Top 5 players for the Packers in opening three games
After a slow start, the Green Bay Packers have bounced back with consecutive wins, setting them up nicely entering Week 4 and beyond.
While the offense remains a work in progress, the Packers have played particularly well on defense and special teams to start the season.
Who have been the top five players for the Packers in the opening three games?
1. Kenny Clark
Dominant.
That’s the word that best describes Kenny Clark’s performances over the first three games. Offensive linemen have had no answer for the two-time Pro Bowler, who is playing some of the best football of his career.
According to NFL Next Gen Stats, Clark has the second-highest pressure rate among interior defensive linemen.
In three games, Clark has two sacks, five quarterback hits, and three tackles for loss. He is on track for a career year.
2. Rashan Gary
Rashan Gary is off to a fast start and will be in the mix for the NFL lead in sacks by the end of the season. He already has three — one in each game — to begin the year. He also has four quarterback hits.
But it’s not just Gary’s pass-rushing that makes him special. He is also excellent in run defense. The former first-round pick has four tackles for loss in the opening three games.
Gary entered 2022 with high expectations, and he is living up to them.
3. Preston Smith
Preston Smith had a quieter game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but it takes nothing away from his excellent start to 2022.
According to NFL Next Gen Stats, Smith has made 13 quarterback pressures this season, which was tied with Von Miller and Carl Lawson for third in the league prior to Sunday Night Football in Week 3.
Smith has been a key player on defense this year, making two sacks and five quarterback hits in the opening three games.
4. Aaron Jones
Aaron Jones is the Packers’ most explosive offensive player, and that has been evident this season.
Running the ball proved to be a challenge against the Buccaneers, but that has been the case for years. The Bucs have ranked inside the top three for run defense each season since 2019, leading in that category twice in that span.
Despite that, Jones is averaging an impressive 6.8 yards per attempt and 97.7 all-purpose yards per game.
When the Packers give Jones opportunities, he delivers.
5. Aaron Rodgers
Aaron Rodgers’ numbers might not be at his MVP-best just yet, but he has played well while adjusting to the changes made at receiver this offseason.
Rodgers has completed an impressive 72.3 percent of his passes for 684 yards, four touchdowns, and two interceptions.
More importantly, he looks as accurate as ever and made some wow throws against the Buccaneers. Rodgers has made a good start to the season, and the best is still yet to come.
Honorable mentions: Romeo Doubs, AJ Dillon, De’Vondre Campbell, Quay Walker, Pat O’Donnell