The Green Bay Packers put together a strong all-around performance on Sunday afternoon to pick up a victory over the Chicago Bears in Week 1. There were some standout performances in every facet of the game as Green Bay used a dominant second half to propel them to a 38-20 victory over their NFC North rivals.
Alas, like every week, not everything came up roses for the Packers. There were a few players who struggled to make a positive impact in the game, as some ugly PFF grades were recorded. The lowest grade was earned by starting center Josh Myers.
Myers wasn’t a total loss, as he didn’t surrender a single pressure in the game. But, the consistency that head coach Matt LaFleur mentioned during training camp wasn’t there. Myers was the Packers’ lowest-graded run blocker at 40.0 on the afternoon and he had two botched snaps.
His performance will be something to keep an eye on as a few more 44.0 overall grades could result in a lineup change. The next lowest grade was Josiah Deguara, who recorded a 47.3 and also struggled as a run blocker.
The 47.4 run-blocking grade Deguara earned was the second-lowest on the team. He was flagged for a penalty as well, which didn’t help his cause. As the most senior tight end on the Packers roster, he needs to improve his performance or the young guys will start taking more of his reps.
The Packers’ third-lowest overall grade was earned by wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks. He ended up playing a big role in the offense, receiving the most snaps of any wide receiver on the team with 37. Not much was done with the opportunities, as he ran 19 routes and was targeted twice but failed to bring in a reception.
The fourth and fifth-lowest grades on the Packers in Week 1 both came on the defensive side of the ball. Slot cornerback Keisean Nixon and linebacker Isaiah McDuffie both recorded grades of 49.3 on the afternoon.
Nixon struggled mightily in coverage, giving up seven receptions for 60 yards and a touchdown to Darnell Mooney. This is something that could happen regularly as opposing offenses aren’t going to test star cornerback Jaire Alexander or Rasul Douglas much in coverage.
McDuffie, who mostly plays special teams, was able to get in defensively courtesy of the blowout. He played 19 snaps, dropping into coverage 15 times while rushing the passer twice and having two run defense plays. His 51.2 pass coverage grade was second-worst on the Packers, ahead of only Nixon’s 49.7.
More must-reads: