Despite starting a backup quarterback for two games, the Green Bay Packers rank sixth in points scored, third in yards gained, second in yards per play and first in explosive plays through four weeks in 2024.
Here are five players who have stepped up or developed into key players for the Packers offense this season:
WR Jayden Reed
As a rookie, Reed looked like a potential star. He is making good on the potential to start Year 2. Through four games, Reed ranks seventh in the NFL with 427 total yards. He has 11 explosive plays, including an NFL-high seven catches of 20 or more yards. In three of four games, Reed has a catch of 30 or more yards. In three of four games, Reed has a run of 15 or more yards. He is dynamic and versatile. Reed is averaging 18.6 yards per touch, 15.3 yards per target and 15.2 yards per rush, and he’s scored three total touchdowns. He is planting his flag among the NFL’s best receivers and playmakers.
Key stat: Reed is averaging 3.17 yards per route run, tied with Justin Jefferson for third among receivers.
Love to Jayden Reed gets the @Packers their first points!
📺: #MINvsGB on CBS/Paramount+
📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/IUURto84Ii— NFL (@NFL) September 29, 2024
OT Zach Tom
He is enjoying more and more David Bakhtiari-like games. He quietly goes about his business, erasing edge rushers snap after snap and consistently getting the job done in the run game. He’s easy to forget about in-game, but then you put on the tape and Tom is dominatnig. He once again looks elite in the passing game, and his improvement as a run blocker has put him in near elite status as an offensive tackle. Though four games, Tom looks like a potential All-Pro.
Key stat: Tom is the only offensive tackle in the NFL to appear in all four games and play at least 150 pass-blocking snaps while giving up two or fewer pressures.
TE Tucker Kraft
Kraft is dominating the TE1 snaps, and it’s easy to see why. He’s the perfect do-it-all blocker for Matt LaFleur’s offense, and his ability to chew yards after the catch has created big plays. Both inline and on the move, Kraft has been out in front of so many explosive run plays through four games. On 12 catches, Kraft has 120 yards — 111 of which has come after the catch. Once Jordan Love gets back into rhythm, Kraft’s production as a pass-catcher could explode. His YAC ability is going to be vital in the red zone.
Key stat: Kraft’s average depth of target is only 2.8 yards, but he’s averaging almost 10 yards after the catch on 12 receptions.
Tucker Kraft rocks. Impacts the game in a bunch of different ways and is a bull with the ball in his hands. pic.twitter.com/gD7u9eAi8d
— Nate Tice (@Nate_Tice) September 30, 2024
RB Emanuel Wilson
Wilson has emerged as a legitimate backup running back. He’s big, has burst as a runner and can force miss tackles, but his developmental in the passing game has helped keep him on the field. Wilson has been perfect over 14 pass protection snaps, and he caught a 30-yard touchdown pass. He has four explosive plays — three runs over 10 yards and the 30-yard score. With MarShawn Lloyd on injured reserve, Wilson has proved more than capable of being the backup behind Josh Jacobs. You can tell Matt LaFleur’s trust in him is growing and growing.
Key stat: Wilson has forced nine missed tackles on only 33 touches to start 2024.
*Tom Hanks voice*
WILSOOOOOOOOONNNNNNN!#GBvsTEN pic.twitter.com/v6gfdaZRXK
— Green Bay Packers (@packers) September 22, 2024
RG Sean Rhyan
Rhyan has started four games. He rotated with Jordan Morgan for 1.5 games and has been the full-time player at right guard for the last 2.5 games. More and more, he looks like a fully capable starter. Rhyan has allowed only five pressures and hasn’t given up a sack over 126 pass-blocking snaps, and he’s been getting better and better in the run game. Some of his best snaps have been on the move as a pull blocker, which isn’t surprising given his combination of power and movement ability. It’ll be interesting to see what the Packers do when Morgan (shoulder) returns.
Key stat: Rhyan’s pass-blocking efficiency at PFF ranks 20th among qualifying guards through four weeks.
Honorable mention: QB Malik Willis
Willis deserves a mention. In two starts, the former Titan completed 75 percent of his passes, averaged over 9.0 yards per attempt, rushed for 114 yards, produced three touchdowns and didn’t have a turnover. The Packers were in big trouble after losing in Brazil and not having Jordan Love for a couple of weeks. Willis helped deliver a couple of disaster-avoiding wins against AFC South foes.
Key stat: Among all quarterbacks, Willis’ passer rating of 122.7 ranks second overall.
