For the Packers, Monday night’s 10-7 loss to the Eagles was rough enough on the face of it, but it is the kind of defeat that seems to get worse with age. There were ample opportunities to win, or at least tie, the game, but faith in the team’s offense has dwindled to the point that there was not much expectation in critical moments that Green Bay could pull off the victory.
While skill players like quarterback Jordan Love and running back Josh Jacobs are usually first up for criticism in those situations, the real culprit appears to be the one unit the Packers usually have fairly squared away: the offensive line.
The Packers had the No. 3 offensive line, by Pro Football Focus’ rankings, in 2022, and dropped to No. 11 in 2023. That bounced back to No. 6 in 2024.
This year? They’re No. 17 entering Sunday’s game against the Giants, dropping seven slots after the disaster against the Eagles.
Packers Line Lacking ‘Physicality’
Worse, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Eagles came in with very little regard for the Packers offensive line, and left with much the same opinion. Losing Elgton Jenkins, who had been struggling to adjust to a new role as the team’s center, won’t help much, either.
Writes Fowler: “One issue with the Packers after Monday night’s struggles is the offensive line. The Eagles and others have noticed a lack of physicality with that group of late, causing Jordan Love to rush. The Eagles felt as if they could impose their will and were spotting tendencies with play-calls late, jumping on plays early. …
“The Packers have plenty of time to rebound, which a very good defense can help them do — but they have to get back to moving people up front. Elgton Jenkins’ stint on IR with a leg fracture could be a lengthy one, though. I’m told there’s a possibility he misses the rest of the season (while hoping to be back for the playoffs). He’s scheduled to undergo surgery soon.’
Facing Giants Might Give Packers a Break
The Packers will get something of a break when they face the 2-8 Giants on Sunday. They will need to go on the road to end their two-game losing streak, but that might not be a bad thing, seeing as they scored a combined 20 points in those two losses, both at Lambeau Field.
The Giants should be something of a test for the offensive line, which has already dealt with a wave of injuries before the Jenkins news. New York has one of the league’s better pass rushes.
The Giants will be without rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart, who is in concussion protocol and will be replaced by veteran Jameis Winston.
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