Tag: Royce Newman

4 Packers who need to bounce back against Patriots

Four players who need to bounce back from disappointing preseason debuts when the Packers host the Patriots in the preseason on Saturday night.

After two joint practices on Wednesday and Thursday, the Green Bay Packers will host the New England Patriots in Week 2 of the 2023 preseason on Saturday at Lambeau Field.

For the most part, the Packers looked sharp in last week’s 36-19 win over the Cincinnati Bengals, but the scoreboard is far less important than what is happening on the field.

Players are competing for a spot on the roster or trying to prove to coaches that they are ready for a significant role. In Cincinnati, rookie running back Emanuel Wilson and Green Bay’s young receivers stood out on offense, while rookie corner Carrington Valentine consistently made plays for the defense.

Now as we look ahead to tomorrow’s matchup against the Patriots, there are several players who did not play as well and are hoping to have a bounce-back performance.

Packers film room: A closer look at Royce Newman’s rough outing vs Jets

Do not click if you have a weak stomach for bad offensive line play. @PackerScribe breaks down Royce Newman’s rough day against the Jets.

Do not continue reading if you have a weak stomach for bad offensive line play. The Green Bay Packers are coming off a 27-10 loss to the New York Jets, in which quarterback Aaron Rodgers was hit nine times and sacked four. The offensive line as a whole didn’t play well, but it was an especially terrible outing for right guard Royce Newman.

Newman got off to such a bad start against the Jets that he was actually benched for backup Jake Hanson in the second quarter. Unfortunately, Hanson lasted only one series before suffering a biceps injury forcing the team to resort back to Newman for the rest of the game.

Newman’s benching has been boiling all season. He’s failed to take a second-year jump after starting in 16 games as a rookie last season, and this past week may have been the last straw. Newman struggled mightily against a pretty good Jets defensive line, allowing five pressures and a sack, according to Pro Football Focus.

Green Bay has not been able to rely on Newman for most of the year. So today, we are going to review the tape to see what led to Newman’s first-half benching and whether or not he should still be with the starters.

Let’s begin.

This appears to be a complete mental breakdown by Newman (No. 70). Everyone is blocking one way while he blocks down in the opposite direction, giving the defensive end a free lane to the running back. We see right tackle Elgton Jenkins attempt to pick up the corner blitz coming from off the screen, which means Newman should be reaching for the defensive end. Granted, it is a tough block to execute, but he doesn’t even know his responsibility. That can’t happen.

Maybe it gets a little better in pass protection. Nope, it doesn’t. To be a good offensive lineman, you have to have a strong base. In Newman’s case, he doesn’t have great length or strong hands, so having a strong lower body is a must. However, that obviously isn’t the case as he gets pushed back into Rodgers’ lap.

Again, we see Newman’s inability to anchor. When Newman isn’t first to get hand placement, he is prone to these types of bull rushes. Notice how he gets no arm extension leading to basically zero resistance or control over the defensive tackle. He also completely loses his footing, which leads to an embarrassing rep that eventually ends with him getting planted on the ground.

I don’t think words are needed to describe this rep. A grown man that is 6-5, 310 pounds shouldn’t be getting pushed around like this. If not for Rodgers’ putting on his cape and going superman mode, this would have been another sack allowed by Newman. It’s worth mentioning that this was one of his last plays before getting benched.

However, Newman wasn’t benched for the whole game. He was forced to return following the lowest moment of his NFL career, and the results didn’t get better. Here we see him looking for work after the linebacker showing a blitz drops into coverage. Newman makes the right decision of sliding to his left, where New York is running a twist. He is in position but fails to pick up the looper, leading to a sack.

Here is a picture to better illustrate how bad this was.

Initially, Newman is in good position, but because he doesn’t recognize the looper fast enough, he quickly loses leverage. Part of this is tied to a lack of processing and lateral agility.

Conclusion

Overall, the Packers’ offensive line needs to play a lot better. However, it is clear that Newman is the weakest link. Per PFF, he has already allowed 17 pressures and four sacks this season. After watching his film against the Jets, it’s apparent that he lacks confidence. His below-average length and play strength is being exploited and will lead to more teams taking advantage. They will also be more likely to send stunts at Newman to see how he handles them. Ultimately, I think it is time to send Newman to the bench indefinitely unless there is another injury. We’ve seen how one guy failing to do his job can derail an entire offense, and Newman has been the most frequent offender. In my opinion, Jenkins should move back to guard, so Yosh Nijman or Zach Tom can play right tackle. But if Green Bay is dead set on keeping Jenkins at tackle, I’d consider Tom or even third-round rookie Sean Rhyan at right guard.

Of course, my opinion doesn’t matter. The Packers are going to do what they feel is in the best interest of the team, and head coach Matt LaFleur made some interesting comments on Thursday about potential changes to the offensive line.

“That’s something we’re trying to feel that out right now,” he said.

“Do you move one guy…do you end up moving two guys…how does that work out? Or do you just work through what we’re going through right now and coach better and go out there and execute fundamentally at a higher level.”

LaFleur’s thought process, especially the part about working through everything, makes one think Newman could start again on Sunday. If he does, it will be interesting to see how he responds to all the adversity and if he can raise his play enough to not be a liability. On the other hand, if we see another performance like last week, the offense will continue to struggle.

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It’s time for Packers to bench RG Royce Newman

The Packers have a clear weak link to the offensive line, and it’s at right guard.

It’s time for the Green Bay Packers to make a tough decision regarding right guard Royce Newman. Benching a player is never easy, but the 2021 fourth-round pick has struggled mightily in his second season and turned in another abysmal performance against the New York Jets on Sunday.

Pro Football Focus tallied five allowed pressures for Newman in 48 pass-blocking snaps. That brings Newman’s seasonal total to 17 in just six games. During his rookie year, Newman kept a better pace allowing 32 pressures in 16 starts.

Newman played so poorly in the first half against the Jets that he was benched for Jake Hanson. However, Hanson played only one series before suffering a biceps injury that kept him out for the rest of the game.

“That’s just something we thought would help us give us a little spark there on the right side,” Matt LaFleur said of the decision to bench Newman.

There is still no word on the severity of Hanson’s injury, which would mean the Packers are stuck with Newman at right guard unless they shuffle positions along the offensive line.

Elgton Jenkins was a Pro Bowl guard in 2020 but has only played right tackle this season. The team could move Jenkins back to guard and give Yosh Nijman a shot at right tackle. Nijman has only played left tackle for Green Bay and has proven to be a capable starter. Nijman played just four offensive snaps against New York since he is now reserved to being the primary backup for David Bakhtiari.

“I think everything’s on the table moving forward in terms of trying to get our best people out there to give us the best opportunity to move the football,” LaFleur said.

When asked about letting Nijman play right tackle, he reiterated, “everything is on the table.”

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Packers lose Randall Cobb, Jake Hanson to injuries vs. Jets

The Packers are unlikely to have Randall Cobb or Jake Hanson for the second half against the Jets.

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The Green Bay Packers will likely be without both Randall Cobb and Jake Hanson for the rest of the second half on Sunday against the New York Jets.

Cobb, who was carted off in the third quarter, is questionable to return with an ankle injury, while Hanson – who replaced Royce Newman for one series at right guard to end the first half – is out with a biceps injury.

It appeared Cobb was injured on the third play of the second half when got rolled up on during the play. The veteran slot receiver was evaluated in the medical tent on the sideline and then had a towel draped over his head as he left the field on a cart. The Packers are hurting for depth at receiver with both Cobb and Christian Watson (hamstring) both injured.

Cobb has one catch on one target for eight yards.

It’s unclear when Hanson was injured. The Packers had him on the field for six plays to end the first half. He is the team’s top backup along the interior of the offensive line.

Newman returned to the game at right guard and promptly gave up a sack on third down, ending the Packers’ first drive of the third quarter.

Packers coach Matt LaFleur may be able to provide injury details following the conclusion of the game on Sunday. Green Bay goes to Washington to play the Commanders next week.

Packers OL Royce Newman preparing to take second-year leap

Royce Newman had an up and down rookie season. He’s bigger and playing faster to start Year 2. Can he take a leap for the Packers offensive line?

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers can see a difference in Royce Newman entering the 2022 season. The second-year offensive lineman literally looks different.

“Royce looks heavier,” Rodgers said earlier this month. “He might not look the same coming out of the shower to his girlfriend as he did last year. I feel like his belly got a little bigger, but that might make him a better right guard.”

Improvement is necessary after an up-and-down rookie season.

Newman, a fourth-round pick of the Packers in 2021, said the game is starting to slow down a little bit after starting 16 of 17 games at right guard in Green Bay last season.

“Learning the technique, the speed of the game, how much it’s ramped up. Getting used to that,” Newman said. “Blocking these guys in the middle because I played tackle in college, so just learning how to play guard again, getting used to that.”

Newman was terrific during the preseason, earned the starting job at right guard to open the year but still went through the normal ebbs and flows of being a rookie starter at a new position. He struggled early and ascended late, but the Packers eventually replaced him in the starting lineup to end the season.

According to Pro Football Focus, Newman played 1,084 snaps as a rookie. He gave up six sacks and 32 total pressures and was flagged five times for penalties. Despite a strong stretch in December, Newman still finished 52nd in blocking grade at PFF among 63 guards with at least 600 snaps played.

Can he take the widely coveted second-year leap in 2022?

With Billy Turner and Lucas Patrick playing elsewhere and David Bakhtiari and Elgton Jenkins still recovering from injuries, Newman once again has a real opportunity to be a starter for the Packers offensive line. He may need to beat out one of the rookies, including third-round pick Sean Rhyan and fourth-round pick Zach Tom.

Playing guard in the NFL is a tough gig, but as Rodgers noted, Newman believes he’s stronger and ready to play faster entering Year 2.

“Don’t have to worry about where I’m going like when I first got here,” Newman said. “I can just play faster. I had an offseason to get stronger. The mental game is evolved where I can play faster.”

Getting bigger and stronger and playing faster sounds like a good way for a young guard to get a lot better as a second-year player.

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Packers rookie review: OL Royce Newman

Reviewing the rookie season of Packers offensive lineman Royce Newman, a fourth-round pick of the team in the 2021 NFL draft.

The Green Bay Packers made nine picks during the 2021 NFL draft and signed a few others during college free agency, adding an influx of first-year talent to the roster. Over the next few weeks, we’ll be going through and reviewing the 2021 season for all of the Packers’ rookies.

Next up: wide receiver Royce Newman, the 142nd overall pick and the Packers’ fourth-round draft pick in 2021:

Packers rookie OL Royce Newman working through inconsistencies

From Packers OL coach Adam Stenavich: “Once he fixes those fundamental errors and fundamental concerns, I think he’s going to be a really solid player in this league.” 

Green Bay Packers offensive line coach Adam Stenavich can see the potential in rookie guard Royce Newman, but he’s also pushing the fourth-round pick to improve and overcome the inconsistencies that have plagued the start of his NFL career.

Newman has started all 10 games at right guard for the Packers, but he’s allowed five sacks and been penalized three times.

“I would say he’s inconsistent,” Stenavich said Wednesday. “There are improvements, definitely, and he’s done a lot of good things, but there’s definitely been some inconsistencies that we’re going to have to keep working through. He plays hard. He’s working at it. It’s a matter of fixing his errors, fixing his fundamentals, and making him a better-rounded player. Once he fixes those fundamental errors and fundamental concerns, I think he’s going to be a really solid player in this league.”

Of the 59 NFL guards that have played at least 350 snaps, Newman ranks 54th in overall grade at Pro Football Focus. He’s allowed 19 total pressures, the second-most on the team behind Billy Turner (24) this season, and he’s the lowest-rated run-blocking offensive lineman among the Packers starters.

Stenavich said Newman is going through a typical rookie development cycle, and the Packers are seeing “steady slow improvements.” Newman is coming off a strong performance against the Seahawks, which was his highest-graded game overall and by far his best game as a run-blocker.

A big test awaits. Can the rookie start stacking successes and play well on Sunday in a tough environment at U.S. Bank Stadium, especially against a handful of veteran interior defenders such as Dalvin Tomlinson?

The Packers will have a decision to make within the starting five offensive linemen once All-Pro left tackle David Bakhtiari returns. Stenavich said Jon Runyan has more positional flexibility than Newman, who has primarily played right guard. It’s possible Runyan could move to right guard, allowing Elgton Jenkins to go back to his left guard spot and moving Newman to the bench as a top backup.

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Packers list rookie Royce Newman as starter at RG on Week 1 depth chart

The Packers’ first unofficial depth chart of the regular season has rookie Royce Newman as the starter at right guard.

If unofficial depth charts provided by the team are to be believed, the Green Bay Packers will start rookie Royce Newman at right guard on Sunday in the season opener against the New Orleans Saints.

The Packers listed Newman as the starter at right guard and Lucas Patrick as the starter at left guard on the first unofficial depth chart of the regular season. Jon Runyan is listed as the backup at both guard positions.

Newman, a fourth-round pick from Ole Miss, was the highest-rated rookie offensive lineman at Pro Football Focus during the preseason. He played 82 snaps, didn’t give up a pressure in pass protection and earned elite grades in the run game. All his snaps were played at right guard, and he started the final two preseason games.

According to the depth chart, Elgton Jenkins will take over as the starter at left tackle for David Bakhtiari, who is on the PUP list for the first six weeks. The Pro Bowl guard has been practicing at left tackle all summer. Rookie Josh Myers is the starter at center, replacing All-Pro Corey Linsley, as expected.

Patrick, a returning starter, played 220 snaps at left guard in 2020.

The starting offensive line on the depth chart from left to right: Jenkins, Patrick, Myers, Newman, Billy Turner.

Turner will be the only returner starter for the Packers offensive to begin the 2021 season at his preferred position from last season.

The Packers open the season against the Saints in Jacksonville on Sunday.

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Packers film room: Rookie OL Royce Newman looking a future starter

The Packers look like they have a starter in rookie offensive lineman Royce Newman, a fourth-round pick.

Maybe it’s his immaculate mullet, but Royce Newman has been one of the Green Bay Packers most impressive rookies during the 2021 preseason. The Packers have a history of turning overlooked offensive linemen into quality starters. It’s starting to look like Newman could be next.

Back in April, Green Bay used a fourth-round pick to select Newman out of the University of Mississippi. A two-year starter in college, Newman switched between guard and tackle during his junior and senior seasons. So far, the Packers have mostly utilized him at guard, where it appears Newman is most comfortable.

According to Pro Football Focus, Newman is the highest graded rookie guard through the first two weeks of preseason. It’s a small sample, but he has the potential of a future NFL starter.

This week, we are taking a look at Newman’s film against the New York Jets. Newman started the game at right guard and finished with 35 total snaps. In this article, we will take an in-depth look at Newman’s abilities as both a run blocker and pass blocker. Let’s jump right in.

 

Newman does a great job firing off the ball. With a little help from the tackle, he is able to drive his man back four yards. Newman shows he has solid balance, bend, and play strength to be a productive run blocker.

 

 

Hook blocks are not easy, especially when you have to cross the face of the defender. Newman fires off the ball so quickly here that this battle is almost over before it starts. Once engaged, he begins to flip his hips to seal off the defensive lineman and open the rushing lane. By the end of the play, Newman’s man has basically given up.

 

Here is a great example of Newman’s awareness. Even when he doesn’t have a rusher, he is peeking outside to see if the tackle needs help out on the edge. Meanwhile, his left hand is feeling out the pressure of the nose tackle. It’s these little things that showcase Newman’s attention to detail even as a rookie.

 

An effective screen game is a staple of Matt LaFleur’s offense. However, in order to do so at the highest level, you have to have athletic linemen to lead the charge. Newman does a great job getting out in front showing off his athleticism. With Newman’s help, Green Bay may be able to generate big chunk plays off of screens.

 

Against an explosive defensive end or tackle, Newman could run into trouble. This Jets lineman uses his explosive first step and lateral quickness to get an advantageous angle against Newman to help blow up this run call. Newman’s ability to execute reach blocks against quicker lineman will be something to monitor.

 

When your O-line is consistently getting to the second level, you will likely have a good day running the ball. Newman has solid fluidity in his transition between blocks, and he’s quick to process who to engage with. It looks like Newman should be able to use his athleticism to effectively climb to linebackers.

 

Who doesn’t love a punishing run blocker? Newman wins this rep with good hand placement and arm extension to control his man. The defender ends up on the ground.

Let’s finish it off with a great pass set by Newman. The three-tech implements a club move to knock away Newman’s right hand and looks for the rip. However, notice how Newman uses his free hand to help get control. When Newman recovers with his right arm, he is able to get solid hand placement to fend off the Jets rusher.

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Packers rookie Royce Newman will start at right guard vs. Jets

The Packers’ fourth-round pick will start at right guard during Saturday’s preseason game against the Jets.

Rookie offensive lineman Royce Newman is going to get his chance to win the job as the starting right guard for the Green Bay Packers to start the 2021 season.

Coach Matt LaFleur confirmed Newman, a fourth-round pick, will start at right guard on Saturday against the New York Jets

“I thought Royce did a really nice job yesterday. He will get an opportunity to start the game on Saturday,” LaFleur said Thursday.

Following an impressive NFL debut last Saturday, Newman has worked with the first-team offense at practice this week, and now he’ll get a chance to play with the top unit in a game setting.

“He’s a good young player. You can see the talent. There’s a lot to learn, especially for any young rookie, but he’s progressed nicely,” LaFleur said.

Newman played 28 snaps – all in the second half – at right guard in the preseason opener against the Houston Texans. He’s competing with veterans Lucas Patrick, Jon Runyan and Ben Braden for a starting job at one of the guard positions.

The Packers like Newman’s athleticism and versatility.

“It’s a combination of many things. We had high hopes when we drafted him. He’s a really athletic guy who is pretty versatile, who can really play four positions. He’s coming along nicely. It’s a competition at that right guard spot. We’ll give him an opportunity to get a little bit more reps at that position,” LaFleur said.

Patrick was the primary starter at right guard last season. He has worked with the No. 2 offense as a guard and center with Newman ascending to the first-team.

It’s possible the Packers could start three new interior players in Week 1 against the Saints, including two 2021 draft picks. Runyan, Newman and rookie Josh Myers are all starting candidates.

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