The Green Bay Packers shocked many in the football world during the 2020 season, bouncing back from back-to-back playoff-less seasons to win 13 games, capture the NFC North title and advance to the NFC title game during Matt LaFleur’s first season as coach.
Now, the Packers will go into the 2020 season with big expectations.
Over the next few days, we’ll run down a list of 10 different things Packers fans should be excited about as the 2020 season nears. The series rolls on with the pass-rushing group, which could actually improve this season:
Gary could really supercharge Packers’ pass-rush
The free-agent additions of outside linebackers Za’Darius Smith and Preston Smith transformed the Packers’ pass-rush in 2019, with the two Smiths combining with Kenny Clark to give Mike Pettine a three-pronged weapon of ultimate quarterback disruption. Za’Darius Smith emerged as one of the NFL’s most disruptive and versatile rushers, Preston Smith set career-highs in every major statistical category and Clark ascended into elite territory as an interior defender after creating his most productive pass-rushing season.
Together, the three rushers created 31.5 sacks, 67 quarterback hits, 37 tackles for losses and 210 pressures during the regular season in 2019 – making them one of the most productive trios in the NFL.
Here’s the exciting part: the Packers’ already dominant pass-rush could get a big boost if 2019 first-round pick Rashan Gary takes a significant developmental step in Year 2 and provides Pettine with another big, versatile rusher.
The 12th overall pick, Gary played sparingly as a rookie as he learned how to operate as a standup outside linebacker in the 3-4 base defense. His physical attributes aren’t in question; Gary is a rare blend of size and elite athleticism. But he needed major development as a rusher coming out of Michigan, where his production never matched his overwhelming talent. The Packers believed, with the help of Pettine and outside linebackers coach Mike Smith, that they could provide Gary with the tools he needed to be a game-changing rusher.
Gary flashed as a rookie, producing a pair of sacks and a handful of pressures.
The expectation in Green Bay is that Gary will make a big leap in 2020 as he develops his skillset, gets more comfortable in the defense and settles into a bigger role as a rusher. Snaps are available after Kyler Fackrell, who played over 400 snaps last season, departed in free agency.
If Gary is truly ready to contribute, the Packers could have a deep and frighteningly talented defensive front capable of disrupting any and all passing games, much like the 49ers last season. Not only could Gary provide relief on the edges, but like Za’Darius, he’s big enough and quick enough to slide inside and rush from the interior on passing downs. Pettine is a big believer in creating interior pressure. Za’Darius, Gary and Clark could provide a devastatingly effective wave of inside rushers.
What to be excited for series
Potentially perfect safety duo
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