However, that mentality has changed in recent years with offenses deploying more big-bodied, swift tight ends and scat running backs who can catch the ball out of the backfield.
Needing to keep up with evolving offenses, the Packers have responded with a youth movement at inside linebacker led by Blake Martinez and Jake Ryan, their fourth-round picks in the past two NFL drafts.
When the Packers take the field for Sunday’s opener in Jacksonville, it will be the rookie Martinez wearing the communication after handling the duties this preseason.
“I think you have to give him a lot of credit for his ability to communicate and understand, because that’s a heck of an adjustment,” Head Coach Mike McCarthy said.