Packers: Five things they need to fix during the bye week
By Jesse Fry
4. Generate pass rush
The Packers do not have a pass-rushing threat other teams fear. Clay Matthews is not that guy anymore and Nick Perry has yet to follow-up on his 2016 season.
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Preseason sensation Reggie Gilbert has not had the same impact playing against other team’s starters, and Kyler Fackrell had three sacks in one game but has done little to nothing in the other five.
The Packers may have to live and die by the blitz. When Mike Pettine has used his blitzes they have been effective. Part of this is because of the timing of which he uses them. Blitzing too often will lessen the effectiveness, but what other choice do they have?
The Packers can’t get home with just a four-man rush.
Pettine has used this strategy before with success. While with the Jets, the team did not have one legitimate threat. Instead they relied on a blitz scheme to get pressure. Yes, the team had Calvin Pace and Jason Taylor, but those guys were past their prime and needed help of the scheme.
The Packers do have quality players at the cornerback position. Kevin King looked better in his second game back and Jaire Alexander should be back after the bye.
Bashaud Breeland and Tramon Williams can help stabilize the secondary with their veteran presence. Solid play from this group should give the defense more time to get pressure.