Green Bay Packers: Under the Scope (Week 2)

Sep 20, 2015; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers linebacker Nate Palmer (51) and safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix (21) breaks up a pass intended for Seattle Seahawks tight end Luke Willson (82) in the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Inside LB: Next man up

When inside linebacker Sam Barrington went down for the season, the Packers defense took a shot in the arm. The big presence in the middle of the defense was vital in run support and also held his ground against the pass. His replacement? Little-known Nate Palmer who really stood out (in a good way) on a couple plays against the Seahawks.

With the Seahawks trailing 13-3 at halftime, quarterback Russell Wilson was intent on evening up the score. On the first play of the second half, Wilson found his tight end, Luke Willson for a gain of 24 yards. Nate Palmer was the man in coverage. This was not the full story, however. The catch was a circus catch to anyone watching the game. Credit to Willson, of course, as he corralled the ball with one hand while turning around and falling backwards. Not your typical reception.

Palmer, on the other hand, ran with Willson step for step, never showing any signs of getting beat or slowing down. This is also not something you see from a backup linebacker. Palmer’s pursuit and acceleration were incredible here and though the pass was still completed, the takeaway is still a positive one for Palmer.

This time in the third quarter, with just under eight minutes left, Wilson again tries for his tight end. Palmer is in one-on-one coverage with Willson who runs a go-route on the sideline. The linebacker shows off his speed once more as he ran with his man the entire remaining length of the field and broke up the pass play. Quarterbacks regularly seek out these matchups and take advantage of linebackers who are alone with their assignments.

Here, Palmer proved again that he is no liability on passing downs but has the speed to run stride for stride with his receiver. Luke Willson finished the night with just two catches for 36 yards.

Next: Aggressiveness of Coach McCarthy