Packers: PFF ranks run defense in bottom half of NFL for 2019

Will the Green Bay Packers’ run defense be improved in 2019?

Ahead of the 2019 season — which begins in just 50 days — Pro Football Focus have ranked every run defense in the NFL. Despite their work this offseason, the Green Bay Packers haven’t received a great ranking, coming in at No. 18.

If the Packers go on to finish in this position in run defense this year, it’ll be a slight improvement on the 2018 season, when they ranked 22nd in this category. Green Bay allowed 119.9 rushing yards per game.

PFF has all three of the Packers’ NFC North rivals ranked higher in run defense for 2019, with the Chicago Bears leading the league.

But there is some room for optimism about the Packers’ front seven this season. With a healthy Kenny Clark and Mike Daniels, Green Bay has an excellent starting duo along the defensive line. And the addition of Za’Darius Smith and Preston Smith should also help the run defense.

According to Pro Football Focus, Za’Darius Smith only missed one tackle against the run last season.

But there is room for improvement from last season, and there are also questions facing the run defense in 2019.

After missing eight games since the start of 2017, can Daniels stay healthy? Do the Packers have enough depth along the defensive line with rookie Kingsley Keke, Dean Lowry, Montravius Adams and Tyler Lancaster? Can starting linebacker Blake Martinez continue to improve against the run?

In a division featuring talented running backs like Dalvin Cook, Kerryon Johnson and rookie David Montgomery, there should be an emphasis placed on stopping the run. It’s an area the Packers could be much improved this year, but just how successful will they be stopping opposing rushing attacks?

Do you agree with Pro Football Focus’ ranking, or will Green Bay’s run defense be closer to the top 10 this season?