Green Bay Packers: 5 offseason needs in 2020
By Matt Graves
2. Defensive Line
The Packers run defense was their Achilles’ heel. This was something to forget for a contending team, but it came back to haunt them at the wrong time. The run defense failed to perform in Green Bay’s four losses, including the NFC Championship Game. The Packers allowed the San Francisco 49ers to rush for 285 yards, scoring four touchdowns en route to Super Bowl LIV.
Even after a few days, LaFleur was still at a loss to explain how the rushing defense had been exploited. Now, that same pass defense lost two inside linebackers. Blake Martinez left to sign with the New York Giants, while B.J. Goodson left to join the Cleveland Browns. Both players were key contributors to slowing the rush down.
The only upside to the run defense is Kenny Clark. Clark is coming off a Pro Bowl appearance, and he could use some help going into next season if defensive coordinator Mike Pettine wants to eliminate the demons of the NFC Championship Game. During the regular season, the Packers run defense ranked 23rd in the league. It would help for Green Bay to find someone who can play with Clark.