5 Strange Stats About the 2016 Packers

In prepping various articles and podcast-related things, we come across some wacky stats from time to time. Here are some of the most unusual ones we’ve come across lately.

1. The disappearing Richard Rodgers

We’ve spoken a lot about Richard Rodgers lately, but here’s one more interesting stat we haven’t gotten to use so far. Rodgers was never targeted more than twice in a game over the final six games of 2016.

The only other stretch with a similar lack of offensive attention came during the first six games of his career.

2. A not so special performance

Pro Football Reference uses a great stat called “expected points” to encapsulate the overall performance of a team’s offense, defense, and special teams.

Generally, the Packers were pretty solid on special teams, but in Week 9 against Indianapolis, the special teams unit contributed a staggering -11.14 expected points to the cause, easily the worst mark of the season.

Much of that stat has to do with giving up a 99-yard touchdown return on the opening kickoff. General rule of thumb: don’t let that happen.

3. First and ten, do it again

In football, you can win in a variety of ways. The Packers proved that with two different games in 2016. Against the Bears in Week 7, the offense moved up and down the field at will, producing a whopping 32 first downs.

But against the Texans in Week 13, the Packers managed just 16 first downs. They still came out on top.

4. On the road again

Seven of the Packers eight regular season road games took place east of Green Bay. Their longest road trip was to Jacksonville in Week 1, sending the Packers on a 1,041 mile jaunt.

5. Big players filling small roles

29 different players participated in a Packers offensive play in 2016. Of that group, only one player’s snap total stayed in single digits: Kyle Murphy only played eight snaps all year.

As meager as that total is, it’s still four times as much as the least active defensive player. Chris Banjo only managed two defensive snaps in 2016 before he was cut, fewer even than Carl Bradford’s 10.

On special teams, just about everyone is expected to contribute, but some pitched in more than others. Kentrell Brice takes home the top spot with his 292 snaps.