Primetime players often drive Super Bowl teams, but surviving the playoff gauntlet and advancing to the Super Bowl often requires unexpected contributions from under-the-radar players during the postseason run.
For example, the 2010 Packers got big help from rookie running back James Starks, undrafted rookies Sam Shields and Frank Zombo, in-season addition Howard Green and special teamer Jarrett Bush on their way to winning Super Bowl XLV.
Here are five role players that could help the Packers get to Miami this month:
WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling: He’s had a forgettable sophomore season, but Matt LaFleur and the Packers aren’t giving up on him, and there’s an obvious reason why: MVS can fly, and all it takes is for one good vertical route and one good down-the-field throw for the second-year receiver to create an explosive, game-changing play. Valdes-Scantling and Aaron Rodgers haven’t been on the same page all year, but aren’t they due? There have been opportunities. And the scheme dials up so many chances for the passing game to attack vertically. The Packers need MVS to take full advantage of any big-play opportunity in January. If he comes alive, and 12 and 83 start connecting, the offense could take a big step at the right time.
RB/KR/PR Tyler Ervin: His arrival in early December revived the Packers’ return game. He produced the fourth-most punt return yards in the NFL and had a kick return average over 26 yards during the final four games. Even one big return could make a big difference in a playoff game. And what about on offense? Ervin is becoming a threat on the jet motion, and he showed both some wiggle as a runner and some explosiveness as a receiver in Week 17. Don’t be surprised if LaFleur keeps using him as a gadget player in the postseason. He’s dynamic in two phases of the game.
DL Dean Lowry: The Packers’ ability to stop the run often lives and dies with Lowry. When he’s getting off blocks, powering through combos and working in tandem with Kenny Clark, the Packers can be dominant against the run (see: at Minnesota on Dec. 23). However, when teams can combo block him early and get an offensive lineman unhindered to the second level to block Blake Martinez or B.J. Goodson, the run defense crumbles (see: at Detroit on Dec. 29). Guess what teams like the Saints and 49ers are going to do the Packers in the postseason? Test Lowry at the point of attack. The Packers can be almost impregnable up front when Lowry is playing at a high level.
TE Marcedes Lewis: The Packers have Aaron Rodgers, but an inconsistent offense will need to run the football with some efficiency to win two playoff games. The zone run game requires a strong run-blocking tight end like Lewis to seal off the edges and create running lanes by executing tough, one-on-one blocks against defensive ends and outside linebackers. When Lewis has dominated in 2019, the run game has hummed. Over the final four games, Aaron Jones rushed for 439 yards and five scores, and Lewis was a big reason why. “Big Dog” will be vital to the Packers’ ability to run it in the postseason.
DB Raven Greene: He hasn’t even been activated to the roster, and it’s fair to wonder how much he’ll play on defense even if he’s back in time for the divisional round, but he could give Mike Pettine’s defense a big boost. Remember, he played 55 quality snaps in the season opener and was positioning himself to play a major role as the dime linebacker in 2019. Greene has the right mix of instincts, physicality and coverage ability for the role, and he’d probably be an upgrade over Ibraheim Campbell, especially in the passing game. If ready, Greene could provide an effective counter for the dangerous tight ends and running backs left in the NFC playoff field.
[lawrence-related id=37518]