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Green Bay Packers: 3 Ways defense has improved in 2018

By Kyle Hoffenbecker

CHICAGO, IL - NOVEMBER 12: Clay Matthews #52 of the Green Bay Packers reacts to a play in the second quarter against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on November 12, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - NOVEMBER 12: Clay Matthews #52 of the Green Bay Packers reacts to a play in the second quarter against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on November 12, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – SEPTEMBER 22: Defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson #96 of the New York Jets celebrates after he sacks quarterback EJ Manuel #3 of the Buffalo Bills in the 2nd half of the Jets 27-20 win over the Buffalo Bills at MetLife Stadium on September 22, 2013 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Ron Antonelli/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – SEPTEMBER 22: Defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson #96 of the New York Jets celebrates after he sacks quarterback EJ Manuel #3 of the Buffalo Bills in the 2nd half of the Jets 27-20 win over the Buffalo Bills at MetLife Stadium on September 22, 2013 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Ron Antonelli/Getty Images) /

Signing Muhammad Wilkerson

The best part about the Green Bay Packers defense in 2017 was easily the defensive line. Mike Daniels continued his dominance while Kenny Clark had a coming out party. No one thought the Packers were going to pursue another defensive lineman in free agency right?

Once free agency started, one name that seemed to be associated with the Packers was Muhammad Wilkerson. If the Packers did acquire Wilkerson, it would be for cheap. His work ethic was an issue during the end of his tenure with the Jets.

However, when the Packers hired former Jets defensive coordinator, Pettine, Green Bay immediately became a landing spot for the former Pro-Bowler. That’s exactly what happened.

Wilkerson is capable of putting up amazing numbers. In 2012, when Pettine was the DC, he arguably had his best season, per Pro Football Focus. His 2015 Pro-Bowl season saw him record a career high in sacks. He also produced some of his best tackling numbers that year as well.

After that, he saw quite a drop-off. But if he can put up numbers similar to those with Green Bay, we could be witnessing a top five defensive line in the NFL. A culture change just may be what the doctor ordered for Wilkerson. Pairing him with one of his favorite coaches could pay dividends. The Packers defensive line just got a lot stronger.

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