Green Bay’s Secondary Has Plenty of Speed
Speed won't be lacking in Green Bay's secondary.
Green Bay’s secondary is loaded with speed. Between their corners and safeties, the Packers have a ton of speed they can utilize to fly around the field and ball hawk.
Their first-round draft choice Eric Stokes was one of the fastest players in his class and is set to join an already blazing secondary of Jaire Alexander, Kevin King, and Darnell Savage. All four ran below a 4.45 in their respective 40-yard dashes.
Speed isn’t necessarily everything but it certainly helps. Last year’s defense wasn’t prone to getting beat over the top. You can attribute that to speed or the cautious playstyle of former defensive coordinator Mike Pettine. According to TeamRankings, the defense finished tied for 7th in yards per completion. Either way, speed was certainly a factor.
This season, they could play even faster. However, a lot of that hinges on the new system under defensive coordinator Joe Barry. When it comes time for Barry to see the talent he has to work with, he will quickly become aware that is speed not lacking.
It is well-documented that Green Bay loves to draft great athletes and speed is often times a prerequisite. The Packers used their first pick 2017 to select King at the top of the second round. Over the next couple of years, they would go on to trade up for Alexander and Savage, who both ran sub-4.4s at the NFL Combine.
Stokes is the only outlier in that he ran below a 4.3, which, needless to say, is absurdly fast. Some scouts clocked Stokes at a 4.25 at his pro day after a breakout senior year at Georgia. Stokes’ blazing speed has already been on display at rookie minicamp and has impressed head coach Matt LaFleur.
“He certainly looks impressive. He has great size and length, and the speed, you can really see that,” LaFleur said. “You can tell he’s not too threatened by guys running by him, which is a huge advantage for defensive backs. It allows you to play really sticky coverage.”
Soon Stokes will be joined by the starters and this year’s defense will begin to take shape. As LaFleur put it, speed should help the secondary play tighter coverage this year. Now it is up to LaFleur’s new hire to implement his speedsters correctly and put them in position to utilize their gifts. If Barry succeeds, Green Bay’s defense should be able to play fast and aggressive in 2021.
Brandon Carwile is a Packers writer who also enjoys watching and breaking down film. Follow him on Twitter @PackerScribe.
Comments (46)
Wisma Packer
May 21, 2021 at 12:55 pm
Kevin King may have logged 4.43 at the combine. But he looked nowhere close to that speed last year. At least he didn't play at that speed.
scullyitsme
May 21, 2021 at 01:18 pm
He just got to used to covering our receivers in practice, got sloppy cause he could get away with it with jarire on adams. He probably was a stud in practice. :)
Leatherhead
May 21, 2021 at 02:06 pm
Apparently, you two geniuses don’t understand that people don’t run as fast when they’re injured.
When we add Surtain in the Rodgers trade, our secondary will be awesome.
scullyitsme
May 21, 2021 at 02:56 pm
Underwhelming and predictable comment as ever, throw in a little jerk and you’ve got leatherhead. Well done.
CoachDino
May 21, 2021 at 04:04 pm
Yes, injuries, which he has had, and is an issue why he hasn't been up to expectations, "Availability" Age is another.
KK has both working against him. The question always is, I refer to Mr Richard Sherman, Experience and preparation (film study, IQ (down,distance, score, player, situation, etc) technique focus and practice) can cover the loss of speed to a point.
Sure King didn't have the recovery speed for whatever reason but his lack of IQ (double move with 8 seconds left in the half) Preparation (not knowing how fast the WR was so he couldn't get back fast enough to allow his jump to be effective) is what doomed the packers.
Ya, he is an Avg with moments of above AVg followed by moments of below avg, #2 boundary Corner. The packers could be worse off, heck then add is inability to stay healthy and be a strong tackler it does suck that previous draft Picks Jackson, Hollman couldn't of subplanted him.
jannesbjornson
May 21, 2021 at 07:42 pm
Yet, he was retained as a free agent.....
CoachDino
May 21, 2021 at 11:20 pm
That's the result of circumstances.
1) Draft picks and FA signings (UDFA) haven't panned out
2) He was available at a, what GB considered, good price for insurance against point 1 and the draft not panning out.
I don't mind that they brought him back, don't like it but get it. I'm not sold on anyone on the roster and if your trying to win now, starting a rookie CB is a exposure one can do without (ask Minn). Best case scenario, Stokes or someone else beats him out and you have veteran depth and can live with the low cost waste of resigning him.
jannesbjornson
May 22, 2021 at 08:15 pm
I like the idea of moving him to FS and getting Savage into the Star position.
Leatherhead
May 21, 2021 at 04:06 pm
So, is this a post about football, or is it just a gratuitous attack on a poster?
scullyitsme
May 21, 2021 at 05:37 pm
Nice , start the fight, call names, when called on it blame the other. Works great in second grade.
Leatherhead
May 22, 2021 at 01:21 pm
Start the fight? You come to a Packer fan site and repeatedly insult the team, the players, the coach, the GM., etc. and when you say something galactically stupid I call you a genius sarcastically and THAT starts it?? Seriously? I’ve looked over your posting history....you’re a Rodgers fan, but you don’t have much regard for quite a bit of the team. You think they largely suck, and that we’d be lucky to be 8-8 with an average QB. That’s incredibly insulting to the other 89 guys on the roster, the coaches, and the front office.
greengold
May 21, 2021 at 03:58 pm
Leatherhead. Dude came to play today. Don't fuck with him.
hahahahahahaha. This is great.
BTW, I think you're right on the Packers getting Patrick Surtain II. The Broncos can keep Jeudy. They can keep Lock too. Surtain II & Chubb. If they want to add another player or two to keep picks, they can toss in Shelby Harris & McTelvin Agim or Baron Browning.
We can draft our own Jerry Jeudy with the spoils... next year.
Leatherhead
May 21, 2021 at 04:19 pm
Here’s the thing on the trade with Denver, if it happens:
Denver isn’t going to want to trade away the reasons they want Rodgers, i.e. Jeudy. From their perspective, they want Rodgers to run a high octane passing attack, so these scenarios involving trading away pieces of that attack aren’t going to be appealing.
On the other hand, they’ve never had Surtain, so they won’t miss him. Surtain is obtainable. Chubb is attainable. Add those two to our defense and we could be pretty good, and Denver could have an offense to compete with KC.
These scenarios that have us getting their first round picks forever are bad deals for us. First, they’re going to be picking at the end of the round, and secondly, some first round picks don’t work. But Chubb and Surtain are Top Ten picks who would immediately start for us
greengold
May 21, 2021 at 04:42 pm
Correct. Correct. Yes. Yes....
That whole thing about Jeudy is ridiculous. He's the only healthy WR they have with Courtland Sutton still yet to return after ACL surgery. They will need Hamler. They had a nice pick Day 3 in Seth Williams. Our own TEs are better than Noah Fant....
I'll guarantee DEN will sign whoever we slough off on O.
I don't mind the picks, but I want Surtain II and Chubb at a minimum along with picks for AR. That will help turn this D into a juggernaut.
You know... I was wondering if DEN drafted Surtain II for the Packers...??? Think that might have been a special order pick by Gutekunst? I do. Adding both Stokes AND Surtain II? With Jaire Alexander's contract coming up??? Does that make some sense or what? In terms of covering his bases it does.
btw, can't get it out of my head that ILB Baron Browning may have been a pick for the Packers as well...
Not saying I want to get rid of Jaire, or that Gutekunst does. Jaire Alexander is one of his best draft picks ever. I think losing Bakhtiari after signing him to the giant contract extension freaked him out a bit in terms of lack of quality depth. I think BG took note on that one. May have cost us the SB in 2020 season.
That would make a TURBO CHARGED secondary in Green Bay. WITH a pass rush.
CoachDino
May 21, 2021 at 11:38 pm
They say you can never have enough CBs. Sign JA for sure. hate to say it but odds are hitting on Cbs is tough so having 2 CBs to ensure 1 being a stud is a good play.
My only issue is other that JA , none of them are Slot CB types. Is that an issue? IDK
Heck, If surtain and chubbs play well, TS and Keke play well the packers D will be scary.
5 Main line on run/pass downs to Pass downs. Chubbs, Gary, Clark, Keke and Z. are you kidding me.
1 ILB
Surtain,Stokes,Amos,Savage,JA DBs (king and Chandon for depth) keep Will Redmen for ST only...They can play man or zone, or combinations.
Rotate TS and Whomever on DL on Run downs and Preston at OLB in order to keep everyone fresh.
Question, when is Chubbs due to hit Fas.
greengold
May 22, 2021 at 01:53 pm
Bradley Chubb becomes a UFA in 2023. His cap figure balloons to around $13M in 2022.
I see Surtain ll being very much like Charles Woodson in that Star role, with both JA & ES on the outside, and ZERO hesitation starting them there week 1, should we be so fortunate.
What a secondary. What a Defense that would make with Surtain ll & Chubb. Add Sheldon Richardson?
WHEW! GOODBYE TOM BRADY.
greengold
May 22, 2021 at 08:03 am
I think the trade was agreed to in principle before the draft. DEN top needs entering the draft were QB and OT. They took neither.
Highly likely they used Stafford trade of 2 R1s as a base. Added the #9 overall pick for the Packers to select CB Patrick Surtain ll in exchange for AR. Bolstering this notion is that DEN added two starting CBs in FA.
They lost their starting RT, Ju’Wan James to a freak offseason Achilles injury prior to the draft. They won’t trade for AR only to run for his life.
My guess is Billy Turner goes back to DEN, along with AR, and GB gets DE Bradley Chubb and an R2. The Yosh Nijman era begins.
This, to me, seems reasonable for both sides, without all the hype of a gigantic haul or pick load. If the Packers got more than this from DEN, I’d be surprised. Plus, GB walks away with two top 10 selections in Chubb & Surtain ll, and the top of DEN’s drafts for a couple years. DEN walks away with NFL MVP AR and a starting RT he & the Broncos know well in Turner.
We should brace ourselves that the price will be probably be less than the hype. Read a great article last night where NFL execs weighed in - all saw price to be less than 3 R1s plus a player. Given that, does this sound more likely to you, my friends here?
Maybe we are zeroing in on this a little better, one week away from when a trade deal can be finalized. Maybe DEN throws a draft pick sweetener in there for the Packers to expedite the process, so they can get their new QB into camp early... ? Maybe this does go down sooner rather than later.
Interesting this finds its way into an article discussion on added speed in our Packers secondary. At 6-2 208, Patrick Surtain ll ran a 4.42 at his Pro Day...
blacke00
May 22, 2021 at 08:02 am
GG
Not so sure about the trade being agreed on in principle. That we may never know. But if this is really set to go down. The Packers will not( and should not) give up Rodgers without "adequate" compensation. The Pack really does hold all the cards, they just have to play them right.
I would love to know who all these "NFL executives" really are. The Bears and Vikings....ya sure!
I agree Turner is probably in on the deal. The Pack can afford IMO to trade him. I agree Surtain and Chubb need to be in on this deal with at least 2-3 1st rounders.
Also, if Rodgers really wants to play this game to it's ultimate conclusion. Then the trade will go down only if the Packers get what they want. If Rodgers doesn't like it tough. He can retire! (my attitude is if you f**k with me, I'm going to f**k with you. If both sides understand that, both sides will agree to "reasonable" conclusion to this whole mess.
Guam
May 22, 2021 at 08:05 am
GreenGold and Leatherhead: I will be okay if your Denver scenario pans out even close to what you have hypothesized, but I keep remembering the Packer FO's repeated denials about trading QB1 and Denver saying they got flatly turned down when they called to ask about Rodger's availability. I really don't think there is a deal in place yet and a deal will only happen if Rodgers forces one by refusing to play for the Packers.
I think the higher probability outcome is the Packer FO and Rodgers both compromise to some extent (3 years of guaranteed contract?) and Rodgers is our QB1 for several more years. I am not convinced this is in the Packer's best long term interests, but I think it is the more likely outcome than an immediate trade with Denver.
Time and Rodgers will determine which outcome happens and I am okay with either one. I am a Packer fan first and always and either way the Packers will be a competitive team for a number of years.
greengold
May 22, 2021 at 02:29 pm
Hey Guam, this kind of starts the whole “Rodgers might return” wheel in motion again, and that whole thing seems pretty wobbly, with all due respect to any of my friends here, hoping for his return.
All the AR comments bashing Gutekunst & LaFleur, the draft day grenade... the lack of denial regarding content of messages reported by both Schefter & Wingo - it all points to Aaron Rodgers not returning to Green Bay. When have you known Aaron Rodgers to back down from a firm stance? None of this stuff, all of it indirectly communicated through mouthpieces, as is AR’s MO, has been refuted by Aaron Rodgers, though he’s had ample opportunities.
Let me add this too. That draft day grenade had such a spiteful, neener- neener quality to it, like the deal was done. AR’s comments to Mike Tirico the following day at the Derby were just that he was sorry the “news report came out, “and how much he loved Green Bay and the fans. If that doesn’t sound like damage control... Both point to the trade essentially already having been agreed to before the draft.
_________
Again, top 2 draft needs for the Broncos were QB and RT. They take neither at #9? Instead they take a CB after signing 2 CBs in FA?
That tells me this deal was done, prior to the draft.
_________
Trade rumors have not vanished like all meaningless rumors do. They’ve built steam. For weeks now.
The “AR returning to GB” scenario works for everybody but Aaron Rodgers, and the Broncos, who are 0-11 vs. AFC West Division rival KC with Patrick Mahomes. Think that sits well with Team President of Football Operations, John Elway?
I just don’t see it. As a matter of fact, I’d be completely shocked if he were to return to play for the Packers again.
Leatherhead
May 22, 2021 at 01:09 pm
@Guam.
I wanted to really think over your assertion that the greater likelihood is a compromise, because that’s the best chance of winning the division. But when you get right down into the short hairs, you have to ask about what is being compromised.
If it’s just about money, then there could have been a compromise a while back, and it sure seems to be about stuff other than money. I’m hearing/reading stuff about Rodgers not wanting to come back, to wanting guarantees that would affect future operations, to wanting more input on personnel. If any of that is even partially true then the compromise is about who’s steering the ship over the next one or two years, Rodgers or the GM, who still has two years on his contract and would like an extension because it’s the best job on Earth.
That’s not a compromise you can make if you’re the guy in charge, and that’s why I only see one possible outcome to this
Guam
May 22, 2021 at 05:40 pm
Leatherhead: I don't disagree with your main point about who is running the show after a compromise (note my previous comment about compromise may not be in the best long term interests of the Packers), but I am concerned about all of the visits to California by the Packer brass. I hope they don't "over-compromise" to keep Rodgers, but I think it a serious possibility.
If it is guaranteed money for several years, I think the Packers might well go there because of the opportunity to win a SB in the near term. If it is about actual decision making input on personnel, that should kill Rodgers' future with the Packers. I don't know where the line is being drawn by Rodgers.
Not trying to promote a "keep Rodgers" viewpoint, but I think the notion that a deal is already in place to trade him is a bit premature. I think Rodgers is trying to negotiate for a much as he can get and only he knows what will be enough for him. Does the Packer front office have the intestinal fortitude to trade Rodgers if the demands aren't outrageous? IDK.
Guam
May 22, 2021 at 05:25 pm
GreenGold: I think we might all be seeing what we want to see. I could spin the same facts my way and believe they indicate that Rodgers is coming back. We would just be rehashing arguments already made. I think we will soon know what the actual outcome is although that may be wishful thinking too. It has certainly made for a lively off-season........
greengold
May 22, 2021 at 05:52 pm
I agree Guam. I think you are seeing what you want to see, and,... I’m sorry buddy! ;-))))
Nah. It’s all been a disaster in my book. None of this is going the way we wanted it to go. I think we’re all in agreement on that. All of us fans.
We’ll see. All my best!
flackcatcher
May 22, 2021 at 07:29 pm
You guys all covered the waterfront on Rodgers/Packers. Just a couple of points. I mentioned this a few weeks back, but tampering is a real issue here. Elway has a history here, both as a player and GM. To think New York is not watching Denver would be naive. If Rodgers was going to make a stink, this is his last chance being the last year of his contract in reality. So this was his opening shot in the prenegotiation phase. Or so he thought. The Packers clearly had other ideas. When Rodgers was signed, the Executive Committee knew that his contract would distort the Cap to a level that would make the Packers noncompetitive in both the free agency and signing their own over the medium term. In other words, the Packers had decided this would be Aaron Rodgers last big contract with the organization. Everything we have seen, and heard flows from that decision. The final nail was Covid-19. The damage to the NFL is unknown to us fans. But looking at teams like Denver, with their high value cuts, it could be pretty extensive. The truth for Aaron Rodgers is he has now entered 'Tom Brady' land. He will never get the big contract he had under the Packers. That's the reality of being an Old Guy in the NFL. The truth for the Green Bay Packers is they can no longer afford Aaron Rodgers after this year. He is a massive Cap hit even on a roster filled with 1-3 year players, and his declining skills and high maintenance ego are an increasing problem in the organization. Is there a way for both sides to come to some sort of agreement, maybe. But right now it does not seem that way.
Guam
May 22, 2021 at 10:25 pm
Disaster is a good description. All we can do is wait and watch.
CoachDino
May 24, 2021 at 07:29 pm
great thread, so many legit points made that can point to opposite positions.
GG has me hyped about the love years, though I've always been optimistic about the player but the trade value of a couple legit D players is for real. Also great points on the draft and not grabbing a QB, IMO not so much on the RT but maybe so. Not grabbing a QB seems so telling to me.
Then again, for everything that has come out on ARs position NOTHING that damning has come out of his mouth, that's for a reason, so he CAN come back. Just needs plausible deniability and even more than that his ego, he never said it so its not like he backed down. its the out - he did it that way on purpose.
Secondly, the business, The team has all the leverage and AR is not giving back 20--30M and losing another 150M (lost income 5yrs at 30M - not even top dollar estimate).
last his legacy, which means the world to him. If he retires he comes up short of the greats in so many ways (SB, yards, TDS, etc) and destroys his relationship with the team and fans for the only team he ever played for. It would be at min a decade if not much longer before he would be welcomed back and beloved by the vast majority of fans.
I thought, I may not ever forgive Brett when he played for Minn (at a fan level, its not that big to me) but time does heal all wounds. If AR was to retire with 3 years left on his contract leaving the packers in a lerch on purpose, that's going to be too much for a majority of fans and Org.
AR is still the best bet to win a SB this year, let's worry about that. Maybe make him a deal that works a trade that he likes after this year or two years. But get him back for this year and go from there. My solution, Agree to allow his agent to pursue an AFC trade that can take place June 2, 2022. Establish some parameters for said agent to work within. Then AR is playing to get the best deal for him with another team in 2021 and the Packers reap the benefits as well.
love should be that much closer to ready, the cap will be that much better and the Packers FO will have the absolute latest information to work with in making their decision.
Just some thoughts...
ps.. I'm going now check on that interview which might change everything - or not.
PeteK
May 22, 2021 at 08:47 am
If Rogers goes send Adams with him and bring back a younger and more affordable Jeudy that can develop a chemistry with Love. Plus Surtain and many draft picks, no Chubb , we have Gary.
CoachDino
May 25, 2021 at 12:18 am
That's an Idea there.... but DA is so good and critical in this offense. 2021 would be a sh&^show as juedy would have to get up to speed quick. Lets keep DA for Love.
Yes we have Gary but Pass rushers are so valuable. Sure could of used 1 more against TB in the NFCCG. Preston, unless he has a bounceback year is gone and are the packers going to pay Z top $ again. Maybe, IDK. yet to your point Chubbs will need to be paid soon as well.
I'm much more about Pass rushers than DL run stuffers.
What "might" happen,IMO, is that other teams may not be so thrilled about 3 firsts and a couple players for a 38YO QB who will demand a 5 year Top dollar (45M) guaranteed contract. Its a scary proposition. But then again not having a QB worth a crap, none in sight yet a top defense is great motivation to make foolish emotional decisions.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
May 21, 2021 at 08:38 pm
Leather,
Love it!
stockholder
May 21, 2021 at 04:11 pm
Great; we now have another hand picked Shutdown Corner. I Have No Trouble with drafting One trick ponies. But the tackling ability, and injuries, have hurt this Defense Too much. And since it's gotten the most attention over the last ten drafts. Everything is different now? From Zone; to man ON man. Fast feet is all you need. Thats Funny. I've seen fast guys come and go. And been told it doesn't take blazing speed to play in their scheme. They Flourished elsewhere. And so will other picks Gute should have drafted, instead. But whats at stake with this selection? Something the packers have missed for 10 years. The super-bowl? I don't believe that is what Gute has in mind. The puzzle piece has never been the secondary. It's been the Defensive Line. But if Stokes can save the Packers some money. You just might be thinking like a Gute.
Coldworld
May 21, 2021 at 06:29 pm
A shutdown corner is a one trick pony? That’s a one trick pony I’d buy every time.
Oppy
May 21, 2021 at 08:12 pm
Stokes saving the Packers money?
What are you talking about??
packer132
May 21, 2021 at 09:36 pm
Oppy: Don't try to understand Stockholder's comments on this site. Out of 10 posts, 9 are negative and I don't know why he doesn't follow another team. Everything the Packers do is not good enough, and he criticizes Kevin King but then criticizes Gute for taking a good CB to replace him. He probably hated the Dillon, Gary, Alexander picks, but I let his posts go in one ear and out the other. I think he is angry at the grocery store every week, as something is not to his liking.
CoachDino
May 25, 2021 at 12:33 am
Covering is the only trick that really matters. Tackling is nice but no one is drafting CB on their tackling ability. Id also love to hear about all these slow, but fast feet CB (most likely lose hips CB as thats the ability to turn and run) CBs that are doing to well? Most aren't. We drafted 1 CB that ran in the 4.3 1 in the 4.4s and one around 4.5,
4.3 is a stud
4.4 has been a disappointment and his lack of speed really showed last year
4.5 can't even get on the field.
Not sure who told you that blazing speed isn't critical as a corner in any scheme. You need speed in Zone and man. Speed often will determine how close to the line you start. JA willing to stand right on it, KK due to lack of speed, not so much. In zone you run with them until they leave your zone, in man you stay with them ( these are generalities) . Some schemes can be more forgiving but I'm positive no matter the scheme the DC wants to have fast DBs. Petinne played zone more and it didn't save Jackson or KK.
Stop with the SBs, Injuries, bad luck and ARs own bad play are the reasons more than anything else, like the roster. Its not Gutes fault Adams dropped a TD pass, AR miss TD passes, Jones fumbled. The roster was fine, it was the performances of the top players that failed.
If your point is the Packers have a history of being bad at draftings CBs, I'm with you. No doubt. Hence all the Picks because you have to have them. Also why Surtain would be worth it even though they just drafted stokes. #1 thing all those weak CB draft picks had in common? lack of speed. look it up...
CoachDino
May 21, 2021 at 04:18 pm
I love the focus on speed, Its the #1 predictor when it comes to CB success (when comparing CB of similar draft position)
Of Course play speed, agility, recognition etc... all matter but you can't improve/teach speed and speed can make up for many an error in judgement and technique.
I hope that along with using all that speed to be an elite backfield that they develop into a very flexible assignment unit so to bring that whole element of surprise through disguise game. thats some next level Sh*&
Alberta_Packer
May 21, 2021 at 05:20 pm
Straight-line speed is always a crowd-pleaser but, for me, quickness combined with play-speed is the ideal. I'd rather take a DB with a 4.4 forty plus burst and short-area quickness - than a burner at 4.3 and limited burst and quickness. Then you win the lottery with a player like Alexander who is a sub 4.4 - plus burst - plus quickness. That's why King has never panned-out (along with injuries) because he's always lacked the burst and quickness (which is a scouting issue). I'm really interested in seeing Jean-Charles because - while he falls below some of the physical and athletic standards. - including the 40 (4.51) - his play-speed, transition burst and quick feet appear to be above-average.
CoachDino
May 21, 2021 at 11:55 pm
Agree with you and TundraBoy.
Just speed is useless. Reaction (Read/recognize/React) all comes into play. Theres no reason to believe that Stokes doesn't posses this as well. The report is balance in and out of cuts and stops are his weaknesses, OK hips but not like Surtain (few do) (which are a concern)
Bottom line - every rookie has to earn it on the field no matter the draft position/scouting report.
ps - He has great acceleration/burst as well.
flackcatcher
May 23, 2021 at 04:28 pm
Balance is a technique issue. That is the first thing secondary coaches get at in the pro level. Understanding the pro game, and what level a player has to perform at, takes a year for most young players. For most CB/WR, how they use their technique within the 5 yard box determines if they win on any given play. On the list it's football IQ, technique, agileness and burst. Raw speed comes into play after the fact. While one can't teach speed, we all forget that everyone in the NFL is an elite player at this level. A half step at best between most players in the SS/CB/WR positions. Guys like MVS are a rare breed with his first step and blazing speed even in the NFL. (Glad the Packers have him)
Tundraboy
May 21, 2021 at 11:06 pm
Speed without smarts is useless.
Leatherhead
May 22, 2021 at 01:59 pm
Fast minds are faster than fast feet. Say that five times in a hurry, cuz it’s true.
greengold
May 22, 2021 at 06:54 pm
Sherm agrees. Number 22. Shemar Jean-Charles. Man, I can’t wait to see him play.
That being said, I’m glad to know team speed is increased today from what it was to finish the 2020 season.
egbertsouse
May 22, 2021 at 05:24 pm
Sure they can run, but can they play football.
Stroh
May 23, 2021 at 12:54 am
Well we sure as he'll know Jaire and Savage can play at a very high level. For all the crap he takes for various reasons from fans, King is a starting caliber CB. So really that leaves only Stokes as an unknown
Archie
May 22, 2021 at 06:22 pm
Mark Murphy has solved the AR puzzle. Effective tomorrow, AR will report directly to MM. Why didn't we think of that.
Stroh
May 23, 2021 at 12:40 am
If Barry plays his D similar to the Rams did, then Savage should become the Stsr CB. In LA the Safeties were in cover 2 the vast majority of the time. Cover 2 would waste Savages speed and athleticism. It doesn't need a Safety with high end speed and athleticism. Savage started to break out last year when the Packers started moving him closer to the LOS. Not when playing in deep coverage in coverage.
If you want to get the most out of the talent and speed in the secondary get a decent but instinctive safety to play deep and put Savage where he is best. Closer to the LOS and in the Star/slot position in which Woodson won his DPOY award. Savage has the best skill set for the position, even better than Jaire, who is best outside.