The Packers Must Fix Their Run Defense If They Want Any Chance In 2023

Jul 18, 2023

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The Green Bay Packers had a tough go in the 2022 season, ending with an 8-9 record and missing out on the playoffs. As they gear up for the 2023 season, there's a lot of work to be done if they want to turn things around and find success.

Now, we all know that the spotlight is on quarterback Jordan Love, but let's not forget about the elephant in the room: the Packers' running defense.

It has been a thorn in their side for quite some time now, and if they want to have a shot at a better season, they need to address this issue head-on. In this article, we're going to take a deep dive into the Packers' defensive struggles, crunch some numbers, and talk about the steps they're taking to fix the problem.

To put it plainly, the Packers' defense didn't live up to expectations in 2022, especially when it came to stopping the run. The numbers don't lie. In 2021, they ranked 11th in total rush yards allowed, but their yards per attempt allowed put them at a disappointing 30th in the league. Things didn't improve much in 2022, with a slight bump in yards per attempt allowed (28th), but a drop to 26th in total rush yards allowed.

One thing that has plagued the Packers for a while now is their struggle to build a solid interior defensive line. It's been a problem even during former defensive coordinator Mike Pettine's time, and we saw it rear its ugly head in their playoff struggles against the San Francisco 49ers. Despite the arrival of defensive coordinator Joe Barry, the Packers still haven't been able to shore up their run defense.

Packers GM is Brian Gutekunst is well aware of the issue and is taking steps to fix it. In the 2023 draft, they focused on fortifying the interior defensive line.

They snagged Lukas Van Ness in the first round—a versatile player who can wreak havoc both inside and outside. Even as a rookie, Van Ness brings size and power that could make a real difference. They also added defensive linemen Colby Wooden and Karl Brooks in later rounds to provide depth to the line.

If we look at the run grades from Pro Football Focus (PFF) for the Packers' defensive players last season, it's clear that they struggled big time.

Their top-graded run defender, TJ Slayton, ranked a lackluster 64th in the league. Other notable grades include Devonte Wyatt (71st), Jaren Reed (83rd), and Dean Lowry (100th). The biggest surprise, though, was Kenny Clark—the highly regarded defensive lineman who had the worst run grade, coming in at 117th. These stats make it painfully obvious that the Packers need to step up their game.

But there's hope on the horizon. With the infusion of new talent like Van Ness and the departure of average-performing veterans like Lowry and Reed, the Packers are looking to breathe new life into their run defense in 2023.

Devonte Wyatt, a first-round pick from the previous year, is also primed for a bigger role after limited opportunities in 2022. Along with players like Wooden making an impact, the Packers are optimistic about a more effective run defense this season.

Ultimately, the success of the Packers' defense rests on the shoulders of Joe Barry, their defensive coordinator. The 2023 season will be a crucial test for him and the overall performance of the Packers' defense.

(This article was taken from the transcript of my original youtube video “The Biggest Problem the Packers MUST Fix In 2023” and then put together by an editor.)