Dairyland Express
Fansided

Packers: 3 Definitive Strengths Heading Into 2020 Training Camp

By Brian Sampson

ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 6: Za"u2019Darius Smith #55 and Preston Smith #91 of the Green Bay Packers sacks quarterback Dak Prescott #4 of the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on October 6, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. The Packers defeated the Cowboys 34-24. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 6: Za"u2019Darius Smith #55 and Preston Smith #91 of the Green Bay Packers sacks quarterback Dak Prescott #4 of the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on October 6, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. The Packers defeated the Cowboys 34-24. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Green Bay Packers can hang their hat on these three definitive strengths heading into training camp of the 2020 NFL season.

Following a highly successful 13-3 season, a lot of analysts are sleeping on the Green Bay Packers heading into 2020. Experts like to point to the health and luck in close games Green Bay experienced without fully acknowledging this is a talented football team.

Make no mistake about it, the Packers certainly have strengths they can lean on to carry them to a second straight NFC North championship. After all, this is a team that came within one game of the Super Bowl last year.

Let’s take a moment and preview three definitive strengths the Packers have heading into training camp

3. Left Side of Offensive Line

The left side of the offensive line should be better than ever in 2020. David Bakhtiari is entering a contract year and is still in the prime of his career at 28-years-old. Despite not receiving the same accolades as other top left tackles in the game, he’s coming off his second Pro Bowl season, and is dominant in both the run and pass games.

Second-year pro Elgton Jenkins took over at guard next to Bakhtiari in Week 3 last season and never relinquished the job. The coaching staff loves Jenkins and he should be even better in Year 2; he has future star written all over him.

2. Run Game

Since Matt LaFleur took over as head coach last season he’s emphasized the importance of the run game. And it seems he’s going to take that to the next level in 2020. The Packers used their second and third round picks on a running back and a versatile h-back to apparently help shore up the run game.

Still, Aaron Jones returns on the heels of a 1,000 yard campaign on the ground and hopes to improve on that number. Jones is very agile and quick in and out of his cuts. A.J. Dillon and Jamaal Williams will have the opportunity to compete for the top backup job and provide some thunder to Jones’ lightning. Having three quality backs should ensure each guy stays healthy and the Packers can build on their great running game from a season ago.

1. Pass Rush

For the first couple years of defensive coordinator Mike Pettine’s tenure with the Packers, he was forced to get incredibly creative to rush the passer. He developed elite slot blitzes and other ways to get after the quarterback since his front four struggled to do so. That is no longer the case.

Last year’s additions of Za’Darius Smith and Preston Smith ensured Pettine can focus on his natural pass rush to get after the quarterback in a hurry. And those two should be better than ever. Kenny Clark also provides some punch up the middle and new inside linebacker Christian Kirksey will bring a different element as well.

Next. Packers: 3 Glaring Weaknesses Heading into Training Camp. dark

Most notably will be the progression of 2019 first round pick Rashan Gary. Gary didn’t play much last year, but the coaches and his teammates alike raved about his potential. If he can work his way into the outside linebacker rotation or even force Smith into some reps on the line, the Packers may have yet another dangerous pass-rusher to add to the mix.

Home/Green Bay Packers