Packers: Offensive grades for Week 1 victory vs. Bears

Tight ends: B-

Similar to the running back position, this was a unit that did not have any outstanding performances but a lot of this can be attributed to lack of attempts.

In Jimmy Graham‘s debut with the Packers, he brought in just two receptions on four targets for only eight receiving yards. Lance Kendricks had one catch for 13 yards that helped gain a first down and kept the chains moving. Marcedes Lewis had a very limited role and didn’t see much of the field.

Graham did not have the initial performance that many had hoped for but he didn’t have many opportunities. Graham is the biggest threat to defenses when he’s in the red zone, and the Packers didn’t make many trips there. Two of their three touchdowns were from 35-plus yards away.

In between the 20s, Graham struggled to get open. Bears defenders Khalil Mack and Leonard Floyd did a great job of knocking Graham off his route at the line of scrimmage, which slowed him down and delayed his ability to complete the route, making him easier to cover.

McCarthy had played a three tight end set a number of times this preseason and it worked well. But this was not a feature in last night’s game. Once again, this could be attributed to Green Bay being down by three scores for most of the game.

With the offensive line’s earlier struggles blocking the outside pass rushers, it would have been a great opportunity for Lewis to get into the game. He is known as one of the better blocking tight ends in football. Hopefully next week against Minnesota he will be able to see more playing time.