Stat Pack: Packers' line took the offensive

Pro Football Focus uses a complex system to analyze every NFL player involved in every snap in every game and assigns a grade based on how he performed on that play, with each position having its own set of grading guidelines. Plus/minus scores are given in 0.5 increments and a small normalization factor is applied to make 0.0 the average grade for a game or season. To learn more, visit www.profootballfocus.com

Three statistical takeaways from the Packers’ 26-20 overtime loss Saturday at Arizona, with an assist from PFF’s Ben Stockwell:

1. The Packers’ offensive line was strong, with four starters earning positive overall grades: right tackle Bryan Bulaga (+2.3), center Corey Linsley (+2.3), right guard T.J. Lang (+1.5) and left guard Josh Sitton (+1.3). Sitton and Lang excelled in pass protection (+1.5 and +1.4, respectively) while Linsley and Bulaga paved the way on the ground (+2.1 and +1.0, respectively). Left tackle David Bakhtiari (-1.1 overall) helped shore up the pass protection (+0.4) but struggled to fend off Cardinals defensive lineman Calais Campbell in the running game.

2. Second-year wide receiver Jeff Janis’ big day has been well-documented: seven catches on 11 targets for 145 yards and two touchdowns, for an overall rating of +3.4. Eight of his targets came while he was being defended by Cardinals cornerback Justin Bethel (Arizona chose to have lockdown cornerback Patrick Peterson stick to James Jones, who had no catches on only two targets).

3. In his first game back after being sidelined for four weeks by a concussion, Packers cornerback Sam Shields (+4.0) led what was a strong effort by the secondary (at least until overtime). Shields was targeted 10 times and allowed only three catches for 27 yards, with two passes defensed. Safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix (+3.0) allowed only two catches on four targets and had an interception and a pass defensed.