The Packers defense has been in shambles for a number of seasons now. After years of mediocrity and futility, the team finally made some changes to their coaching staff this offseason.
The Green Bay Packers are coming off of a disappointing loss to the Minnesota Vikings. One thing that was noticeable in the game was the change in defensive philosophy.
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – Matt LaFleur, the Green Bay Packers coach, couldn’t take another defensive blunder in the NFC Championship Game, so he switched defensive coordinators.
With Mike Pettine in charge, it’s now Joe Barry’s time after three seasons (two under LaFleur). While Pettine’s team finished ninth in the NFL last season (after finishing 18th in each of his previous two seasons), the team’s meltdowns and miscommunications in the season-ending defeat to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers made it a palatable decision for LaFleur.
Barry’s track record as a coordinator isn’t spectacular, but he didn’t inherit the talent he did in Green Bay during his prior tenure as a coordinator with Detroit and Washington.
Regardless of the new coordinator, here’s a position-by-position breakdown of whether the Packers’ defense is better, worse, or the same as last season:
Linebackers on the defensive side
T.J. Slaton, Jack Heflin, and Carlo Kemp are among the newcomers.
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Montravius Adams, Damon Harrison, Billy Winn, and Anthony Rush are among the players that have been cut.
Kenny Clark, Dean Lowry, Kingsley Keke, Tyler Lancaster, and Willington Previlon are among the returning players.
Is it getting better, worse, or staying the same? exactly the same
Adams was a third-round selection in 2017 who never materialized. Slaton, a fifth-round pick in 2021, has a chance to make a larger impact. Last year, Keke showed indications of breaking out, which may relieve some of Clark’s burden.
Linebackers on the inside
De’Vondre Campbell, Isaiah McDuffie, and Ray Wilborn are among the newcomers.
Christian Kirksey (Loss)
Krys Barnes, Kamal Martin, Ty Summers, Oren Burks, and De’Jon Harris are among the returning players.
Is it getting better, worse, or staying the same? Better
This wasn’t the case until Brian Gutekunst, the general manager, signed Campbell in June. The Packers gave him a $1.01 million signing bonus, indicating that they saw him as more than just a regular person. Barnes, who wasn’t even selected, had the most snaps of any Packers rookie last season. He begins the season ahead of Martin, who was drafted in the fourth round in 2020.
With the acquisition of first-round cornerback Eric Stokes, the Packers’ defense has become quicker. Getty Images/Stacy Revere
Linebackers on the outside
No changes have been made.
There have been no losses.
Za’Darius Smith, Preston Smith, Rashan Gary, Randy Ramsey, Jonathan Garvin, Tipa Galeai, and Delontae Scott are among the returning players.
Is it getting better, worse, or staying the same? Better
How can they improve if they’re in the same group? Preston Smith, for example, looked in much better condition this spring than he did last year, when he appeared overweight. Last year, his productivity dropped dramatically, but his teammates and coaches think he will make a significant comeback this year. After accepting a salary reduction, he should be motivated (with incentives to earn back the money). Gary also looks to be ready to take off, so don’t be shocked if Barry starts using him, along with the two Smiths, as a trio on the field more frequently.
Cornerbacks
Eric Stokes and Shemar Jean-Charles have been added to the roster.
Parry Nickerson and KeiVarae Russell both suffered defeats.
Jaire Alexander, Kevin King, Chandon Sullivan, Josh Jackson, Ka’dar Hollman, Kabion Ento, Stanford Samuels are among the returning players.
Is it getting better, worse, or staying the same? Better
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With the addition of a first-round selection in Stokes, who can fly, how can they not be better? His speed (mid-4.2s during his pro day) is a step up from King, who was unexpectedly re-signed for $5 million. Jean-Charles (fifth round) seems to be a ball hawk as well. The issue is who will fill Barry’s “star” or nickel role. He’s often utilized his No. 1 corner in that position, but it’s unclear if he thinks the All-Pro Alexander is a good match for it.
Safeties
Christian Uphoff and Innis Gaines have been added to the roster.
Raven Greene, Raven Greene, Raven Greene, Raven Greene, Raven Greene
Adrian Amos, Darnell Savage, Will Redmond, Vernon Scott, and Henry Black are among the returning cast members.
Is it getting better, worse, or staying the same? exactly the same
Amos and Savage have proven to be a formidable team. If Savage continues to play as he did last season (four interceptions in the final six games), this team might move from good to outstanding.
The Green Bay Packers lost to the New York Giants yesterday, and one of the biggest changes in their defense is the new coaching staff. Reference: what happened to the packers yesterday.
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