Play recognition leading to fast play and start for Packers LB Quay Walker

Through two games, Green Bay Packers second-year linebacker Quay Walker is off to a fast start in his sophomore season, bringing added stability and playmaking to the middle of the defense.

Walker has been flying around the field and in on quite a few tackles, totaling 23 already, while only being credited with one miss. While the Green Bay defense was shredded by Bijan Robinson and the Atlanta run game last week, Walker was one of the bright spots on the defensive side of the ball. Without him, there would have been a few other explosive runs for Robinson.

Run defense was definitely an area where Walker struggled during his rookie season, especially early on, and specifically with diagnosing what was taking place, which often led to him being out of position to make a play on the ball carrier. But through two weeks this season, he looks much improved in that aspect. Along with the shear number of tackles he’s made, Walker currently ranks 17th out of 75 linebackers in run-stops, according to PFF.

"“I’d say he’s off to a very good start to start the season,” said Matt LaFleur on Thursday. “He’s flying around. I just think he can recognize things. He’s been in the league for a year. He’s got 19 games under his belt or whatever it is right now. The diagnostic ability, his ability to see things and react in a timely fashion, and know the intricate details of all the calls. It helps you play faster and make more plays.”"

Compared to this time last season, we’ve also seen Walker utilized more as a blitzer. This was one of the more noticeable changes in the Green Bay defense during training camp. When Walker is asked to blitz is when you really see his speed and athleticism on display with how quickly he is able to get into the backfield.

In two games, Walker has rushed the quarterback seven times and been able to generate four pressures—an impressive win rate.

"“The best way to answer why he’s doing what he’s doing is that he works,” said Joe Barry. “He shows up and he prepares. He loves football and it shows in his play. It’s early, but I love where he’s at right now.”"

In coverage, Walker has been positioned well to make plays on the pass catcher, limiting passing plays to 10.1 yards per catch. He came away with a pick-six against the Bears and let another interception slip through his fingers in Week 2. With that athleticism that he possesses, the Packers can put a lot on Walker’s plate, not only in coverage but from a run-defense standpoint as well.

Walker is currently PFF’s third-highest graded linebacker in the NFL. However, as is the case for any young player, consistency from down-to-down and game-to-game is going to be crucial in his continued development. While sound run defense starts up front, as run game coordinator Jerry Montgomery has pointed out, it takes all 11 defenders.

With Walker’s athleticism, ability to diagnose, fill gaps, and make tackles, he’s going to play an important role in what hopefully becomes an improved run defense unit, along with his responsibilities as a blitzer and in coverage. The more roles that the Packers give him to fill, means the more comfortable and reliable he is becoming.

"“We’re always fighting for consistency,” added Barry. “I think the truest measure of performance is just being consistent. I do think that’s probably the biggest challenge, especially for young players, early on in their careers, just finding that consistency week in and week out, year in and year out. Definitely, not only making that jump but then consistently showing up every week and doing it Year 1 from Year 2.”"