Pass rush a must for Packers against big play Dolphins
By Paul Bretl
Getting after the quarterback is the name of the game, but that feels particularly true this week for the Green Bay Packers as they take on the big play Miami Dolphins.
Led by wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, the Dolphins have been one of the best in the NFL this season at generating big passing plays, whether that be via downfield pass attempts or yards after the catch. Undoubtedly, the Packers’ secondary is going to have their hands full, and realistically, they are going to give up some big plays. However, the goal for the Packers is to limit those opportunities, and a consistent pass rush can be a cornerback’s best friend.
When a defensive front is able to pressure the quarterback, the entire defense benefits, especially the secondary. Plays don’t have as long to develop, defenders don’t have to be in coverage for as long, and pressure can lead to turnover opportunities.
Against the Dolphins, pressuring Tua Tagovailoa will be easier said than done. He and the Miami offense frequently rely on the quick passing game, with Tagovailoa’s average time to throw this season being 2.5 seconds–the sixth-fastest rate in football. If the ball is out of his hands much quicker, it becomes very challenging for the pass rusher to get home, even if they win their matchup right away.
Tagovailoa has been under pressure on only 25.4% of his dropbacks this season — the second-lowest rate in the NFL — according to PFF ($$), and his completion percentage drops from 68% in a clean pocket to 52% when under duress. His yards per attempt goes from a whopping 9.2 down to a more modest 6.6, and his percentage of turnover worthy plays doubles.
For the Packers, generating consistent pressure since losing Rashan Gary for the year has been a struggle. In terms of total pressures created this season, according to Pro Football Reference, the Packers rank 23rd, and despite not having played since Week 9, Gary still leads the team in pressures. Although Green Bay often rushes five in Joe Barry’s defense, there is little movement, and those players are expected to win their one-on-one matchups, which they’ve struggled to do with regularity.
While the Packers were able to find some success in getting after Baker Mayfield this past week, that was against an injury-riddled Rams’ offensive line and was at times generated with blitzes–something that I don’t expect to see much of against Miami because of their explosive offense.
Some good news is that Kenny Clark has begun playing some of his better football these past few weeks. Preston Smith has put together four sacks over the last four games, and Kingsley Enagbare continues to improve each week. The Packers are going to need these three, in particular, to be playing at a high level come Sunday.
Worth monitoring over the next few days is that Miami left tackle Terron Armstead is yet to participate in practice this week as of Thursday. He is listed with a toe, knee, and pec injuries. Armstead has been one of the best left tackles in football, allowing just one sack and only 14 pressures all season long.
As I mentioned at the beginning, getting after the quarterback is a must every week, but with the speed that the Dolphins have at the receiver position, if Tagovailoa has consistent time in the pocket, it could end up being a long day for the Green Bay pass defense.