Rashan Gary and the Green Bay Packers’ pass-rush have been relatively quiet over two games against athletic quarterbacks to start the 2024 season, but a matchup with the Tennessee Titans could unlock the disruptive potential of Jeff Hafley’s front, and especially Gary.
Consider the matchup awaiting the Packers on Sunday.
According to Next Gen Stats, Titans right tackle Nicholas Petit-Frere allowed 13 pressures on 35 pass-blocking snaps last week against the New York Jets. The 13 pressures allowed set a new NGS record in a single game (data tracked since 2018). Gary lines up almost exclusively against the opponent’s right tackle. Petit-Frere vs. Gary could be one of the biggest mismatches up front in the NFL in Week 3.
Pro Football Focus tells a similar story. Through two games, Petit-Frere leads all offensive linemen with 11 pressures allowed over 77 pass-blocking snaps. He was credited with allowing seven hurries, one quarterback hit and one quarterback sack against the Jets.
Last season, Petit-Frere allowed 11 pressures — including three sacks and five quarterback hits — over just 66 pass-blocking snaps split between left and right tackle. Issues protecting the passer aren’t new to the 2022 third-round pick out of Ohio State.
Gary might not be the only defender feasting for the Packers on Sunday in Nashville. Through two weeks, the Titans rank dead last in the NFL in pass-blocking efficiency at PFF. Tennessee’s offensive line has allowed an NFL-high 33 pressures on just 73 pass-blocking snaps.
In Week 1, the Titans allowed pressure on almost half of passing dropbacks. This is a struggling unit up front for the Tennessee offense. In terms of ESPN’s pass-block win rate, the Titans rank 29th in the NFL at 43 percent.
The quarterback will also change the equation for the Packers. While second-year quarterback Will Levis isn’t a statue, he’s far from the running threat presented by Jalen Hurts and Anthony Richardson, so the Packers can rush the passer more aggressively on Sunday. Containment in the pocket won’t be as big of an emphasis.
Gary has three pressures over two games, including a sack when beating Lane Johnson on third down in Week 1. He was quiet Sunday against Richardson and the Colts. Could Week 3 be the breakout game for Gary and the Packers’ deep pass-rushing group? The Titans look like the perfect opponent for a pass-rush that is ready to fly upfield and attack the quarterback in every obvious passing situation.