Devonte Wyatt could be one of the most significant players on the field for the Green Bay Packers in Sunday’s game against the undefeated Minnesota Vikings.
This interior disruptor must prove his mettle when faced with the middle of the Vikings offensive line in a favorable matchup.
Sam Darnold is well protected by quarterbacks Christian Darrisaw and Brian O’Neil on the edges. In fact, Darrisaw and O’Neil may be one of the best pass-blocking duos in football. Where the Vikings offense falls apart is inside.
Center Garrett Bradbury allowed 10 pressures, second-most among centers, according to Pro Football Focus. Guard Ed Ingram also allowed 10 pressures, fifth-most among guards.
Wyatt, a first-round pick in the 2022 draft, projects as one of the top interior linebackers in the NFL to enter the season. He has three sacks and nine pressures on 64 pass-rushing plays through three games, plus six stops or tackles for loss. Wyatt was disruptive as a sophomore in 2023, but he’s now turning opportunities into negative plays at a higher rate early in 2024.
I love watching Devonte Wyatt’s explosiveness and athleticism on display. He’s eaten in the passing and running game this year. photo: twitter.com/ipjQ5W7dMB
— Brandon Carwile (@PackerScribe) September 23, 2024
Wyatt — an explosive 300-pound athlete who seems to thrive on Jeff Hafley’s aggressive play — will need to make the most of opportunities to beat Bradbury and Ingram on Sunday at Lambeau Field.
This matchup is also a good chance for Kenny Clark to get out of a mini-slump early in the year. He was tranquil in the run game and just average as a pass rusher. Clark has historically done very well against Bradbury in previous matchups. Karl Brooks is another interior disruptor who could benefit on Sunday.
Darnold was a revelation as Kevin O’Connell and the Vikings’ quarterback, and former Packers quarterback Aaron Jones is enjoying a scorching start (325 total yards, two touchdowns) with his modern team. Add in world-class receiver Justin Jefferson, and the Packers will have their hands full with a Vikings offense that is third in points allowed and averaging 6.0 yards per play in 2024.
Wyatt needs to be a game-breaker. In the modern scheme, he’s blossoming into the disruptive force the Packers have come to expect. But games like Sunday’s against the Vikings — a key divisional clash early in the year — are where the substantial players need to take over. Can Wyatt dominate a game with a plus score and aid the Packers pull off a substantial win in the NFC North?
