There was a lot to talk about after the Packers 38-20 win over the Bears in the season opener. Much of the discussion surrounded Jordan Love and how well he played in his first start as the team’s starting quarterback. The strong play of Aaron Jones and Romeo Doubs also got a lot of attention from fans and the media as well. On defense, the young players like Devonte Wyatt and Quay Walker each had standout games. But one unit that played well and didn’t get as much attention as they rightfully earned was the Green Bay offensive line.

The offensive line did a very good job of protecting Love throughout the game. Love was only sacked once in the entire contest. He often had time to look to his second or third receivers and find someone open downfield. According to pro-football-reference.com, the Bears had only recorded two hurries and five pressures during the entire game. By contrast, the Packers had four sacks, seven hurries and 13 pressures.

On the handful of occasions nobody got open, Love had the athleticism to escape the pocket and gain yards down field.

The best pass blocking in the game came from the two starting tackles. Neither tackle allowed a sack in the game.

Left tackle David Bakhtiari was his usual self and received an outstanding grade in this game from Pro Football Focus. If Bakhtiari’s knee can hold up and he remains healthy, he can return to his All-Pro form from before he suffered his knee injury late in the 2020 campaign.

Right tackle Zach Tom, who won the job during the preseason, also earned excellent grades in pass protection. Tom lacks the classic size that scouts ideally look for in a tackle, but his intelligence, technique, and willingness to finish every play make him extremely effective.

The starting guards were good in pass protection but not outstanding according to PFF. Elgton Jenkins was responsible for the one sack the Packers gave up in Chicago and had the lowest grade among the linemen in pass blocking as a result. Jon Runyan was steady and effective at protecting Love.

Center Josh Myers graded out effectively in pass protection as well. He did a good job of preventing the interior linemen and inside linebackers from pushing the pocket back and getting pressure on Love.

The offense was outstanding on third down in this game and the strong pass blocking of the offensive line was a major reason for it. The Packers went 9-for-16 in the game which means they converted third downs at a 56.3 percent success rate.

The Packers run blocking was not as effective as the pass protection. That has been an issue for the team in recent seasons. The Packers gained 92 yards on 32 carries in the game and had a long run of just 10 yards. That included a kneel down by backup quarterback Sean Clifford and a two-yard loss on an end around by Jayden Reed.

Tom had outstanding grades as a run blocker as well and was by far the best on the team in Week 1. Bakhtiari graded out well with Jenkins and Runyan being solid.

The biggest problem among the run blockers was Myers whose run blocking grade was so bad it was the lowest grade among any starter at any position on the Packers offense.

The first offensive play of the game illustrated Myers’ struggles at run blocking quite well. Defensive lineman Andrew Billings blew past Myers immediately after the snap of the ball and disrupted Aaron Jones’ run which was stopped for a one-yard loss.

Myers and the rest of the Green Bay offensive line need to improve their consistency especially as run blockers for the offense to run on all cylinders.

Still, in the season opener, the pass protection was very strong, and it allowed Love to maximize his opportunities and make second and third reads. The longer the Packers sustain this level of pass protection, the more confidence Love will have that he can look downfield and execute plays without constant fear of being sacked.