Looking back on the 2023 NFL season for the Green Bay Packers, a few things stand out. Jordan Love developed into one of the league’s more promising young quarterbacks. The team was also able to shift its offensive identity quickly. From receiver to tight end, the rookies on offense made big strides. With much of the offensive core expected to return, the defense will go into 2024 with a few questions.
Reviewing the Packers 2023 Defense
Out With the Old, In With the New
Joe Barry is out. His replacement is yet to be determined, but the implications of this hire are big for Matt Lafleur and the team. The defensive scheme will likely change, assuming the Packers look for Barry’s replacement out-of-house. No matter who fills the vacancy, there are pieces to work with. Kenny Clark, one of the team’s most seasoned veterans, had a strong year. Clark collected 7.5 sacks in 17 games while playing a large share of the snaps (per pro-football-reference).
Easing in other players like Davonte Wyatt was a focus for Green Bay. Wyatt saw his snaps more than double from his rookie season in 2022. Wyatt was a player who was expected to be a breakout candidate, but the Packers saw production from other players along the defensive line. T.J. Slaton saw a bump in snap count in his third year in Green Bay. Slaton didn’t fill the stat sheet with sacks, but his solid play was noticeable throughout the year. Having Slaton in rotation helped players like Rashan Gary and Preston Smith do what they do best.
Gary and Smith combined for 17 sacks. Clark, Gary, and Smith combined to generate more than half of the defense’s 45 sacks. Seeing the growth of young players, plus the consistent production of their star players, is one reason why the Packers should feel optimistic about their core going forward.
Answering Questions in the Secondary
The secondary remains a big area of concern, however. After trading Rasul Douglas to Buffalo, Green Bay relied on many young players for key snaps in the secondary. Darnell Savage Jr. redeemed himself with something of a career resurgence but played 2023 on a restructured contract that signaled a potential separation for both sides. While Savage played better in 2023, his future in Green Bay is no guarantee. Other notable free agents on defense include Keisean Nixon, Rudy Ford, and Correy Ballentine.
Add in the fact that Jaire Alexander has recently sent mixed messages, and the Packers could be looking at a handful of new faces in the secondary. Looking over the 2024 class of cornerbacks in the upcoming draft, Green Bay is well-positioned to replenish its defensive backfield. Extra draft capital from the Aaron Rodgers trade, and the Douglas trade, should help the Packers maneuver their draft board in a way that could land them blue-chip talent.
Not Good Enough Against the Run
Fixing the run defense is going to be a priority for Green Bay. With uncertainties in the secondary, there will be important questions to be answered for the Packers front seven. Relying mostly on young, inexperienced linebackers left Green Bay vulnerable against the run. Per ESPN stats, the Packers fielded the fifth-worst run defense in the NFL. This was largely a byproduct of the linebackers. Outside of Quay Walker, much was left to be desired.
De’Vondre Campbell appears to have lost a step and battled injuries for a second straight season. His production has dipped, as well. Campbell was used as a blitzer less frequently but recorded fewer tackles than in previous years. He also allowed too many yards per completion while in coverage.
Cutting Campbell would be cost-prohibitive, but it seems all but imminent that he will take on a smaller role moving forward. Where the new defensive coordinator sees Campbell and the other linebackers fitting into his scheme will be something to watch. No matter how it shakes out, the Packers must look at improving their run defense.
All in all, Green Bay’s defense put out a top-ten unit in terms of scoring in 2023. They were not as strong in terms of yards allowed, but their overall point differential also ranked as the 10th best in the NFL. The likely shift in philosophy on defense, plus their extra draft capital, should help the Packers improve on a mediocre, if not underwhelming, season on defense.
Reviewing the Packers 2023 defense, it’s clear they have a lot of work ahead of them.
Main Photo: Wm. Glasheen – USA Today Sports
