Green Bay Packers: Midseason report card grades for each position
By Joe Kipp
Outside Linebackers/Edge Defenders: A-
It’s hard to think of a positional group on the entire roster that’s performed as well as the outside linebackers. The duo of Preston Smith and Za’Darius Smith has already racked up 15 combined sacks and 72 quarterback pressures through the first eight games, and are arguably the best edge-rushing duo in the entire league.
Za’Darius, who was voted a team captain before the start of the season, has been a huge part in the defense’s impressive turnaround from last season. Perhaps the most impressive part about his game is the fact that he can line up in multiple different positions. Defensive coordinator Mike Pettine often places him along the interior of the defensive line on third down as an interior pass rusher.
Meanwhile, Preston has been a complete all-around outside linebacker. He’s been used to rush the passer, stop the run and even cover tight ends/running backs. His ability to set the edge in the run game has been extremely apparent, and his frequency in finding a path to the quarterback is extremely consistent.
Backups Kyler Fackrell and Rashan Gary haven’t been world-beating, but serviceable may be a suitable word. Fackrell has served as a special teams cog, while Gary is slowly coming along as a rookie. Gary has shown signs of promise but has been disappointing at other times. Overall, this group gets an A- with the potential to go even higher by season’s end.