The pass defense of the Green Bay Packers has a very specific problem through the first five games of the 2022 season: a continuous inability to cover crossing patterns.
The issue arose again during Sunday’s loss to the New York Giants as Daniel Jones found easy completions and explosive gains to pass-catchers running free across the middle of the field.
Here’s a stat that passes the eye test: According to Mike Renner of PFF, the Packers – despite giving up the second-fewest passing yards overall – have allowed the most yards in the NFL on crossing routes. In fact, almost 40 percent of the passing production against the Packers this season has come on crossers.
The Packers have given up the 2nd-fewest passing yards in the NFL through 5 weeks (885)
Yet somehow they've allowed the most yards of any defense on crossing routes by FAR in 2022 (327)
— Mike Renner (@PFF_Mike) October 10, 2022
Need some visual evidence? Justis Mosqueda of Acme Packing Co. has a thread showing the All-22 view on the crossers that killed the Packers on Sunday against the Giants:
The Packers are going to keep getting crossers until they stop playing so much off coverage. Eric Stokes runs a 4.2. Reroute someone this season @packers pic.twitter.com/xIvQZi4zHT
— Justis Mosqueda (@JuMosq) October 10, 2022
During previous weeks, the Vikings (see: Justin Jefferson), Buccaneers and Patriots all created big plays when a receiver on a deep or intermediate crossing route got lost in the Packers coverage.
On Sunday, the Giants got a 26-yard completion to Darius Slayton and a 41-yard completion to Saquon Barkley on crossers.
What’s the biggest issue?
Coach Matt LaFleur said positioning and urgency pre-snap have been off, and players just aren’t reacting in time to the various crossing routes.
“The urgency to get lined up and play. Going back and watching the tape, there were moments when we were all over crossing routes. Then there were times when we were a little bit off and guys are moving around, not in the best positioning pre-snap. And we have a hard time taking those crossing routes and we get beat. Another time, we’re in quarters coverage, and we don’t have our eyes in the right place.”
The Packers have allowed 14 passing plays over 20 yards this season.
“We’re just a little late. And if you’re late with that, you’re going to get beat, and you’re going to give up big explosive plays.”
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