5 Green Bay Packers who need to finish 2020 season strong

GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - SEPTEMBER 26: Kevin King #20 of the Green Bay Packers breaks up a pass intended for Alshon Jeffery #17 of the Philadelphia Eagles in the third quarter at Lambeau Field on September 26, 2019 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – SEPTEMBER 27: Latavius Murray #28 of the New Orleans Saints is pursued by Christian Kirksey #58 of the Green Bay Packers during the first half at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on September 27, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /

2. Christian Kirksey

After the Packers let starting inside linebacker Blake Martinez go in free agency, they signed Christian Kirksey to take over in his role. Kirksey, who struggled with injuries the past two seasons has missed some time this year as well. However, he’s been mostly healthy–which hasn’t necessarily been a good thing.

When Kirksey is healthy, defensive coordinator Mike Pettine trusts him exclusively to play on every down which means fewer reps for young guys like Kamal Martin and Krys Barnes. Since that likely isn’t changing anytime soon, it’s in everyone’s best interest for Kirksey to start playing better. He appears to have lost a step from his prime and that’s caused major issues in his ability to defend sideline to sideline. As PFF’s 78th ranked linebacker (out of 86) it can only go up from here. I hope.

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