Packers add a veteran presence on the interior of the defensive line

The Packers finally add Damon Harrison after several attempts.

It’s no secret that the Green Bay Packers have a real weakness on the defensive side of the ball. Their run defense, while playing better as of late, still can be one of the worst in the league at times.

This has been the case for several years but since Mike Pettine took over in 2018, the rush defense has taken a turn for the worse. Damon “Snacks” Harrison will be looking to change that. The Packers have been connected to Harrison for quite a while. The team tried signing him in the offseason where he declined to come to Green Bay, and then again during the season.

It came down to the Seattle Seahawks and the Packers and Harrison chose the former. Snacks only played in six games for Seattle before the team waived him earlier this week. Harrison may not be the player he once was but he can certainly add some depth to the interior of this Green Bay defensive line.

At one point in his career, Snacks was a very feared defensive tackle, who was capable of getting to the QB often, and with ease. Harrison is no longer someone who racks up sacks. In fact, in his six games played in 2020, he has yet to register one so far.

In 2020, Harrison is a veteran in his ninth year. He may not be as quick, explosive, or powerful as before but he can certainly still provide an impact on a rush defense that’s desperate for something. It’s not even about what Snacks’ production will look like, but more about what will he open up for others.

Kenny Clark has been the guy that just eats up blocks on a play to play basis. If you’re just looking at his box-score, you may think that Clark doesn’t contribute much. However, given the role that Clark has on the team, it can be hard for him to accumulate more numbers.

Harrison is someone who can take some pressure off of Clark on the inside. Opposing teams know that Clark is the only real threat that Green Bay has to offer on the interior, having Snacks now gives them something else to worry about.

It’s probably unlikely that Harrison suits up against the Bears on Sunday but he should be a force in the playoffs. Fans have been clamoring for inside presence forever and it’s good to see the front office be aggressive in this situation. The Packers have a real chance at a Super Bowl and a move like this is exactly what a Super Bowl contender makes.