3 ways to fix Packers’ run defense ahead of trade deadline
The Green Bay Packers must do anything and everything to fix their woeful run defense ahead of the trade deadline on Tuesday.
The Green Bay Packers were knocked off their mighty perch on Sunday when their defensive woes were once again exploited. The playbook on how to beat the Packers is well-written by this point and it includes pounding the ball down their throat time after time. It proved successful as they fell to the lowly Minnesota Vikings at Lambeau Field.
The Vikings leaned heavily on running back Dalvin Cook and Green Bay proved unable to stop him. Despite the whole world knowing Cook would be heavily featured, the Packers didn’t make enough plays to keep prevent Cook from scoring four touchdowns himself.
With the trade deadline on Tuesday, this is the Packers’ last opportunity to acquire a big-time playmaker who can make a difference for this season. So, without further ado, let’s take a look at three ways the Packers’ can fix their awful run defense at this year’s deadline.
More Kamal Martin
Kamal Martin returned from injury last week and flashed the potential to be a player in this league. He played with speed and decisiveness on his way to making a number of plays in the backfield. He still makes rookie mistakes to be sure, but the more playing time he gets the better in the long run. It’s time to move Martin ahead of Krys Barnes on the depth chart and give him all the snaps at linebacker.
Bench Dean Lowry
Dean Lowry isn’t it. He’s having an awful season for the second year in a row and is a complete liability in every facet. He gets bullied at the point of attack, creating huge gaps for opposing running backs to gallop through. Heading into Sunday’s game against the Vikings, he ranked 72nd out of 115 interior defensive linemen according to PFF. Both Kinglsey Keke and Montravius Adams have outplayed Lowry this year and it’s time they get their chance with Lowry on the sideline.
Next. Packers: 4 trade deadline deals to consider. dark
Trade for an interior defensive lineman
The biggest move the Packers must make is to acquire more talent. They simply don’t have enough good, quality players on their roster to successfully stop the run. Other than Kenny Clark, there really is nobody either on the line, as a linebacker or in the secondary who can consistently and successfully contribute to stopping the run. The New York Jet’s Quinnen Williams would be a home run hit, but there are other defensive linemen out there who could help. The Packers must be at least serviceable against the run if they want to win the Super Bowl and it’s clear they can’t do that without acquiring more talent.