Green Bay Packers: 3 Biggest Surprises at the Bye Week
By Paul Bretl
Green Bay Packers LB – Krys Barnes
Krys Barnes truly came out of nowhere this season as an undrafted rookie from UCLA. The Green Bay Packers would initially cut Barnes before signing him to the practice squad, and then, to the surprise of many, they promoted him to the 53-man for the team’s Week 1 matchup with Minnesota. And since then, Barnes has done nothing but impress.
For starters, Barnes was named to Pro Football Focus’ All-Rookie team through four games and has totaled three pressures, seven stops – or plays that constitute a loss for the offense – he has no missed tackles, and in coverage, he’s allowing only 8.7 yards per catch.
I mean, look at the way he recovers and gets back into position! As Ben Fennell points out, the Packers haven’t had an inside linebacker do something like this in years.
Honestly best coverage play from Packers LB in 10 years!
— Ben Fennell (@BenFennell_NFL) October 6, 2020
I don’t care the Falcons WR caught it... this is outstanding coverage by Krys Barnes
Bites on play fake (he’s aggressive) but gets depth/eyes on the crossing route! Then gets head around to find the ball! pic.twitter.com/Cs1qVmjLss
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Barnes is a sure tackler, has shown good coverage ability, and he’s aggressive against the run. Even when Christian Kirksey and Kamal Martin return from their injuries, Barnes’ playing time isn’t going anywhere.