The Green Bay Packers’ brass may not admit it, but this team is preparing for a late playoff push after an upset win over the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday Night Football.
Four of the Pack’s last five games have been victories.
Most importantly, it’s become abundantly clear that first-year starting quarterback Jordan Love has made significant strides, particularly over the last three games.
Love has not only played well in his last three games, but he has also made NFL history. He is the first NFL quarterback to lead his team to a (3-0) record with a 65.0+ completion percentage on 100+ attempts, eight touchdown passes with no turnovers, a 115.0+ passer rating, and no more than five sacks.
No other quarterback in NFL history has done so, and while Green Bay Packers fans are cautiously optimistic, Brian Gunkust and the front office are making key moves that give the team a legitimate shot at a late-season playoff push.
However, the front office recognizes the youth surrounding Jordan Love and continues to make critical moves that could pay off when games begin to mean more as the Pack makes a run at the playoffs.
Kenyan Drake, a veteran running back, was signed by the Packers on Tuesday. While the decision was made in part due to the uncertainty surrounding Aaron Jones’ return, Drake is a capable, dynamic weapon who has proven himself in the NFL and could easily become a key part of Green Bay’s late-season push.
Here are three facts about Kenyan Drake that every Green Bay Packers fan should be aware of:
1. Kenyan Drake Has a Long History of NFL Success
While the Packers initially signed Drake to the practice squad, it won’t be surprising to see him quickly learn the offense and be promoted to the 53-man roster, serving as a change-of-pace back to AJ Dillon as Jones recovers.
Drake is the ideal complement to Dillon’s hard-nosed running style. Since being drafted in the third round out of Alabama in 2017, the 29-year-old running back has played in 103 games in his eight-year professional career, starting 44 of them.
According to Pro Football Reference, he has 3,866 rushing yards and 33 rushing touchdowns on 868 carries. Drake has also caught 218 passes for 1,655 yards and eight touchdowns.
Drake is a true pass-catcher out of the backfield, and when he’s on, he’s a shifty, versatile back who can make defenders miss and pick up huge gains with his elite speed.
2. Kenyan Drake Cannot Survive In The NFL
There are obvious questions about why a running back with such a resume is available.
While Drake has bounced around various practice squads in 2023, he’s only a year removed from producing at a high level as a situational back for the Baltimore Ravens in 2022. He finished the 2022 season with 109 carries for 482 rushing yards and four touchdowns while playing in 12 games and starting 5.
Just one season ago, the dual-threat back added 17 receptions for 89 yards and another touchdown as a pass-catcher for Baltimore.
These highlights are from last season, and Drake has had no injuries or setbacks since.
Kenyan Drake has never surpassed 1,000 yards rushing in his NFL career, but he had his best statistical season in 2020 with the Arizona Cardinals, finishing with 955 yards and 10 touchdowns.
That performance earned him a two-year, $11 million contract with the Las Vegas Raiders as a change of pace back for their workhorse, Josh Jacobs. He thrived early on, but was placed on injured reserve in Week 13 after breaking his ankle.
Despite the fact that Drake has never had the opportunity to be a franchise’s featured back, he bounced back from injury last season and demonstrated that he could still produce at a high level.
3. Kenyan Drake Excited to Join Green Bay Packers
The NFL is often referred to as a league of opportunities, and it didn’t take long for the new Green Bay RB to express his delight at being given a chance with the Pack.
Drake hinted on social media that he was going to sign with the Packers before the signing was officially announced.
Following the announcement, the veteran running back expressed his excitement for his new opportunity with NFL Insider Josina Anderson of CBS Sports.
“I could feel the energy around the building today,” Drake said. “It was legendary, and you can sense their legacy and bright future.” I’m eager to get started and assist them in taking the next step toward their ultimate goal.”
As of now, there is no set timetable for Jones’ return to the Packers’ backfield.
During an appearance on “The Coach JB Show with Big Smitty,” professional athlete consultant Dr. Jesse Morse gave a pessimistic assessment of Jones’ chances of playing this week against the New York Giants. Morse is concerned that if the Green Bay Packers rush Jones back from his MCL Sprain, he will miss the rest of the season.
With James Robinson’s release accompanying Drake’s signing, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the veteran running back elevated to the 53-man roster and contributing sooner rather than later.
The Packers aren’t ignoring any opponent, but they have a favorable schedule ahead of them and are clearly adding depth that can contribute if needed. Drake could end up being one of the smartest moves the Packers’ brass has made as they rewrite the narrative and make a late-December push for a playoff spot.
