Green Bay Packers: Grading the secondary

Davon House has had potential, and has been able to translate that talent on the field when he’s healthy.

Raymond T. Rivard photograph

• Post-season Overall Grade: B+

Overall, the Green Bay Packers improved immensely in the secondary; much more than I anticipated being possible with just the addition of one guy … and the addition by subtraction of two others.

Second- and third-year players stepped up and made the leap from young to experienced. Continuity from the cornerback position and overall health of the players helped so much.

After not registering an interception from the safeties in all of 2013, between the two of them, Morgan Burnett and Clinton-Dix accounted for three  in the NFC Championship Game alone.

Though other factors kept the Packers from representing the NFC in the Super Bowl, it was the improved play of the pass defense that helped elevate them to that level.

With a year of experience under the belt of Clinton-Dix, Morgan Burnett playing extremely well, Hayward and Hyde healthy and happy in their flex roles – and Shields under contract for years to come – the only question mark heading into this offseason is surrounding veteran corner Tramon Williams and 25-year-old CB Davon House.

Williams has played eight seasons with the Packers, won a Super Bowl … but has been inconsistent at times. The Packers may have to let him walk in order to re-sign Randall Cobb and Bryan Bulaga, offering a cost-effective deal to Davon House, who has tremendous upside. He’s young, physical and experienced in the defense – but has frequent health issues.

No matter what happens, I have much more faith that a capable replacement can be found from within or through the draft, especially after seeing the transformation from ’13 to now.

Wondering about career statistics for each of these players …?

Next: Packers defensive backs season statistics