Green Bay Packers: 5 Bold Predictions For 2019 Season
By Paul Bretl
The defense will be top 5 in the league
For much of Aaron Rodgers time in Green Bay it has felt like it has been the defense that has held this team back. Whether it’s not coming up with a stop at the end of the game, a lack of pressure, or a failure to create turnovers the defense hasn’t carried their weight.
As a result, GM Brian Gutekunst made a plethora of changes this offseason through free agency and in the draft and now, this unit has the potential to be one of the best in the league. Gutekunst has given defensive coordinator Mike Pettine all the tools that he needs to be successful with defenders that are long, athletic, and versatile.
With the additions of Za’Darius Smith, Preston Smith, Rashan Gary now alongside of Kenny Clark and Dean Lowry, Green Bay shouldn’t have any trouble getting after the quarterback. At linebacker, they have the incredibly reliable Blake Martinez who will rarely be caught out of position and next to him will likely be Raven Greene who put together a fantastic offseason.
In the secondary, safety has gone from a position of weakness to a strength with the additions of Adrian Amos and Darnell Savage. While at cornerback, Pettine has Jarie Alexander, Kevin King, Tony Brown, and Ka’dar Hollman, all of which are very good in man coverage which is a staple of this defense. And not to be forgotten is veteran Tramon Wiliams who will take over in the slot and Josh Jackson who is primed for a year two leap.
From the top to the bottom, this defense has all the pieces to be a dominant unit this season, now we just have to see them put it together on the field.