Key 2021 Matchup: Gary vs Jenkins -

Welcome to the Key Matchup series for the 2021 NFL season. Throughout the offseason, Full Press Coverage will present various 1-on-1 matchups featuring Green Bay Packers players and their opponents. For the first installment let’s start with an in-division rival. The individual battle between Rashan Gary and Chicago Bears rookie Teven Jenkins will be major factors in each team’s success.

The Packers and Bears will first square off during week 6 and then again Sunday, December 12th under the lights of a primetime game. As all division games are of utmost importance, players that win their individual battles can tilt the field on a whole season. In this match-up of playoff contenders, it is no different. Here is Key 2021 Matchup: Gary vs Jenkins.

Rashan Gary

Twenty-three-year-old Rashan Gary is entering his third season and started to really take off late last year. Green Bay fell in love with Garry’s elite physical tools when they drafted him at # 12 overall during the 2019 draft. Gary is just a physical freak. His speed to power and testing numbers are as good as any at his position and he’s only just scratching the surface.

Though the sack numbers haven’t taken off just yet he has proven to be an efficient pass-rusher in limited snaps. According to Next-Gen Stats, Gary’s disruption rate ranked # 9 in the league last season at 15.1%. For comparison’s sake, Cleveland’s Myles Garrett ranked at # 4 with 15.7%.

Gary gets after quarterbacks with an assortment of moves but more so with superior explosion and closing speed. He has a sprinter’s first step, strong hands, and a non-stop motor. Gary’s biggest asset is his ability to get off blocks. Very seldom does Gary stay tied in a block.

If his pass-rush wasn’t enough, Gary did come in with plus run defense. His strength helps him control offensive linemen and hold the edge. Being so athletic he can move all over the defensive line depending on down and distance. The non-stop motor helps Gary run down plays that most other 280 lb men would be unable to. Look for Gary to get a much bigger role in 2021. Double-digit sacks are not out of his reach.

Teven Jenkins

As for Teven Jenkins, it is a little more projection at this point. When the Bears traded up in this year’s draft for Justin Fields, they knew the offensive line needed long-term solutions. Welcome in Oklahoma State mauler Teven Jenkins (also 23). The Bears took Jenkins in round 2 and already have him penciled in as the week 1 left tackle.

If you are wanting a savvy technician that’s a dancing bear Jenkins isn’t your guy. But, if you want an old-school grinder looking for a fight and thoroughly enjoying punishing opponents you have come to the right place. Jenkins is a big 6’6″ 320 lb mountain that is a human bulldozer. In the run game, this guy cut his teeth on driving guys downfield until the whistle. Once he latches on good luck getting out of his grip.

In pass-protection, it might not be as pretty and Jenkins could struggle early with NFL speed rushers. I still wouldn’t count him out though. With some NFL experience and fine-tuning on his footwork, he will hold his own. One thing holds true, this guy punches the clock, puts in the work, and loves this game. The Bears found a long-term starter in Jenkins.

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The Matchup

This is where it gets interesting to see how first-year defensive coordinator Joe Berry wants to deploy his defense. Last year, Gary played more left edge squaring off against right tackles while Za’Darius Smith was at right edge giving left tackles fits. Jenkins is penciled in at left tackle right now for the Bears. That doesn’t mean Gary and Jenkins won’t get their battles in. I believe quite the opposite with Z and Gary being able to move all over the formation. In passing situations, the Packers might look to frustrate the rookie with different looks and personnel. While it won’t be head-to-head all game, 15 to 20 snaps in this clash should be expected.

Gary Wins If:

He takes another growth step. The gifts are undeniable. Gary started to show these off late last year. If this young man puts it together in year 3 there is no containing him. Slowing him down would mean adding help and freeing up other defenders. Gary using his explosion with some pass-rushing moves could frustrate the rookie Jenkins.

Jenkins Wins If:

The Bears keep it closed and can run the ball. At this point, the rookie will benefit to use his brute force. That will come in the run game. If the Bears can stay out of third-and-long and avoid falling behind, Jenkins can benefit and potentially slow down Gary.

Who has the Edge:

At this point, it’s all Rashan Gary. The coming out party starts in 2021 and it is going to be hard to shut him down. His speed to power is off the charts and will be a problem, especially for a rookie. Tevin Jenkins will be an above-average starter in this league but his Kryptonite will be a guy like Gary who offers a whole box full of weapons.

Thank you for reading Key 2021 Matchup: Gary vs Jenkins.

– Jesse Hall is a writer for Full Press Coverage Packers. He covers the NFL. Like and follow on Follow @hall_jhall1212 Follow @FPCoverage and Facebook.

– Kyle Senra is the managing editor for Full Press Coverage Packers. He covers the NFL. Like and follow on Follow @SenraSays Follow @FPC_Packers and Facebook.