Packers Offensive Line Is Passing Early-Season Tests

The Green Bay Packers’ potentially-explosive offense hasn’t been clicking on all cylinders so far this season.

But through four regular-season games there has been one highly encouraging development: The Franchise, aka Aaron Rodgers, isn’t getting mauled as often by opposing defenses.

Last season, Rodgers took an absolute beating and it was a testament to his mental and physical toughness that he managed to play an entire season.

Rodgers, in case you forgot, was sacked 46 times in 16 regular-season games. Sure, some of that was Rodgers’ fault for he, at times, held on to the ball too long.

Yet, the bulk of the pass protection problems were on the offensive line. Individually, and collectively, that group didn’t have a banner season.

But this season, the offensive line – even without the departure of veteran starting left guard Josh Sitton to Chicago and the absence of injured starting center Corey Linsley – has been terrific. After four games, Rodgers has been sacked just eight times. Projected over a 16-game season, Rodgers would be sacked 32 times – a vast improvement over last season.

Rodgers deserves some credit for staying out of harm’s way, too. He has been flowing gracefully and smartly in and out of the pocket, avoiding danger and extending plays.

Now, Rodgers has to get back to being the pin-point passer he’s been through most of his career and, most importantly, his receivers have to do a much better job of getting open.

If those things occur, which they likely will, starting perhaps as soon as today, Rodgers and the Packers will be just fine.

Prediction: Packers 27, Cowboys 20.