Green Bay Packers: 3 Bold predictions vs. Chiefs, Week 8
By Joe Kipp
2. Rashan Gary breaks out in a big way
Rashan Gary hasn’t had much of an impact this season, but the rookie hasn’t had to. With the impressive play from fellow outside linebackers Za’Darius Smith and Preston Smith, Gary has almost exclusively been a sub-package pass rusher.
Drafted with the 12th overall selection in the 2019 draft, Gary has 10 total tackles, one sack and six quarterback pressures on 112 defensive snaps across seven games. Though he’s not made a huge impact so far, it’s clear defensive coordinator Mike Pettine is integrating Gary slowly into his defensive scheme.
The Chiefs will be without two of their starting offensive linemen — left tackle Eric Fisher and left guard Andrew Wylie — which means the Packers pass rush should have a field day against backup quarterback Matt Moore. The Packers defensive line has been one of the most productive units in the entire NFL over the first seven weeks, so it wouldn’t be surprising to see four or five sacks in this game.
Because of that, Green Bay should have a comfortable lead in this one, which could provide even more opportunities for Gary later in the game. Looking at the tape over the course of the season, Gary has slowly increased his snap counts. I see Gary recording his second sack of the season due to more opportunities.