It’s hard to imagine a part-time player making more of an impact than what veteran linebacker Eric Wilson provided the Green Bay Packers over eight defensive snaps on Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts.
Wilson, who rotated in and out of the lineup with rookie Edgerrin Cooper as the third linebacker in the Packers base defense, produced a forced fumble, an assisted run stop on third down and an interception over eight snaps in the 16-10 win.
“He did an outstanding job, especially after going back and looking at it,” coach Matt LaFleur said.
The forced fumble — on Jonathan Taylor at the end of an explosive play — didn’t create a turnover. But Wilson’s final two big plays were drive-enders and point-deniers.
On the first, Wilson expertly defended the option on 3rd-and-1. He played Anthony Richardson, who was forced to pitch the ball, and then helped contain the running back for a loss. The Colts missed a 50-yard field goal one play later. LaFleur said Wilson did an “unbelievable job” to string out the play and allow teammates to rally to the ball and make the stop.
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On the next drive, Wilson intercepted Richardson while playing as the “hook” defender. He got underneath the route behind him and made the pick, ending a Colts drive inside Packers territory. LaFleur said Wilson “squeezed” the route and made a “really good play” on Richardson’s throw.
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In a game the Packers won by six points, Wilson helped complicate or deny two second-half scoring opportunities for the Colts.
Pro Football Focus provides an overall grade for every player for every game. Wilson’s final defensive grade over eight snaps ended up at 99.4 on a 100.0-point scale.
“He’s a guy who pours his heart and soul into his work and he’s a professional and gets better every day,” LaFleur said. “He knows what to do. That’s a big part of it. When given opportunities, he’s gone in there and done pretty well for us.”
Wilson, a veteran special teamer, also led the Packers in special teams snaps with 17 against the Colts.