Packers’ O-line-Keith Allison-Flickr
5 ways the Packers’ O-line can improve in 2016
Protective instincts are something that the Green Bay Packers’ O-line know little about. Aaron Rodgers has been on his back more time than Michelangelo. What if he was able to stand upright, and avoid being hit 104-times and sacked 47-times per season? Here are five ways the line could help the Packers’ offense in 2016.
Look Big, Play Bigger
I’ve always been told, when dealing with a bear you need to look big. Well, the Pack has to deal with “Da Bears” twice a year at a minimum. Having a wide base and good arm extension are not only practical measures but are also intimidating. Showing proper form in pass protection right out of the gate will not only let your opponent know you mean business, but it also makes them as well as D-line coaches think twice about any stunts.
Block the Zone, not the Man!
Speaking of stunts, Brian Bakhtiari and Bryan Bulaga ran into plenty of issues protecting Rodgers in 2015, due to them falling into the trap of man versus a zone in blocking protection. If the Packers can utilize Lacy more in pass-protection, assigning him to the backside C-gap, they can be more efficient.
Hugs are not ok
According to NFLpenalties.com, this O-line had 29 flags for 280-yards in holding penalties; this is unacceptable! Usually, the reason for holding is poor footwork and bad hand placement. Keep those feet happy, the hands inside, and the team may actually avoid a lot of lost real estate this year.
Keep Tretter at Center
Keeping JC Tretter at center means keeping the team healthy. Injuries come at random and JC is ok at tackle when called upon. However, the team needs to do whatever they can to keep the football gods on their side to avoid injury.
Strike First, Strike Hard!
Backpedaling at the snap can be a costly mistake. You’ll be trounced over if you’re facing bull-rushing defenders. Don’t wait for them to make the first move. Just because you are not blocking downfield in the pass-protection does not mean you can’t step forward in your attack on the D-line. As my friend, Joe High says “Man, quit acting like a lil ‘B****’ and come on!” One inside stiff-arm combined with an aggressive step will immediately send the message that this is a man’s game!
If Mike McCarthy can light a fire under James Campen’s butt, and demand results from the O-line, this unit will impress in 2016.
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Jermaine Lockett is a Writer and CEO for Couch Rider Report. Follow us on Facebook or twitter.