Tag: TJ Slaton

DL TJ Slaton elevating his play and Packers run defense

Packers DL TJ Slaton has been an impressive run defender in 2023, especially lately.

The Green Bay Packers run defense has been much improved over the last two games, and not coincidentally, we’ve also seen two impressive performances from TJ Slaton.

Against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, the Packers allowed only 2.6 yards per carry. The week prior, against Minnesota, they gave up just 2.0 yards per rush and, combined, have allowed only one rush of more than 10 yards.

During that two-game span, Slaton has not only been good against the run but he’s been dominant. According to PFF, Slaton ranks fourth out of 115 eligible interior defensive tackles in tackles against the run. He’s also tied for first in run-stops – or plays that result in a loss for the offense – with seven, and for what it’s worth, he has the sixth-best run defense grade as well.

”TJ’s done a great job.” said Matt LaFleur. “He’s been a force in the run game, obviously. He’s a big man that can move. He’s done a great job when he’s been in there making splash plays. Really just doing his job. That’s important for all these guys.

“You want to have a great defense; everybody has to do their job, and they have to do it at a high level, and I think he’s been able to do that.”

When the Packers are able to slow an opponent’s run game, everyone on the defensive side of the ball benefits. It makes the offense one-dimensional, allows the pass rush – the strength of this defense – to pin its ears back, and allows the defense as a whole to get into favorable matchups when the offense is playing from behind the sticks. The end result should be the opponent dealing with not just third downs but third-and-longs.

Although the Packers pass defense was unable to get off the field against Minnesota, the Vikings did have 12 third down attempts of eight or more yards–which is exactly what you want as a defense. The Rams, meanwhile, were just 5-for-16 on third and fourth down conversion attempts.

The quickest way to disrupt any play is with quick pressure up the middle, and Slaton has provided that at times. However, Slaton’s true impact may not always show up on the stat sheet either. As the nose tackle in the middle of the defense, he is often tasked with taking on double-teams and eating up space, helping to create opportunities for his teammates by keeping them free and able to make plays in the run game.

Following the Rams game, LaFleur gave credit to Isaiah McDuffie and the safety position for their role in limiting LA’s rushing offense. However, when I asked McDuffie about his performance, he was quick to deflect praise from himself and heap it onto the defensive front.

“It was good,” said McDuffie about the Packers run defense. “It starts up front and those guys definitely firing off the ball, making it clean for the linebackers. It was great.”

As the 2022 season progressed, we saw these flashes from Slaton, especially towards the end of the year, but for him – like most young players – it was about finding that consistency from game to game and even down to down.

Over the summer, when run game coordinator Jerry Montgomery was asked how not only Slaton but the run defense as a whole can find that elusive consistency, he said it all comes down to having the right mindset.

“When it clicks for them,” said Montgomery during training camp, “you go back and watch TJ Slaton against the Minnesota Vikings here (in 2022), and him pick up a 300-pound center and put him five yards back down there on the goal line and then grab the running back by the back of the neck and yank him down. That’s a mindset, he can do that every single time, but he has to make that decision.”

The Packers offense showed improvements against the Rams, but until we see a larger sample size, the assumption is that the defense is going to have to keep games low-scoring. Doing so begins with containing the run game, and for a defensive front with quite a few pass rush options but only two run-specific defenders, Slaton maintaining his current level of play and consistency will be a must when it comes to accomplishing that.

“TJ a third year guy making improvements from his second year,” said Joe Barry. “He’s getting opportunities to play more and more and he’s taking advantage of it. It’s obviously great to see, not only for him but for us.”

Packers film room: DL TJ Slaton flashes in preseason opener against Bengals

Breaking down an encouraging preseason debut from Packers starting defensive lineman TJ Slaton.

The Green Bay Packers need a big year out of defensive lineman TJ Slaton and what he did in the preseason opener against the Cincinnati Bengals is exactly what they are looking for.

Slaton played only eight snaps but made a strong impression as a run defender and pass rusher. According to Pro Football Focus, he had two tackles that constituted a “failure” for the Bengals’ offense and two quarterback pressures.

The Packers are promoting Slaton to a starting role this season following the departures of Jarran Reed and Dean Lowry. The 2021 fifth-round pick has fit seamlessly into the defensive front in training camp and might be one of the most improved players on the roster.

To get a better idea of how disruptive Slaton was on Friday, we are going to look at several of his plays using All-22 film.

Let’s begin.

After a sack from slot corner Keisean Nixon, the Bengals were backed up in their own territory to start the first drive. They called this run play to try and give the offense more wiggle room, but Slaton had other ideas, stopping the ball carrier for a minimal gain. Slaton starts the rep by getting a good punch and hand placement on former second-round pick Cody Ford. He controls the block by getting his arms extended and you can see he even peaks inside to get eyes on the running back. When Slaton sees the running back cutting to the left, he sheds the block and makes a great tackle.

I decided to slow this play down a tad to really highlight Slaton’s impact. Even though he doesn’t make the stop, Slaton plays a big part in freeing up his teammates. Lined up as the one-technique between the center and right guard, he used a quick lateral first step and a club-rip move to out-leverage the center. The left guard senses Slaton’s penetration and has to help before the play is blown up in the backfield. Meanwhile, Devonte Wyatt wins his one-on-one against the left tackle and prevents the running back from picking up additional yards. Double teams used to be something Kenny Clark dealt with on a consistent basis. If Slaton can command that sort of attention, guys like Clark and Wyatt will be able to make more plays.

Getting pressure from the interior is probably the best way to disrupt the opponent’s passing game. Slaton was known for his run defense coming out of Florida, but he’s developed into a formidable pass rusher as a pro. Look at how he uses his hands and feet to drive the center back and collapse the pocket. He doesn’t disengage from the block completely but still gets a hit on the QB.

Here’s another pass rush rep to wrap up. Slaton flashes explosive hands in a double swipe move to prevent the center from getting hand placement. The quarterback is lucky that he could make a quick throw because 93 is in his face almost instantly.

It’s important to note that Cincinnati did not play their starting offensive line. However, I think Slaton’s performance was still impressive, as he looked like an experienced starter making easy work of the Bengals’ backups. Green Bay will be counting on Slaton to have the same impact during the regular season.

Key to improved run defense, Packers DL TJ Slaton making splash in training camp

An expected starter entering Year 3, Packers DL TJ Slaton is off to a strong start in training camp.

Now entering his third NFL season, Green Bay Packers interior defensive lineman TJ Slaton is going to be relied on much more heavily in 2023, and he is one player who is off to a fast start in training camp.

Brian Gutekunst said that Slaton, Devonte Wyatt and Kenny Clark were going to be the anchors along the defensive line. This trio has been the Packers’ starting unit when they are in their 3-4 base defense. When they switch to nickel, and Keisean Nixon comes on the field to play from the slot, it has often been Slaton who remains next to Clark on the defensive front.

As part of the overall defense’s dominance over the offense early on in training camp, the interior defensive line has been doing a great job of generating consistent push into the backfield, oftentimes led by Slaton. There was one play, in particular, that comes to mind, where Slaton was one-on-one with Josh Myers and drove him into the backfield. He’s also looked very good flowing sideline-to-sideline to get to the ball carrier. 

Although Slaton’s primary role in this defense is going to be as a run-stuffer, he’s been able to flash as a pass rusher as well, with the athleticism and power he possesses at his size. There was another play where he identified the screen to Luke Musgrave and was able to put himself in position to limit the play. 

“I think TJ has really been working hard,” said Matt LaFleur after Tuesday’s practice. “I think by and large, our effort, quite frankly, particularly with that position, our guys’ ability to put the foot in the ground and retrace, has been outstanding. It’s probably been the best we’ve seen it, and TJ’s done a nice job and continues to take those steps and is becoming a better and better player. Obviously, we need that, you can never have enough big guys, and he’s doing a great job.”

Last season, Slaton played 333 total snaps, with about two-thirds of them coming against the run. Among the 78 qualified interior defenders, Slaton ranked 55th in PFF’s run-stop rate metric. Earlier this offseason, I asked run game coordinator Jerry Montgomery what’s need to be a good run defender, he said it all begins with having the right mindset.

“It’s a mindset. At the end of the day, it’s a mindset,” said Montgomery.

“When it clicks for them, you go back and watch TJ Slaton against the Minnesota Vikings here, and him pick up a 300 pound center and put him five yards back down there on the goal line and then grab the running back by the back of the neck and yank him down. That’s a mindset, he can do that every single time, but he has to make that decision.”

Improved play for the defense in 2023 begins with being better against the run. Last season, the Packers allowed the fifth most yards per rush and were the second-worst by DVOA. If an opponent is finding regular success on the ground, it puts the offense in short-yardage situations, opening up the entire playbook for them. Conversely, if the defense is able to contain the run, the offense now faces predictable second and third and long situations, allowing the defensive front to really get after the quarterback and the secondary to play more aggressively.

The Packers were really good on third downs last season because they put teams in obvious passing situations. However, they did not face many third downs because teams were able to move the chains before then, often due to their success in the run game.

The Green Bay defense has no shortage of pass rush options up front, something that Gutekunst acknowledged last week, but what they need are more players to step up against the run–with Slaton obviously being a key part of that potential improvement.

“Obviously, it all starts with stopping the run,” said Guetkunst. “I think TJ made some great strides last year and I’m excited to see what he can do.”

Packers need ‘huge steps’ from TJ Slaton and Devonte Wyatt

Kenny Clark knows the Packers need big jumps from TJ Slaton and Devonte Wyatt along the DL.

The Green Bay Packers don’t only hope that TJ Slaton and Devonte Wyatt take big steps in 2023; the defensive front needs them to.

With Jarran Reed and Dean Lowry heading elsewhere in free agency, Slaton and Wyatt are now the second and third most experienced players on the roster at this position group, behind only Kenny Clark, and both are going to be relied upon much more heavily this season.

“They have to take huge steps,” Clark told reporters on Wednesday. “TJ (Slaton), I love how he came in, and D-Wy (Devonte Wyatt), they’ve been doing a great job getting better every day. But we’re all expecting TJ and Dy-Wy (to make) big steps coming this year. I’m going to be there every day pushing them. I know the coaches are going to push them. We are going to make sure they’re right by week one.”

At 6-5 and 340 pounds, Slaton will be the early down run-stuffer on this Packers defensive front. In his role, he isn’t always going to fill the stat sheet, but his teammates will feel his presence. Slaton will be taking up space and running lanes and also occupying double teams, which will create opportunities for those around him.

Wyatt was averaging fewer than 15 snaps per game through the first 16 weeks but took on a larger role once Lowry was placed on IR. During those final three games, Wyatt made some noise as a pass rusher, recording five pressures and two sacks. However, this season, Wyatt is going to have to be asked to do more, specifically against the run, where he still has room to grow.

“He finished the season off really good,” said Clark about Wyatt. “That Lions’ game, he balled out, for sure, against a really good offensive line. He’s always going to be a great pass rusher as long as he keeps on developing; the biggest thing is he has to learn the technique with the run. That’s what myself and coach are trying to push each other to do. Just helping him learn the technique of how we play the run and the mentality you need to have as a three-down player.”

As I wrote recently, the Packers do not have a shortage of pass rush options within their interior defensive line room; the big question, however, is how do they go about stopping the run, an area where as a defensive unit Green Bay has to be better in 2023.

Clark can’t play 100% of the defensive snaps week in and week out, and the Packers are going to want him on the field in pass-rushing situations. This likely means – barring a free agent addition – that, along with Slaton, Wyatt be utilized more often on early downs.

Following the draft, GM Brian Gutekunst spoke highly of rookies Colby Wooden and Karl Brooks’ abilities to get after the passer, but given the lack of depth within this room, both will likely have to see some run defense snaps out of necessity. Brooks has the size to play inside, but Wooden will likely be more of a defensive end and edge-setter in these situations. As rookies, both are going to be inconsistent, which again, puts more of the onus on Slaton and Wyatt.

Last season, the Green Bay defense allowed 5.0 yards per rush, which ranked 28th in the NFL. But during the final four games of the season, when the defense was playing its best football, the defensive front was also holding up much better against the run. In that stretch, the Packers allowed just 4.4 yards per rush, which for context, if done throughout the entire season, would have ranked 15th.

When the defense is able to contain the run game, it puts the offense in third and longs and predictable passing situations. This allows for the defensive front to get after the quarterback, which should be a strength for Green Bay, along with providing the secondary more opportunities to make plays on the ball. If the Packers’ defense is going to improve in 2023, it starts by slowing the run, and that is going to require jumps from Slaton and Wyatt.

“We definitely have to start faster,” said Clark when asked how the defense can improve in 2023. “But again, I think it starts with tackling and stopping the run. Whenever guys got in third and long situations, we usually got off the field and made plays on the ball, got sacks, or whatever the case may be. So that’s our goal, stop guys on first and second down, and get them in third and long situations. If they throw the ball short, be able to tackle the ball carrier.”

Packers DL TJ Slaton showcases disruptive abilities against Giants

Packers DL TJ Slaton was a bright spot for the defense vs. the Giants. “He really had a nice game. He was disruptive,” coach Matt LaFleur said.

The defensive performance by the Green Bay Packers on Sunday has been picked apart, and rightfully so. However, a bright spot on that unit was the play of TJ Slaton, who played a key role in helping the Packers limit Saquon Barkley’s impact in the run game.

Barkley did have a 40-yard rush out of the Wildcat formation, but on his other 12 attempts, he tallied just 30 yards, averaging fewer than three yards per attempt. While many of us wondered how the Green Bay run defense would fare against Barkley, the unit held up well and didn’t let the Giants control the game on the ground.

As the nose tackle, Slaton muddied things up inside. He ended up playing a season-high 25 snaps with the Packers short-handed at defensive tackle and recorded one pressure, three total tackles, including on a few key running plays for New York, and a run stop, according to PFF.

Although those figures may not leap off the page, occupying the A-gap isn’t exactly the most glamorous role. Oftentimes, Slaton’s impact isn’t going to be felt on the stat sheet but rather by his teammates.

Rewatching the game, you will see Slaton generating steady push into the backfield and disrupting the rush attempts, even if he isn’t the one who makes the tackle. You’ll also see him taking on double teams, which creates opportunities for other members of the Packers’ defensive front to disrupt the play.

“He’s come a long way,” said Matt LaFleur on Wednesday. “He really had a nice game. He was disruptive, you guys could feel him, I’m sure, in the run game. He was splitting double teams, playing with great effort, great emotion, that’s the standard, and he put it out there, and that’s what we expect from him game in and game out. He’s come into a great room. I think Jerry (Montgomery) has done a great job with him. The vets in that room, Kenny (Clark), Dean (Lowry), have done a great job of showing him the way, so to speak, and I think he’s a guy that’s matured quite a bit in over a year.”

During his rookie season, Slaton played 23% of the defensive snaps, and while there were moments where his potential flashed, there were also plenty of times when he looked like a fifth-round rookie.

This summer, however, Slaton appeared to be “light years” ahead of where he had been the previous year, according to LaFleur. Just as we saw on Sunday against the Giants, Slaton spent training camp taking regular early down reps with the starters and making running between the tackles a challenge for the Green Bay ball carriers.

As LaFleur said, what we saw from Slaton this past week is the standard. For a defense that has had their ups and downs against the run this season, they’ll need him to continue playing at that high level.

This week, the Packers face Breece Hall of the New York Jets, who is averaging 4.9 yards per rush this season and has taken on a much larger role within the offense these past two games.

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Packers DL TJ Slaton off to impressive start in training camp

It appears Packers DL TJ Slaton is using training camp to lay the foundation for a big second-year leap in 2022.

The Green Bay Packers signed Jarran Reed in free agency and then selected Devonte Wyatt in the first round of the 2022 NFL draft to bolster their interior defensive line group.

However, another upgrade this unit appears to be getting is in the form of TJ Slaton, who is poised to make the Year 2 leap that so many successful NFL players often make.

As a rookie, Slaton was on the field for 255 defensive snaps, according to PFF, and while there were flashes, for the most part, he looked like a fifth-round draft pick in his first NFL season.

But this early on this summer, there was already a noticeable difference in Slaton. During Packers minicamp, head coach Matt LaFleur mentioned that he was “light years” ahead of where he was a year ago at that time, and so far, that has shown up on the practice field.

Whether it be Andy Herman of Packer Report or Bill Huber of Sports Illustrated, they have a similar message: Slaton is off to an excellent start in training camp.

Slaton has been taking early down reps with the starting defense and engulfing just about any ball carrier that tries to make their way through the middle of the offensive line. He again did this often during the Packers’ annual Family Night practice.

As a primary run-stuffer lining up in the A-gap, Slaton’s impact likely isn’t always going to show up on the stat sheet, which in part comes with the territory in this early down role. However, Slaton’s teammates will feel his presence with his ability to occupy space, eat up double teams, and control the line of scrimmage.

Having this element in the middle will allow Joe Barry to move Kenny Clark around more freely in search of one-on-one opportunities while also helping to keep the linebackers clean to make plays.

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Slaton playing well in the middle is also going to force opposing running backs to look for space outside the tackles. This plays into the hands of the Packers defense that has already showcased their ability to fly around the football field.

In practice, it has been quite challenging for Aaron Jones, AJ Dillon, and Company to find any daylight outside the hash marks with this athletic defensive front, along with De’Vondre Campbell and Quay Walker at linebacker.

Last season this was a Green Bay Packers defense that ranked 30th in yards per carry allowed and 28th by Football Outsiders rush DVOA metric.

There are several reasons why this defensive unit can be much improved against the run this season, and the elevated play of Slaton is very much one of those factors.

At 6-4 and 330 pounds, Slaton has the size as well as the athleticism and skill-set to control the line of scrimmage. It just all comes down to doing the little things consistently, as defensive line coach Jerry Montgomery told reporters earlier this offseason, which he appears to be doing.

Then from there, he has the potential to be downright dominant.

“More consistency. Doing the little things all the time,” Montgomery said. “I think he can be a dominant run player when he’s doing the right things. That’s what I’m going to hold him accountable for.”

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Packers DL TJ Slaton entering Year 2 on right path

Packers coach Matt LaFleur on second-year DL TJ Slaton: “He’s light years ahead of where he was a year ago.”

TJ Slaton is showing signs of progression ahead of his second NFL season. Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur has seen a stronger work ethic from last year’s fifth-round pick, who needs to distinguish himself behind a deep defensive line group.

“TJ has done a nice job,” LaFleur said Tuesday. “I think just his work capacity alone has definitely increased, and I think that’s a learning curve for a lot of young players is they don’t know necessarily what they’re getting into when they first get into this league.”

As a rookie, Slaton generated a lot of buzz for his performance in training camp. That play carried over to the preseason, where he had seven run stops, three pressures, and a sack in three games. Slaton, known for his run-stuffing ability, certainly looked the part.

But suddenly, momentum tapered off for the rookie. Slaton struggled to generate a presence on defense for the first half of the season, averaging just over eight snaps per game. Slaton then received a great opportunity in Week 9 when Kenny Clark left the game with a back injury. Slaton stepped in to replace the Pro Bowler, finishing with a season-high four tackles and three run stops, according to Pro Football Focus.

Over the final eight weeks of the season, Slaton recorded double-digit snap counts in all but two games. Packers defensive line coach Jerry Montgomery was pleased with what he saw from a more focused Slaton, especially as a run defender.

“I think he can be a dominant run player when he’s doing the right things,” Montgomery said after the season. “That’s what I’m going to hold him accountable for.”

Heading toward an important sophomore season, LaFleur says Slaton is holding himself accountable, and the results are showing.

“I think he’s light years ahead of where he was a year ago,” LaFleur said.

Slaton will have to work hard to beat out guys like Dean Lowry, Jarran Reed, and Devonte Wyatt for snaps in 2022, but he appears to be up for the challenge.

Packers believe DL TJ Slaton can be dominant run defender

Packers coach Jerry Montgomery believes TJ Slaton can make a “big jump” in Year 2 and become a consistent dominant run defender.

Green Bay Packers defensive line coach Jerry Montgomery saw the flashes during TJ Slaton’s rookie season in 2021. At times, the fifth-round pick from Florida showed dominant traits, especially against the run.

As is the case for all young players, the next step for Slaton is becoming more consistent during his second season.

“More consistency. Doing the little things all the time,” Montgomery said Tuesday. “I think he can be a dominant run player when he’s doing the right things. That’s what I’m going to hold him accountable for.”

Slaton, the 173rd overall pick, played in all 17 games as a rookie. He produced 23 tackles, two quarterback hits and one sack over 255 snaps. According to Pro Football Focus, Slaton had eight “stops,” or tackles constituting a failure for the offense, and six pressures.

He created three run stops over 45 snaps during his most extensive playing time of the season in Kansas City. A week later, he produced three pressures of Russell Wilson as a pass-rusher.

Among his best plays as a rookie was a run stop during the fourth quarter of the Packers’ playoff loss to the 49ers. He beat the block off the snap, knifed into the backfield and dumped the runner to force third-and-long.

The key to becoming a good or great player in the NFL usually comes down to consistency. Montgomery wants to see Slaton keep doing all the things he flashed as a rookie, just more often. When it all came together, the 340-pounder produced dominant snaps.

“The times when he did it right, you can see the line of scrimmage move the other way,” Montgomery said. “When he’s attacking, knocking the line of scrimmage back, and using his hands and getting off blocks, he’s pretty dominant. He’s a big man, athletic, lean. If we can continue to do that on a consistent basis, we’ll have a pretty good player on our hands.”

Slaton figures to play a prominent role within a four-deep defensive line in Green Bay in 2022. He’ll likely rotate in and out with Kenny Clark, Dean Lowry and Jarran Reed, the team’s veteran addition along the defensive line.

“When he gets into the game, there shouldn’t be a dropoff from him to Kenny on first and second down,” Montgomery said.

Montgomery said this could be the best defensive line group in Green Bay during his time as a coach. The Packers may add to the position during the draft, but Slaton’s development will play a big role in how good the group gets in 2022.

“I’m expecting him to take a big jump from Year 1 to Year 2,” Montgomery said. “Hopefully, he comes back in shape and ready to go. He’s made a lot of progress from Point A to Point B. Now we need to get to C.”

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Packers rookie review: DL TJ Slaton

Reviewing the rookie season of Packers DL TJ Slaton, a fifth-round pick of the team from the 2021 NFL draft.

The Green Bay Packers made nine picks during the 2021 NFL draft and signed a few others during college free agency, adding an influx of first-year talent to the roster. Over the next few weeks, we’ll be going through and reviewing the 2021 season for all of the Packers’ rookies.

Next up: defensive tackle TJ Slaton, the 173rd overall pick and the Packers’ fifth-round draft pick in 2021: