Teammate Adrian Amos pointed to an increased comfort level in his surroundings and a greater understanding of the defense as the main reasons why second-year safety Darnell Savage can take a “big jump” for the Green Bay Packers in 2020.
A first-round pick and an All-Rookie Team selection in 2019, Savage will enter Year 2 with an opportunity to develop into a true difference-maker for Mike Pettine’s defense.
“The playbook, knowing what to expect to the following season. Being around your team and your situation, coming into Year 2, we have the same secondary, he knows where I’m going to be, who the corners are. He can make a big jump in that way,” Amos said during a conference call with reporters this week.
Savage started 16 games and played nearly 1,000 snaps as a rookie, including the postseason. Not only do the Packers return Amos and both starting cornerbacks (Jaire Alexander, Kevin King) for 2020, but Savage will be one year more comfortable with everything involved with playing the position within Pettine’s scheme.
Savage, who doesn’t turn 23 until July, produced 55 tackles, two interceptions, five pass breakups and two forced fumbles in 2019.
Like Amos, Pettine is also working under the expectation that Savage will enjoy another big step in development in 2020. He saw his rookie safety develop rapidly over the course of the 2019 season as he adjusted to the speed of the game and quickly figured out all the responsibilities required of him from the safety position. Now, Pettine can see a greater comfort level and communication ability from both Amos and Savage, the two safeties who represent the “nerve center” of the defense.
“He made great strides as the year went on. The sky is the limit for Darnell,” Pettine said.
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