Offensive Line Is Key To Green Bay Packers’ Week 12 Win
Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports
Heading into this week’s matchup against the Minnesota Vikings, the Green Bay Packers are firing on all cylinders, as evidenced by their back-to-back 50-point outings in Lambeau Field. Aaron Rodgers has been on fire this season, and one of the main reasons why he has been so outstanding has been the play of his offensive line. If the Packers and Rodgers wish to see similar success in Week 12, then the offensive line will have to be in top form once again.
While there may be some question marks on the offensive side of the Vikings’ squad, the defense is still stout, specifically the defensive front. Shariff Floyd and Linval Joseph present challenges in the trenches, but rookie Anthony Barr could be a game wrecker for the Packers. He could very well be a Defensive Rookie of the Year this season. He has four sacks in 2014, but he has been disruptive nearly every game.
The onus will be on the offensive line. In year’s past, the offensive line has been the Achilles’ heel for the Packers’ offense due to injuries and poor play, but this year, they have been outstanding. David Bakhtiari continues to prove himself as one of the best left tackles in the game as he is Rodgers’ blindside protector. Bryan Bulaga dodged the injury bullet earlier this season and made the shift to right tackle with relative ease. T.J. Lang and Josh Sitton may be the best guard tandem in the league.
But the biggest surprise has been Corey Linsley. The center positions were a serious question mark heading into the season, but Linsley gets better with every game. It won’t happen, but Linsley should really start getting consideration for Rookie of the Year. It’s not a coincidence that Rodgers’ best two games have come in the last two games, where he has rarely been sacked, let alone hit.
If the offensive line gives Rodgers time this Sunday, then this game shouldn’t be in doubt.
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