The Green Bay Packers have lost their last three games and are just 2-4 this season. Despite the team’s issues on both sides of the ball, there are some Packers players who are doing their job consistently and effectively. Here is a look at five Packers players who are playing well despite the team’s early season struggles:
Packers Players Playing Well Number Five: K Anders Carlson
Packers rookie kicker Anders Carlson suffered through an inconsistent training camp and preseason but has been playing well since the season started.
The former Auburn star has made 8-of-9 field goals and all 12 of his extra points this season. He didn’t miss any kicks until last week in Denver.
Carlson hit a 52-yard field goal earlier this season. He also kicked the game-winning extra point in the Packers comeback win over the Saints in Week 3.
The distance on his kickoffs has been good. Thus far, 64.3 percent of his kickoffs have resulted in touchbacks.
Carlson still needs to prove he can kick in the cold weather that we can expect late in the season but he’s off to a good start to his NFL career.
Number Four: S Rudy Ford
The safety position was a major question mark for the Packers entering the season, but Rudy Ford has exceeded expectations for the Packers.
Ford has intercepted two passes thus far and is having a strong season in coverage. According to pro-football-reference.com, opposing quarterbacks have completed just 52.9 percent of their passes when throwing to receivers covered by Ford and they have a quarterback rating of just 47.8.
Ford has also been solid in run support according to Pro Football Focus.
The Packers will rely on Ford even more now that Darnell Savage will miss time due to injury.
Packers Players Playing Well Number Three: CB Rasul Douglas
Cornerback Rasul Douglas has provided the Packers with consistent play this season. Douglas intercepted one pass and recovered a fumble.
He has been the team’s most reliable cornerback. Douglas uses his size and length well and is physical off the snap of the ball.
With Jaire Alexander and Eric Stokes missing games due to injury and Keisean Nixon struggling in coverage, Douglas’ strong coverage skills have been vital for the defense.
The West Virginia alum also provides leadership on a young team that is struggling to win games.
Number Two: OL Zach Tom
The Packers offensive line has struggled since David Bakhtiari’s continuing knee problems caused him to undergo season-ending surgeries. The one exception to that is starting right tackle, Zach Tom.
The second-year man out of Wake Forest has excelled in both pass protection and as a run blocker. No other offensive lineman with extensive playing time is blocking well for the run.
Tom personifies the versatility the Packers look for in their offensive linemen. He can play all five positions along the line. Tom demonstrated that skill against the Broncos when center Josh Myers came off the field due to an injury. He moved to center for four snaps before Myers returned and Tom went back to his right tackle spot.
The Packers may be better off moving Tom to another position to solidify the middle of the offensive line. Then they could insert Yosh Nijman into the starting lineup at tackle. Thus far, Matt LaFleur has been reluctant to make that move.
Packers Players Playing Well Number One: Edge Rashan Gary
Rashan Gary leads the Packers with 4.5 sacks. He also has 13 pressures, eight quarterback hits and four tackles for loss.
These numbers are even more impressive when you consider the former Michigan star is on a play count as he recovers from the season-ending knee injury he suffered last year.
Gary has played only 35 percent of Green Bay’s defensive snaps through the first six games of the 2023 campaign.
The Packers are hopeful Gary will be even more productive once he’s fully recovered from the knee injury and can play a full number of snaps each game.
Gary has been both consistent and dynamic, making more big plays than any other player on Joe Barry’s defense.
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