Packers: Top 3 underrated players so far this season
Sitting in the top spot of the power rankings for many outlets following their 17-0 shutout over the Seattle Seahawks last Sunday, it’s fair to say the Green Bay Packers have gotten their fair share of credit from the media for what they’ve achieved through the first half of the season.
Many individual players have been subject to praise too. Rashan Gary looks like he’s finally breaking out into the superstar we knew he could be. At linebacker, you could argue De’Vondre Campbell is the main man responsible for the turnaround in the Green Bay defense.
Packers fans are in love the play of rookie cornerback Eric Stokes, who looks like a potential star of the future playing alongside Jaire Alexander. Meanwhile on offense, AJ Dillon is making a statement to everyone who doubted him in the past.
However, there are plenty of guys who fall under the radar, and don’t get the credit they’ve truly deserved for what’s been nothing short of a sensational beginning to the 2021 campaign by the Packers. Those are the guys we’ll be discussing today.
Kevin King
Granted, Kevin King has missed a good chunk of time this season due to injury, but when he’s been on the field he’s been much improved from years gone by.
When King surrendered a 50-yard touchdown to Deonte Harris and the Saints in Week 1, we asked ourselves “what’s changed?” King doesn’t always get the benefit of the doubt from fans the same way established playmakers like Jaire Alexander would.
However, King’s three most recent games — against the Cincinnati Bengals, Kansas City Chiefs and Seahawks — have been three of his best in a Packers uniform.
He kept DK Metcalf silent all game long last Sunday — King tends to fare better against bigger-bodied wide receivers since he can match them well with his 6’3 frame.
King’s red-zone interception of Russell Wilson was a well-earned reward for his good play in recent weeks, especially after dropping a pick versus Patrick Mahomes on what was already an excellent pass breakup.
It’ll be interesting to see if King can sustain this play going forward. Provided Green Bay don’t get any more adverse injury luck, he won’t even be needed to start in the playoffs.
He’s still under contract next season, and with Eric Stokes’ trajectory firmly pointed upwards, King could be a solid insurance policy for the Packers going forward. It’s time to let go of the past — Kevin King has put in the work and deserves some credit right now.