First, All-Pro left tackle David Bakhtiari started the season on the Physically Unable to Perform list, meaning he would miss the first six games. 

Next, Pro Bowl offensive lineman Elgton Jenkins injured his ankle in the Week 2 Monday nighter vs. Detroit. He hasn’t played in the last two games. 

Added to the mix are Josh Meyers and Royce Newman — two rookies that have started since the season opener in Jacksonville. And another newbie — Yosh Nijman — who made his first career starts at left tackle the last two weeks and had the unenviable task of facing Nick Bosa and T.J. Watt. 

If you had any doubts about the unit that was in charge of protecting a future Hall of Fame quarterback, who is the main reason why the Packers sit 3-1 with eight touchdowns and no picks and a passer rating of 119.44 in the last three weeks, it would be completely understood. 

Obviously offensive line/run game coordinator Adam Stenavich and assistant offensive line coach Luke Butkus had other ideas. 

“Preaching playing with great fundamentals and playing with great effort,” said Stenavich after the 49ers dramatic comeback win in Week 3. “And if we do those things, we’ll give ourselves a chance to be really good.”

That may sound boring, but boring works. Especially when you’re dealing with guys that don’t have a lot of experience. The mechanics are the building blocks as to why a lot of these guys made the pros in the first place and it will be the mechanics that keep them in the league. 

And when it comes to the one player on the offensive line that everyone in that unit looks to emulate right now, it’s easily right tackle Billy Turner. He’s played left guard, right guard, left tackle and now right tackle. He is the model of versatility and a great teammate. 

“He’s such a great example for everybody to look at in terms of how he goes about his business on a daily basis,” said coach Matt LaFleur. “You'll see him … doing the little things in the training room, taking care of his body, because he knows that for guys to go out there and play at the best of their ability they've got to get their body right.”

The results have been amazing. For quarterbacks with at least 100 dropbacks, Rodgers has only been pressured 36 times, which puts him third behind Joe Burrow and Jimmy Garoppolo. Rodgers’ throwaways are also way down as well as the number of hits that he absorbs as he throws. 

The amount of depth that the Packers have on the offensive line is remarkable, coupled with how well Stenavich and Butkus have dodged the injury punches. 

The offensive line never gets the praise, but it is really the heart and soul of a football team. If a team is doing well, it’s because the offensive line is owning the line of scrimmage and not allowing the defense to get much of a push. 

Meyers may not play this week in Cincinnati with an injured finger, but as we have learned, there’s no reason to be worried. Jenkins may play but don’t be surprised if Stenavich and Butkus unearth another gem from their mechanics stable. 

The Packers may have figured out how to win in San Francisco, but the blueprint starts with the offensive line.