Green Bay Packers simple defensive key: Tackling

With the Green Bay Packers undergoing some changes on the defensive side of the football, especially in the secondary, we tend to overcomplicate the areas in which the unit needs to improve. At this point the personnel grouping is what it is, while the schemes and play-calling of Dom Capers have rarely been an issue for me. In 2015, the Green Bay Packers’ defense will step forward only when the most basic fundamental of football is cleaned up. I’m talking about tackling.

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Much of the focus defensively has centred around rebuilding a cornerbacks group following the loss of Davon House and Tramon Williams, or patching together a defensive line with the return of B.J. Raji and Letroy Guion. The inside linebacker position remains in a state of flux, as well, with some combination of Jake Ryan and Clay Matthews likely to partner with Sam Barrington. Lost in these far-reaching discussions, however, is the possibility that Green Bay has become a better tackling team.

A.J. Hawk and Brad Jones were two of the main culprits, but mercifully, both find themselves elsewhere to begin the 2015 season. I will forever argue in favor of Hawk’s career with the Packers, but his regression was noticeable last season as the former defensive centrepiece looked small on the field, lunging at the feet of running backs as they breezed by with little difficulty. As for Brad Jones, well, I’ll survive.

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Sam Barrington showed tackling potential last season in their place, most noticeably against the New England Patriots where he met LeGarrette Blount at the line several times. Jake Ryan enters as a tackler that I am confident in, as well, with a downhill style and plus instincts that he showcased often at the University of Michigan.

Looking to the secondary, rookies Quinten Rollins and Damarious Randall both hold their own in space against ball carriers, and I’m especially confident in Rollins. With Sam Shields and Casey Hayward starting on the outside, these two will be close to the football often.

At safety, Morgan Burnett will produce the odd cringe-worthy tackle attempt, but has the ability to blow up plays near the line of scrimmage on a regular basis. The same goes for Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, who is overflowing with potential as a tackling safety.

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

The tackling performance of this defense relies greatly on the defensive line play, I believe. Green Bay was notoriously weak against the run until the latter half of last season, and this was often because opposing running backs were given a lengthy runway to take off from.

While Guion adjusted to the nose position as Datone Jones and Josh Boyd struggled, these running backs were afforded 3-to-5 yards untouched, at times, putting them in an advantageous position when they did meet their first defender on the second level.

With a reportedly strong B.J. Raji back in the fold, pushing Guion to end across from the talented Mike Daniels, the line may be able to create a greater push. Even if this results in a subtle change of balance or forces one extra move by the runner, that will often be enough to put a Green Bay linebacker in the position of advantage. In situations like this, tackling is much more than a 1-on-1 battle. Tackling can be a domino-effect that is impacted by several players.

I hesitate to suggest that Green Bay will skyrocket up any defensive rankings, but with a more sound fundamental base in place, Dom Capers will have the ability to create more impact plays and turnovers. Everything is connected on defense for Green Bay, and their success as a unit hinges on that first step.

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