Green Bay, WI — Once regarded as one of the most reliable cornerstones of the Green Bay Packers roster, veteran player David Bakhtiari is raising eyebrows across the NFL. Known for his dominance as one of the league’s elite offensive tackles, the 2024 season has revealed a startling decline in his performance.
NFL analyst and former player Marcus Spears recently weighed in on Bakhtiari’s struggles, describing his recent efforts as a “shadow of his former self.” “It’s shocking to see how much his game has regressed in such a short span,” Spears stated during a segment on ESPN. “This guy used to be a wall, someone Aaron Rodgers relied on for years. But now, it’s clear injuries and age have taken a toll.”
The concerns come amid a tumultuous season for the Packers, who are battling for playoff contention with a young and inexperienced roster. With Bakhtiari now dealing with recurring knee issues stemming from an ACL injury in 2020, critics question whether his best days are permanently behind him.
Fans have noticed the once-prolific tackle struggling against faster pass rushers, leading to increased pressure on the Packers’ new quarterback Jordan Love. The team’s coaching staff, however, has stood by their veteran. “David is still a leader for this team,” head coach Matt LaFleur said during a press conference. “We understand he’s facing some physical challenges, but we’re confident in his ability to bounce back.”
With Bakhtiari’s contract becoming a hot topic of debate, speculation about the Packers’ long-term plans continues to grow. Will the franchise stick by their seasoned veteran, or is it time for a new chapter at left tackle?
For now, fans can only hope Bakhtiari can reclaim some of the form that made him a cornerstone of the Packers’ offensive line for the past decade.
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