2022 Packers Stock Report: Week 4
Take a look at the stock report for the Green Bay Packers after a 27-24 win over the New England Patriots in Week 4.
By GunnarDavis
A win is a win in the National Football League. That's all that matters.
However, the Packers could've made it a little easier on us, right?
Gosh, I was sweating bullets throughout the entirety of this game. Luckily the Packers pulled it together when it mattered and earned the victory.
There are some things to correct, but it's okay that this team can learn from wins instead of losses. This squad will look much different come December, you can count on that.
Let's get into the stock report for the Green Bay Packers after a 27-24 win over the New England Patriots at Lambeau Field in Week 4.
BUY
Rashan Gary- Rashan Gary has been an absolute force to reckon with to start off the 2022 season. He's been consistent against the run and relentless as a pass rusher. He's always one of the highest graded defenders on the Packers defense, which was the case again on Sunday (93.4 grade according to PFF). He's currently tied for third in the NFL with 5 sacks so far this season. If there's ever a time to buy, now is the time. Not long until he gains even more recognition as a top tier pass rusher in the league.
Allen Lazard- I know I added Allen Lazard to the buy list last week, but his stock continues to rise. He has quickly become Aaron Rodgers' favorite target in the three short weeks that he's played. This was his best week up to this point, posting 6 catches for 116 yards in the win over the Patriots. Lazard is one of only two wide receivers on the team that it appears Rodgers has complete and full confidence in (Cobb is the other). He will continue to look to Lazard when a big play is needed. Buy.
Rudy Ford- Known as a special teams ace, Rudy Ford came in and delivered on defense when his number was called on Sunday. When Adrian Amos went down, Ford came in and didn't miss a beat. He didn't allow a catch and recorded a pass breakup in overtime that proved crucial. With Amos currently dealing with a concussion, Ford will probably see the field on defense in London. Between his special teams play and what he can provide as a backup defensively, I really enjoy the fact that he's on this team.
SELL
Josiah Deguara- Now, I understand what Josiah Deguara's role is for this offense and for this team. He's more of a fullback/tight end hybrid, get-out-in-space-and-block type of player. He's not necessarily the hand-in-the ground type of tight end. And he does a fine job in that role. However, his usage has been incredibly limited, especially for a guy who is in his third year in the NFL. Deguara has the least amount of snaps played (50) out of all four of the tight ends up to this point in the season, and is one of the least-used offensive players in general for the Packers. That's not a promising sign for his future.
Streaky offense- Holy cow, have you ever seen an offense be so hot and cold? Last week I put a sell on second half offensive struggles, but we found out quickly that it wasn't just a second half problem. Three punts and two turnovers (including a pick-six) in the first half had me sweating big time at the break. Luckily the offense made some adjustments and scored on each of the first three drives of the second half. We know there will be some growing pains with this offense, but the Packers will need more consistency offensively moving forward.
HOLD
Romeo Doubs- I absolutely love Romeo Doubs. I know he had the fumble at the start of the game and touchdown drop near the end, but he's doing some really good things for this Packers offense. That back shoulder touchdown catch was just... *chef's kiss.* He's got all the talent in the world, but he's still pretty raw. He'll continue to get better with each week, so just hold on to his stock while you've got it now.
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Gunnar Davis is a lifelong Packers fan and a recent graduate of Simpson College, where he was a 3-year letterwinner on the offensive line and graduated with a degree in multimedia communications. You can follow him on Twitter at @Gunnar57Davis.
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Comments (9)
jont
October 05, 2022 at 12:15 pm
One of the great things about watching your favorite team is that fans can have different feelings and impressions while watching the same game. While you write, Gunnar, "gosh, I was sweating bullets throughout the entirety of this game," I never had any doubt the Packers would win. Maybe that's what they thought too and so they played such a flat, uninspiring game.
Anyway, I agree with the rest of your observations, particularly the Deguara bits. The door is wide open for him to become a weapon at TE / H-back and catch a few balls in short yardage. It seem the play action boot is made for him, but he's never called to run it-- "one of the least-used offensive players."
Coldworld
October 05, 2022 at 01:28 pm
The two back set has replaced the calls where he had a role in the offense it seems.
13TimeChamps
October 05, 2022 at 01:41 pm
It's pretty disappointing the production the team has gotten out Deguara, Amari, and Sternberger. All 3rd round picks.
splitpea1
October 05, 2022 at 12:37 pm
Buy: What the hell, the entire defense vs. the Giants. With injuries at QB and WR, the Packers should be able to handle them without undue hardship--providing their focus is stopping the run first. The Giants apparently dominated the LOS against the Bears with the assistance of their tight ends, though. But we're not the Bears.
Buy: Literally a top TE prospect in next year's draft; should be an improved class coming out. We've been lacking at this position for FAR too long.
Hold: The vertical game. Too low of a batting average here, but eventually we're going to break out of it, right??
mnbadger
October 05, 2022 at 12:59 pm
sell the CURRENT TIMING of the vertical game and buy it IF USED on a more creative basis. Can't believe we went four and out from near midfield with the game on the line. Sheesh!
Sell MLF as any type of Head coach. He has no control over the surroundings. His best leadership quality seems to come out when he puts on his skirt and waves his pom-poms! Another Sheesh!
GPG!
splitpea1
October 05, 2022 at 01:04 pm
Yeah, that was pretty bad. If there was ever a time to "matriculate" down the field and use up the remainder of the clock, that was it.
PackyCheese500
October 05, 2022 at 03:25 pm
Agreed on all counts
JohnnyLogan
October 05, 2022 at 01:04 pm
Buy - The two rookie receivers. Both have shown speed and an ability to get open. When Rodgers drops back he should try to picture Jordy and Adams.
Sell - Barry, for his tentative defense, and his inability to see how a game is developing.
Hold - LaFleur, although he's close to a sell. Stale offensive playcalling and deer-in-the-headlights stare when things aren't going well is getting tiring. Also, pumping up the fans like a college cheerleader is a bad look. Even with two terrific running backs like Jones and Dillon, three yards and a cloud of dust went out in the 60's. Both are great pass catchers and yet he's hardly throwing to them. 15-play drives result in turnovers, something the Packers have been guilty of this year. He'd better open up the offense and be less predictable or Rodgers will soon get bored, even more than he already is.
Oh, yeah, Rodgers?... Hold
Coldworld
October 05, 2022 at 01:32 pm
Sell LaFleur.
He’s got no plan for this season or the rookies other than to try to do the same thing as prior years but with rookies and without a clear plan to get them involved. His season planning matches his game planning acumen. Easy to see why we haven’t managed to get over the final hurdle. Hell, we are still repeating the same failed approaches.