The Green Bay Packers’ defense dominated the Tennessee Titans, sacking Will Levis eight times and forcing three turnovers. Jaire Alexander contributed with a pick-six, while J.J. Enagbare added a strip sack. Xavier McKinney notched his third interception in his third game since the Packers signed him.
However, Green Bay still struggles to defend the middle of the field, a persistent issue of late. According to PFF, in the games that the Packers lost last year, opposing quarterbacks averaged an 85% completion rate and a 105.9 passer rating on throws between 0 to 10 yards when targeting the middle of the field.
The Packers have had a slow start in defending the middle of the field in 2024. In Week 1, Jalen Hurts completed all eight passes in that area for 93 yards and a 115.1 passer rating. Anthony Richardson followed with six of seven completions for 55 yards and a 99.4 passer rating. In Week 3, Will Levis had an 85% completion percentage with 36 yards, one touchdown, and a 127.7 passer rating.
Linebacker play has been a concern for the Packers in the past two seasons. After an All-Pro season in 2021, De’Vondre Campbell didn’t meet expectations in 2022 and 2023. Quay Walker also hasn’t paid off Green Bay’s first-round investment.
While Isaiah McDuffie and Eric Wilson have contributed, it’s debatable if they are starting-caliber linebackers. Edgerrin Cooper has played 36 snaps in the first three weeks, and the Packers should expect more from him moving forward.
In 2024, the second level of Green Bay’s defense remains its Achilles heel. The Packers have a solid pass-rush rotation. Alexander and McKinney are Pro Bowl talent in the secondary. However, there isn’t a standout player in the linebacker room who inspires confidence.
The Packers have played a significant amount of base defense this month, frequently using a three-linebacker package. Opponents are aware of this vulnerability and plan to exploit it. When Jeff Hafley joined Green Bay, he primarily discussed the 4-2-5 defense, which better suits Green Bay’s personnel.
Green Bay’s base defense should stop the run, but it has allowed over 100 rushing yards per game in the first three weeks. The Packers have struggled to stop the run consistently and have been punished in base defense through the air.
Entering Week 3, Walker had the worst PFF tackling and coverage grades of his career. He has a missed tackle rate of 18.2%, ranking among the bottom-10 linebackers with at least 100 snaps. McDuffie recorded a 51.4 coverage grade and a 51.9 tackling grade.
Green Bay doesn’t necessarily need two linebackers in a 4-2-5 setup, especially in long down-and-distance situations. They could use Javon Bullard or Evan Williams at the second level, with the other remaining in the back end alongside McKinney. While this might not eliminate all issues, it would provide the Packers more versatility in coverage and run support.
Schematically, Green Bay’s defensive weakness is fixable. While the Packers’ linebacker play must improve, Hafley has the flexibility to move his rookie safeties to the second level. Bullard has played 29 snaps in the box. However, I’d be more conservative with Williams, who has only played 1.6% of his defensive snaps in the box.
Green Bay’s defense has forced nine turnovers so far this season. If they can address their issues defending between the numbers, they have the potential to finish 2024 as a top-five defensive unit in multiple categories.
