If Bak is Out, will we See Elgton Jenkins at LT?
If David Bakhtiari can't play on Sunday, then putting Elgton Jenkins at left tackle makes the most sense for the Green Bay Packers.
By Paul_Bretl
Not only did the Green Bay Packers get whooped last Sunday down in Tampa Bay, but their All-Pro left tackle, David Bakhtiari, also left the game in the second half with what has been diagnosed as a chest injury. So far this week, Bakhtiari is yet to practice, making it seem more and more likely that Green Bay will be without him against Houston.
That means we are going to see more shuffling along the offensive line, which is something that we've already seen a lot of this season in Green Bay. In Tampa, we saw how the constant pressure on Aaron Rodgers rendered both him and this offense quite ineffective, and the Texans defensive front, led by J.J. Watt and Whitney Mercilus, will pose another difficult challenge for the Packer offensive line. Houston's 16 sacks this season is the sixth most in the NFL.
So what is the best combination for Matt LaFleur to use this Sunday on the offensive line? Well, the good news is that the Packers have several options.
They could continue using Rick Wagner at left tackle after he took over for Bakhtiari on Sunday, giving up a sack in 14 pass-block attempts. Or perhaps they move Billy Turner to left tackle and Wagner back to his natural position of right tackle. Although Turner is coming off a rough game of his own in Tampa Bay.
While I can't say that I'm terribly confident in either Wagner or Turner taking over the left tackle duties, depending on the severity of Bakhtiari's injury, maybe this could work for a week or two.
However, I'm not so sure that's the route Green Bay goes. All through training camp and into the regular season, LaFleur has made it very clear that he will put the best five offensive linemen on the field. And if that's the case, then Elgton Jenkins should be the left tackle on Sunday.
During his short NFL career, Jenkins has been dominant at the guard position, but he has the ability to play any position along the offensive line. In Week 1 against Minnesota, before Lane Taylor left the game with a season-ending injury, Jenkins was Green Bay's right tackle where he didn't allow a single sack, quarterback hit, or a hurry and wasn't called for a penalty either. It's also worth mentioning that Jenkins had five starts at tackle while at Mississippi State as well.
Now granted, left tackle is a different animal than right tackle is, but Jenkins is well-equipped to handle the role. As evidenced by his 9.34 Relative Athletic Score, Jenkins has quick feet and the movement ability to work in space, and as we've seen with him at the guard position, he certainly has the strength to handle any bull-rushes that come his way. Not to mention that his 34" arms will help him be successful on the edge as well.
In all likelihood - Elgton Jenkins is #Packers RT of future - 32 snaps at RT vs MIN
5 starts at RT while at Miss St
Smooth mover and is already comfortable playing the cat/mouse game with his hands (watch the flash) - strong, smooth, under control when DE wants to spin back in pic.twitter.com/ammSg095R3
— Ben Fennell (@BenFennell_NFL) September 14, 2020
While he doesn't have the experience at tackle that Wagner or Turner does, based on Jenkins' skill-set, you can certainly make the argument that he is the second-best tackle on this roster after Bakhtiari.
In addition to Jenkins simply being the best option, it also allows the rest of the Green Bay Packers' offensive line to play at more natural positions. Of course, Corey Linsley is your center - as long as he's healthy - Lucas Patrick can seamlessly slide over to left guard, where he has plenty of experience. Meanwhile, Turner can be Green Bay's right guard, which is where he started at all last season, and Wagner will be the right tackle, a position that he's taken over 5,800 career snaps at.
This configuration may go against the grain a bit, but as LaFleur has said, it's all about putting the best five on the field. And if David Bakhtiari can't play, that means starting Elgton Jenkins at left tackle.
PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO OUR CHEESEHEAD NATION WEEKLY NEWSLETTER HERE.
__________________________
Born and raised in Green Bay, WI and I still call it home. After my family, watching the Packers, sharing my opinions on the team through my writing and interacting with other fans is my greatest passion. You can find me on Twitter at @Paul_Bretl.
NFL Categories:
Comments (14)
Lare
October 23, 2020 at 12:38 pm
The big question here is the health of Corey Linsley. If he is out also then you need to throw out Plan B and go to Plan C, D or E.
stockholder
October 23, 2020 at 12:58 pm
I want. Ronyan. Jenkins needs to stay at LG.
jannesbjornson
October 23, 2020 at 09:08 pm
He took Chase Young to the turf two years running.
stockholder
October 23, 2020 at 01:00 pm
Linsley has back issues again.
Lare
October 23, 2020 at 02:32 pm
I assume that's why they drafted Jake Hanson.
Thegreatreynoldo
October 24, 2020 at 08:26 pm
Possibly so. Unfortunately, Hanson didn't make the team and is now on the practice squad's injured reserve. That said, perhaps he returns and we get some idea of what he's got.
Guam
October 23, 2020 at 02:39 pm
Why is CHTV repeating an article Ken Lass already did?
Guam
October 24, 2020 at 08:16 am
Double post.
SpikeHyzer
October 23, 2020 at 06:14 pm
I don't think this goes against the grain at all or is a hot take.
It's putting most guys in places they have the most experience and putting your best player
at your most important position.
It only makes sense.
FITZCORE1252
October 25, 2020 at 12:36 am
PDGA#?
canadapacker
October 23, 2020 at 10:19 pm
Give Jenkins his shot at Left T. Bak could be out longer than suspected because Pecs are serious - and if Turner is having a bad game at guard perhaps Runyon gets in? I wonder how this Pope guy on the practice squad is shaping up.
jannesbjornson
October 23, 2020 at 10:59 pm
Turner would be the RT
creshbunny
October 23, 2020 at 11:15 pm
https://hotmailvs.com I think this is an informative post and it is very useful and knowledgeable
FITZCORE1252
October 25, 2020 at 12:40 am
This makes all the sense in the world. Let's see if, perhaps, our LT of the future is wearing #74. 69 isn't going to be cheap to retain as we all know, Gute can't resign everybody. Plus, leave Wagner at RT where he's comfortable and has the best chance to be successful.
GPG