Green Bay Packers Mid-Season Awards and Review
Oct 19, 2014; Green Bay, WI, USA; Carolina Panthers running back
Jonathan Stewart(28) rushes with the football as Green Bay Packers safety
Ha Ha Clinton-Dix(21) defends during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. Green Bay won 38-17. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Rookie of the Year – HaHa Clinton-Dix
43 tackles – 1 sack – 1 INT
The 1st Round selection has exceeded expectations for the Packers in 2014, and has been one of the brightest spots in an otherwise bleak defensive unit. Clinton-Dix has made just two starts this season, but received extended playing time in all eight games and done nothing but impress.
Clinton-Dix has a domino effect on the secondary that allows both Micah Hyde and Morgan Burnett to play more impactful roles. After seeing far too much of M.D. Jennings last season, Clinton-Dix has been a calming factor on the back end of the Packers’ defense, as his strong tackling skills and improving coverage abilities allow Burnett to be more creative and aggressive from his position.
What impresses me most about Clinton-Dix is how quickly he has picked up Dom Capers’ complex defensive scheme, especially as a rookie and from the Safety position. He has not blown coverages or allowed receivers to get over the top with any consistency.
Green Bay could be sitting on a long-term solution at their Safety position, and one who has Pro Bowl potential. If Clinton-Dix is able to create more turnovers in the coming years, he could be an elite weapon on the back end. If the Packers are able to shore up their issues against the run, the Alabama rookie could have plenty of opportunities to ball hawk late in games in the second half.