The Green Bay Packers’ offensive line worries are hitting DEFCON 1 this week. Aaron Banks is ruled out again for their Week 3 clash against the Atlanta Falcons, and worse, right tackle Zach Bako-Bewele is done for the season. For the *entire* season. That’s a devastating blow before we even hit mid-September.
The O-Line Is a Complete Mess, No Kidding
So, with the line decimated, who’s protecting Jordan Love? Anthony Belton has the backup right tackle spot, an easy decision. But left guard, where Banks usually brings stability? That’s a total disaster zone of uncertainty. They could go back to Donovan Jennings, who started in Week 1 and was the first man off the bench when Banks got dinged last Sunday against the Jets. The problem? Jennings played *awfully* in that opener. Then, he got banged up himself in Week 2, which led to unexpected playing time for Jager Burton. Burton, though? He wasn’t bad in his short stint! And get this, he even got into the thick of it to stick up for his quarterback when Love took a monster hit trying to cross the goal line. Does that earn him the start over a struggling Jennings? Offensive Coordinator Adam Stenavich was tight-lipped on Wednesday, saying we won’t know until warmups. He did lay out what he wants, though: “Go out there, compete, be productive, be clean, eliminate penalties and just make it really hard on us to take you off the field if you’re one of those backup guys.” With this line trending, that’s a tough ask.
Bullard Is Changing the Math For the Packers
Now, let’s take a breath from the O-line chaos because, thankfully, there are some serious bright spots. Javon Bullard has absolutely erupted as a slot star through two games this season. He’s looking like a legitimate game-changer! Remember that fourth-quarter play where he stood up a 320-plus tackle and made a tackle for loss on Breece Hall? That’s not just a good play, that’s pure, unadulterated physicality and a guy playing with an insane motor. Bullard isn’t shy about it either, boldly declaring he thinks he’s “one of the baddest people alive.” His Defensive Coordinator, Jonathan Gannon, seems to agree. On Wednesday, Gannon called Bullard one of the best nickels he’s ever been around, incredibly high praise from a guy who’s seen a lot of talent. Plus, the special teams unit looks like a completely different beast this year. Coordinator Cam Achord seems to be the secret weapon there, bringing much-needed improvement. So, while the team is grappling with six NFL-worst statistics, at least there are genuine reasons to be excited on the defensive and special teams fronts.
So, heading into Thursday Night Football against the Atlanta Falcons, there’s a serious push and pull for this team. Can the patchwork offensive line miraculously gel and give Jordan Love the time he desperately needs? Or will one of those backup guards, Jennings or Burton, finally step up and own that position? Keep your eyes glued to the field, because we’re about to find out if the early season stars like Bullard can keep that fire burning and lift this team, or if the O-line woes will drag them down. Week three is going to be a wild ride!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Acme Packing Company.
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