Blitz Challenge: Myers vs. Spagnuolo

In a clash between the Green Bay Packers and the Kansas City Chiefs in 2021, quarterback Jordan Love faced an intense blitz on 21 of 39 dropbacks, showcasing the aggressive style of defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo. Spagnuolo, known for his blitz-heavy schemes, has been a key architect of the Chiefs’ successful defenses, with two Super Bowl victories and consistent appearances in the AFC Championship Game.

As the Packers prepare for this challenging matchup, center Josh Myers emerges as a pivotal figure, responsible for making crucial line-of-scrimmage adjustments. Myers, the linchpin for organizing the offensive line against formidable defenses, acknowledges the complexity of Spagnuolo’s strategies, requiring extensive preparation.

The transition from Aaron Rodgers to Jordan Love as the starting quarterback not only marked a change in on-field skills but also in handling the mental intricacies at the line of scrimmage. Rodgers, with 15 years of experience, had mastered reading various defensive looks, often leaving opponents confounded. However, with Love as the new starter, opposing teams have increased their blitz frequency, putting the Packers to the test.

Despite facing challenges, the Myers-Love duo has shown resilience, maintaining the sixth-lowest sack percentage in the league, even without premier left tackle David Bakhtiari since Week 1. Offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich commends Myers for his adept handling of protection calls and adjustments throughout the season, emphasizing the upcoming test against the Chiefs.

Stenavich recognizes that perfection in protection calls is elusive, aiming for 60-70% accuracy. The key, he notes, lies in everyone being on the same page with adjustments and the quarterback identifying hot reads. The offensive line, led by Myers, has been diligent in staying cohesive, minimizing protection breakdowns.

Myers, accustomed to being the quarterback of the offensive line since his days at Ohio State, relishes the role. The collaborative efforts between the offensive line and quarterbacks involve regular film sessions and discussions on protection adjustments. On game day, it falls on Myers to translate hours of preparation into action, navigating through blitz looks and third-down packages, orchestrating a high-stakes game of cat and mouse.

As the Packers brace for a formidable Chiefs defense, Myers remains focused on adapting to the dynamic scenarios presented by Spagnuolo’s schemes. The chess match between the offensive line and the opposing defense adds an extra layer of complexity to an already intense matchup. In the end, Myers emphasizes the importance of flexibility in calls, acknowledging that adjustments are part of the strategic dance between offense and defense on the gridiron.