GREEN BAY – As the Packers settle into their new offensive alignment up front in the aftermath of left tackle David Bakhtiari's season-ending knee injury, one thing remains abundantly clear.
Teamwork is not in short supply on this offensive line.
With Billy Turner taking Bakhtiari's spot and Rick Wagner once again manning right tackle, the Packers more than held their own against the Bears' formidable edge-rush duo of Khalil Mack and Robert Quinn by providing some help to the bookends here and there.
Here's a sampling of the friendly assistance, plus later a look at second-year outside linebacker Rashan Gary in an impressive three-play sequence defending the run.
Play No. 1: Second-and-11 from the Green Bay 19, first quarter, 6:47 left
Result: 15-yard completion to WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling
This is the Packers' second offensive snap of the game, and first pass play. Understandably, Turner isn't quite anchored in his new spot just yet, and a swim move by Quinn (94) gives him trouble. But no worries, there's LG Elgton Jenkins (74) to keep Quinn at bay as QB Aaron Rodgers buys some time to find an open man.
Play No. 2: First-and-15 from the Green Bay 17, second quarter, 10:03 left
Result: 7-yard completion to WR Tavon Austin
Behind the sticks after a false start penalty, the Packers get back on track with a safe throw into the flat to Austin off jet motion. This time on the blind side, Turner is up against Mack (52). Turner makes sure not to get beat around the edge, and with C Corey Linsley(63) just fine one-on-one against NT Bilal Nichols (98), Jenkins takes away Mack's charge to the inside.
Play No. 3: Third-and-4 from the Chicago 16, second quarter, 5:40 left
Result: 9-yard completion to WR Davante Adams
Rodgers gets this ball out quickly enough to avoid any pressure concerns, but here's an example of a little help on the other side. Wagner has Quinn, but RG Lucas Patrickhas his eye on Quinn the whole time, and in typical Patrick fashion he follows through with full gusto as the Packers get a huge third-down conversion in the red zone.
Play No. 4: Second-and-goal from the Chicago 13, second quarter, 4:03 left
Result: 13-yard TD pass to TE Dominique Dafney
A few snaps later, the Packers have moved backward due to a holding penalty, but again, the teamwork up front keeps the offense rolling. Wagner has Mack on the right side, and when DT Akiem Hicks (96) shifts his rush toward the middle where Linsley is waiting, Patrick can slide over and help finish off Mack as Rodgers throws his third TD pass of the first half.
Now for the defensive sequence by Gary, whose work against the run jumps off the film on three consecutive plays on the game's opening drive on which he had different responsibilities each snap.
Play No. 5: First-and-10 from the Green Bay 38, first quarter, 11:30 left
Result: 2-yard run by RB David Montgomery
This is a classic example of set the edge, shed the block and make the tackle. As Gary engages with TE Cole Kmet (85), he immediately stands up Kmet with a strong right arm, breaks free and makes his gap disappear as soon as Montgomery hits it.
Play No. 6: Second-and-8 from the Green Bay 36, first quarter, 10:49 left
Result: 6-yard run by Montgomery
What does Gary do when the run isn't to his side? He chases like a madman. The effort and speed here are outstanding.
Play No. 7: Third-and-2 from the Green Bay 30, first quarter, 10:25 left
Result: 1-yard loss by RB Artavis Pierce
Gary has now flipped to the other side, which makes the zone-read by QB Mitch Trubisky (10) his responsibility. Smartly and reliably, Gary stays home on the option, Trubisky has no interest in running the keeper, and just to be sure Gary doesn't attack until the handoff to Pierce is complete. Then, with the interior of the defensive line holding the point, and slot CB Chandon Sullivan (39) crashing from the high side, Gary gets in on the tackle for loss.
