The Green Bay Packers are poised for a Super Bowl run and these players will be X-factors for the Pack.
Could the Green Bay Packers be headed back to the Super Bowl for the first time since 2010? Currently the No. 1 seed in the NFC (10-3), it appears the Pack are the team to beat at the moment after another win this past Sunday.
The Packers have gotten close to returning to glory on three separate occasions since their last appearance in the Super Bowl, appearing in the NFC Championship during the 2014, 2016 and 2019 seasons.
One thing all three of those conference championship games had in common? The Packers were the road team each time. This season, Green Bay has an excellent chance of hosting the NFC Championship, something Aaron Rodgers has talked about ad nauseam.
Speaking of Rodgers, the potential MVP is a huge reason the Packers have had such a successful season. Green Bay’s signal-caller leads the NFL in total touchdowns (41) and passer rating (119.5), and has arguably been the best player in the entire league this season.
But Rodgers can’t do everything alone. After all, the Packers franchise is more than just one player (though that one player may be the main catalyst for their success). We know of all the big names and how important their roles are.
So who are some players that could play an important role in Green Bay’s run to a Super Bowl that we aren’t talking about? Here are five players that could be X-factors for the Packers in their quest to Super Bowl 55.
5. Rick Wagner, Right tackle
When the Green Bay Packers let Bryan Bulaga sign elsewhere this past offseason, the biggest question on offense was who would fill in at right tackle in 2020? The answer: a group effort (kind of).
The Packers have employed multiple combinations on the offensive line this season, with Billy Turner, Elgton Jenkins and Rick Wagner all seeing significant time at right tackle. Turner opened the season as the starter but has since moved to right guard. With an injury to Corey Linsley recently, Jenkins has taken over as the starting center.
That’s pushed Wagner into a starting role at right tackle, and he’s quietly impressed. Signed as a free agent this past March, he’s been a bargain for the Packers.
In total, Wagner has played on 459 offensive snaps this season, including six starts. On 262 pass blocking snaps, he’s allowed just one sack, according to Pro Football Focus (subscription required). He’s currently ranked as PFF’s No. 20 overall offensive tackle, which includes both left and right tackles.
The Packers will need Wagner to continue his consistent play down the stretch, especially when they face tougher defenses in the playoffs.