Rashan Gary's decline in production is well-documented.
The Green Bay Packers pass-rusher is without a sack, QB hit, or tackle for loss since the team's victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 8. Franchise legend Mason Crosby even questioned Gary's effort.
To make a championship run, Green Bay needs far more from Gary in the playoffs, but help could be on the way. Rookie Barryn Sorrell earned extended playing time in the Packers' Week 18 game against the Minnesota Vikings, and his performance has understandably raised excitement levels.
Rookie Barryn Sorrell could make a significant impact for Packers in the playoffs
Sorrell, the Packers' fourth-round draft choice in April, played 126 snaps across the season's first 17 weeks. On Sunday, he logged a career-high 52 snaps, and the Texas product sure made it count.
The Packers have two major problems: stopping the run and rushing the passer.
Sorrell did both in Minnesota. According to Pro Football Focus, the rookie generated three pressures to go with his first full career sack, having made half a sack against the Detroit Lions in Week 1. He also impressed against the run. PFF credited him with a team-best five tackles and four stops against the Vikings' rushing attack. That works.
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And it's not like the Packers were playing a preseason game. Despite Green Bay resting many key starters for the postseason, Minnesota had its preferred starters out there for much of the contest. Sorrell's play stood out against a talented Minnesota offensive line.
Green Bay's defense needs a spark.
The Chicago Bears await in the playoffs on Saturday night, and it's no secret that Ben Johnson will plan to run the ball over and over until the Packers can stop it. After all, that was the Baltimore Ravens' approach in Week 17, and the Packers couldn't stop it, allowing 307 yards and four touchdowns on the ground.
Sorrell can help turn the tide in the Packers' favor, both against the run and as a complementary pass-rusher.
It will still take improved play from Gary. The Packers also need Lukas Van Ness, Kingsley Enagbare, and Brenton Cox Jr. (who impressed in this game with six pressures and a sack) to collectively hold their own against the Bears' elite offensive line.
Sorrell had to wait for his opportunity, but his performance in Week 18 comes at just the right time. Now, the Packers need to give him more snaps in the playoff opener.
And he just might become the game-changer they desperately need.