Green Bay Packers: Key Takeaways from Coordinator Interviews

Here are some of the key takeaways from the Green Bay Packers’ coordinator interviews that took place on Friday.

Last Friday we heard Aaron Rodgers and Matt LaFleur speak to the Green Bay Packers’ reporters. This week Mike Pettine, Shawn Mennenga, and Nathaniel Hackett were up as they sat down to answer some questions.

Here are some of the big takeaways from their conference call and if you’d like to listen to the calls yourself, you can find replays on the Green Bay Packers Twitter page.

Christian Kirksey Signing

When asked about the addition of Christian Kirksey, Pettine would go on to say that it was a bit of a “risk.” Of course he is referring to Kirksey’s recent injury history which has held him to just nine total games the past two seasons.

However, Pettine would go on to discuss the importance of Kirksey’s familiarity with his defense – Kirksey was in Cleveland while Pettine was the Head Coach – especially with NFL teams not being able to meet in person currently. If Kirksey can return to his 2016-2017 form, this signing will look like a steal for Green Bay.

Pettine was never concerned about his job

As I’m sure you all remember after the awful performance from the defense in the NFC Championship Game, many wondered if Pettine was going to be fired. But on Friday Pettine would say that he was never worried about his job security and of course, he is still here as the defensive coordinator which was the correct decision.

While the defense would have their issues in 2019, they allowed the ninth fewest points per game and they were key to several Packers’ wins. With that said, if this season ends in a similar fashion to last, I’m not sure if Pettine will be back for 2021.

Why does the defense play so much Dime?

I thought this was a great question and one that I am glad was finally asked. The Green Bay Packers are a very dime heavy team and according to Pettine, there are a few reasons for that. The first is that it is just apart of his coaching philosophy and he likes the flexibility that it provides his defense against the pass. Pettine also mentioned that he wants his best players on the field and that the lack of depth at ILB was a factor as well.

The first three reasons make a lot of sense but in regards to the lack of depth at ILB, I know that it isn’t a position that the Packers value highly, but if that is an issue wouldn’t it make sense to address it more than what they have?

Rashan Gary and Kingsley Keke

Pettine mentioned that Rashan Gary was going to see more snaps this season which isn’t ground-breaking news by any means. But he’d also add that Gary will get more reps inside. Something that we saw a fair amount from Za’Darius Smith in 2019.

Then when talking about Kingsley Keke, Pettine expects him to make a big jump in 2020. Now, keep in mind he said something similar last season about Montravius Adams and that didn’t exactly pan out, but it’s clear that Green Bay is banking on Keke’s development.

Hackett on Jace Sternberger

When asked about Jace Sternberger, Hackett would say that he has to be more “consistent” and gain a better “understanding of the offense.” Hackett would also add that the speed element that he brings to this offense is “very impressive.”

As TE1 and with more two tight-end sets in 2020, Sternberger is going to play a very important role in this offense. And based on his comments in an interview with Locked on Packers, he will be working from the slot quite often as well.

Continuity on offense

Overall it was a pretty quiet offseason for the Green Bay Packers which means not much roster turnover. Considering that in-person team activities are suspended for the time being, that lack of change or continuity is something that could play into the Packers’ favor this season.

Hackett would go on to say that he can’t imagine how difficult things would have been if this happened a season ago with a new coaching staff and a first-time head coach at that. Teams that have a number of new faces or new coaches are going to have a more challenging time this offseason than those who have similar personnel to a season ago.

Devin Funchess

When asked about Devin Funchess, Hackett said that they will have to see where he exactly fits once they get on the practice field but that he is very excited to have him in Green Bay. Funchess is coming off a 2019 season where he missed most of the action with a collar-bone injury but had nearly 1,400 yards and 12 touchdowns combined between 2017 and 2018 in Carolina.

J.K. Scott’s consistency

We’ve seen J.K. Scott look really good at times. So good in fact that he’s been given the nickname “The Weapon” – however there are other instances where things go quite poorly. When asked about this, Mennenga would say that he has to become more consistent with his handle time. For those unfamiliar with the term, that is the time from when the ball hits Scott’s hands to the time he kicks it.

Other quick takeaways

• Pettine would speak very highly of Tramon Williams and would say that the final chapter hasn’t been written on his career.
• In regards to Jordan Love, Hackett would say that he loved his athleticism and ability to make throws on the move.
• Pettine said that this is the deepest OLB room that he’s been apart of.
• Both Hackett and Mennenga were very excited when talking about Tyler Ervin.
• When talking about Darnell Savage’s ability, Pettine would say “the sky’s the limit.”