Cory's Corner: Packers Pass Rush Will Impress
Cory Jennerjohn examines the role the Packers pass rush will play in a new-look defense.
A consistent pass rush is the No. 2 priority for any football team.
If a team can take a quarterback off his spot and force him to make throws that he doesn’t want to make, the defense will have a much better chance of succeeding on third down or getting a turnover.
That’s what makes Packers defensive coordinator Mike Pettine so interesting. The Packers spent $118 million on Za’Darius Smith and Preston Smith in the offseason to replace Clay Matthews and Nick Perry.
Yet, the most important aspect is that Pettine isn’t pigeonholing his players into any position.
“We can be used in a lot of ways in coach Pettine’ scheme,” said Preston Smith. “We also complement each other. All our guys can play together.”
In the past, offenses knew that Matthews and Perry would most likely be coming at them around the edge. However, now Pettine isn’t bashful about moving them anywhere that will help the defense.
“I’m pretty sure it makes it difficult for any offense because they don’t know where we’re coming from or they can’t get used to one player playing a certain side or doing a certain thing,” Preston Smith said.
The best part about that is, guys are acting as a team. Za’Darius Smith is peaking right now as he tallied 8½ sacks last year and could easily say that he only wants to be a pass rush specialist. And Preston Smith registered 24½ sacks in four seasons in Washington.
That really says a lot of both of those guys to know that they can only be more valuable if they don’t just buy into the team concept but really become cogs in Pettine’s defensive machine.
And there’s also the wild card. I’ve been critical of the Packers taking Rashan Gary at No. 12, but the rookie from Michigan has played with another gear so far during training camp.
“He’s done a lot of nice things,” said Packers head coach Matt LaFleur. “The one thing that I like that he’s shown is the effort that he plays with. The way we define that is, you see a change of speed, a burst, then to max speed, then the finish.”
The Packers were ranked 22nddefensively in points last year and with a pass rush like this, that number will creep up into the teens. I’m not sure it will be enough for the Packers to win the NFC, but you’re going to see plenty of effort out of this unit this year.
And there were plenty of plays from last year that effort was severely lacking, which is why a change needed to occur.
Pettine has the players that are buying into to what he wants to do, now he just needs them to execute, get off the field on third down and force the occasional turnover.
If those things happen, you’re going to be pleasantly surprised by this unit.
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Cory Jennerjohn is a graduate from UW-Oshkosh and has been in sports media for over 15 years. He was a co-host on "Clubhouse Live" and has also done various radio and TV work as well. He has written for newspapers, magazines and websites. He currently is a columnist for CHTV and also does various podcasts. He recently earned his Masters degree from the University of Iowa. He can be found on Twitter: @Coryjennerjohn
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Comments (40)
NickPerry
July 30, 2019 at 06:26 am
The endless possibilities are what has me so hyped up about this defense. With CMIII he was basically coming around the edge or running a stunt inside but not much more. Perry was used in somewhat the same way but he mostly bull-rushed from the edge...IF he was on the field.
Pettine really had his hands tied in what he was able to do last year. Not only was he dealing once again with the limited availability of Perry, but he lacked players who were VERSATILE.
This year we have MULTIPLE players who can line up in MULTIPLE positions. Offenses can try to gameplan to take Za'Darius or Preston Smith out, but then Pettine has Kenny Clark, Gary, or Frackrell to work with.
Multiple, versatile, and athletic BEST describes the Packers defensive front. Not only will they get to and knock the hell out of Trubisky, Cousins, and all the others, but they can also ALL defend the run.
It's going to be a great year for the Packers defense...(And NO, I won't slow my roll!!!)
Coldworld
July 30, 2019 at 07:11 am
I agree, there is little doubt that the Packers wanted a type to fit around Clark. Bigger, stronger athletes who can set the edge, rush, and disrupt from the middle maybe in as many plays. The Smiths weren’t signed to be OLBs but because they could play multiple positions including that. That starts to explain the teams value calculation. Gary, while unproven also seems to fit that mold exactly giving depth and expanding options.
I would not be surprised to see that factoring into the ILB depth choices either. Summers, Bolton, Crawford, Jones even Sheldon (another Uber RAS type) have all been rush options as well. They have had Gilbert testing inside as well. It is clear that, perhaps Lancaster aside, that they will want any one of the front 7 to be a credible threat to rush on any given play.
We talk a lot about disruption and sacks, but doubt and uncertainty alone can lead to mistakes. That seemed to be the philosophy. To fully get there, the LB types will need to show adequate coverage skills. So far it looks like Burks and Crawford look promising in pass situations but they need to show against the run too. Gary looks to be great against the run but I would expect the pass coverage to be a work in progress. Others I have less info on, but if this clicks the secondary will be ecstatic and the D will be fun to watch again.
Packer_Fan
July 30, 2019 at 07:28 am
Coldworld, you said it perfect. With the Smith's and now Gary, all three can play inside and do well with the ability to rush the passer. Letting Daniels go allows more of this plan to happen. And it gave operating money by letting a big salary go in a DL which appears to have a lot of depth. Yes, it is tough to let Daniels go, but this is not Ted Thompson. This is BG remaking the team into a Super Bowl defense. Waiting to see how this will work out.
Rak43
July 30, 2019 at 09:20 am
Well said Coldworld. Regarding your comment on Lancaster maybe not being counted on to rush I do agree, although I don't think the Packers believe that he's not capable of rushing the passer sometime in the future if not this year. If only because of his athleticism. If recall correctly off the top my head Lancaster measured 6'4 313lbs at his pro day and ran a 4.9 40yd, with a broad jump of 9.5 feet, a vertical of 28 inches, 36 reps on the bench, a 4.43 short shuttle, and a 7.40 3cone drill with a 1.88 split. On top of that he had a massive wingspan of over 80 inches. Although he looks like a plodder he is actually quite athletic with an RAS of 8.54. So just his size strength and athleticism alone gives him a chance to collapse the pocket more as he continues to play. Remember this is just his sophomore campaign and he is still developing his overall game.
Coldworld
July 30, 2019 at 12:20 pm
Interesting. I don’t discount Lancaster, I just don’t know that he is counted on for that. Perhaps though I have been underestimating his athleticism. I think he was dinged for not being explosive despite his dash time. He certainly doesn’t lack strength. If he can be more of a disruptor as opposed to only a good run stuffer, so much the better.
jannesbjornson
July 30, 2019 at 11:13 pm
I wouldn't count out Fadol Brown. He will factor in this rotation at the five tech. I would like to see Pettine bring more 4-3 looks to keep seven strong rushers/blitzers on the field. Let the permutations begin.
Coldworld
July 31, 2019 at 09:18 am
I don’t. He looked good in Camp too, but needs to get back in after his ding. Brown looks to be a prospect.
nathanj
July 30, 2019 at 03:05 pm
Lancaster's pro day showed great athleticism. Below are his pro day vs. the nfl combine participants results. Of course, guys perform better at their pro days, but still rather impressive for a udfa.
3-cone 7.46 (6th / 18 nfl combine)
broad jump 113 (2nd / 17)
bench press 36 (3rd / 18)
40-dash 4.96 (4th / 21)
Freezn
July 30, 2019 at 11:42 am
I agree we now have a very hungry fast defense that will be able to put the run on quarterbacks and stop the running backs and give the ball back to Aron and his offense to score points
Packer Dave
July 30, 2019 at 06:59 am
Pettine also has some inside linebackers with some zip to send in too. Burkes, Bolton, Summers and J. Jones all posted 4.5ish or better 40s. Throw in Savage, Greene and Amos and you have quite the arsenal to come at people with. AR should be on the field much more than the last couple of years.
dobber
July 30, 2019 at 08:09 am
Remember that Blake Martinez posted 5 sacks a year ago in this defense. He's mobile, but not a burner. The scheme creates opportunities.
nathanj
July 30, 2019 at 03:09 pm
Don't discount Martinez's movement skills. At the combine, he was 75th percentile in the 3-cone, 77th percentile for the 20 yard shuffle, and 65th for 40 yard dash.
LambeauPlain
July 30, 2019 at 07:21 am
In addition to more, and better pass rushers, the addition of coaches Smith and Olividetti to merge their pass rush expertise with Montgomery should make a huge difference too.
It seems Coach Smith hit it off immediately with DL Coach Montgomery in philosophies, techniques and tactics based on interviews. Smith called Montgomery one of the brightest DL coaches he has been around.
hobowilly
July 30, 2019 at 11:39 am
LbP! loved that you speak of the coaches because IMHO, they are a key factor that most fans don't put into the formula. I'm most excited about Smith and least about the new ST coach, but the latter can only improve his charges....they can't get much worse of what they've been for a few years now. Back to the D, i'm foretelling of a much improved unit, who consistently wins the TO battle, which effectively makes winning 2 or 3 more games inevitable. IF this comes to pass, Pettine becomes a coach sought after, but i believe he has said he doesn't look to become a HC again. It would be nice, frankly if he truly becomes a guru DC and is key in delivering GB a couple SB victories, say within the next 5 years. Last, i share this since many (myself included) believe the D delivers teams deep into the playoffs and we've seen that historically.
RCPackerFan
July 30, 2019 at 08:01 am
I think this will be the year we finally get to see the creativity of Pettine. He has the pieces he needs to do whatever he wants. They saw we had a weakness and addressed it!
Gutekunst did a tremendous job going out and getting not only 1 but 2 Edge players in FA. And then he went into the draft and took Gary. A lot of people frowned upon that pick, but taking a step back and looking why they drafted him it made sense. They took a guy who was going to fit in what they wanted to do on defense.
Fast forward to now and we are starting to see Pettines vision. He wants to have a versatile front where he can line up guys every where. Moving Gary and Za'Darius inside and out. The flexibility will really help create a lot of confusion, which will allow the defense to really cause issues for offenses.
The early reports on Gary have been really good. If he can be the player the Packers hoped when they drafted him, our defense will be much, much better.
I'm excited about this defense. It starts with the improved pass rush, but to go with that we have a star at DT. We have very instinctual ILB with Martinez. Also if Burks gets on the field he adds pure speed to the ILB spot. Then in the secondary we have a guy who could become a lockdown CB in Alexander. King might be the most important player on the defense. If he can stay healthy our CB group is much better. We have a reliable S in Amos and a rookie S who could be the most talented S we have had since Collins.
Our defense will not look like our defense from last year. I'm excited!
Leatherhead
July 30, 2019 at 09:38 am
I agree that he has the pieces, at least until people start getting hurt. Last year he was just too busy filling holes and covering up weak spots.
As regards the pass rush, last year we were 8th in sacks with 42. I don’t think we’ll be a lot better this year. As TGR mentioned, our pressure % was pretty good, too. Our hits were obviously affected by early season officiating.
IMO, it’s about points. Last year we gave up 400. If we gave up 340....a difference of about 4points a game...we’d have been a top 10 defense. I think that is a reasonable expectation.
nathanj
July 30, 2019 at 03:17 pm
Agree. Barring injuries, this D needs to be in the top 10. If they identified the correct DC (Pettine), then identified the correct 5 guys to fix the weaknesses (Safeties / Edge) with that amount of $/draft capital, then this regime's days are numbered.
Coldworld
July 31, 2019 at 09:23 am
Not at all. The D just needs to be better than we have seen in a while and continuing to ascend.
We have a lot of young players at key positions that will not reach their peak this year. Goal is to help the Pack win games and to get the O on the field as much as possible.
Handsback
July 30, 2019 at 08:23 am
We have read some good reports and Savage hasn't even been available.
I like it so far!
Tundraboy
July 30, 2019 at 08:32 am
For better or worse,they have a plan. I believe it's going to be for the better.
Bearmeat
July 30, 2019 at 08:35 am
I am excited about the defense. I think this will be the best Packers D since 2010 for sure.
That said, there are possible problems: King's health. Jackson's growth. Savage - can he play? Gary? Looks good so far but we'll see.
The offense will take awhile to get rolling, so we'd better hope we are a top 10 scoring D, or this won't be a playoff team.
Coldworld
July 30, 2019 at 12:28 pm
There are going to be injuries. Just life. Hopefully we will start to see some depth players emerge as the preseason games get underway. An OT, an ILB and a Safety or two would go a long way to increase my confidence in depth were they to emerge from the ranks of the little known.
PackfanNY
July 30, 2019 at 09:07 am
I think the Packer defense now has the players to put some serious pressure on opposing QBs.
The part that seems to be a little overlooked is the turnover aspect. Sacks are great, turnovers are better.
I am anxious to see Savage get on the field. Between him and Jaire Alexander Pack has tremendous speed on the field. I also am really hopeful that Jackson and King step forward as well with impact plays. Most excited about our defense since last Super Bowl run.
JohnnyLogan
July 30, 2019 at 09:14 am
I love the new D and think Gute has improved the overall athleticism of the team but... why is versatility so important?... Do we really want a lighter guy like either of the Smiths rushing inside against much heavier guards? If I had Joey Bosa he does one thing, rush from the end. I'm not putting him inside where he'll get stuffed. Have the Smiths really had success inside in the past? If so then I take it all back, but for now, I'd like really good players to play their natural position. Nitschke in the middle, Willie Davis at D end. Willie Wood at safety. Adderly at corner. Robinson at outside LB. All Hall of Famers who played ONE position.
Since'61
July 30, 2019 at 09:52 am
Regrettably we are not going to see those HOF type of players from the Lombardi era again. However this era of the NFL requires different type of players than the Lombardi era.
Today’s players need to be more versatile because the game is faster, offenses run no huddle and/or up tempo series requiring players to take on different roles on almost every play. Plus given the pass happy nature of the current era defenses need to move players to try to confuse the QBs reads and where the pass rush is coming from. The difference in this era is specialization. The offense changes their personnel and the defense tries to match and vice-versa. The Lombardi era was player against player. The current era is about package against package and specialist against specialist.
Beyond that if you think about why the Lombardi players you mentioned are HOFers is because they were also versatile even while playing just one position. Willie Davis could pass rush but also excelled against the run. Nitschke and Robinson could stop the run, blitz the QB and drop into coverage. Adderly and Wood were great in pass coverage but could come up and stop the run and they were great tacklers.
The game has changed, not necessarily for better or worse, it’s just different from the Lombardi era. Thanks, Since ‘61
Coldworld
July 30, 2019 at 12:33 pm
Good response. I think also that the changes in rules in favor of offense has forced teams to deceive more than physically dominate.
Additionally, the salary cap prevents teams from having enough hall of fame players at any one time to simply be better at almost any position. Therefore uncertainty is important to tilt the odds and uncertainty requires that players could be filling one of several different roles in any single play.
jannesbjornson
July 30, 2019 at 11:23 pm
You cannot be caught trying to shift packages onto the field. The package has to be on the field. You saw it last year when teams were countering Rodgers' hurry up.
Coldworld
July 31, 2019 at 09:24 am
Key point. That was a big problem for us.
PatrickGB
July 31, 2019 at 09:54 am
Thanks 61, you answered my unspoken question. I wondered why versatility was so important. Now I am beginning to understand. My fear was that the lighter players would simply get pushed around. Now I understand better why scheme can overcome size in certain situations. Yet I still worry that a dominant OL can have their way against our OLBs playing inside in certain situations.
Since'61
July 30, 2019 at 09:36 am
This season’s Packer defense will play much faster than more recent editions. I’m hoping that this defense plays more physical as well.
I’m looking forward to a defense that plays tough and physical rather than soft and yielding easy first downs and TDs. Hopefully they will make QBs uncomfortable in the pocket.
Faster, more physical, better tackling and consistent pressure should result in getting off the field on 3rd downs and more turnovers. The first few regular season games should tell us if our defense is on the right track. Thanks, Since ‘61
Tundraboy
July 31, 2019 at 07:33 pm
Amen
greengold
July 30, 2019 at 10:00 am
It really is remarkable what Brian Gutekunst has done in just two offseasons to completely remake our front 7, starters and backups, loaded top to bottom with prime athleticism and versatility.
This is going to be a boon to our secondary, for sure. They will be reaping immense rewards as a result of this infusion of talent, size, speed and interchangeability up front. That infusion of athleticism didn't stop at our front 7. I believe our secondary will become a force as well, with the additions of Alexander, Jackson, Hollman, Amos and Savage.
Not to mention, the entire front 7 players are all equally adept at stopping the run -and- rushing the passer. We've got some great tacklers in that secondary too.
Opposing offenses are going to struggle facing this Packers Defense. This might be the most complete Packers D we've seen in decades. I'm so freaking excited to see them play this season.
This could be very special.
hobowilly
July 30, 2019 at 01:41 pm
very positive G2 but i'd add the coaching staff personnel have had a major overhaul and the focus will be on MLF and in my mind not so much AR--he's a genius player, great teammate and leader! Unfortunately, it will also be on Pettine to produce as Gutey has been masterful as you point out and now the pieces are there...it's scheme now and weekly prep to win one on ones in many instances. I'm sorry but Pettine just seems to be so straight forward and to the point, and his staff/players altogether as a TEAM will reap whatever they earn; let's hope for reduced injuries as well and this "new deal" group should earn themselves into the playoffs first year out, with hopefully many more to come. I love so much how Gutey speaks to selecting individuals that are wired in a special way--i get that!! Who else is ready for a mini up-set special on September 5th? It should be a fairly low scoring struggle, but with Pettine/MLF using their noggins to limit the Bears offense and the 4 horsemen (MLF, Hackett, Getsy and AR) will eventually produce and scheme much more effectively than MM & coach Joe could ever hope for; Sadly, for whatever reason, GB planned poorly for the bears D last year, remember?!!! Nagy was running ALL over them and GB was ill prepared for Mack. i soured on MM big time. Now i am really excited with new reins and new approaches that are much more cerebral- Sorry, that's what i strongly sense.
greengold
July 30, 2019 at 10:00 am
It really is remarkable what Brian Gutekunst has done in just two offseasons to completely remake our front 7, starters and backups, loaded top to bottom with prime athleticism and versatility.
This is going to be a boon to our secondary, for sure. They will be reaping immense rewards as a result of this infusion of talent, size, speed and interchangeability up front. That infusion of athleticism didn't stop at our front 7. I believe our secondary will become a force as well, with the additions of Alexander, Jackson, Hollman, Amos and Savage.
Not to mention, the entire front 7 players are all equally adept at stopping the run -and- rushing the passer. We've got some great tacklers in that secondary too.
Opposing offenses are going to struggle facing this Packers Defense. This might be the most complete Packers D we've seen in decades. I'm so freaking excited to see them play this season.
This could be very special.
greengold
July 30, 2019 at 10:00 am
It really is remarkable what Brian Gutekunst has done in just two offseasons to completely remake our front 7, starters and backups, loaded top to bottom with prime athleticism and versatility.
This is going to be a boon to our secondary, for sure. They will be reaping immense rewards as a result of this infusion of talent, size, speed and interchangeability up front. That infusion of athleticism didn't stop at our front 7. I believe our secondary will become a force as well, with the additions of Alexander, Jackson, Hollman, Amos and Savage.
Not to mention, the entire front 7 players are all equally adept at stopping the run -and- rushing the passer. We've got some great tacklers in that secondary too.
Opposing offenses are going to struggle facing this Packers Defense. This might be the most complete Packers D we've seen in decades. I'm so freaking excited to see them play this season.
This could be very special.
greengold
July 30, 2019 at 10:26 am
Add to Gutekunst's fine work in the jettisoning of high profile players with giant contracts that were underperfoming or injured or both: Clay Matthews, Nick Perry, Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, Mike Daniels, Morgan Burnett, Damarious Randall, Muhammad Wilkerson, Vince Biegel, Jake Ryan, Davaon House, Quinten Rollins... and, that's just on defense.
Wow. One close look at that list, and the most accurate descriptor is "underwhelming." They had their moments in the sun, some of them, but, wow. Glad for Gutey's changes to this defense.
hobowilly
July 30, 2019 at 01:44 pm
fully agree and once more, do you imagine those moves (sometimes bold and/or not popular) could have been made under Thompson/McCarthy. As Nagler would turn and stare to respond: NO!!
Doug Niemczynski
July 30, 2019 at 02:44 pm
Let's wait until the real season. All the preseason hype is worthless, because when game time comes. It's the 1st strings v. the opposition 1st strings.
4thand1
July 30, 2019 at 05:17 pm
Really?
Coldworld
July 31, 2019 at 09:26 am
So Al and co. should just mail it in and go sit on the couch after apologizing for wasting all this time entertaining us?
Let me think .... No Doug.