Packers 2022 roster preview: Can Darnell Savage have breakout year?

Darnell Savage has been a starter in the Green Bay Packers‘ defense since his rookie season in 2019.

While Savage has made some huge plays in that time and has been a quality starting safety for the Packers, he has not had the breakout season many expected.

Green Bay picked up Savage’s fifth-year option this offseason, a huge sign of the team’s confidence in him. Will this be his breakout year?

2021 stats

Savage started every game for the Packers in 2021, finishing the season with 63 tackles, nine pass defenses, and two interceptions.

2021 season review

While Savage still made some big plays and didn’t have a bad season, he did take a step back in 2021.

One area of concern was Savage’s coverage.

According to Pro Football Reference, Savage allowed career-worsts in completions (37), completion percentage (64.9%), passer rating (117.4), and touchdowns (eight).

He allowed twice as many touchdowns than in his first two seasons combined.

Despite that, Savage still broke up nine passes and made two interceptions.

Will he make the roster?

Yes. Savage will again be an important starter in the secondary next to Adrian Amos.

What to expect in 2022

The hope is that Savage can get back to his best this season. Entering year two in Joe Barry’s scheme should help.

You only have to rewind to the second half of the 2020 season to see how good Savage can be. In the final six games that season, Savage made seven pass defenses and four interceptions. Quarterbacks had very little success throwing his way.

The Packers clearly have confidence that he can recapture his best form — their decision to exercise his fifth-year option highlights this.

The sky is the limit for Savage, who is still only 24 years old. He has looked like a Pro Bowler at times in his career. It’s about rediscovering that level of play and being more consistent.

If he can get there, Savage could have a breakout season in 2022.