Packers Could Have their Best ILB Unit in Recent Memory
By GilMartin
Inside linebacker has been a problem area for the Green Bay Packers in recent years. It has not been a priority for the front office until recently and the team often used street free agents and late round draft picks to fill in the roster.
The lack of elite players at inside linebacker was a contributing factor to the team’s struggling run defense and to the defense’s overall inconsistency during the Aaron Rodgers Era.
But this year, the Packers have a chance to have the best starting duo they’ve had at inside linebacker in more than a decade.
The projected starters this season are De’Vondre Campbell and Quay Walker and if things break right, they could provide the Packers with strong play at the position.
The Packers signed Campbell prior to the 2021 season as a free agent. Campbell had been a steady starter in Atlanta and Arizona, but he was never a star. He felt that playing in the Packers defense would give him an opportunity to showcase his talents, something he never felt he got the chance to do earlier in his career. He bet on himself by signing a one-year, prove-it contract.
Campbell’s gamble paid off. He enjoyed a career year in 2021, leading the Packers with 146 total tackles, recording two sacks, two interceptions and forcing two fumbles. He also recovered a fumble and had six tackles for loss.
Campbell was able to make plays all over the field. He earned All Pro honors for the first time in his career. The Packers were able to re-sign him to a new contract after they traded Davante Adams to the Raiders last offseason.
Last season was a tougher one for Campbell. He missed four games due to injuries. Early in the season, he felt the need to cover for his inexperienced teammate and tried to do too much to compensate. He missed more tackles in the first four games of 2022 than he did in all the previous season.
Campbell’s play picked up later in the season. Later in the year, he was playing at a high level again and making more plays. That was an encouraging sign for the defense. Campbell hopes he can return to his 2021 form.
The Packers finally spent a first-round pick at inside linebacker last year when they selected Quay Walker. The former Georgia product earned a starting spot in training camp and held it for the entire season.
It took him time to adjust to life in the NFL. Early in the season, he had difficulty reading running plays and was often out of position. That was one reason Campbell’s play was off as he felt the need to cover for his inexperienced teammate.
By the end of the season, Walker was playing better. While he still had more to learn, his outstanding speed helped him make plays against the run and occasionally, to rush the passer when called upon.
He led the team in tackles with 121 including five tackles for loss. He also forced three fumbles, recovered a fumble, and broke up seven passes.
The Packers are hoping Walker can make a second-year jump. He improved late in the season and if he continues along that line, he has the potential to become a very good player.
One issue facing Walker is the need to control his temper. He was ejected from two games as a rookie. Once he shoved a trainer and once a practice squad player. Both incidents took place after the play was over. He cost the Packers 15 yards and his services for the rest of two key games.
Walker has admitted these incidents cannot happen again and he’s had an entire offseason to work on controlling his temper. If he can accomplish that goal, he can take another step forward in his development.
A healthy Campbell and a more experienced Walker would give the Packers their most talented and dynamic starting duo at inside linebacker since the days of A.J. Hawk and Desmond Bishop.
The talent is there. Now it’s up to Joe Barry and the defensive coaching staff to maximize it and help these players improve the performance of the defense in 2023.
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You can follow Gil Martin on Twitter @GilPackers
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Comments (34)
Fubared
July 08, 2023 at 12:38 pm
They better get in great shape they could be on the field for long periods of time this year. I expect Gary to come back and try to play stellar ball so he can bolt at the end of the season. I do not see him, since day one, re signing and staying on. This is a money man a me me me man like Perry before him.
Untylu1968
July 08, 2023 at 01:50 pm
So, what has Gary ever done to make you come to the conclusion that he's a me man? Enlighten me...
Bure9620
July 08, 2023 at 01:57 pm
He has one the best pass rush win rates in the league
TKWorldWide
July 08, 2023 at 03:48 pm
Beat me to it! I have the exact same question!
MrFitz66
July 08, 2023 at 02:21 pm
Perry was a big disappointment, agreed. But to me, Gary has been the exact opposite. Who doesn't want to get paid. I think everyone expects him to play his best, especially because its a contract year.
TKWorldWide
July 08, 2023 at 03:49 pm
And GB has shown they don’t hesitate to retain and pay their own.
Rory P Scrotem
July 08, 2023 at 08:01 pm
Hey Fubared..."You're an idiot!"
NickPerry
July 09, 2023 at 04:21 am
Fubared... The Vikings fan troll who loves to come here and make RIDICULOUS statements. Don't worry folks, he surfaces from time to time and his comments are ALWAYS some bullshit like this.
The comments have no merit and come from God knows where since most are so off the wall. A REAL Packers fan knows Rashon Gary isn't a "Me Guy", not even close.
Fubared is HOPING Gary is like Z Smith, who bolted to Minnesota. Be happy you got Ryan Longwell. Gary HATES purple.
Bure9620
July 09, 2023 at 05:56 pm
Gary is not going anywhere
mnbadger
July 08, 2023 at 12:49 pm
" . . . it’s up to Joe Barry and the defensive coaching staff to maximize it and help these players improve"
This comment is accurate but it took the air out of the article's balloon for me.
Maybe that's good though.
LY at this time I thought our defense would for sure be historically good.
I'll enter this season with more realistic expectations.
GPG!
Ferrari-Driver
July 08, 2023 at 01:59 pm
"Packers Could Have their Best ILB Unit in Recent Memory"
Gil, I will confidently say that you made an understatement.
For a long time, it seemed that the inside linebacker position was not valued highly in the draft, so a highly paid Campbell teamed with a first round physical phenom in Walker who has a year of experience under his belt should be a huge improvement over what we've had in recent history.
TKWorldWide
July 08, 2023 at 03:52 pm
I recall even back to the George Cumby (1st rd ILB) days, it takes awhile to adjust to the speed and complexity of the NFL at ILB. (Not unlike a lot of other positions as well.) Walker should be much improved, thus freeing 59 to get back to biz as well!
Ferrari-Driver
July 08, 2023 at 05:14 pm
George Cumby. Boy, that goes back a few decades and what I remember about him is the time the Bears sent William "the refrigerator" Perry into the line as a blocking back and he absolutely flattened Cumby. He is a link with Cumby recalling that play: https://archive.jsonline.com/sports/packers/81235977.html/
TKWorldWide
July 09, 2023 at 09:08 am
I remember he wasn’t a starter week one. In about the middle of the season, one of the coaches said that Cumby “knew his assignments in the classroom, but he has to show it on the field, where one false move could result in a big play”
LLCHESTY
July 09, 2023 at 05:48 pm
I 2as more of "Mad Dog" Douglas fan but, at 220 lbs tops, he would've faired about the same against Perry.
T7Steve
July 10, 2023 at 08:47 am
Unfortunately, they really don't have to be very good to be the "best in recent memory".
Remember when they got desperate, and tried Clay Mathews inside? He helped at the line of scrimmage, but every team and their mothers just threw into the flats where he was supposed to cover and he got burned almost every time. The worst at Arizona during the playoffs.
MrFitz66
July 08, 2023 at 02:29 pm
Back when I played grammer school football, I played center and middle linebacker. Back in those days it was Larry McCarren and Mike Hunt to look up to. I live in Chicago, so watching the Bears with Singletary and then Urlacker, wasnt easy. We have had some good centers over the past few years and I'm hoping for Tom to settle in at Center to continue the tradition of excellence. However, II waited a long time for the Packers to get two studs in the middle of the defense. I'm really pulling for Walker to take that next step.
atundraman
July 08, 2023 at 06:56 pm
Yikes, Mike Hunt.
I'll never forget her double-take when my wife heard the announcer say "Mike Hunt is all over the field!".
On topic, I'm hoping Walker can optimize his athleticism this year. He could be special.
LeotisHarris
July 08, 2023 at 08:20 pm
Unfortunately, a concussion ended Hunt's career early. That 1978 Draft was Starr's best, by far. James Lofton and linebacker John Anderson in the first round. Hunt in the second round at number 34. Defensive back Estus Hood and linebacker Mike Douglass in the fourth and fifth rounds.
And, yeah, the name. It didn't take too many mentions for Jim Irwin to consistently refer to him as Michael Hunt, or Hunt.
splitpea1
July 08, 2023 at 04:07 pm
At last an opportunity to take a break from the Barry-bashing....because he was probably a major factor in getting Gute to change the mindset with this position, finally.
We obviously want to see Campbell back to his 2021 self, but also emerge as a team leader. The middle of the defense is a great place for it.
ILB is not an easy position to learn at the NFL level. Walker played 82% of the defensive snaps, so he did a lot of learning; some inconsistency was to be expected. His pass coverage was pretty good, but where he really needs improvement is on the various facets of run defense. He had a high rate of missed tackles as well. But so long as he learns to defuse after the whistle and not receive any consequential ejections or suspensions, he's only going to get better.
Nitpicking note: I don't know if A.J. Hawk could be classified as "dynamic", but he was extraordinarily reliable and workmanlike--and our all-time leader in combined tackles as long as the stat has been kept. (Butler is the leader in solo tackles).
HawkPacker
July 09, 2023 at 09:01 am
'At last an opportunity to take a break from the Barry-bashing....because he was probably a major factor in getting Gute to change the mindset with this position, finally.'
Split, I am one of the Barry bashers and I totally agree with your statement above. Barry's strong suit in defense, at least in my opinion, is to strengthen the ILB position. He realized it's importance and it showed the first year he was DC. He tailed off last year as DC and hopefully he will get the defense back to where it should be this coming season. If he can do that, all the complaining will be history.
SicSemperTyrannis
July 11, 2023 at 05:28 pm
HP, a make it or break it year for JB. Hopefully.
Duneslick
July 08, 2023 at 07:55 pm
Most teams play with 2 wrs and a slot receiver even on first down. Greenbay plays 2 corners and a corner in the slot. Who comes out. my guess is campbell. only 3 dl and they are overmatched. If a safety comes into the box he just replaces campbell.
LLCHESTY
July 09, 2023 at 05:58 pm
Considering Campbell had passer ratings against of 74 and 78% the last two years and Walker had an almost impossible to believe 63%(helped by no TDs given up) I don't think you want either one coming off the field on passing downs.
TxFred
July 09, 2023 at 11:57 am
This season seems set up for Campbell & Walker. A lot depends on Walker's off season & his temper control development. Beyond that it comes down to staying injury free. Both should be the top tacklers on the defense. A strong middle defense, supports the DL and allows the deep backs to take care of their business. This defense has the potential to be solid & good, very good. It has youth, speed and energy. The Defensive coaches need to keep the team focused & hungry. Fundamental tackling & tight coverage. Health & injuries are always around but that is the NFL. Hope to see high energy level this year. GPG !!!!
SicSemperTyrannis
July 11, 2023 at 05:30 pm
Fred, nobody's talking about depth. Who do we have at ILB behind the presumptive starters? I mean who's shining
PhantomII
July 09, 2023 at 01:19 pm
I kinda liked how Barnes would hit the opponent so hard they would be sucking air on the sidelines after impact. But I like the 2-ILB's we have now also. I'm not sure we have a #3 like Barnes yet though.
coolhand
July 10, 2023 at 10:31 am
I miss Barnes, thought he was a good rotation guy. I was surprised the team let him go. He is a big hitter, just the kind of guy you want playing ILB.
SicSemperTyrannis
July 11, 2023 at 05:31 pm
We need somebody that hits like a Mack truck. A certain Ray comes to mind ...
Starrbrite
July 09, 2023 at 05:49 pm
Well—-maybe. It’s certainly a confident/optimistic view—I like it.
Any LB crew has yet to measure up to Nitschke, Robinson, and Caffey.
Go Packers!!!
SicSemperTyrannis
July 11, 2023 at 05:32 pm
Yeah, I just mentioned Nitschke. Even if I can't spell it,lol. What rules are there against hitting like a Mack truck?
LLCHESTY
July 09, 2023 at 06:25 pm
I wish Barry would let them blitz a little more. Not Blitzburgh Steelers levels but a bit more often than he does. I remember one play where Gary crashed inside and Walker cut behind him to take the Edge. Not something you can do 5 times a game but maybe more than once or twice a season.
SicSemperTyrannis
July 11, 2023 at 05:34 pm
This is why I was hoping for Edge to be prioritized this draft. Am VERY happy with Gutey's Luke Ness Monster pick :)
A disruptive pass rush can change games.
SinceLombardi
July 10, 2023 at 07:54 am
The solution is the problem..
Joe Barry.