Fansided

Power ranking the NFL defenses for 2019

By Russell S. Baxter

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 05: Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks is sacked by Demarcus Lawrence #90 of the Dallas Cowboys in the first half during the Wild Card Round at AT&T Stadium on January 05, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 05: Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks is sacked by Demarcus Lawrence #90 of the Dallas Cowboys in the first half during the Wild Card Round at AT&T Stadium on January 05, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
16 of 32
Next
GREEN BAY, WI – JUNE 11: Green Bay Packers inside linebacker Blake Martinez (50) stretches with his defensive teammates during Green Bay Packers Minicamp at Clarke Hinkle Field on June 11, 2019 in Green Bay WI. (Photo by Larry Radloff/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
GREEN BAY, WI – JUNE 11: Green Bay Packers inside linebacker Blake Martinez (50) stretches with his defensive teammates during Green Bay Packers Minicamp at Clarke Hinkle Field on June 11, 2019 in Green Bay WI. (Photo by Larry Radloff/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

17. Green Bay Packers

2018 Review: It would all come apart for the team in 2018 as the Packers dismissed head coach Mike McCarthy after 12 games. And one of the big reasons for the team’s downfall was the play of a defensive unit that proved to be far too easy to exploit. Of course, that’s not exactly breaking news in recent seasons. But in regards to Green Bay’s performance in ’18, the club allowed 400 points and 45 offensive touchdowns. The Pack forced only 15 turnovers despite a pass rush that produced 44 sacks. This was a unit that was pushed around far too often.

2019 Key Additions: Give general manager Brian Gutekunst and the organization for thinking out of the box and spending a little money. While the team once again used its initial two picks in the draft on defense – first-round choices in pass-rusher Rashan Gary and safety Darnell Savage Jr. – the Packers also signed a trio of free agents in  outside linebackers Preston Smith (Redskins) and Za’Darius Smith (Ravens) and former Bears’ safety Adrian Amos.

Analysis: The Pack has struggled on this side of the ball for far too long and it’s gotten worse in recent seasons. The influx of veteran talent this offseason should help immeasurably and some of the team’s younger players could be primed for breakout years. Of course, the proof will come as the season unfolds and that could be easier said than done. However, this looks like a group headed in the right direction in coordinator Mike Pettine’s second year.

Next: No. 16

Home/NFL Power Rankings