Green Bay Packers front seven looking revamped and ready
By Cory Buck
The Green Bay Packers gave up the 8th most rushing yards in the NFL last season, which was part of the reason the team couldn’t advance beyond its first playoff game at home against the San Francisco 49ers. While the offense will always remain prolific as long as it’s helmed by Aaron Rodgers, it was clear the team needed help on defense to keep up with the rest of the squad. After two preseason games, it may be premature to say they’ve found their answer in the front seven, but the results certainly look better for now.
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Bob McGinn at the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel writes that the Packers’ efforts to get leaner and faster along the defensive line have paid off big so far. Gone are Ryan Pickett, Johnny Jolly and C.J. Wilson. In their stead stand Datone Jones and Mike Daniels, along with Julius Peppers on the outside. Based on their performance against the strong running game of the St. Louis Rams, the Packers look vastly improved from a year ago in defending the run.
“They’re very stout up front,” Rams coach Jeff Fisher said after their exhibition. “It was a little frustrating at times just because of the penetration. There was so much penetration.”
Obvious jokes aside, line penetration will be the key as the Packers actually tallied the 8th most sacks in the league in 2013. They’ll need to maintain that number while also bring the rushing yards against way down. For now at least, it appears as if the team has some tentative answers in that department.