Packers: 3 greatest weaknesses heading into 2021 playoffs

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)
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) /
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Kevin King, Green Bay Packers
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – SEPTEMBER 26: Alshon Jeffery #17 of the Philadelphia Eagles is brought down by Kevin King #20 of the Green Bay Packers during a game at Lambeau Field on September 26, 2019 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Eagles defeated the Packers 34-27. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

2. Tackling

This issue rears its ugly head in the running game, but is prevalent in other areas as well. To be clear, the Packers have a number of guys who can hold their own in this department including Adrian Amos, Jaire Alexander and Krys Barnes. However, they have even more guys who have struggled.

As a team, Green Bay earned a 50.6 tackling grade from PFF this season–tied for 22nd in the NFL. Some of their biggest offenders include inside linebacker Christian Kirksey (57.8 grade), Kevin King (44.5), and Kamal Martin (52.5). That’s not ideal considering the major role all three players have played this season.

Tackling is such a huge part of the game, as the failure to do so can turn a basic five-yard gain into a 15+ yard play. Especially if defensive coordinator Mike Pettine is going to insist on playing soft coverage with his defensive backs. The Packers must ensure they don’t just use their shoulder to hit the ball-carrier, but see what they hit and wrap up their target as well. It won’t be perfect, but it has to be better.