Packers Battle O-Line Injuries as Matthew Golden Draws 18 Targets Before Falcons Game
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Sep 24
Packers Battle O-Line Injuries as Matthew Golden Draws 18 Targets Before Falcons Game
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Sep 24
Summary
Green Bay enters Thursday’s Falcons game with mounting protection concerns after coaches flagged left tackle Jordan Morgan’s snap-count mistakes and pre-snap issues despite a Week 2 win.
Those problems are compounding an injury-hit line: guard Aaron Banks is out with a toe injury, and Anthony Belton is now set to hold down right tackle after Zach Bako-Bewele’s season-ending patellar tendon tear.
Matthew Golden has emerged as a bright spot, drawing 18 targets through two games after seeing 44 all last season and earning offensive player-of-the-game honors against the Jets.
The offense still ranks 32nd on third down at 19% because Green Bay has repeatedly landed in third-and-7 or longer, putting more pressure on Jordan Love and a shaky front.
Atlanta adds another variable with Michael Penix Jr. replacing Cooper Rush at quarterback, even as the Falcons have yet to reach the red zone through two games.