Packers S Darnell Savage flashed playmaking ability against 49ers

Packers S Darnell Savage isn’t having a huge second season, but he flashed with a few standout plays against the 49ers.

Pretty much any way you look at it, Packers safety Darnell Savage is having a rocky second year in the NFL. After a rookie season in which he was named to the Professional Football Writers of America (PFWA) All-Rookie team, many thought he would emerge as a key contributor in 2020. However, missed tackles and few impactful plays have been the story of Savage’s season.

Savage’s play has been a letdown through seven games this year, but Green Bay still should have a ton of respect for his ability to be a difference-maker in the future. His playmaking was one of the main reasons why they traded up during the 2019 draft to select him. Last season, Savage was a staple on defense, starting in 14 games. He also flashed some of his playmaking ability, totaling two interceptions and five defended passes.

Last year, Savage was very much a chess piece on defense. At different points throughout the season, Savage was either at free safety, slot corner, or in the box. And regardless of where he was on the field, Savage rarely looked like a rookie.

However, he hasn’t continued his ascension in Year 2. 2020 didn’t exactly start well when Savage had a blown coverage that allowed a 37-yard touchdown to Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen in the season opener. He then had one of the worst games of his career in Week 2 facing the Detroit Lions. Pro Football Focus counted three missed tackles.

This isn’t to say Savage has been a liability this season. In Week 3 against the New Orleans Saints, he logged a season-high seven tackles. He followed up that performance with six tackles, a tackle for loss, and a pass defended a week later against the Atlanta Falcons. However, by all accounts, 2020 has been an inconsistent year for the Packers’ starting safety.

Savage did show some flashes during Green Bay’s latest victory over the San Francisco 49ers. If Thursday’s game against the reigning NFC champion is any indication, Savage is primed to have a strong second half in 2020.

Obviously, this needs to be an interception, but it is still a good play. Savage’s eyes are glued to Nick Mullens, who is keyed in on the slant route to tight end Jordan Reed. It looks like Savage is in robber coverage, or maybe he made an extremely aggressive play on the ball. Whatever the case may be, he showcased great processing skills and athleticism to nearly come away with the pick. Although, first-rounders typically make this play as this is probably one Savage would like to have back.

Here is another play where it appears Savage is playing robber. Again, his eyes are on Mullens who is looking for a quick read to his left. Savage undercuts the first route and closes in on the second in-breaker where the ball is going. This is another great read and reaction from Savage. As many times as the Packers can afford to, Savage needs to be playing robber. It is in this coverage that he is most dangerous.

Notice again where Savage is on the field. Mike Pettine did a great job letting his explosive safety be aggressive and it paid off. He completely blows this run call up and the result is a loss for the offense.

If Savage can clean up the missed tackles and turn drops into interceptions, he is a Pro-Bowl caliber player. Right now, he still lacks consistency, however, almost every week he makes a play that shows why the Packers think so highly of him. As long as Savage can carry this for the remainder of the season, his second year will take on a whole different outlook.

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