In Week Nine, the Green Bay Packers defeated the Los Angeles Rams 20-3 to win a game in a convincing manner. Naturally, the defence played a major role in Green Bay’s victory, as they never once let the Rams get inside the 35-yard line. But the offence also appears to be playing considerably better than it has in recent weeks.
The Packers had not scored a touchdown in the first half of a game since Week Two when Aaron Jones ran for one in the second quarter. Jordan Love threw a touchdown, converted 77% of his passes into completion, and did not turn the ball over. The Packers’ performance was hampered by two fumbles (one by Jones and one by Dontayvion Wicks), but overall it was the most effective they had been since the Week Three game against the New Orleans Saints.
The offensive line, which has received a lot of justifiable criticism, had a part in the offense’s success since they performed admirably overall. When Jon Runyan Jr. was sidelined for a bit due to an injury, even second-year guard Sean Rhyan saw some action and performed admirably.
Rhyan had a good time joking about with reporters at his Thursday media availability regarding his first significant playing time of his career.
Guard Sean Rhyan of the Green Bay Packers mockingly refers to Aaron Donald of the Rams as a “Easy Opponent”
Runyan was not held out for very long, therefore Rhyan only saw 15 snaps of playing time. But all he had to do to take on one of the NFL’s top interior defensive lineman, Aaron Donald, was 15 snaps. Despite barely being on the pitch for two passing plays, he held his own and did not give up a single pressure.
Bill Huber of Sports Illustrated reports that Rhyan told reporters he was really pleased with his performance.
“It felt pleasant. Though a bit abrupt, it was a smart idea to go public. I had to face Aaron Donald, who was, of course, an easy opponent. It worked well. It was rather satisfying. Practise is one thing, but really playing the game is quite another. On the defensive end of the ball, I know I can go out there and take on one of the best players in the league.”
Rhyan was definitely given a lot of blocking time with Donald. Thirteen of the fifteen plays he was on the pitch for were running plays. Rhyan assisted in moving the ball down the field, which let Love find Luke Musgrave for a touchdown throw.
When discussing starting the top five offensive lineman on the field, offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich stated of Rhyan during his press conference today, “He’s made a case for himself to be in that discussion.”
In light of the Packers’ recent string of subpar third-round selections, it would be quite exciting if Rhyan proved to be an above-average NFL starter. Rhyan could be receiving more chances sooner rather than later considering how injured both Josh Myers, the centre, and Runyan are.
The Packers’ injury report presently lists Myers and Runyan. Due to a neck ailment, Runyan was unable to participate in practise on Wednesday. On Thursday, he did practise to a limited extent.
Myers is dealing with a knee injury that he suffered in practice on Wednesday. He was a limited participant in practice on Thursday.
Elgton Jenkins (knee) and Yosh Bijman (back) are also on the injury report.