Five Green Bay Packers Who Have the Biggest Impact On the Players Around Them

The Green Bay Packers are off to a 5-1-1 start and sit in first place in the NFC North. This group is talented and faces a big challenge ahead if they hope to realize the high expectations set for them. Here are five Packers players who have the biggest impact on the players around them. These are not necessarily the best players, but the presence of these particular players and the things they bring to the table help create opportunities for their teammates to shine. We have not included quarterbacks in this list.

Five Packers Who Have the Biggest Impact on the Players Around Them, Number Five: RB Josh Jacobs

Josh Jacobs has struggled the past two games with injuries, but he’s still a difference maker when he’s healthy and in the lineup. The effective running of Jacob has an impact on the entire offense. His ability to run forces defenses to crowd the box to try to stop Jacobs. That helps open things up for play action passes.

In addition, Jacobs’ ability to gain yardage after contact also helps make the offensive line better. While many of the team’s offensive linemen are average at best opening holes for the running game, Jacobs’ effectiveness gives the team a higher ranking as a running team.

Jacobs also provides the team with a solid receiving option out of the backfield when necessary.

Number Four: DT Devonte Wyatt

If you question Devonte Wyatt’s inclusion in this list, all you need to do is review the game film from the games he missed and then watch the film from his return game in Pittsburgh. Wyatt gives the Packers a solid run defender in the middle, but his pass rush adds even more to the defense.

Wyatt moves quickly off the snap of the ball and gets pressure in the middle of the defensive line. That helps the defense get to the quarterback.

In addition to whatever sacks Wyatt gets, the pressure he provides prevents quarterbacks from stepping up into the pocket to avoid the rush that comes off the edge. This forces bad and hurried throws which leads to incompletions and sometimes even turnovers.

Five Packers Who Have the Biggest Impact on the Players Around Them, Number Three: WR Christian Watson

Wide receiver Christian Watson has a great combination of size and speed that make him a dangerous weapon in the Green Bay offense. Last season, he averaged 21.4-yards per catch which illustrates his ability to make big plays downfield.

But in addition to the catches he makes, the threat that Watson creates forces defenses to account for him. As a result, Watson can run a deep pattern, and safeties are forced to follow him. That opens up opportunities for teammates underneath.

Watson also provides the Packers with strong blocking on running plays and screen passes and that opens up things for his teammates as well.

Number Two: S Xavier McKinney

While he may “only” have one interception this year, Xavier McKinney’s strong play at safety has a big impact on the Green Bay defense. After his outstanding start last season, opposing offenses rarely opt to challenge the Packers secondary deep down the middle. They are reluctant to challenge McKinney. That reduces the capacity for splash plays and allows the Green Bay defense to concentrate on stopping other plays.

Knowing how good and how consistent McKinney is also allows defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley the freedom to try different blitz packages and defensive formations because he knows he can rely on McKinney.

McKinney also provides the defense with leadership on the field and in the locker room. That has an impact on the team as well.

Five Packers Who Have the Biggest Impact on the Players Around Them, Number One: DE Micah Parsons

Sure, Micah Parsons does a lot on his own. He already has 6.5 sacks, but his impact goes well beyond that. Because opposing defenses have to be aware of Parsons and double team him, it opens up opportunities for his teammates.

The most obvious example is Rashan Gary. The Michigan alum already has 7.5 sacks through seven games. He’s playing well, but the fact that offenses concentrate on Parsons allows the talented Gary to face single coverage on nearly every play.

Parsons’ ability to rush from the edge or to line up behind the nose tackle also allows Hafley to run different blitz packages and to take advantage of matchups along the line.

In the secondary, defensive backs know they won’t have to cover deep as often because of the pressure Parsons and the defensive line create. That certainly makes their job easier.

Parsons has made a big impact on the Green Bay defense, and his presence has taken the defense to another level.