For Packers, Future Is Now With Sean Rhyan

The Green Bay Packers have expertly balanced their focus on winning in 2023 while strategically building for the future in 2024, exemplified by the dynamic rotation at right guard between veteran Jon Runyan and emerging second-year player Sean Rhyan. Despite Runyan consistently starting each game this season, Rhyan has progressively seen increased playing time in the latter half of the year.

In the recent two weeks, their snap count has remarkably approached a 50-50 split. While Runyan maintains his starting role due to his proven performance, the impending free agency status of Runyan at the season’s end prompts the Packers to evaluate Rhyan’s potential as a long-term solution, considering the substantial investment made in him as a third-round pick in 2022.

Rhyan, however, remains focused on the immediate task at hand—Sunday night’s crucial clash against the Minnesota Vikings. Adopting a pragmatic approach, Rhyan emphasizes the importance of staying present and taking the season week by week. The coaching strategy has been clear: leverage Runyan’s experience while affording Rhyan valuable playing time to assess his readiness for a starting role in the upcoming season.

Since Week 8, Rhyan has accumulated 115 snaps, including an impressive 62 snaps over the last two weeks. Offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich acknowledges Rhyan’s potential, particularly highlighting his physicality and effectiveness in the run game. However, Stenavich points out that Rhyan still needs improvement in pass protection, a crucial aspect for a staple guard in the league.

Statistical analysis from Pro Football Focus reveals promising signs for Rhyan. While Runyan has allowed two sacks and 20 pressures in 526 pass-protecting snaps, Rhyan has yet to concede a sack and has only faced four pressures in 73 pass-protecting snaps.

The unconventional strategy of rotating offensive linemen is not without its merits. Beyond providing Rhyan with vital experience, the approach has yielded unexpected benefits, disrupting opposing defenses and adding an edge to the Packers’ gameplay.

Rhyan’s positive impact extends beyond statistics, influencing the team’s rushing performance. When Rhyan is on the field, the team averages 6.12 yards per rushing play, a significant improvement compared to when he’s not playing.

Despite the challenges posed by formidable opponents like Derrick Brown, Rhyan maintains a positive outlook, viewing these matchups as opportunities for personal and team growth. Facing quality starters like Harrison Phillips and Andrew Billings in the upcoming games will serve as valuable measuring sticks for Rhyan’s progress.

As Rhyan navigates his journey in the NFL, he embraces the challenges and relishes the chance to prove himself against top-tier players. The rotational strategy, while unconventional, seems to be contributing to both individual development and team success, making it a compelling storyline to follow as the Packers continue their playoff push.