Four Newcomers Who Will Impact the Packers Defense
By GilMartin
The Green Bay Packers offense scored more points than any team in the league in 2020 while the defense ranked 13th in points allowed. While the defense is returning most of their starters from a year ago, there are some newcomers to the team during the offseason that could have an impact on the performance of the defense in 2021.
Here is a look at four additions to the defense this offseason who will have an impact on the 2021 Packers defense to varying degrees:
4. DL T.J. Slaton
The Packers run defense ranked 13th in yards allowed but 18th in the league in yards allowed per rush with 4.5-yards per play allowed.
The cast along the defensive line remains mostly the same although the Packers are hoping that the return to health of Kenny Clark and Kingsley Keke will help the team improve in this area in 2021.
Another addition to the roster this offseason was fifth round pick T.J Slaton. The University of Florida alum is a big man at 6’5” and 340 pounds and he has looked strong and difficult to move at OTAs and early in training camp.
Slaton isn’t just big, he’s agile and quick. He even played basketball in high school. Many offensive linemen have had trouble moving him in practice although most of the practices in question were without pads.
If he continues to have a strong training camp and preseason, Slaton could find his way into the defensive line rotation and help improve the team’s run defense this season and beyond.
3. ILB De’Vondre Campbell
Inside linebacker has been an issue for the Packers for several years. Many players have been brought in to try to improve the position including B.J. Goodson, Christian Kirksey and Antonio Morrison. Unfortunately, none of them have proven to be anything more than a short-term answer at the position.
Now, the Packers have signed free agent De’Vondre Campbell who will have a chance to fill the void. Campbell has never earned Pro Bowl honors, but he’s been in the league for five seasons and he’s been a starter every year he’s played.
Campbell has more speed than many of the past candidates at the position and should add experience, stability and consistency to the position. Right now, Campbell and second-year man Krys Barnes are the first-string inside linebackers and the coaching staff has been pleased with what they’ve seen from Campbell thus far.
Head coach Matt LaFleur spent a season with Campbell in Atlanta and has some familiarity with the former University of Minnesota star. “He’s a guy that is a big, long guy that can run,” LaFleur said shortly after the Packers signed Campbell. “[He] definitely brings a different dynamic to that room in his ability to just cover, whether it’s tight ends or backs. And we think he’s a really versatile player. I think he’s a great person, first and foremost, which I think is so important for our team.”
More consistent play at inside linebacker could help the defense improve an area that has been a problem for the team for several seasons.
2. CB Eric Stokes
The Packers added Stokes in the first round of this year’s draft. The former Georgia star has outstanding speed and is considered the heir apparent to start at cornerback opposite Pro Bowler Jaire Alexander.
Stokes has been thrown into the fire in training camp, going up against quarterback Aaron Rodgers and wide receiver Davante Adams, two of the best in the business. Predictably, Stokes has had his ups and downs but his attitude is positive and he seems eager to work hard to improve.
Nobody doubts the speed the rookie brings to the table, but he will need some time to improve his technique, especially his ball skills. His weakness seems to be playing the ball in the air and not allowing a completion even when he’s seemingly in a good position to break up the pass.
The Packers are hoping Stokes will learn enough to supplant veteran Kevin King. Whether that happens this season or in 2022 remains to be seen but look for Stokes to have a growing role on defense this season.
1. DC Joe Barry
No new addition to the Packers defense may have as big an impact as new defensive coordinator Joe Barry. The Packers poor defensive performance in the first half of last year’s NFC Championship Game was the last straw for Mike Pettine and LaFleur replaced him this year with Barry who has previous stints as defensive coordinator in Washington and Detroit.
Barry is expected to blitz less frequently than Pettine did and to play a more zone-heavy scheme which mixes up the types of zone coverages and has one cornerback who often plays man coverage while the rest of the defense is in zone.
So far, the players are enthusiastic about the new defensive coordinator. “He’s a very energetic guy. He’s someone you want to play for, someone you want to be around,” inside linebacker Krys Barnes told reporters earlier this week. “It’s someone we’re all excited to play for and we’re ready to get going.”
Outside linebacker Rashan Gary also praised Barry’s enthusiasm and said he “brings the juice.”
It may take the team several games to get more comfortable in Barry’s system, but if the new man is an upgrade over his predecessor, the Packers defense could show significant improvement in time for the stretch drive and the playoffs.
PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO OUR CHEESEHEAD NATION WEEKLY NEWSLETTER HERE.
__________________________
You can follow Gil Martin on Twitter @GilPackers
__________________________
Comments (35)
mnbadger
August 05, 2021 at 12:09 pm
Thanks Gil, i have to say I'm getting tired of hearing how good the offense is going to be this year, but hearing about improvement on the defensive side is even more appreciated by this CH. I hope you're right about all four points of improvement and I think you are. GPG!
GilMartin
August 05, 2021 at 12:11 pm
I hope so, too. The potential is certainly there. Thanks as always for commenting, mnbadger.
Bearmeat
August 05, 2021 at 12:23 pm
The 1st half of the defensive effort against Tampa wasn't great. The 2nd half was absolutely fantastic. 3 turnovers and less than 10 points against. The TB loss isn't at the feet of Pettine. It's at the feet of Aaron Rodgers and Matt LaFleur. I don't care who you're playing against, the #1 ranked offense in the league needs to do better than it did in the 2nd half of that game.
Let's see how Barry does. His past history isn't good. But it's not like we were lighting the world on fire with Pettine either. Gute has done a good job bringing solid defensive pieces in so far, but the sum of the parts has been less than it should be since 2019.
GilMartin
August 05, 2021 at 12:40 pm
Thanks for the comment, Bearmeat. I agree, the offense didn't come through in the second half of the NFC Championship Game and the defense didn't play well in the first half. With regard to Pettine, remember, he was a holdover from the McCarthy regime so I'm not surprised he was on a bit of a shorter leash from LaFleur. I hope Barry can do the job well this year. I wouldn't be surprised if the team doesn't play great on D early in the season as they adjust to the new system but hopefully they finish strong and do well in the playoffs if they get there.
Coldworld
August 05, 2021 at 01:06 pm
I tend to see the second half as Pettine being forced to get more aggressive, possibly with the assist of the players. I therefore very much blame Pettine for the hole. After half time he became less of a factor and your point is valid. It is not either or it was both.
Bearmeat
August 05, 2021 at 03:18 pm
We don't know what went on at halftime. No one has said a word. But if it was MLF, and he forced aggression on Pettine, then MLF also needs to look in the mirror, because he called the game like a wimp in the 2nd half. Or maybe again, that was 12? Who knows.
I'm still pissed about that game.
Coldworld
August 05, 2021 at 06:03 pm
I think it was the abject failure of the D calls and the hole. Thy just started to go for it. Stopped playing to preventatively and went for it. They were always better playing that way: both roster and scheme were designed to.
I am not arguing that this exonerated LaFleur, just that Pettine dug the hole and the D showed what it could have been.
Lphill
August 05, 2021 at 01:25 pm
You continue to hate on Rodgers I guess you are a big Schefter fan , if only King didn’t fall asleep at the wheel against Tampa , right? and do you know why the defense improved in the second half? It was Ty Summers .
Bearmeat
August 05, 2021 at 03:16 pm
Ty Summers eh?
Thanks so much for the humor! And no, I don't like Aaron Charles Rodgers, and fail to see what Adam Schefter has to do with anything. ARod is a great QB though.
jannesbjornson
August 05, 2021 at 09:05 pm
Delusional
NickPerry
August 06, 2021 at 06:47 am
I agree with this BM but I've watch that game numerous times and the number of times Rodgers yells KILL, KILL, KILL, I have to believe Rodgers switched to some other play in that NFCCG more often than we might think.
MLF was outcoached in the 2019 NFCCG. In the 2020 NFCCG I think it was less on MLF and more on Rodgers. The Packers ST gave up that long KO return late in the game so of course ST reared it's ugly head again. That TD to end the first half ranks right up there as one of the most disappointing plays in Packers history IMO.
As for Barry, I don't believe he's EVER had the talent he has in GB. I mean Washington? Detroit?? Neither of those teams had the talent GB does. I wasn't overly excited about the hire to say the least but we're rolling with Barry now so lets hope he gets them over the hump.
JohnnyLogan
August 05, 2021 at 12:44 pm
The four listed all have a long way to go to prove their worth. Two rookies, a 4th rounder and a first round pick who has been getting schooled regularly it seems. An average LB, and a coach with no track record.
I don’t see where there will be improvement until King is actually replaced, Lowry and Lancaster are released, and a fast sideline to sideline LB is drafted.
From what has been written Barry loves rushing two linemen as well. Yikes.
Weak links are what define defenses as we saw full well last year. We still seem to have the same ones.
GilMartin
August 05, 2021 at 12:47 pm
No doubt the three players and the coach on this list all have a lot to prove. I think Campbell will be an upgrade over what Kirskey did last season and he has more speed than most of the recent players at the position. Slaton could be the guy to replace Lancaster and Lowry as a run stuffer but again, he is a rookie and we'll see what he develops into. I am not seeing radical improvement for the defense, but I can easily see it being better than it was a year ago and statistically, the defense was above average last year. Of course, the offense's prowess helped that. Thanks for the comment, JohnnyLogan, we'll see how this plays out.
Coldworld
August 05, 2021 at 01:09 pm
I think Campbell is a better coverage candidate than his recent predecessors. That may not be a great bar it is true. LaFleur seems to have a conception of how best to use him and think that it will play to his strengths. I hope he is right. Sometimes it is about using players most appropriately.
jannesbjornson
August 05, 2021 at 09:07 pm
Number four on the re-tread mill. See if he can tackle?
splitpea1
August 05, 2021 at 12:47 pm
"Significant improvement in time for the stretch drive and the playoffs." That's what we're looking for here--an ascending defense that's on their toes; prepared match-up-wise, trained properly, and hopefully able to anticipate what's coming from any opponent and stop it. This defense isn't so radically different that these things can't be accomplished, although I still have some concerns personnel-wise. We'll see. If Barry can coach this defense to a Super Bowl berth, then it was an excellent hire and should silence some of the doubters.
GilMartin
August 05, 2021 at 12:50 pm
I am hoping the defense is playing its best in December and January (and maybe even February). I do expect a bit of a rocky start as the players adjust to Barry's system. Some positions lack depth so staying healthy will be important. Keeping my fingers crossed and hoping the defense can rise to the occasion and play to its potential. Thanks for commenting, splitpea1.
packer132
August 05, 2021 at 12:56 pm
Defense should be better with a new DC and ideas, and it seems like the players appreciate his upbeat approach. Slaton should make an impact right away, and maybe one of the UDFA guys will stand out in camp (Heflin/Kemp). I like the reports about Campbell at LB, and he could also be a factor. I know CB is a tough position for a rookie, though Stokes is getting tested already by Rodgers and Adams. He may not start the season but should get plenty of playing time and improve. All you can hope for is to be better each year. I think this team is deep, though so hard to get to the Superbowl in a league of parity. I like the Packers chances.
Coldworld
August 05, 2021 at 01:16 pm
Agree on Slaton. He doesn’t have to reach his full potential to make a difference this year. If he can be stout alone he may free up Clark as well as improve over Lowry. If he can push the pocket at all, he could really make an impact. Stouter with limited loss of mobility compared to Lowry. Keke if indeed stronger in his lower body can rotate in and Lowry on more passing downs. Less Lowry may actually be better for him when he does appear. If Slaton can learn enough to earn confidence he could be a big upgrade this year just by being a gap eater with mobility. Lancaster goes back to depth.
JQ
August 05, 2021 at 05:28 pm
Thanks Gil; I always enjoy reading your column! I think Barry is the wild card in the equation, and it will be interesting to see if entire defense can 'bring the juice.' Enthusiasm in great, but the rubber hits the road when this team begins playing. Then we'll know if Joe Barry can coach.
I think Gutekunst has done a good job of bringing in players who will raise the bar for the current Packers, and it he's been able to do it on it on a tight budget. I think it's a huge asset that he's always looking for ways to churn the roster and improve his squad.
It's too early to say anything about newly acquired Josh Avery, but it will be interesting to see if he can be an asset for the Packers, or if he even makes the team. The college scouting reports I read on the kid say he has some extreme skills for a player his size, 6'3" and 320 pounds. But he failed to dominate or even produce much while playing at SE Missouri State. The Packers obviously saw enough to warrant signing him immediately after his tryout.
So stay tuned, film at 11...Go Packers! -JQ-
Coldworld
August 05, 2021 at 06:11 pm
Avery is raw, unsurprisingly, given his route to through school. He is freakishly athletic, but he was used to eat often multiple blockers and allow smaller guys to penetrate despite his athleticism. Some learning on the disruptive side therefore, but unlike Lancaster, this guy has short area suddenness and mobility. It just depends on how raw he is. I will be watching him, but a lot of physical upside and he is already strong.
Thegreatreynoldo
August 05, 2021 at 02:23 pm
CBs who are in good position to break up passes but can't play the ball in the air scare me $$$$less.
LambeauPlain
August 05, 2021 at 02:43 pm
Alexander the Great will show Red how it is done. Breaking up passes in the air is more easily coached than speed.
Coldworld
August 05, 2021 at 06:14 pm
That’s most CBs early, after they have got themselves to the point where they get to the right place. Patience. Focus on being in the right place and when that comes can pay more attention to the ball.
LambeauPlain
August 05, 2021 at 02:36 pm
The rushing D stats last year are misleading. Yes, they show up on the stat line as good in total rush yards, bottom half in hards per rush. Why?
Last season the packer D had to defend the fewest plays because the Packer O kept them off the field with long, clock chewing scoring drives.
When the Packer D was on the field, they were soft against the run.
Hope Barry, unlike Pettine, will stress run D.
GilMartin
August 05, 2021 at 05:51 pm
Or at least stress it more. I agree the stats are a bit misleading, that's why I included the average yards per rush stat in there. Thanks for commenting, LambeauPlain.
Coldworld
August 05, 2021 at 06:19 pm
We also gave up a lot of soft yards in the air bending but not breaking. That’s how we allowed most games to get close. Pettine’s shift to big play prevention meant slow dripping easy yards.
4thand10
August 07, 2021 at 12:50 pm
Pettine first year…he improved the run. Course he used middle pressure with 3 down DL. Year 2 he decided to get fancy with 2 DL or putting Z and Preston in the middle sometimes which they are not built for…they are and always will be outside rushers. It had a Dom Capers feel to it and it was abhorrent to watch.I thought Pettine was finally getting back to his roots with 3 DL during the Tennessee game, gave us a peak of what the D could be. But after that he regressed to his old ways with the 2 DL and it was less than stellar again.
Roadrunner23
August 05, 2021 at 03:12 pm
*Campbell was a timely veteran signing considering K. Martin is injured again and is receiving the Orin Burks treatment (can’t play ILB so let’s move him to OLB)
I wouldn’t be surprised if Summers makes a bigger impact at ILB than Martin this year.
*Slayton could be a key piece at NT even as a rookie if he can handle the double teams. Freeing up Kenny Clark to be a disruptive force is the real key!
*I wasn’t a big fan of drafting Stokes at the time, but he seems like a great kid with great speed. I’ve just never been a big fan of CB’s who don’t make a lot of plays on the ball. Then again I was a big fan of the Packers drafting Rollins & J. Jackson so that shows what I know about CB’s!
*I was less than thrilled about the Joe Barry hire also but I was also disappointed when they let OL coach Campen walk and hiring Steno. Again showing I know next to nothing about coaching hires!
MLF has earned the right to hire whoever he deems fit in his coaching staff, he’s proven he knows exactly what he’s doing.
Go Pack!
ND
CoachDino
August 05, 2021 at 04:09 pm
Good stuff Gil,
I'm with you in being optimistic about the additions mentioned making an impact. Will be interesting to see how it plays out.
Can Slaton step in and allow KC to play end in a base 3? If not how many snaps will he even get?
I see Campbell being an instant upgrade, big time over Martin/Summer/Burks but over Kirksey as well when considering how he improved and got healthy at the end..
Stokes? Rookie CB? Tough assignment but if between injuries and/or performance he gets in there it will be fun to watch.
I was a Pettine fan, I thought his strategizes were based correctly on the offense powerhouse they had (big leads) and talent he was given.
Overall run yards will be down if teams have too pass from behind yet avg will be up if the packers know they can survive some 8-10 yd runs but not big plays in the passing game. So the stats can be a bit misleading both ways.
But ML wanted his own guy which he deserves and if Barry can just do what Pettine did, WIN at a 13-3 clip, who won't be happy.
Question: will barry Match up JA with the best outside WR whenever possible? or will they both just play a certain side regardless? Stokes against the#2 rec for each team doesn't worry me near as much as against the#1. With Stokes speed he can make up for mistakes against many rec but most likely not the best - - Eg AR/DA...
JohnnyLogan
August 05, 2021 at 05:39 pm
Then # receiver for the Vikings iOS Thielen. . The # 2 receiver for Tampa is Evans. The # 2 receiver for most teams is damn good in the NFL.
CoachDino
August 05, 2021 at 06:12 pm
I wouldn't say most teams by any means but certainly a good point that some teams will have a 1 and 1A. Most teams though could never Afford 2 top 15 WR w/o 1 not on a Rookie Contract. But ya, the Packers of old that ran than 3-5 Wr sets scheme is another example of where that team most likely has an above average #2.
Nate-1980
August 06, 2021 at 04:19 pm
Yup # 2 on most teams is , but not ours..
Packers0808
August 06, 2021 at 11:26 am
My one hope now that all players are in the fold that Barry ends up being a good hire the D makes the jump it needs to get the job done! Nice article presented here!
4thand10
August 07, 2021 at 12:43 pm
How many many yrs do we have to painstakingly watch 2 down lineman and a zone defense? For the love of god and all that it is holy in football I hope that will not be the case. When you have talent @ corner and safety and extra DL are FINALLY added to the roster you play man. I don’t see a zone defense stopping anyone. Hope I’m wrong.