Packers: 5 takeaways from the loss to Chiefs in Week 9

Krys Barnes sighting

After an off-season where Krys Barnes was hyped up as a potential long-term solution at middle linebacker, the UCLA product has largely fallen flat of those expectations in 2021.

This past Sunday however, things were different. Barnes turned in arguably the best game of his young career. Barnes was physical in the run game, and played aggressive, instinctual football, creating multiple huge stops (four) for the Packers. His presence was felt the entire game.

Barnes has a lot to clean up in terms of pass coverage, already having allowed 17 catches on just 19 targets this season – but his run defense has shown signs of growth.

This Packers defense wouldn’t be what it is today without the improved inside linebacker play, that I can assure you. Hopefully GM Brian Gutekunst has taken note of how important that position is in today’s NFL.

Darnell Savage played up to his draft pedigree

Darnell Savage has been good, not great all season on the Packers’ back-end of the defense. There’s no doubt the Packers’ brass had higher hopes for the Maryland product when they selected him 21st overall in 2019.

Against Kansas City, Savage played like a star. Savage has been known for playing the game 100 MPH at all times, which can often cause stupid mistakes. It would appear the game is beginning to slow down for Savage in year three, because on Sunday he was flying around the field with purpose and conviction.

Savage was targeted four times on Sunday and allowed just one catch for minus-two yards and two pass deflections. Just a terrific performance from the Packers safety, no two ways around it.

Here’s to hoping we see more of this player moving forward, because seeing him become a consistent play-maker would take this defense to another level.