By re-signing All-Pro linebacker De’Vondre Campbell and breakout cornerback Rasul Douglas, the Green Bay Packers ensured defensive coordinator Joe Barry will have all the foundational pieces required of a great defense in 2022.
The ancillary pieces on defense are important. In many ways, a defense is only as good as its weakest link, so having 11 good football players working together as one is always the best path to a great defense.
But the Packers have the big pieces in place.
The team has two productive and experienced edge rushers (Rashan Gary, Preston Smith), an All-Pro caliber defensive lineman (Kenny Clark) an All-Pro caliber inside linebacker (Campbell), three quality cornerback starters (Douglas, Jaire Alexander and Eric Stokes) and two experienced safeties (Adrian Amos, Darnell Savage).
There aren’t many defenses in the NFL that have all these pieces. Barring injury, the Packers should easily rank among the top half of defenses in scoring next season.
A couple of important things to monitor moving forward:
– Savage needs to be better in 2022. He was terrific down the stretch in 2020 and has all the speed and playmaking ability of a top safety, but he regressed in 2021. He must rebound in Year 2 with Barry. In fact, Savage’s play could tip scales for this defense between good and great.
– Can Dean Lowry keep up his pass-rushing production? He went over 40 pressures for the first time in his career in 2021. He’s a big part of the puzzle if he can keep improving in Barry’s defense.
– The Packers probably need to upgrade the depth and quality along the defensive line, at linebacker behind Campbell and at safety behind Savage and Amos. There are only two certain starters along the defensive line. Krys Barnes is the expected starter next to Campbell but needs to improve. There is no obvious third safety on the roster, and the Packers might want someone to push Savage.
– It’s unclear how the Packers will use their three cornerbacks. Douglas, Alexander and Stokes are all better on the perimeter, but one will need to play in the slot. Alexander might be the best fit. Douglas and Stokes were both good on the outside in 2021.
– Finding a third edge rusher should be a priority. Injuries happen, and the Packers have to carry a player who can come off the bench and provide quality snaps at a premium position. Bringing back Whitney Mercilus on a cheap deal might make a lot of sense. Having two first-round picks and two second-round picks will provide an opportunity for Brian Gutekunst to acquire a high-upside developmental option behind Gary and Smith.
– Returning Alexander to the lineup will be huge. The Packers ranked 10th in opposing passer rating last season despite the 2020 All-Pro playing in only four regular-season games. Having him, Douglas and Stokes together in the same lineup will give the Packers a chance to field an elite passing defense in 2022.
