Green Bay Packers Defense year in review and grades
Jan 11, 2015; Green Bay, WI, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) recovers a fumble ahead of Green Bay Packers outside linebacker Julius Peppers (56) in the first half in the 2014 NFC Divisional playoff football game at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports
Linebackers – The Packers’ linebacking group represents the best and worst of their defense all at once. While Clay Matthews slid inside mid-season to help stop the bleeding, the Packers’ inside linebackers had a disastrous 2014 season.
A.J. Hawk seemed to age ten years since 2013, and appeared small on the field as he lunged at the feet of potential tackles. His draft slot has long caused him to draw the ire of the Green Bay faithful, but give him some credit, he has been a reliable player at the heart of this defense for close to a decade. All somewhat-above-average things must come to an end, though, and Hawk’s tenure in Green Bay may be over soon.
Brad Jones, who started the season next to Hawk at ILB, was atrocious. Jones didn’t give the Packers a quarter of what they’d expected and failed to play up to his salary, so he could be joining Hawk on the way out. Along with Matthews, the two were replaced by the younger and more physical Sam Barrington, who flashed potential of being the long-term solution.
On the outside, things were a little brighter. Julius Peppers was often the best player on the field despite being the oldest, and the depth behind him provided a great secondary source of pass rush. Nick Perry hasn’t quite hit the potential that Green Bay had hoped for, but along with the underrated Mike Neal, he provided Dom Capers with a strong rotation at the position.
Inside linebacker will need to be addressed early in this offseason. Any move would be an upgrade at this point, but adding an impact player at the position could help to transform this defensive unit into a real force that compliments Aaron Rodgers and the offense.
2014 Grade: C
Next: Strong effort from cornerbacks