The Green Bay Packers have clinched a playoff berth with 11 wins and seem to be hitting their stride as we get closer to the postseason. While star players like Josh Jacobs and Xavier McKinney garner most of the attention, there are other players who have contributed to the team’s success without much fanfare. Here are five Packers who have quietly been helping the team win games this season:

Five Packers Who Have Quietly Been Helping the Team Win Games, Number Five: S Zayne Anderson

Safety Zayne Anderson has always been a special teams standout since he arrived in Green Bay. Rich Bisaccia sought him out and he’s filled that role well.

Anderson made his first NFL start against the Saints on Monday night when injuries felled Evan Williams and Javon Bullard. The former BYU star made three total tackles, broke up two passes and made his first career NFL interception.

Anderson personified the “next man up” mentality in the NFL. When called upon, he did his job and did it well. The Packers likely lose their shutout against New Orleans without his interception and overall solid play.

Number Four: DT Devonte Wyatt

Devonte Wyatt has missed three games this season and been limited in some others due to injury. When he’s been healthy, he’s truly helped the Packers inside pass rush.

Wyatt has five sacks in 12 games played including one sack in each of the last two games. When he’s playing well, there is a definite improvement in the defensive line’s ability to get pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

Earlier this season, head coach Matt LaFleur described the difference a healthy Wyatt makes for the defense. “He’s a quick, twitch up, twitchy defensive lineman and a guy who can really explode off the football…We’re more of a penetrating front as opposed to a read and react playing technique. You just want to create chaos and carnage up front of you by blowing up the man in front of you.”

Five Packers Who Have Quietly Been Helping the Team Win Games, Number Three: RB Chris Brooks

Chris Brooks signed with the Packer early this season when MarShawn Lloyd suffered an injury. Brooks has carried the ball only 28 times in 13 games for 124 yards. He’s also caught 11 passes for 69 yards. He ran for his first career NFL touchdown in the win over the Saints Monday night.

While Brooks doesn’t make headlines, he does all the little things that coaches love and appreciate. He knows how to pick up blitzers and pass rushers to protect the quarterback. He is also a solid receiver out of the backfield when needed. His football intelligence and reliability allow LaFleur to trust him in big situations.

“He’s done a great job since the moment we got him,” LaFleur said earlier this season. “Very intelligent guy. Definitely can contribute on [special] teams, as well. He’s been excellent in understanding the protection scheme. Obviously, he’s coming from a very similar system when he was down in Miami. So, he was familiar with our version of how we do our six-man protection. He’s reliable, consistent and does a great job.”

Brooks may be third on the depth chart, but he’s a solid and underrated contributor to the success of the Green Bay offense.

Number Two: G Sean Rhyan

Sean Rhyan has enjoyed an eventful 2024 season. The Packers right guard won the battle with first round pick Jordan Morgan for the starting job. After a lost rookie season and a second year where he rotated in for a few series per game, the former UCLA star established himself as a bona fide NFL starter.

Rhyan has added toughness and intensity to the Green Bay offensive line. He showed dramatic improvement this season in his pass blocking while continuing to be a steady run blocker.

LaFleur appreciates the growth he’s seen from Rhyan this season. “He is one accountable guy,” the coach said earlier this season. “Any time you say something to him, he always takes accountability, and I think that’s an important part of this. You’ve got to know yourself and you’ve got to know what you’re good at and where you can improve. And to his credit, he always takes accountability, and he’s putting action behind it. I do think he’s in a much better position than he ever has been.”

Rhyan has contributed to the Packers strong running game and the limited number of sacks allowed.

Five Packers Who Have Quietly Been Helping the Team Win Games, Number One: DB Keisean Nixon

Keisean Nixon earned All Pro honors in each of the last two seasons as a return specialist. But this season, he’s seen an expanded role on defense.

Nixon started the season as the slot corner, but injuries moved him to the perimeter midseason. He seemed to play better on the outside but has been playing both spots at different times depending on who’s healthy and available.

Defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley appreciates what Nixon gives the defense. “I think Keisean probably should be getting more credit than he’s getting for everything we’re asking him to do.”

According to pro-football-reference.com, Nixon has improved in coverage this season as compared to last year. Opposing quarterbacks’ completion percentage has gone down by 16.4 percent as compared to 2023. Their quarterback rating is almost 20 percent lower.

Nixon’s versatility has allowed Hafley to run his defense even without the oft-injured Jaire Alexander. He’s been a valuable part of the secondary and continues to be a weapon on kick returns.

 

 

 

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