Nick Perry is an outside linebacker for the Green Bay Packers who has tremendous abilities, but injuries have kept him off the field far more often than not. But, this offseason gave him time to heal and Nick Perry is healthy and ready to go.
Nick Perry is Healthy and Ready
Prior to the beginning of last season, the Packers dropped his fifth-year option. During the off-season they signed him to a one-year, $5 million dollar deal.
It is obviously early in the football season, but Perry seems to be better than ever. He is not bothered by the fact that Green Bay dropped his fifth-year option in order to sign him to a cheaper contract.
“It feels good being out here with the team and building chemistry early,” Perry told USA Today Network-Wisconsin after organized team activities this past week. “Just being able to practice and get everything down, building that foundation moving forward into the season. I think that is huge, me being here and participating.”
Looking for Positives
It had been a while since Perry had been taking part of offseason team activities. The last time he was available this early in the season was in 2013. But, what stands out is the attitude the 26 year old has when he reflects upon his career. “I always see things as positive and things happen for a reason,” Perry said to USA Today Network-Wisconsin. Injuries are part of the game, and he is not letting the would’ve-could’ve-should’ve thought influence his mind and spirit.
Last year, Perry was healthy in the post-season. He reminded everyone that he could wreak havoc on any offense. He registered eight tackles, 3½ sacks and a forced fumble in two playoff games. He dominated against Washington with 2½ sacks, which has one of the better offensive lines in the National Football League.
His teammate and draft-mate, Mike Daniels told USA Today Network-Wisconsin, “I definitely have seen him take a lot of his body work seriously. He’s had some unfortunate history of injuries, but you can see he has detailed his work a lot more. I’m just happy. Happy he’s doing it.”
What Perry Brings
When healthy Nick Perry is a physical presence that quarterbacks must account for on every down. His presence opposite of Clay Matthews would mightily improve the Packers’ pass rush.
“When you really watch film, when he’s healthy he beats some of the best guys in the league. When you watch that Redskins game. … every time we are in the playoffs, he just manages to get back there. He gets some good hits on the quarterbacks as well,” said Mike Daniels to USA Today Network-Wisconsin.
Julius Peppers
His presence as the other outside linebacker would also allow Defensive Coordinator Dom Capers to use Julius Peppers as a defensive end rather than a linebacker.
The North Carolina product was an anchor on the Panthers and Bears’ defensive line for 12 years, prior to his arrival in Green Bay. In Wisconsin, Peppers was used both on the defensive line and as an outside linebacker in 2014. Last season, injuries forced Dom Capers to use him strictly as an outside linebacker.
Green Bay’s front seven would be immensely better than they have been in the recent past. Mike Daniels and Julius Peppers wrecking havoc from the defensive line, and Clay Matthews and Nick Perry rushing the passer from the outside
An improvement like that could mean a trip to the Super Bowl.
