5 burning questions the Packers must answer in 2019

5. How will the Packers’ new look defense gel?

While most of the attention around Green Bay has centered on the struggles of Aaron Rodgers and the offense, the defense has been a bigger issue of late. The Packers fielded a bottom-10 unit in 2018, giving up 25 points per game and nearly 120 yards a game on the ground.

In the past, Green Bay often looked to fill from within, relying on the draft to address their needs while spending modestly in free agency. The Packers entered the modern age this year under GM Brian Gutekunst, spending a boatload of cash to add some impact defenders to the roster.

The big new names are linebackers Preston Smith and Zadarius Smith alongside safety Adrian Amos. The Smiths will help bolster Green Bay’s pass rush while Amos fills the hole the Packers created by trading Ha Ha Clinton Dix at the deadline last season.

The Packers also addressed their defense by spending their two first round picks on defense, adding defensive lineman Rashan Gary and safety Darnell Savage Jr to the unit. While both players are very talented, it remains to be seen how quickly they will be able to pick up the defensive scheme.

Defensive coordinator Mike Pettine will have his hands full integrating all of these new pieces on his unit, and there will without a doubt be growing pains. Limiting those lapses and getting the group to gel quickly will be imperative if Green Bay wants to contend for a division title.