Five Packers to Watch Week 9 Versus Patriots

Five Packers to Watch Versus the Patriots: No. 1 – Tramon Williams

The trade of Haha Clinton-Dix was a bit of a surprise to some.  But the need for someone to step up at free safety was not.  According to Rob Demovsky of ESPN, Tramon Williams will get the first crack at replacing Clinton-Dix.

I feel Williams is the best choice for this game.  It will take more than a week to see if trading away a pro bowl player was the right move but, with facing Brady, having a veteran presence in the back end of the secondary is the right call.

William’s veteran savvy and overall knowledge of the defense should help the Packers when facing one of the smartest to play the game in Tom Brady.  While the Packers will be losing some size in the run game, Clinton-Dix’s tackling has left a lot to be desired as it is and better help in coverage will go a long way.

If Williams can play assignment sure, the drop-off from Clinton-Dix to Williams should be negligible if not an improvement.

This will also allow Jaire Alexander and Kevin King to stay as the primary corners and finally give playing time to in-season pick-up Bashaud Breeland.

It will be a surprise to no one at this juncture of the season if Mike Pettine decides to play match-ups on a play by play basis as well.  But, based off the way and where Williams played last weekend, Williams should see the majority of the plays at free safety.