4 players Packers must bench in Week 8 (and who should replace them)
The Green Bay Packers entered their Week 7 game against the Denver Broncos needing a win against a bad team. After clawing back in the second half, the Packers ultimately came up short, losing 19-17 to the 32nd-ranked Broncos defense.
The game was highlighted by whiffed blocks, missed tackles, and another first half getting almost blanked. It was a disheartening performance coming off their bye week.
The Packers tied a season-high 13 missed tackles in the game, marking their third outing with 10 or more missed tackles. They also managed to lower their first-half points average to 4.3, now ranking dead last in football.
While coaching certainly has much to do with the Packers' struggles, here are four players who need to be benched after the 2-4 start and who could step in.
Josh Myers
Replacement: Zach Tom
Entering the season, Josh Myers was no lock to be named the starting center. Coaches challenged him by giving Zach Tom and Jon Runyan Jr. snaps at center during training camp.
Given the Packers used a second-round pick on Myers in the 2021 draft, one pick before the Chiefs selected now-All-Pro center Creed Humphrey, the Packers were looking for Myers to take a big step forward this season.
However, that has not been realized. Myers is an intelligent player, but his skill development has not progressed at the same pace.
While he didn't allow a pressure in Week 7 against Denver and has been quite solid in that department overall, his run-blocking remains the most significant issue to correct.
Per Pro Football Focus, Myers' 47.5 run-blocking grade drops his overall grade to a below-average 56.3. Last season, he only posted a 53.5 run-blocking grade, and the continued regression has certainly shown up on tape.
Tom is excelling at right tackle, and it would be a difficult decision to pull him down to center, but the Packers need to consider all options to get their best players on the field. With Tom having experience at the position from his college days and having taken snaps against Denver when Myers exited with an injury, he's a realistic candidate to take over.