10 bold predictions for Green Bay Packers 2022 season
By Paul Bretl
Green Bay Packers Prediction: Defense finishes top-5 in turnovers forced and points per game allowed
Given where the Packers finished in each of these categories a season ago, ranking eighth in total turnovers and 10th in points per game allowed, the top-five is very much within reach and is almost expected.
Among the starters, anyways, there doesn’t feel like there is a weak point on this unit.
Rashan Gary and Preston Smith were two of the most productive edge rushers in the NFL in 2021. Led by Kenny Clark, the interior defensive line is the deepest it has been in a long time.
Linebackers Quay Walker and De’Vondre Campbell fly around the field and can handle playing either the run or the pass. While the secondary is loaded with talent as well as confidence.
"“Even if it’s a great defense, you can always find one guy to pick on, but I don’t feel like we have that in this defense,” said Aaron Rodgers last week."
This defense was the victor in the majority of the training camp practices, including the two joint ones against New Orleans, and did so in a convincing fashion.
Ultimately we have to see how they perform on the field, but it seems impossible to not be at least a little bit excited about the potential that this group has. Whether it be against the run or the pass, this defense is equipped to handle either.
Green Bay Packers Prediction: The Packers sign an edge rusher to the 53-man roster
As good as the defense looks, the depth at edge rusher is my biggest concern on this team–even more so than wide receiver.
Last season, we saw very few impact plays from edge rushers not named Smith and Gary–and based on what we saw from this group in the preseason, I’m not exactly brimming with confidence about the 2022 season when it comes to the depth of this position.
Most third and fourth edge rushers see 20-25 snaps per game, so these rotational players do play a key role. Kingsley Enagbare showed the most promise, but as a fifth-round rookie, expectations should be tempered. He will also have to improve against the run.
Jonathan Garvin and Tipa Galeai both had their moments this summer with some flashes, but inconsistency was a big problem.
With edge rusher being one of the most important positions in the game, I imagine Brian Gutekunst will constantly be looking for upgrades. Who that will be, I’m not sure; that player may not even be available yet. But just like they did last year by bringing in Whitney Mercilus, I see the Packers making a similar addition in 2022.