Packers: Power ranking NFC North defenses in 2019
3. Green Bay Packers
2018 stats
Total defense: 18th
Passing defense: 12th
Rushing defense: 22nd
Points per game: 22nd
Player to watch
Rising star Jaire Alexander will play a key role in the Green Bay Packers secondary this year. Selected to the PFWA All-Rookie Team last season, Alexander established himself as the Packers’ number one cornerback with 11 pass defenses and an interception.
Alexander could become the best cornerback in the division in the next couple of seasons. And he is key to the Packers’ success on defense this season.
Outlook
Based on last year, the Packers had by far the worst defense in the division. But I’m confident that the additions made in the offseason, along with the improvements we will see in Mike Pettine’s second year as defensive coordinator, will take this group to the next level.
GM Brian Gutekunst did a great job addressing the top needs on defense. He spent big in free agency to land edge rushers Za’Darius and Preston Smith, along with former Bears safety Adrian Amos. He then used two first-round picks at the same two positions, adding edge rusher Rashan Gary and safety Darnell Savage Jr.
Speaking to Chris Simms of NBC Sports, Aaron Rodgers said there was a “different feel” about the defense in Pettine’s second year.
And this defense has the potential to be very good in 2019.