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Three Biggest Questions Facing Green Bay Packers’ Defense in 2020

By Brian Sampson

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 24: Defensive Coordinator Mike Pettine of the Green Bay Packers looks on from the sidelines against the San Francisco 49ers during the first half of an NFL football game at Levi's Stadium on November 24, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 24: Defensive Coordinator Mike Pettine of the Green Bay Packers looks on from the sidelines against the San Francisco 49ers during the first half of an NFL football game at Levi's Stadium on November 24, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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ASHWAUBENON, WISCONSIN – AUGUST 19: Christian Kirk sey #58 of the Green Bay Packers participates in a drill during Green Bay Packers Training Camp at Ray Nitschke Field on August 19, 2020 in Ashwaubenon, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
ASHWAUBENON, WISCONSIN – AUGUST 19: Christian Kirk sey #58 of the Green Bay Packers participates in a drill during Green Bay Packers Training Camp at Ray Nitschke Field on August 19, 2020 in Ashwaubenon, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

3. How will their run defense hold up?

The Packers’ biggest defensive weakness in 2019 was their inability to stop the run, as they ranked 23rd in total rush yards allowed and 24th in rush yards per attempt. This weakness never reared it’s ugly head more than in the NFC Championship game when the San Francisco 49ers literally ran all over them.

The struggles started at the point of attack with the defensive line constantly getting pushed around as huge holes were created up front. Other than Clark, the rest of the linemen severely underperformed. Although Green Bay didn’t directly address the position in the offseason, they’re hoping for some positive regression from guys like Dean Lowry as well as internal improvement from someone like Kingsley Keke.

The main addition they made to resolve this issue is letting Blake Martinez walk in free agency and replacing him with the more athletic Christian Kirksey. Martinez was often known for playing a few yards on his side of the line of scrimmage, and the hope is Kirksey will be more aggressive to plug the holes. We’ll see if it’s enough to address the biggest concern for the Packers’ defense heading into 2020.

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