Green Bay Packers

Can the Packers Go Back To Living On the Edge?

Photo Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

If you’re an Aerosmith fan, you’re likely familiar with their hit “Livin’ On The Edge.” The song explores a chaotic world where people stay locked in their routines despite the turmoil, avoiding the chance to drive meaningful change.

“Livin’ On The Edge” was inspired by the 1992 Los Angeles riots and addresses real-world issues like racism and police brutality. The song confronts the harsh realities of society but carries a message of cautious optimism. It suggests that while the world is flawed, hope for change is essential.

However, the Packers are unwilling to live life on the edge. Among edge rushers with at least 70 pass-rush snaps, Preston Smith is PFF’s highest-ranked Green Bay edge defender in pass-rush win rate, sitting at 51st. Rashan Gary follows him at 56th, Lukas Van Ness at 69th, and J.J. Enagbare is tied for 70th.

Smith leads Green Bay’s edge rushers with eight pressures. For context, Aidan Hutchinson recorded 15 pressures against the Seattle Seahawks, more than Smith and Rashan Gary combined all year.

Green Bay’s edge rushers have combined for just 17 total pressures on true pass sets. For perspective, five NFL players have at least 17 pressures this season. Gary, Smith, and Van Ness account for only 13 pressures combined on true pass sets, while at least 16 edge rushers have individually reached or surpassed that mark.

So far in 2024, Gary has gone three games without a single pressure, ending a 54-game streak where he recorded at least one in every game. Teams are chipping him more than ever. He was tied for fifth in the league for three weeks with Maxx Crosby for the most-chipped edge rushers. Against the Los Angeles Rams, he posted a 25% pass-rush win rate but still recorded no pressures. While he needs to improve his production, opposing offenses feel his presence.

In Green Bay’s game plans against Jalen Hurts and Anthony Richardson, they sacrificed the pass rush because the edge rushers’ primary responsibility was to set the edge and contain rushing lanes. However, they have struggled against both mobile and non-mobile passers alike. While Green Bay pressured Matthew Stafford 19 times in Week 5, the edge rushers managed only three pressures against him on Sunday. Similarly, they had just three pressures against Sam Darnold the week before.

The lack of production also speaks to the high level of competition the Packers have faced this year. The Philadelphia Eagles’ starting tackles are ranked in the top four for pass-blocking grades, with Lane Johnson as the only offensive tackle with at least 70 pass-blocking snaps to allow zero pressures. PFF also ranks Bernhard Raimann in the top 10 for pass-blocking, and Brian O’Neill is a top 10 tackle in pass-blocking efficiency among those with at least 100 pass-blocking snaps.

While the edge rushers had their best performance of the season against the Tennessee Titans, recording 11 pressures on Will Levis, it’s important to note that they won’t face Nicholas Petit-Frere every week.

Just as “Livin’ On The Edge” talks about the importance of holding on to hope for future change, Packers fans should remain optimistic that Gary, Smith, and the rest of the unit can turn things around. Last year, Gary posted a 17.2% pass-rush win rate, while Smith is coming off an eight-sack season. Most people anticipated an adjustment period with the unit five games into a season with a new defensive scheme and coordinator. That doesn’t mean they can’t return to form.

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