The Chicago Bears pass rush will be the biggest threat to the Green Bay Packers in their Week 6 matchup. Luckily, the Packers could be returning two key starters in time for their first game against their rivals of the 2021 season.
Both Elgton Jenkins and Josh Myers practiced Wednesday, as coach Matt LaFleur indicated would happen.
Initially, it was believed Jenkins might reclaim his spot at left tackle last week. He returned to practice and was then listed as questionable against the Cincinnati Bengals. However, Jenkins went on to miss his third straight game with an ankle injury.
Meanwhile, Myers was also held out of last week’s contest but with a finger issue. Myers was unable to practice all of last week, only to be replaced by veteran Lucas Patrick at starting center. Patrick, who had experience playing center in the past, had a solid outing in Myers’ absence.
The Packers have done well without their offensive line at full strength. They are currently on a four-game winning streak with former undrafted free agent Yosh Nijman filling in for Jenkins over the last three games. Many who were worried about the protection to Aaron Rodgers’ blindside have been pleasantly surprised by the third-stringers performance. In 119 reps as a pass blocker, Nijman has allowed two sacks and five pressures, according to Pro Football Focus.
Despite Green Bay’s makeshift line performing well in recent weeks, they would gladly accept any additional help for this week’s game against the Bears. Only the Cleveland Browns have a higher quarter pressure rate through five weeks this season.
“We need to be at our best in order to come out on top,” said LaFleur.
Chicago’s defense is led by Khalil Mack, who is tied for fifth in the NFL with 5.0 sacks on the year. Mack hasn’t done it alone as the Bears lead all the NFL in total sacks. Mack has a slim lead over teammate Robert Quinn’s 4.5 sacks.
A disruptive pass rush has been a trademark for Chicago in recent years, and the same holds true once again. During last week’s win over the Las Vegas Raiders, Mack and company sacked quarterback Derek Carr three times and forced 18 pressures. The Raiders’ offense struggled as they were only able to score nine points for a new season-low.
The Packers have started to find their groove offensively, but a disruptive pass rush could easily spell trouble. LaFleur believes this will be the best defense they have faced all year. An offensive line finally getting healthy could be the necessary counter for the Packers on Sunday.
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