Defensive Lines Wins Championships

As I was watching the conference chips this past weekend much to the dismay of fellow Packers fans wondering, "How are we not in the same position as Washington?," it became more clear that Green Bay is one impactful defensive edge rusher addition away from being elite. Unlike the Rams and the Commanders, the Packers were able to contain RB Saquon Barkley to 119 yards on 25 carries with an average of 4.8 yards per carry 0 touchdowns and his longest run being 17 yards. The other teams previously mentioned allowed a combined total of 323 yards on 41 carries with an average of 7.9 yards per carry 5 touchdowns and the longest run being 78 yards (LAR) and 60 yards (WAS) resulting in touchdowns. The Pack's stout run stopping defense lead by pro-bowler DE Rashan Gary has arrived. DC Jeff Hafley deserves his flowers. He was so good his first year as Green Bay's DC he even earned himself an interview for the New York Jets head coach vacancy. Granted, the Jets interviewed 15 other candidates, but the fact that Hafley got that attention already speaks volumes to the respect he has earned for improving the Packers' defense. Signing all-pro S Xavier Mckinney sure helped and drafting LB Edgerrin Cooper and S Javon Bullard were also two critical components to the rise of this defense.

Pass Rush Must Improve

We all witnessed how difficult it was for the pass rush this year to knock any QB with a strong offense out of rhythm. According to Fox Sports 2024 NFL defensive rankings, Green Bay statistically finished 5th in total defense allowing 99.4 rushing yards a game which was the 7th best in the NFL. They finished 3rd in takeaways and takeaway differential of +12 while finishing 6th in scoring defense allowing 19.9 points per game. Where did the Packers’ defense struggle the most? Applying QB pressure when it came to the passing defense which finished 13th allowing 215.2 yards per game and red zone defense which ranked 20th with a defense red zone touchdown rate average of 60% for opponents. The reality is that the Packers drafting 23rd means there will not be a defensive edge available that can help impact the team right now. The window of opportunity is open and bringing in a key piece at a current veteran pro bowl level seems like the more logical choice. We have seen this before.

History Repeats Itself

History has a strange way of repeating itself. This past Sunday was also the 28th anniversary of Super Bowl XXXI when Green Bay defeated New England 35-21. I came across a montage video of DE Reggie White in critical moments of the game pressuring QB Drew Bledsoe and wreaking havoc on the left side in what was always a dominating fashion. DE White finished with three total sacks setting a record for the most sacks in a Super Bowl game at that time. I was four years old with a mini cheesehead when this occurred so my memory is a bit hazy, but my dad has always preached that the Packers would not have won that Super Bowl or been as dominant in the 90s if it were not for the signing of DE White. For the right price and maybe  recruiting help from RB Josh Jacobs, Raiders DE Maxx Crosby I think would be a bolstering addition and exactly what the Packers need. He is a maniac pass rusher who is 7th in the league in sacks since 2020 with 49.5 and second on that list in total tackles with 197 only behind Pittsburgh's T.J. Watt. Plus, ask anyone from Raidernation and they will be the first to tell you how much of a stud DE Crosby is and how he is an ultimate team player. Chargers DE Khalil Mack would be a sneaky good pickup and has the potential to be an impactful veteran toward the end of his career similar to how DE Julius Peppers was for a couple seasons with the Pack. History repeats itself and if the Packers want to capitalize with at least a Super Bowl appearance during this window of opportunity that can close quickly, the writing is on the wall to bring a dominant pass rusher to Lambeau Field.