Round 4 of the key matchup series will feature another pair of division foes squaring off. This time we will be going into detail over two rookie players. Both the Green Bay Packers and the Detroit Lions will rely on these young players in the trenches. The Packers have penciled in Josh Myers at center where the rival Lions like Alim McNeil at nose tackle. As for the scheduling, we should see noticeable growth in these players over the course of the season. The first contest will be week 3 and the second game will be in the regular-season finale. So here is 2021 Key Matchup: Myers vs McNeil.
Alim McNeil
When the Lions drafted McNeil with the 72nd pick in the draft, they had high hopes he could contribute right out of the gate. So far this preseason, McNeil has exceeded all expectations and looks to be an absolute steal. At 6’2″ 330 lbs. McNeil isn’t your typical space-eating nose tackle. Along with his raw power, this guy is an athlete that moves like a lighter man. Not many guys his size get called “twinkle toes” and “dancing bear” by their coaches. While his one sack at NC State last season doesn’t stand out, this former high school running back lived in opponents’ backfields and was a beast against the run.
McNeil plays with a low center of gravity and uses his explosive first step to beat blockers to the punch. Light on his feet, he can attack would-be blockers and keep them from locking into him. With his bullish strength, he can fight through double teams and hold the point of attack. Like all rookies, McNeil still needs to work on the finer points to be successful. Luckily for him, he is going against Lions Pro Bowl center Frank Ragnow at practice and he is holding his own. Working and learning from a center like Ragnow will catapult McNeil’s potential.
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Josh Myers
Myers was handed the keys to the newly vacant center job when Green Bay selected him in the 2nd round of the draft. Like Corey Linsley before him, Myers comes in battle-hardened from Ohio State. And like McNeil in Detroit, Myers has impressed so far through camp and looks the part of a future long-term starter.
Myers isn’t a road grader or considered a powerhouse offensive lineman, but he will win with technique and smarts. Aaron Rodgers stated right out the gate that he was impressed with Myers’ pre-snap reads and football IQ. In head coach Matt LaFleur‘s system, Myers should excel. He will be tasked with getting the line set pre-snap and then using his technique to wall off any opposing defensive lineman. Myers also will be trying to get a hat on second-level defenders. Mentally tough, Green Bay again may have found another offensive line gem.
The Matchup
This will be an all-day affair with McNeil lining head up on Myers. That is because the Lions are using a 3-4 base defense this season. Likely, McNeil will be constantly covering or shading centers. Green Bay might look to double or chip McNeil but mostly, this will be a 1-on-1 battle.
McNeil Wins If:
He can keep his low center of gravity and beat Myers with his first step. Getting the center on roller skates and winning the line of scrimmage will cause problems for the Packers’ plans. Even if McNeil doesn’t get to Rodgers, blowing up running lanes changes the Green Bay attack. If the Pack have to help Myers all game, this could free up other defenders.
Myers Wins If:
He can stalwart McNeil right away. Eliminating any penetration from McNeil can let Rodgers and company eat. In the running game, look for the Packers to use guards to help Myers. Frustrating, and more importantly, wearing down the rookie nose tackle could open up big plays in the second half.
Who has the Edge:
It’s a split. In the first game, McNeil can just be an aggressive 330 lb. wrecking ball. Myers having the pre-snap reads and then needing to deal with the power and speed of McNeill could cause problems.
However, in the season finale, Myers will have plenty of experience under his belt and the game should slow down for him. That experience should do wonders for the young center and he will be able to stone McNeil’s efforts.
Thank you for reading 2021 Key Matchup: Myers vs McNeil. Be sure to check out all of the great NFL content available on Full Press Coverage.
– Jesse Hall is a writer for Full Press Coverage Packers. He covers the NFL. Like and follow on Follow @hall_jhall1212 Follow @FPCoverage and Facebook.
– Kyle Senra is the managing editor for Full Press Coverage Packers. He covers the NFL. Like and follow on Follow @SenraSays Follow @FPC_Packers and Facebook.
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