The biggest question mark surrounding the Green Bay Packers heading into the 2017 NFL season concerned their offensive line. With a questionable offensive line protecting Aaron Rodgers – one of the most important goals for the Packers team – they took a big gamble in the Chicago Bears game. However, it worked out well as Rodgers was sacked twice but had a relatively safe game while the Packers rushing game played well, with 91 yards in the game.

The Packers new linemen

What is even more impressive is that the offensive line that did so well protecting Aaron Rodgers on Thursday night was a mishmash of players that no one could have expected to play at this level.

The Green Bay Packers started four natural guards and one center in the game. The reason for the lack of natural tackles was because the Packers head coach Mike Mccarthy wanted to use experienced linemen over all else in the Chicago Bears game.

The four players who started for the Green Bay Packers on Thursday night included three undrafted free agents, one player who was a fifth-round draft pick, and a free agent that the Packers signed in April. Undrafted free agent Lane Taylor played left tackle, a position he had never played before in an actual game. Undrafted free agent Lucas Patrick started at left guard in his first ever NFL start.

Justin McCray last played in the Arena Football League and stepped in to play right tackle, despite being a guard throughout his career.

The only players with experience at their positions were center Corey Linsley and Jahri Evans. While Evans is a six-time Pro Bowl player, he couldn’t find a team to sign him until the Green Bay Packers rolled the dice and signed him in April.

Mike McCarthy is happy with the linemen

Mike McCarthy rolled the dice and risked his superstar quarterback by creating this mishmash of talent, especially by leaving those tackle positions in the hands of men used to stopping interior rushers.

However, it worked and McCarthy was very complimentary of the Green Bay Packers offensive linemen.

McCarthy said that he couldn’t say enough about the Packers O-linemen in the Bears game. The head coach pointed out the four guards and said it was incredible to watch them work. He let everyone know how proud he was of his players and said they delivered in the win over the Bears. Following the big win, McCarthy presented the Green Bay Packers game ball to the entire offensive line.
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