Green Bay Packers: 5 Early signs they’re Super Bowl contenders
By Joe Kipp
4. The Green Bay Packers pass-rush is lethal
The Packers’ run defense may be the defense’s kryptonite, but the pass-rush is another story. Because Green Bay’s offense has put up so many points over the first two weeks, the defense has had the pleasure of playing with a lead for the entire second half of each game. This means the defensive line has been able to pin their ears back and rush the quarterback without hesitation.
Green Bay had a dynamic duo last year in the Smith Bros, Preston and Za’Darius, who combined for 25.5 sacks. This season, a new face has emerged: Rashan Gary. In fact, it’s not far fetched to say that Gary has been the most impressive of the three through two games.
Gary, one of the Packers’ first-round picks in 2019, totaled just two sacks last season. Through two weeks in 2020, Gary has 1.5 sacks to his name and seven quarterback pressures (courtesy of PFF, subscription required). He looks faster, more explosive and has all the tools to be one of the NFL’s best at pressuring opposing quarterbacks.
The Smiths haven’t made a huge impact this season yet, but that’s not to say they aren’t affecting the game, either. Za’Darius has two sacks to his name, while Preston has a half-sack. Regardless, Green Bay has three pass-rushers capable of swinging the momentum at a moment’s notice.