Defense Steals the Show in First Week of Packers Camp
By jasonperone
The first few practices are in the books in Green Bay Packers training camp. So far, most of the buzz has surrounded the defense.
Cornerback Damarious Randall had the first interception of camp. Quinten Rollins has picked off everything else since. Josh Jones is living in the backfield and lighting guys up. And Mike Daniels is jawing with offensive tackle David Bakhtiari.
As followers of the Packers, we can bank on the fact that the offense is going to roll and score points. We can also bank on the team being in contention for a division title and playoff appearance. What we can't always bank on is how the defense will perform.
It's three days into the 2017 season prep so it's very early. Any bets on this team are still premature. And we only hear about what gets reported on. The guys and gals who do most of that reporting from the scene of practice are focusing on the tidbits and stories that will attract most attention.
To hear so many positives about the defense and especially a few players who struggled last season isn't a bad thing. We can appreciate that while also remembering that a NFL season is a marathon, not a sprint.
The last two seasons have seen defensive deficiencies manifest themselves at the worst possible time. The Packers have chosen a defensive player with their first draft pick in the last six drafts yet this is still the team's biggest x-factor each season.
Daniels has tried to bond the defense during the offseason. He wants his defense to be on the radar of all other opposing teams. They're once again a young unit with a lot of promise that has yet to be realized. Is this start to the preseason a sign that this team might finally have a well-rounded roster that can truly compete for a championship?
Again, it's too early to say yes or no. Health can change the scenario really quickly. But for being as soon as this is, the reports seem to be along the lines of a best-case scenario and that's at the very least something to build on.
Defensive coordinator Dom Capers and his team have their work cut out for them to get some of these young players up to speed. Capers has taken a lot of heat for the Packers defensive failures and as the leader of the bunch, that comes with the territory. Entering his ninth season as D coordinator, Capers group is due to be the heroes. Overdue, really.
Packers head coach Mike McCarthy talks about stacking success. With what we've heard so far, there appears to be a nice base to start stacking on. For the 2017 Packers, the defense is going to determine how far they'll go when all is said and done. They'll need to keep stealing the show from an offense that is already show-stopping.
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Jason is a freelance writer on staff since 2012 and also co-hosts Cheesehead TV Live, Pulse of the Pack and Pack A Day podcasts. You can follow him on Twitter here
Comments (37)
TKWorldWide
July 31, 2017 at 06:35 am
Good news>bad news.
NickPerry
July 31, 2017 at 07:00 am
I mentioned this yesterday but the Packers have used 11 or their last 13 picks in rounds 1 though 4 over the last 3 drafts on defense. They've also spread out the number of picks pretty much even to each level of the defense. The secondary has had the higher picks but my point is there's been lots of resources put to the defensive side of the ball.
Because of all of these young players I understand it might take some time for this defense to "Gel Together". But when the Packers come out of their Bye and their healthy, this Defense should begin to resemble at least a top 10 defense. They should be able to make some key stops and even win a game for the Packers instead of losing a game. I really believe this should happen if for no other reason there's just been too many resources used to fix this defense for it not to turn around. Like Jason said, the Packers are due. To quote Kevin Greene "It is time".
jeremyjjbrown
July 31, 2017 at 10:28 am
I hope your right. Trumping all of that is the fact that they are counting on 2 guys to stay healthy who have not managed to stay healthy. It's a huge risk.
NickPerry
July 31, 2017 at 05:22 pm
I agree it's a huge risk. I also believe someone NEEDS to be held accountable this year. Capers, Thompson, or both but someone needs to be accountable. I mean it's only right. McCarthy preaches accountability even season to his players. It should apply to management and coaches too.
BPEARSON21
August 01, 2017 at 08:54 am
"Begin to resemble a top 10 defense..." if only the idea that - "we put so many resources into our defense so it has to work right?" were true. But it's not... don't believe me? Go ask the Browns about their QB situation they've poured reasorces into for over 6 years now. I've never understood why people just assume more time to develop, or more draft picks just automatically translated into success. Ever stop and think maybe the way we go about things is the issue? I mean we're coming up on almost 8 years of overall very average defense. How much more of a sample size do you need..?
Evidently we aren't great at drafting defensively, and clearly playing young guys and rookies doesn't work. We've played that theory out pretty clearly. Top 10 defense...? You're going to be so disappointed in January.
RCPackerFan
July 31, 2017 at 07:11 am
I think the defense will be much improved this year. (Assuming everyone stays relatively healthy).
First there are 3 key veterans on every level of the defense. Daniels leads the DL. Mathews leads the LB's and Burnett leads the secondary.
Adding 2 veterans also will help a ton. House has been said to be helping King with technique during practice. With Francois brings another veteran to a young DL group.
We have an emerging All Pro player in Clinton-Dix.
We have returning players that all look to be taking a step in their 2nd years. Clark, Lowry, Brice.
The other 2nd year players are looking to make a jump too. Fackrell, Martinez, Evans, Hawkins, Waters all are looking to get more playing time.
Add in the rookies to this group. With King and Jones already mixing in with the starters in practice. Jones has been impressive already.
The greatest thing that could help the defense though is the returning healthy of Randall and Rollins. They both had good rookie years followed by injury riddled 2nd years. They both have been making plays in practice early on.
I'm excited to see this defense. I think it will be much improved.
Savage57
July 31, 2017 at 08:05 am
"I think the defense will be much improved this year. (Assuming everyone stays relatively healthy)."
First sentence - Said prior to the start of every season, still waiting.
Qualifier in parenthesis - Said every fan base, ever.
RCPackerFan
July 31, 2017 at 08:30 am
'First sentence - Said prior to the start of every season, still waiting.'
The difference for me being this year we have guys who can be playmakers on every level.
DL we have Daniels.
OLB we have both Perry and Mathews (albeit they have to stay healthy). And I still like Elliott as a playmaker.
ILB is to me the most intriguing position with Jones playing the position. While we don't know yet how he will play the early signs show that he could be a playmaker at ILB for us. First time we have had a player like him. It will be fun to see what Capers does with him.
CB when healthy Randall and Rollins can make game changing type of plays. King we don't fully know yet, but he could be the upgrade we are looking for.
S Clinton-Dix is a pro bowl player and is still ascending. Brice has become and enforcer.
Tundraboy
July 31, 2017 at 07:35 am
Good news thus far, but Adams not in pads has my radar up and I hope is not an issue. We have had too many health issues it seems every year at the onset of camp. We need his speed and quickness on the line. Any news on him?
RCPackerFan
July 31, 2017 at 08:01 am
Hopefully Adams and Biegel will be able to start practicing sooner then later.
Edit:
After listening to McCarthy's press conference it sounds like its going to be a while for Adams. He said he will be out multiple weeks.
Tundraboy
July 31, 2017 at 09:20 am
Great. Just great. Someone that needs the practice, someone in an area of need, depth..... Aargh
sonomaca
July 31, 2017 at 01:26 pm
Adams was a very risky bet to begin with. Lots of talent, minimal performance. He's probably going to IR now. Let's hope Ringo is ready.
Andrew Lloyd Peth
July 31, 2017 at 07:56 am
Ted has really focused on defensive speed the past few years. It was needed, to put it mildly.
If that speed gels this year, we could see a jump, but I'm still not confident in our LB's or outside CB depth.
Right now, I put our defense at dead average. That would be a big step up, so I'm being positive.
Tundraboy
July 31, 2017 at 09:20 am
.
porupack
July 31, 2017 at 11:09 am
ALP; You got the top post today according to this pig farmer. Getting some speed on D is a good reason for optimism.
Since'61
July 31, 2017 at 08:10 am
The defense does not need to steal the show (although it would be great if they did when the offense has a bad day) they just need to participate effectively. Make some stops, especially late in the game, get off the field and get the ball back to Rodgers. If they can do that consistently the Packers will be fine. Ultimately the key will be how well they have evolved as a unit come playoff time. If they are relatively healthy and our younger players make their leaps and bounds the defense may be improved enough to be effective against playoff offenses. Time will tell. Thanks, Since '61
Andrew Lloyd Peth
July 31, 2017 at 08:41 am
That would work. Just don't be horrible, and Aaron can take it from there.
With all the drafting Ted has done on defense, I don't think that's asking too much.
Since'61
July 31, 2017 at 12:02 pm
ALP - Agree! In fact I think asking the defense not to be horrible is a minimum requirement. Show up and play. No excuses. Thanks, Since '61
Donster
July 31, 2017 at 09:48 am
Adams out "multiple weeks" with a stress fracture of his foot. He has already had it checked out by Dr. Robert Anderson. Adams not eligible for PUP list since camp had already started. He may be headed to IR. I guess if he has to go on IR, then Guion probably will be back after his suspension.
RCPackerFan
July 31, 2017 at 09:56 am
I really wish they would change the PUP list and IR rules.
This is a perfect example.
Adams practiced 2 times and can't anymore until who knows when. If he isn't able to play until week 2-3 or whatever their only 2 choices now is to put him on IR and bring him back, or to keep him on the roster without taking 1 padded practice.
As far as changing the PUP list rules, why not adjust the rules that they have up until the first preseason game to be added to the pup list? That at least would help some of these guys that get hurt in the first few days of training camp.
I really wish the NFL would adjust its injury rules.
jeremyjjbrown
July 31, 2017 at 10:32 am
I suspect that the NFL wants the rules to be restrictive enough to stop teams from hiding players who could otherwise play on IR. I'm all for opening up the rules. Maybe a 3rd party doctor confirming the players status would be reasonable.
RCPackerFan
July 31, 2017 at 11:23 am
Which I understand that was why the NFL has come up with rules on only returning 1 player from IR. I wish they would change that though too.
But honestly what good does it do for the team or player if you put them on the PUP list for all of preseason? Especially a rookie going through their first training camp. Like Adams his injury happened 2 days in. Had he been hurt 2 days prior he could have been on the pup list. Thats why I said at least make it up to the first preseason game allowing them to be put on the list.
If they would need a 3rd party doctor to overlook the injury issue I would be fine with that.
Tundraboy
July 31, 2017 at 09:19 pm
Really, who cares in training camp. It's way too early to have designations and limits when it's just camp. Rosters and cut downs are a ways away.
RCPackerFan
August 01, 2017 at 07:11 am
And that's why I say allow players to go on the pup list up until the first preseason game.
How many players get hurt in the first few weeks of camp. Why should the team be limited on what they can do with them because of it.
Andrew Lloyd Peth
July 31, 2017 at 10:38 am
Unfortunate, but at least it's not a critical position of need. We're talented and deep on the D-Line.
My much larger concern is Biegel. OLB is paper-thin on this team, with two injury-prone starters and question marks behind them. I'm glad Biegel's close to returning, but I'd rather we get him 100% than rush him back. He could be important this year.
EdsLaces
July 31, 2017 at 10:40 am
I like Brice as the guy that shocks us all this year...write that down.
Bearmeat
July 31, 2017 at 11:12 am
The front 7 on this defense is very concerning. OLBs, interior DL depth, and ILBs.
And from what I read, the defense got absolutely shredded by the offense on Saturday (the only padded day so far). So I don't know where we are reading this positive stuff about the D from....
Oh, and Biegel and Adams are both out for weeks now. Great. Let's just not plan on either of them making any sort of impact until November (if at all) this year.
Great. Just great.
RCPackerFan
July 31, 2017 at 11:29 am
Take a breathe Bearmeat...
I disagree about the concerning part of the front 7.
Typically they use 2 DL on a play. Right now they have Daniels, Clark, Lowry, Francois. Then go with Price, Ringo and they would be more then capable fill ins if needed.
OLB the depth is my most concerned area right now. But I really like Elliott and am looking forward to seeing Fackrell in year 2.
Sounds like Biegel will be returning sometime soon. He was doing walk through's today which is a good sign.
ILB with Jones playing a role there, that could become a huge strength to the defense. He has been very impressive in practice thus far. He can blitz, cover and blow people up.
My biggest hope is that Adams can be back for the start of the season, other wise he'll likely be put on IR.
Not all doom and gloom.
Bearmeat
July 31, 2017 at 11:53 am
Ok, RC. I will take a breathe. Or a breath. Whichever works. ;)
That's fair about the DL and ILB. You all know I tend to be beyond pessimistic when it comes to our defense. The temporary panic just set in there and I over-exaggerated. Sorry to go all COW on you.
And I am VERY excited about the young guys (Jones, Blake and Jake). I think ILB might actually become a strength this year. Not all world, but a plus side of the unit.
And RJF was a fantastic signing for exactly this reason. It protects the team somewhat in case Price doesn't turn into a rotational quality player and Guion is cut. I am excited to see what Clark and Lowry bring this year. :) But still, I'm very disappointed in the Adams injury. Rooks need reps and this puts him seriously behind (just like Biegel).
OLB is very very very concerning.
RCPackerFan
July 31, 2017 at 12:25 pm
lol. I didn't even catch that. lol. Damn fingers... Well your choice you can either breathe or take a breath. lol.
I get that. No need to panic yet though. Especially with Adams we really don't know how good he will be yet or if he will be ready to contribute early. Now we really won't know which sucks.
I think we will see a lot more flexibility with our ILB position. It won't really be the normal guys just lining up down after down.
I hate the injury and the timing of it. Hopefully he will be able to come back before the start of the year or be close so he could remain on the 53 and not have to go on IR.
I'm not as concerned about OLB as others. But that changes with injuries.
I'm hoping we can see one of the young guys (Gilbert, Calvin) step up and surprise us. Maybe become the next Elliott.
Bearmeat
July 31, 2017 at 12:43 pm
I hope so dude.
Spock
July 31, 2017 at 05:40 pm
LOL, got to love the "Going all (he who will not be named) on you." I'm excited about THIS Packer defense!! Should be fun to watch!!
JohnnyLogan
July 31, 2017 at 01:32 pm
Adams may prove to be a big loss as I saw him by mid-season, starting with Daniels and Clark. He has rush ability for a big man and was almost unstoppable at the senior bowl. I loved the pick. I think the D has some real talent this year, Ha Ha, love Bryce, Daniels, Jones, I think King is for real and I predict Fackrel to break out. But as usual I add, we have Dumb Capers, and his sell by date was about 2010, if not before. Hate him, truly believe he's cost us SB's, and don't believe we'll have a decent D til he's gone.
NickPerry
August 01, 2017 at 04:46 am
That train already left, signed with the Rams this past off season.
lou
July 31, 2017 at 05:58 pm
Way too early for doom and gloom, on the plus side neither of the rookies has an ACL, Achilles Tear, or the dreaded High Ankle Sprain. Let's "Relax" and let it play out the next couple of weeks. In reference to accountability on the defense, like Slocum before him, Capers is running out of chances. It may not be all his fault, he certainly has had good defenses in the past but another year like last year and it may be just time for "a new voice". Wade Phillip's moves around a lot but every where he goes his defenses rank high, I was really surprised when he became available this year.
snowdog
July 31, 2017 at 08:58 pm
Should have been given his walking papers 5 years ago .
Lets get a petition going ?!
Icebowler
July 31, 2017 at 09:18 pm
Don't forget that Rollins only played one year of college football, after being a college basketball player. He has a huge upside potential.