Packers: Defense will be the key to a 2019 playoff return

If the Green Bay Packers want a quick turnaround back in to the playoffs, the defense and coordinator Mike Pettine will be the key.

Matt LaFleur was hired as the head coach for his offensive prowess and with the idea he is the man that can turn-around Aaron Rodgers. But it might be his decision to bring back Mike Pettine that could be the reason the Green Bay Packers return to the postseason.

On paper, Pettine’s impact for the team was modest. A small bump up in the rankings was all that Pettine provided. But, anyone watching the games this past season knows this defense was much improved and the reason the Packers were able to stay in games despite the offense struggling to find a rhythm.

The defense faced as much adversity as any unit on the team. A constant flow of injuries at every level of the defense had Pettine digging deep into his bench. But each and every week the defense was ready and produced.

Coach Pettine is predicting a “big jump” in year two for his defense. They are no longer at ground zero, have a year under their belt and know what to expect with their coach.

That continuity will be especially key early in the season. While the plan is for the offense to hit the ground running, that usually isn’t the case when starting a new offense. The offense will have some kinks to work out and will need time to gel. It’s possible the offense could get off to a slow start and need the defense to be the foundation of the team in the early going.

Even if the offense can get going right out the gates, the team will have some tough games on the schedule and will need the defense to step up. With the AFC West and NFC East on the schedule, the Packers are going to face some very tough offenses.

As with the rest of the team, the defense is going to face a lot of turnover. Longtime bookend Clay Matthews is a free agent and not known if he’ll be back. Nick Perry is a prime cut-candidate and the Packers still have a large hole at safety.

The offseason will bring in a few new free agents and the draft will restock the roster with young talent. It’s likely the Packers will be adding a top-end talent with at least one of their two first-round picks.

A few well-placed additions, say a free agent safety and edge rusher, coupled with the draft would be a great start for the Packers defense. Also, being able to keep players like Kevin King and Mike Daniels healthy will go a long way to turning the defense from middle-of-the-pack to a top-10 unit.

Even if the offense rebounds and Aaron Rodgers returns to MVP-level play, Mike Pettine and his defense will be the difference between playing in January and sitting out yet again.