3 Ways the Green Bay Packers Defense can Improve in 2020

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – DECEMBER 1: Safety Darnell Savage #27 of the Green Bay Packers has an Interception and leads the defense in a “team photo”against the New York Giants in the second half in the snow at MetLife Stadium on December 1, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Pereira/Getty Images) /

Defending the middle of the field

Whether it be against the run as we’ve already discussed or defending the pass, the Green Bay Packers’ defense was picked apart last season over the middle of the field.

According to Pro Football Reference, against the run, opposing teams were averaging 5.0 yards per carry and scored three touchdowns. Meanwhile, in the passing game quarterbacks completed 65.3 percent of their passes for 1,564 yards at a whopping 9.4 yards per attempt. They’d also total 10 touchdowns, but on the bright side, the defense did come away with seven interceptions.

A few of the reasons for these defensive issues in the middle of the field have already been mentioned. In the run game with Kenny Clark being the offensive line’s prime focus, someone else along the defensive front needs to step up and produce. And I’ve already highlighted some of the ways that the secondary can improve.

On top of that, as reliable, as Blake Martinez was, he came with his limitations in coverage. And losing their hybrid safety Raven Greene early in the season certainly didn’t help matters either.

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However, this time around we hopefully see a full season of Greene at the box safety position and if healthy, Christian Kirksey gives the Green Bay Packers a better coverage linebacker. Not to mention that it’s really now or never for Oren Burks to step up as his coverage ability was the main reason that Gutey traded up to select him.

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