Through two games, Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has been sacked a league-high 10 times. And with the Green Bay offensive line going through big changes this week thanks to an injury to left tackle Chad Clifton, the pressure is on a patchwork group to keep Rodgers upright against the Rams on Sunday.
The injury to Clifton -- a high ankle sprain -- forced Green Bay to send left guard Darryn Colledge outside during last week’s game with the Bengals. Colledge got taken to school by the Bengals Antwan Odom, who finished the day with a fairly impressive five sacks.
Colledge will be back at left tackle again this week while center Jason Spitz moves to Colledge’s left guard spot. Scott Wells moves into Spitz’ place.
Earlier this week, Green Bay coach Mike McCarthy stridently promised capable play from his offensive line, saying, “Oh, they’re going to rise to the challenge. And they need to. And we all do, starting with me. We’re going down there to play football the way we’re supposed to play football, OK? We didn’t play very good last week. And that’s last week. We’re 1-1 and we’re excited about this opportunity in St. Louis.”
After their Cutler-aided, season-opening win over the Bears, Green Bay got stunned at home by Cincinnati last week. The Pack really needs this one tomorrow at St. Louis. If they fail there, it will be a long, bleak week leading up to their game at Minnesota where an old dude with an axe to grind awaits.