Is the OL better?

[run pMc]

https://twitter.com/BookOfEli_NFL/status/1267569107903250435

[texaspackerbacker]

Thank you Mr. Rodgers.

[bobblehead]

Thank you Mr. Rodgers.

Its like you don't even watch the games.

[texaspackerbacker]

You seriously don't believe that the primary reason the O Line and particularly Bakhtiari are so highly rated is Rodgers quick release and/or escaping the pass rush? YOU would seem to be the one not watching the games if you don't see that pass rush pressure, especially outside rush, on virtually every pass play.

[run pMc]

First, I'll say that an elite QB (or even a top 10 QB) is valuable and usually the difference between making the playoffs or not.

That out of the way, Rodgers has a tendency to hold the ball and take sacks vs. throw picks -- it's why his Int rate is so low. It's a habit from MM offense, where he'd hold the ball and use his pocket awareness to buy time for the big play. Rodgers also has a quick release (not Marino quick, but still very quick) and on most days very very good accuracy. He doesn't escape the pocket like he used to, he runs a lot less than he used to -- Father Time is telling him he has 2-3 seasons left and Rodgers admitted as much to the press earlier this off-season. If the OL hold their blocks for 3 seconds, that's a plus play for them. If they have to hold it for 4-5 seconds while Rodgers holds the ball looking for a bigger splash play down the field vs. what MLF called and the OL blocking starts to break down that's on Rodgers not the OL and it's graded that way. It's interesting to note that when Rodgers is actually at his best when he doesn't hold the ball and plays the quick game -- like the Bears comeback game in 2018.

Watch the cut-ups of Bahktiari. He's good. Maybe a bit overrated, but still very very good. (Rodgers says so, so it must be true! lol) If there wasn't any dropoff from Bahk to Njiman, they wouldn't have given Yosh so much TE chip help (Lewis, Tonyan, etc.). I suspect not having Jenkins and Bakh on the left side (along with swapping out Linsley for Myers/Patrick) was a big reason for the drop in big run plays and running effectiveness last year. Aaron Jones sprung loose a lot less, and there weren't many 10+ yard runs from Dillon either.

You can give the QB a lot of the credit, but not all of it. You can't say the OL isn't good because the QB is good -- Joe Burrow's pretty good and he got killed behind a terrible line and it cost them a SB. You can't say the WRs don't matter either -- swapping out Adams for rookie season Watson is a net loss that a great QB can't make up for 1-1. The QB is not the entire offense - he needs competent blocking and catching for all his glorious golden armed throws to be completed.

I don't doubt you are watching the games, but I question whether you are seeing what's happening with an unbiased eye.

[texaspackerbacker]

Rodgers "has a tendency to hold the ball and take sacks"? Come on. How then does the O Line get that reputation for being so good in terms of sacks? hahahaha. And THAT is why he doesn't throw picks? Again, come on. hahahaha. He is one of the most accurate throwing QBs in history, and he has a clear mindset not to throw picks. Now if you wanted to claim he occasionally throws it away on purpose instead of putting it up for grabs OR getting sacked, yeah, that's probably true. Would you seriously want it any other way?

The only way I see "Father Time" creeping up on Rodgers is that he seems just a little bit more careful about taking off and running - again, a good thing. When he does run, though, he still looks as fast and athletic as ever. I notice him "chop stepping" more instead of long striding. As a 75 year old tennis player, I can say first hand that's how to avoid hamstrings and calf muscle injuries.

Granted, Bakhtiari is (or at least was "good"). I just don't think he was anything special in run blocking, and I think his pass blocking seemed better than it was because of Rodgers.

I wouldn't say WRs "don't matter", but I certainly would say they can look way better or way worse than they really are because of who the QB is.

Hell no, I don't watch Packer games with an "unbiased eye". Who does? It's pro-Packer first, last, and always. It's also observing what works and who's making it happen too, as I suspect some people don't.

[bobblehead]

I just saw an interesting list of the top centers in the game. 1) Creed Humphrey 2) Cory Linsley 5) JC Tretter

If the packers had gone consensus of Humphrey instead of Myers what a recent history we could have claimed at the position.

[Joemailman]

I just saw an interesting list of the top centers in the game. 1) Creed Humphrey 2) Cory Linsley 5) JC Tretter

If the packers had gone consensus of Humphrey instead of Myers what a recent history we could have claimed at the position.

Maybe they still will.

[texaspackerbacker]

Myers would, of course, be higher ranked if not for the injury. He was a major reason for the Packers' great success running inside. IMO, he was better even than Linsley who really is good enough to be ranked that high. I'd also much rather have Myers than Humphrey.

[Upnorth]

If Meyers comes back as good from his knee injury as he was before he is definitely a top 10 centre (and probably even better but 4 games is as small sample size).
I think I am projecting bak injury return issues on to myers and Jenkins as I am nervous as heck about our oline. 3 months ago I wasn't near as concerned as I am now

[texaspackerbacker]

It was my recollection that his knee wasn't that serious. It was mostly the hand that kept him out so long. And recovery from a hand injury should be 100%. BTW, is it "Myers" or "Meyers"? Anybody know for sure?

[bobblehead]

Myers would, of course, be higher ranked if not for the injury. He was a major reason for the Packers' great success running inside. IMO, he was better even than Linsley who really is good enough to be ranked that high. I'd also much rather have Myers than Humphrey.

He wouldn't be top 5 though. Or probably even top 10. He is very big for a center and I have high hopes for him as he reaches the 2nd level very well. I hope we see him healthy and improved this year. And there is no reason to say he can't be top 5 in the near future.

[texaspackerbacker]

I disagree. Before his injury, he was outstanding as a run blocker. It's hard to tell about pass blocking, as Rodgers makes just about anybody in the OLine seem good.

[run pMc]

I was surprised they took Myers over Humphrey. Humphrey so far has been the better center though it's only been one season.
Myers has shown enough for me to think he's good though.

[Upnorth]

Myers (correct spelling which is funny I'm posting that) gave up 0 sacks 0 pressures 0 hurries from what I have read.
Plus plowed holes in the run game. A full season will move him top 10 at least if he can keep that up.