Packers: Five players key to victory in Week 17 vs. Bears

1. Darnell Savage

It was the game against Chicago in Week 12 when Darnell Savage started his current hot streak of play.

Savage is playing faster and more confident, leading to big plays over the last four weeks and is becoming the difference-maker the Packers hoped they were getting when they traded up in the first round to take him in last year’s draft.

Last week against Tennessee, Savage picked off one pass and had he held on to another, would’ve had an easy pick-six.

Despite his solid play lately, Trubisky is still prone to mistakes and Savage could be the beneficiary again.

Mike Pettine has started to use his safeties in expanded roles and the defense is better because of it.

Not only has Savage patrolled the deep ends, he has been used effectively on blitzes and has the speed to stay back to keep it disguised and still get home.

I feel Savage is on the verge of becoming a complete Pro Bowl-level player.

Honors seem to be a year behind the players’ emergence. A strong finish to this season and into the playoffs will put him on the radar of teams and players alike and give him a fast start heading into next year.

Before we get there though, Savage has to continue to build off his recent stellar play and help the Packers get where they want to go.