Now is the time.
Ever since the Packers hired former Boston College head coach Jeff Hafley to be their defensive coordinator on Jan. 31, people have been wondering how long it would take before the defense would grow some teeth.
The Packers have seven first round picks in Rashan Gary, Kenny Clark, Quay Walker, Jaire Alexander, Eric Stokes, Devonte Wyatt and Lukas Van Ness. They also have Javon Bullard, Edgerrin Cooper, Xavier McKinney and Preston Smith who were taken in the second round.
The defense is dripping with talent. For so long, the offensive side of the ball has carried this team. From Brett Favre to Aaron Rodgers to Jordan Love’s 32 touchdown passes in his first season as a starter.
Now that Malik Willis has been called into duty, it’s pretty obvious to think that the offense will stumble. The offense is going to run like a baby giraffe at first. It will look clunky and probably even frustrating.
But you cannot have Alexander and Walker be among the teams worst tacklers. The Packers had 15 quarterback hurries last week and were led by Clark. But even the 28-year-old Clark was getting pushed off the ball in Brazil. The only time that usually happens is when he’s facing a double team.
Wyatt and Gary were the only other Packers to have more than one quarterback hurry. That’s not good enough. Green Bay has to make Anthony Richardson look confused and careless.
And the best way to do that is by giving consistent pressure. This team did a solid job of stopping the run on first and second down, but missed tackling led to a litany of big plays for the Eagles.
But that’s what we knew coming into this season right? Instead of dying the death of a million cuts and playing six yards off the receiver on third-and-4, the Packers need to turn up the heat and force the issue.
That means that there is a greater chance for big plays from the opposing offense. But it also means that the defense can force a sack, turnover or a three-and-out.
Richardson is in his second season and was a miserable 9-for-19 passing last week vs. division rival Houston in Week 1. He is a dynamic athlete with a howitzer for an arm, but his accuracy is what dreams are made of on the defensive side of the ball.
Force the issue. Make Richardson throw off-platform and force him make bad decisions.
The Packers have all the ingredients on defense. Now is the time for Hafley to put his chef’s hat on and make a masterpiece.
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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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