Green Bay Packers vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Keys to Victory
Aug 9, 2014; Nashville, TN, USA; Green Bay Packers tackle Bryan Bulaga (75) on the sidelines against the Tennessee Titans during the second half at LP Field. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
2. Dominate with the Offensive Line.
Starting Tackle Brian Bulaga suffered a concussion late in the Green Bay Packers’ loss to the Buffalo Bills this past Sunday, and remains listed as “Questionable” on the injury reports. Reports out of Green Bay have been encouraging regarding Bulaga, but he remains in the NFL concussion protocol until further notice.
If Bulaga is unable to play, J.C. Tretter would start in his place. Tretter is a valuable swing-man along the Packers’ Offensive Line with the ability to play all five positions when needed, but his presence as the starting Right Tackle does not instil great confidence in Week 16.
More from Green Bay Packers
- Packers may have found Jordan Love a Travis Kelce-type
- 3 underrated moves Green Bay Packers made in 2023 offseason
- NFL Predictions: 5 Teams that will be drafting a quarterback in 2024
- NFL: Predicting the top 5 running attacks for the 2023 season
- Can Green Bay’s defense carry the Packers to the playoffs?
Against the Bills, Tretter allowed heavy pressure from Mario Williams leading to the game-ending safety. With Jacquies Smith, one of the Bucs most skilled pass-rushers this season, likely to line up against the Right Tackle for the majority of the game, Tretter could again be challenged. That being said, Mike McCarthy and the coaching staff have a great deal of confidence in Tretter as a football player, and he could surprise many after missing much of the season due to injury.
What this all boils down to is a need to protect a team’s best player just two weeks before the playoffs. The Packers would be wise to increase protection along the line if they are able to get an early lead, and run the ball often. I’d also be surprised to see Aaron Rodgers scramble with any level of aggression with the Packers ahead.
Compared to recent seasons, the Packers’ Offensive Line has been relatively healthy and performed respectably. Rookie Centre Corey Linsley has been a revelation on the inside, and the unit will need to continue to protect Aaron Rodgers from any high-risk situations this Sunday in Tampa Bay.