It’s clear that Green Bay has questions to answer before the Packers’ 2023 defensive season.
The Packers defense
There are a few things that stand out ahead of the Green Bay Packers’ 2023 NFL season. Jordan Love has become one of the most promising young quarterbacks in the league. The team quickly changed its offensive identity as well. From receivers to tight ends, the rookies on the offensive line have made great strides. With most of the offensive core expected to return, the defense will enter 2024 with some questions.
Joe Barry is gone. His successor has yet to be determined, but the impact of this hire on Matt Lafleur and the team is significant. Assuming the Packers look away from home to replace Barry, the defensive scheme will likely change. No matter who occupies this position, there is work to be done together.
Kenny Clark, one of the most experienced veterans on the team, had a good year. Clark has 7.5 sacks in 17 games (per Pro Football Reference). Releasing other players like Davonte Wyatt was a major goal for Green Bay. White played twice as many snaps in his rookie season in 2022. Wyatt was expected to be a breakout candidate, but the Packers have seen production from other players on the defensive line.
T. J. Slaton saw his snap count increase in his third year in Green Bay. Slaton didn’t fill the stat sheet with a sack, but his solid play was evident all year. Having Slaton in the rotation frees up players like Rashaan Gary and Preston Smith to do what they do best. Gary and Smith combined for 17 sacks. Clark, Gary and Smith accounted for more than half of the defense’s 45 sacks.
Seeing the growth of young players and consistent production from star players is one of the reasons the Packers are optimistic about the progression of the core players. High school questions answered However, secondary issues remain important. After trading Rasul Douglas to Buffalo, Green Bay relied on a number of young players for key moments in the second period.
Darnell Savage Jr. redeemed himself with a career resurgence, but is playing on a restructured contract through 2023, meaning a potential split for both sides. Even if Savage plays better in 2023, his future in Green Bay is not guaranteed. Other notable free agents on defense include Keysian Nixon, Rudy Ford and Corey Ballentine.
Recently, Alexander recently sent a mixed message, and the package can see a new face and see a new page. Looking at the 2024 school year in the future project, Green Bay completes his attributes. The additional draft capital from the Aaron Rodgers trade and the Douglas trade will help the Packers manipulate the draft board to secure top talent.It is not sufficient for execution
Fixing the run defense will be a top priority for Green Bay. The secondary uncertainty leaves seven important questions for the Packers to answer. Relying primarily on young and inexperienced linebackers, Green Bay was weak against the run. According to ESPN, the Packers have the fifth-worst defense in the NFL.
This was primarily a by product of the linebackers. Outside Quay Walker left much to be desired.De’Vondre Campbell appears to have lost his stride and has battled injuries for the second straight season. Production also declined. Campbell was used sparingly as a blitzer, but played fewer snaps than before.
He also allowed too many yards on completions in coverage.It would be expensive to get rid of Campbell, but he seems almost certain to have a smaller role going forward. It will be very interesting for the new defensive coordinator to see how Campbell and other linemen fit into his scheme. However, the Packers need to work on improving their run defense.
Overall, Green Bay’s defense ranks in the top 10 in scoring in 2023. While they haven’t been very strong in terms of yards allowed, their total punt differential also ranks 10th in the NFL. A potential change in defensive philosophy along with additional draft capital should help the Packers improve their average defensive season.Looking at the Packers’ 2023 defense, it’s clear there’s still a lot of work to do.
