Packers: Five standout performances from Week 9 win vs. 49ers
By Jesse Fry
4. Packers offensive line
Stat line: 1 sack given up
The opposite end of the pass rush spectrum is the players that are there to stop it. What the Packers line has done this season is impressive. The Packers are on pace to give up the lowest sack numbers since 2007.
What makes it even more impressive is how they’ve done it. With injuries plaguing the line from the start of the season, the Packers have had a rotating crew of linemen filling in those spots through the first eight games.
Lane Taylor was lost in the first game, Billy Turner didn’t even suit up for the first two, David Bakhtiari has missed the last three games, and in this game, Rick Wagner was lost to a knee injury in the third quarter.
Still, whatever five linemen are playing, the unit is playing in unison and protecting the star quarterback.
Jon Runyan, Lucas Patrick, Elgton Jenkins, and Turner have all had to fill in or play outside of their preferred position to help offset the injuries.
Their versatility is a large reason why the Packers are at 6-2 and in first place of the NFC North.
The task will get tougher as the Packers still have dates with the Indianapolis Colts and Chicago Bears’ top-ranked defenses in the weeks ahead. But Bakhtiari should be back soon, and the team should have their preferred five.
If injuries should occur, the team knows they have capable backups ready to step in.