Packers: 3 bold predictions for Week 6 matchup vs. Jets

Royce Newman gets benched

Second-year guard Royce Newman remains a starter along Green Bay’s offensive line, but for how much longer? While Newman has played well at times, he is beaten far too often and is coming off a disappointing performance against the New York Giants in London.

At some stage, surely Matt LaFleur will decide to make a change at right guard.

It’s not like the Packers don’t have options.

One would be to move Elgton Jenkins back to guard, where he was a Pro Bowler in 2020, with Yosh Nijman taking over at right tackle. That’s one way how LaFleur can get his “best five” on the field.

Another option would be to have rookie Zach Tom replace Newman at right guard. Maybe the Packers don’t feel Tom is ready to start, but he impressed during the preseason.

According to Pro Football Focus, Tom didn’t allow a single pressure on 69 pass-blocking snaps during the preseason.

Newman struggled against the Giants, and life doesn’t get any easier this week.

Jets defensive tackle Quinnen Williams has three sacks and eight quarterback hits in the opening five games. According to ESPN, he ranks fifth among defensive tackles in pass rush win rate.

If Newman continues to lose one-on-one matchups, it may be time for a change.