistic to expect a breakout performance from the Packers this week? Do I need to level set my expectations? Would 35 points and 100 yards rushing be a bridge too far for a team that is reworking the O-line?<\/p>\n No. Fifteen years covering the NFL has taught me to be prepared for any and every outcome. There are surprises around every corner in this game, so why would this hypothetical be any different? The Packers’ offense has the explosive pieces to put up 35 points, but it all comes back to execution. Green Bay needs to get in more third-and-manageable situations, evidenced by the fact it’s thrown on 35 of 36 third downs (according to NFL Next Gen Stats). That’s just not a winning recipe for offensive consistency.<\/p>\n If we’re still looking for experienced offensive linemen who know a thing or two about pass protection, then maybe we should send up the Bakh-signal.<\/p>\n I wish, my friend. Perhaps the biggest tragedy for the Packers over the past five years has been the number of their top offensive linemen who have had their careers either sidetracked or flat-out derailed by injuries. Bakhtiari tore his ACL, then Elgton Jenkins does the same. Then, Zach Bako-Bewele<\/a> \u2013 with no history of real injury \u2013 has this patellar issue. When people ask why Green Bay has gotten so young on the offensive line, there’s part of the answer.<\/p>\n So, with this new grab bag of offensive linemen, what is the D-line like for the Bucs? Are we asking for miracles?<\/p>\n I wouldn’t say that. Tampa has a big, burly front that includes Vita Vea and A’Shawn Robinson. The Buccaneers are second right now against the run, so that’ll be a challenge for a Packers offense that’s struggled on the ground. The Buccaneers’ pass rush has been so-so out of the gate, recording six sacks with 14 QB hits. Tampa will again be without first-round pick Rueben Bain, as well.<\/p>\n So, Aaron Rodgers wasn’t the only ex-Packer on the field in Thursday night’s game. Did you see Corey Bojorquez’ stats? Four punts averaging 62 yards, with a whopper 81-yarder in the mix. I believe that his efforts duly impacted the game! Special teams are called that for a reason I suppose! That is one of the positives I’m glad to see for the Pack this year! Hopefully they can carry us while our O and D get settled in.<\/p>\n