Packers: Position report card grades in Week 10 win vs. Jaguars

Inside linebackers: C

There were some encouraging signs at the inside linebacker position. Christian Kirksey’s return helped. He led the team with seven tackles. Rookie Kamal Martin also continues to show his potential.

Oren Burks struggled on the limited defensive snaps he played. It’s clear the top three moving forward is Kirksey, Martin, and Krys Barnes.

Edge rushers: B+

The pass rush came to life when the Packers needed to close out the game. According to Pro Football Focus, Za’Darius Smith had five pressures and a season-best six stops. Rashan Gary had a strong game and got a sack late in the fourth quarter. Preston Smith also made a sack.

After a slow start, the Packers’ pass rush took over the game late on and gave rookie quarterback Jake Luton all sorts of problems. When Mike Pettine put the Smith Bros., Gary, and Kenny Clark on the field together in obvious passing situations, the Jaguars could do little to stop them.

Secondary: C

The Jaguars only had 169 yards passing with one touchdown, but a lot of that came down to the inaccuracy of Luton rather than great play from the Packers’ defensive backs.

Chandon Sullivan didn’t have his best game and while Darnell Savage did have two pass defenses, he was fortunate on one as the wind held up the ball enough for him to make up the ground and get to the ball. If not for the conditions, it could’ve been a big Jaguars touchdown.

Overall, the secondary played OK, but they clearly missed Jaire Alexander. That was notable on a couple of the Jaguars’ successful screen passes he’s so good at shutting down.