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5 Big Predictions for the Green Bay Packers in 2018

By David Steger

GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 27: Head coach Mike McCarthy of the Green Bay Packers watches from the sidelines during the fourth quarter of the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on December 27, 2015 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Packers 38-8. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 27: Head coach Mike McCarthy of the Green Bay Packers watches from the sidelines during the fourth quarter of the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on December 27, 2015 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Packers 38-8. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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GREEN BAY, WI – SEPTEMBER 10: The Green Bay Packers defense attempts to tackle Eddie Lacy #27 of the Seattle Seahawks during the first half at Lambeau Field on September 10, 2017, in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
GREEN BAY, WI – SEPTEMBER 10: The Green Bay Packers defense attempts to tackle Eddie Lacy #27 of the Seattle Seahawks during the first half at Lambeau Field on September 10, 2017, in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

1. The Defense

The Packers have had an Achilles heel since their last super bowl appearance. It’s been their defense giving up huge games in the playoffs over and over again. It has been a recurring nightmare for Packers fans for seven years. I picture the Packers defense like Rocky Balboa in the Rocky 2 movie. They keep giving shots but taking more blows that they can give out. Fans watching the round cards fly by like playoff loss after playoff loss. There is a different feeling this offseason getting ready for OTA’s and training camp knowing the defense has a shot at becoming something like it was meant to be. Packers made that feeling happen with hiring new defensive coordinator Mike Pettine.

Pettine brings a different scheme to the Packers with a lot of packages and looks to keep offenses guessing. He has an exceptional record of placing his defenses in first, third, fifth, eighth, and tenth as a defensive coordinator. Pettine relies upon heavy press coverage in his defensive layout. Jaire Alexander, Josh Jackson, Oren Burks were all brought in form the first three picks of the NFL draft because that is what they excel in. He also wanted two of his former players in Muhammad Wilkerson and Tramon Williams who have thrived in his schemes before.

Packers now have a top 10 defensive line with Wilkerson, Daniels, and Clark. They will be able to eat up running allies and providing interior pressure with ease. Leading the league in tackles in 2017 was Blake Martinez and he should be even better in this year honing his game even more. Oren Burks will be starting next to Martinez by the quarter to midway of 2018 with his exceptional coverage ability while still being able to make the tackles.

The cornerbacks unit was rehauled with Williams, Alexander, and Jackson being added to King to make the position one of the deepest on the roster. At Safety, the Packers still have Clinton-Dix as a field general and fans will also see the true athleticism of Josh Jones being used correctly. Mark my words Packer fans. The Green Bay Packers defense is a phoenix with Mike Pettine brushing away the ashes.

Prediction: Green Bay Packers Defense will finish in the top 10 of the NFL

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