Packers: Offensive grades for Week 1 victory vs. Bears

Offensive line: B-

Out of all the struggles for Green Bay in the first half, the offensive line play may have been the worst. But they were able to bounce back in the second half when it mattered, which greatly helped in bumping their overall grade up.

Offensive tackle Bryan Bulaga spent much of the first half being blown back by Khalil Mack of the Bears. Now some of this could be due to rust as this was his first meaningful football game in over 10 months. Bulaga was also letting Mack get a head of steam when rushing at him, rather than initiating the contact himself. This is an adjustment that Bulaga was able to make in the second half.

Bears defensive lineman Akiem Hicks was also giving Packers guard Justin McCray troubles of his own. Hicks was beating McCray to both the inside and outside. He was able to draw a holding penalty from McCray as well, who was struggling mightily. In the first half, McCray’s first step against Hicks looked quite slow and was a big factor in him getting beat repeatedly.

However, the second half was a new story for this Packers offensive line. Each of the offensive linemen were able to make the needed adjustments in their technique to be more effective and hold off this Bears pass rush. Throughout the half they were able to create some nice pockets for Rodgers to throw from on a number of passes.

The play calling was also a factor, with Rodgers not at 100 percent, McCarthy wanted to run an up-tempo offense to get the ball out of his hands quickly. This meant less time for the offensive line to hold their blocks and the Bears pass rush began to tire.

After Week 1, of course there are improvements to make. But this group did a great job of regrouping at halftime and playing well in the second half.