RealGM

I know they almost let up the game against Detroit, but in the short 3 weeks, I see some very positive signs.


The Young Secondary
Regarding last week, they were missing Burnett and Shields, 2 of the 5 most important pieces of the starting secondary. Also the TWO MAIN LEADERS and veterans in the secondary. You get rid of those 2 and everyone else is a kid!

Shields & Burnett are 28 and 27 years old in their 7th years.

Randall 24 (2nd year).
Rollins 24 (2nd year) wasn't even playing the right sport a couple years ago.
Gunter 24 (2nd year)
HHCD 23 (3rd year)
Hawkins 23 (rookie)
Evans 23 (rookie)
Brice 22 (rookie)
Banjo 26 (3rd year)
Hyde 25 (4th year)

Banjo an elder player didn't even take reps on D, instead they used Brice. Hyde is more of a role player, while guys like Randall, Rollins, Gunter, took tons of snaps as basically starters. These guys are still learning the game. Then the rookies we have, NOT ONLY are they rookies, but they are UDFAs leading me to believe they are a bit more raw and less NFL ready today compared to the early draft picks.

And HHCD, he's only 23!


There is a ton of youth in this secondary, and when you lose the only 2 starting OLDER vets it definitely has a ripple effect. I guess that's why I'm still optimistic about this D, even though they had a rough outing.

The front 7 for the first time since 2010 seems pretty solid.

The Dline
I'm super pleased with what I see out of Daniels, he's becoming like a warran Sapp, just an angry bull who's impossible to block. Motor that never stops. I'm so thrilled he's signed long term, he's is leading this defense. His penetration and unblockability is opening things up for the rest of the D.

Guion showed some signs before injury, if he can come back, he was doing well in run D.
Clark it's too early to tell, but the run D held up these past 3 weeks, and he's been a part of it.
I'm looking forward to Pennel coming back and solidifying the run D.
Lowry has been getting some reps, I couldn't honestly tell what he's been doing.

All I know is I have never seen so many packers penetrating into the backfield like this before. It's happening way more frequently then I can ever remember (last 10 years). And the Dline is doing such a good job they are giving opportunities to the LBs.

The LBs
Nick Perry has been the man of the Defense. He's been a wrecking ball in both pass rushing and run D.
We may have the best OLB rotation we've ever had. For years Claymaker was on his own with guys opposite like Erik Walden and other trash players who were quickly out of the league.

Now we have this sick rotation of Peppers, Perry, Matthews, D. Jones (who is DE and LB?). Elliott and Fackrell also are getting reps. I hope in their 10-20 reps they can be more efficient, while both of them made 1 big play Sunday, the rest of their snaps were pretty meh. This is the best OLB rotation we've had in forever.

Also the nighmare of nightmares has been our ILB situation. Brad Fing Jones and other horrible fits. It is too early, but I think this is the best rotation of: Martinez, Ryan, Thomas we've had since prime Bishop and Hawk duo. I still think the 2010 version was better, but we have youth on our side and both these guys are young and only going to get better.

I'm just happy to see Ryan and Martinez sticking their nose in there and getting to the RBs, and the Dline doing a great job of funneling the RBs to our ILBs and having guys that can clean up. We've never had the right guys to do their jobs.

Now of course I'm not saying they are studs or probowlers or anything, but they are decent, and getting better, and they are doing their job in the running game.

In the passing game I'm still not sure how our ILBs will hold up, but in general I'd say the defense is faster, stronger, and they hit harder including the secondary.




Overall my 3 games in hot take is: we have a couple stars in Daniels, Perry, Matthews. We've got some solid starters in: Shields, Burnett. We've got a couple guys who know how to play their roles: Guion, Peppers, HHCD, Ryan.

We've got a ton of youth we hope figures things out over the next 2 months: Martinez, Randall, Rollins, Gunter, Thomas, Clark.

If we can get our guys back and stay healthy, and our rookies and 2nd year guys can get through the growing pains and learning curve over the next 8 weeks, I think this can be a very solid top 10-12 Defense.

Traditionally with our high-powered offense a top 10-15 defense would be enough to get to the SuperBowl.

I think we've finally plugged some holes that have been around forever and maybe it's enough if our offense can get back to 2014 MVP levels.


Randall is one critical piece of this puzzle. Capers had to trash his aggressive defense and play a crappy soft zone once Randall began **** the bed. He's got to be able to climb out of his sophomore slump.

One thing that has been kinda cool on the pass rush, is I see guys moving around a lot. I saw Perry and Peppers shifting sides, Perry put his hand down, and I saw Daniels playing wider to the right, and then later more inside. I see them just moving those pass rushers all over the place. Jones can also do the same, put his hand down, and then rush outside. I love the flexibility and the moving of these guys all over the place.

Said it at the beginning of the year but I believe this is the most talented defense we've had since the SB year (last 6 years). Obviously health is the biggest issue right now, but one thing that's been incredibly consistent, even with Pennell suspended, is the run defense. Teams have been able to pass on us because we're so banged up in the secondary, but this is the exact kind of defense that Capers needs to run his exotic blitz packages. Can't remember the last time that we had this much speed all over the field.

Packers are 8th in sacks percentage and #1 in yards per carry allowed. They need to clean up the big plays (29th in yards per pass attempt allowed), and they will be in good shape. We are seeing the effects of Burnett and Shields being out right now. Need both of them in there. But the run D and pass rush both look exceptional.

We have to figure out a way to cover the middle of the field. I think overall, the defense is exceeding our expectations (at least the front seven) from what we thought heading into the season. The two biggest concerns so far are the big plays we've given up and our opponent's conversion rates on 3rd and 4th downs.

I think the run D is here to stay. We haven't had Pennel and Guion was hurt last game, and those twos strengths are stopping the run. Between Pennel/Guion/Daniels/Clark and Perry setting the edge, it's going to be tough sledding for people to run against us. Which in theory should open up the ability to bring a lot of pass rushers more often. Coverage technique and communication has to improve, as does secondary health. They also need to start catching their INT.

HKPackFan wrote:I know they almost let up the game against Detroit, but in the short 3 weeks, I see some very positive signs.


The Young Secondary
Regarding last week, they were missing Burnett and Shields, 2 of the 5 most important pieces of the starting secondary. Also the TWO MAIN LEADERS and veterans in the secondary. You get rid of those 2 and everyone else is a kid!

Shields & Burnett are 28 and 27 years old in their 7th years.

Randall 24 (2nd year).
Rollins 24 (2nd year) wasn't even playing the right sport a couple years ago.
Gunter 24 (2nd year)
HHCD 23 (3rd year)
Hawkins 23 (rookie)
Evans 23 (rookie)
Brice 22 (rookie)
Banjo 26 (3rd year)
Hyde 25 (4th year)

Banjo an elder player didn't even take reps on D, instead they used Brice. Hyde is more of a role player, while guys like Randall, Rollins, Gunter, took tons of snaps as basically starters. These guys are still learning the game. Then the rookies we have, NOT ONLY are they rookies, but they are UDFAs leading me to believe they are a bit more raw and less NFL ready today compared to the early draft picks.

And HHCD, he's only 23!


There is a ton of youth in this secondary, and when you lose the only 2 starting OLDER vets it definitely has a ripple effect. I guess that's why I'm still optimistic about this D, even though they had a rough outing.

The front 7 for the first time since 2010 seems pretty solid.

The Dline
I'm super pleased with what I see out of Daniels, he's becoming like a warran Sapp, just an angry bull who's impossible to block. Motor that never stops. I'm so thrilled he's signed long term, he's is leading this defense. His penetration and unblockability is opening things up for the rest of the D.

Guion showed some signs before injury, if he can come back, he was doing well in run D.
Clark it's too early to tell, but the run D held up these past 3 weeks, and he's been a part of it.
I'm looking forward to Pennel coming back and solidifying the run D.
Lowry has been getting some reps, I couldn't honestly tell what he's been doing.

All I know is I have never seen so many packers penetrating into the backfield like this before. It's happening way more frequently then I can ever remember (last 10 years). And the Dline is doing such a good job they are giving opportunities to the LBs.

The LBs
Nick Perry has been the man of the Defense. He's been a wrecking ball in both pass rushing and run D.
We may have the best OLB rotation we've ever had. For years Claymaker was on his own with guys opposite like Erik Walden and other trash players who were quickly out of the league.

Now we have this sick rotation of Peppers, Perry, Matthews, D. Jones (who is DE and LB?). Elliott and Fackrell also are getting reps. I hope in their 10-20 reps they can be more efficient, while both of them made 1 big play Sunday, the rest of their snaps were pretty meh. This is the best OLB rotation we've had in forever.

Also the nighmare of nightmares has been our ILB situation. Brad Fing Jones and other horrible fits. It is too early, but I think this is the best rotation of: Martinez, Ryan, Thomas we've had since prime Bishop and Hawk duo. I still think the 2010 version was better, but we have youth on our side and both these guys are young and only going to get better.

I'm just happy to see Ryan and Martinez sticking their nose in there and getting to the RBs, and the Dline doing a great job of funneling the RBs to our ILBs and having guys that can clean up. We've never had the right guys to do their jobs.

Now of course I'm not saying they are studs or probowlers or anything, but they are decent, and getting better, and they are doing their job in the running game.

In the passing game I'm still not sure how our ILBs will hold up, but in general I'd say the defense is faster, stronger, and they hit harder including the secondary.




Overall my 3 games in hot take is: we have a couple stars in Daniels, Perry, Matthews. We've got some solid starters in: Shields, Burnett. We've got a couple guys who know how to play their roles: Guion, Peppers, HHCD, Ryan.

We've got a ton of youth we hope figures things out over the next 2 months: Martinez, Randall, Rollins, Gunter, Thomas, Clark.

If we can get our guys back and stay healthy, and our rookies and 2nd year guys can get through the growing pains and learning curve over the next 8 weeks, I think this can be a very solid top 10-12 Defense.

Traditionally with our high-powered offense a top 10-15 defense would be enough to get to the SuperBowl.

I think we've finally plugged some holes that have been around forever and maybe it's enough if our offense can get back to 2014 MVP levels.


Randall is one critical piece of this puzzle. Capers had to trash his aggressive defense and play a crappy soft zone once Randall began **** the bed. He's got to be able to climb out of his sophomore slump.

I haven't seen PFF grades or anything like that, but I do want to reiterate how impressed I have been with the ILB position. They might not be all the way there yet, but I feel like that position is in good hands for the next couple of years...I don't remember the last time I felt that way.

Interesting how our perceived weakness has been our strength in the run D, and our perceived strength has been our weakness with the pass D.

"If" we can get healthy this is a top ten D. There isn't a doubt in my mind.

For all the talk about the faults of our D so far this season we played without:

1: Our top CB in Shields
2: Our Starting SS in Burnett (who was also looking to be our Dime ILB)
3: Our star OLB in Mathews
4: Our starting NT in Guion
5: Our Starting DE in Pennel

(Almost 1/2 of our starting Defense was out this past game. Think about that)

So with missing 5 starters, from every level of the defense, we've still managed to get to 2-1 with Ha Ha being the elder statesmen in the back end of the D since he's in his, whopping, 3rd year.

There's tons of talent on this defense but we desperately need the experience to direct it. If we can get a few of those guys back this D is going to take a huge jump.


Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G870A using RealGM mobile app

I'm concerned about Shields for his sake and the Packers sake. I read that he's on his 5th concussion and the last two have kept him out of multiple games. What if he comes back and suffers another concussion during the season?

We could then be looking at a guy who has to evaluate whether he wants to continue playing football.

Yeah, I'm of the belief that if Shields suffers another concussion, he's probably going to retire. It took him a long time to come back from last year's concussion and because of his history, I wouldn't fault him if that's the route that he goes.

As long as the injured guys get healthy, I have a ton of confidence in this defense. Especially if guys like Perry, Ryan and Martinez are going to play well consistently. With a healthy Matthews, that pass rush should be pretty lethal with Peppers being on a pass rush situational snap count.

If we scored on that final drive against Minnesota, I actually had full confidence that the defense would get a stop when they needed to. It has been a long time since I've felt that way about any Packers defense with the game on the line.

I think this defense is extremely good when healthy, top 5 defense if we clean up the long passes

This is the most confident I've heard the fans be about the D in a long time.

Seems the heavy investments on D are finally paying off.

Randall, Rollins, HHCD. D. Jones, Nick Perry. Clark.

That's a lot of #1 and #2 picks on defense. And midround picks: Daniels, pennel, Ryan, Martinez.

Finally the olb opposite clay doesn't suck, finally ilbs don't suck, finally the other safety spot opposite Burnett doesn't suck.

All spots that were embarrassingly bad holes. Hopefully they put it all together.

It would be sad if all the heavy investment on D which finally leads to the D being good means now the offense is starting to fall behind from its elite level. That would be a terrible irony.

Our biggest liability has been Randall so far, and I'm honestly not too concerned about him going forward. I believe he has the ability to be a very good corner. He doesn't have Sam's makeup speed, but I think he's smarter and more physical in his approach. I feel the same way about Q.

It will be interesting to see what we get from Perry and Datone in contract years. Peppers is on the last year of his deal, too. We could have some pretty big holes at OLB next season. I've thought that Perry could be a good pass rusher for a few years now, but he has terrible luck with injuries.

humanrefutation wrote:
It will be interesting to see what we get from Perry and Datone in contract years. Peppers is on the last year of his deal, too. We could have some pretty big holes at OLB next season. I've thought that Perry could be a good pass rusher for a few years now, but he has terrible luck with injuries.

Ted will have a very tough decision on Perry this offseason if he stays healthy and really productive this year. His injury history would make giving him a big contract scary, but given how incredibly valuable pass rushers are, if Ted didn't pay Perry, someone else certainly would.

Very good.

Front 7 looks great, the only knock might be a lack of depth at DL. ILBs look fantastic, so do the OLBs. Secondary will improve. Wonder if Randall and Rollins kind of relaxed a little bit after solid rookie years. They need to keep getting better.

Vikings defense is very good, but was watching a replay of their first half against Carolina, felt Vikings were lucky that Carolina only scored 10 points in the first half. Panthers had a 50 yard TD called back for an unnecessary hold by a WR, had a few other big plays also negated by penalties, WRs had a couple bad drops on key plays. Plus they missed a long FG. So yeah the Vikings D is good, but I'm not totally sold on them quite yet.

Btw, I don't see Bradford making it through the season, especially behind that line.

Boy the article on Zook by the GBPG(now under the same umbrella as JS) must have McGinn throwing a fit. He hated that hire.