The Green Bay Packers have an offense and defense that have already ranked in the top ten of some preseason rankings. However, most educated fans and analysts knew this would happen. After all, the Packers spent significant resources on defense this offseason and return four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers at quarterback. It stands to reason that they would be highly ranked. The biggest question mark, though, is special teams, which has been the bane of the Packers’ existence for over two decades. When the Packers hired Rich Bisaccia as their new special teams coordinator, many began to have high hopes that special teams will turn around. Bisaccia has a long-standing reputation around the league as a special teams guru, and perhaps should have been the new Las Vegas Raiders head coach. In any case, he is in Green Bay now, and is very excited about backup tight end Tyler Davis.
LaFleur Speaks on Rich Bisaccia and Tyler Davis
When speaking on Tyler Davis, Matt LaFleur had this to say:
“He certainly made his mark on special teams. I know he’s a guy that Rich was really excited about when we hired him, just what he can bring. He’s a guy that’s going to give you great effort each and every snap, and he can really run.”
LaFleur continued:
“Tyler is a guy that I didn’t know a whole lot about when we acquired him. It was just something you could see each day when we were out there as he was learning the offense and getting his reps on the scout team. Then he got forced into play, and I thought he did a hell of a job.”
Tyler Davis with the Packers in 2021
Tyler Davis was acquired in September of last season when Green Bay plucked him off the Indianapolis Colts’ practice squad. Prior to 2021, Davis spent 2020 with the Jacksonville Jaguars. That season, he played in eight games, but did not record a catch.
After joining the Packers, Davis played 65% of special teams snaps and recorded five tackles. As a receiving tight end, he had four receptions for 35 yards. Davis had a catch percentage of 80% and a 95.8 passer rating when targeted.
Conclusion
The Green Bay Packers have Marcedes Lewis and Robert Tonyan (eventually) set as the two top tight ends. In addition, Dominique Dafney and Josiah Deguara will compete for snaps. That being said, Tonyan will not be available until after the season starts as he rehabs from a torn ACL. Deguara and Dafney have yet to play full seasons as well. That said, Tyler Davis has a chance to earn a bigger role on the offense. For now, though, it appears as if he has already done enough to make the roster on special teams.
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