The Packers secondary for many years had been a problem area for the team. However, the Packers finished 10th last season in passing yards per game. 2020 will be third year under defensive coordinator Mike Pettine for the secondary. However, it will only be the second year for Darnell Savage, Adrian Amos, and Chandon Sullivan. All three of those guys will play a major role in the secondary, and being more familiar with the system will definitely help. In 2020, the Packers already good secondary can take the jump and be the best in the entire NFL.
Smash and Savage
In 2019, the Packers completely changed their play at safety. They added Adrian Amos through free agency and Darnell Savage through the draft. Both guys proved to be immediate impacts. In week one, Amos came away with an interception in the end zone to win the game against Chicago. The very next week, Savage deflected a pass in the middle of the field that was intercepted by Preston Smith. Amos and Savage were both able to come in and make game changing plays. Their combined stats were as follows:
- Four Interceptions
- 13 Passes Defended
- 139 Tackles
- Five Tackles for a Loss
- Two Forced Fumbles
In 2020, they will enter their second season as a duo and will look to be even more dominant. Amos had an 85.5 rating allowed when targeted and Savage had a 71.1. Both guys are great in coverage and make sure the Packers don’t get the top taken off the secondary. Savage, in his second year, paired with a dynamic veteran like Amos, is lethal in the secondary.
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Jaire Alexander might be the most exciting player to watch on the Packers. In only his second year, he has become one of the top corners in the league. Alexander plays with a level of confidence and energy that make him “must see television” on Sundays. Additionally, his numbers speak for themselves:
- Two Interceptions
- One Forced Fumble
- 53.6 Completion Percentage
- 85.8 Rating Allowed
- 58 Tackles
- 17 Passes Defended
It’s also important to mention he did all of that while covering every teams’ number one wide receiver. Jaire Alexander is just now going into his third year and has all pro potential. With him leading an already plenty talented secondary, the Packers pass defense will be tough to match.
King and Sullivan
This is perhaps the deciding factor on how good the Packers secondary can be. Kevin King has had an up and down career plagued by injury. However, in 2019 King finally broke out and started in 14 games. These were his stats:
- Five Interceptions
- 15 Passes Defended
- 58.8 Completion Percentage
- 84.6 Rating Allowed
King plays a big role opposite Jaire Alexander. Kevin King is going into his final year of his rookie deal with the Packers. Needless to say, he will have chip on his shoulder. This should drive him to continue his brilliant play on the field. On the other hand, Chandon Sullivan might have even more to prove.
Sullivan only played 24 percent of snaps last season, but his role looks to be increased in 2020. Even though he saw the field less than other corners, he was able to put up some great numbers:
- One Interception
- 35.5 Completion Percentage
- 34.3 Rating Allowed
The Packers didn’t bring back Tramon Williams, so Chandon Sullivan should see the field more in 2020. If Sullivan can take the leap and continue excellent play, and King can stay healthy, the Packers secondary should be tough.
Overall
The Packers are loaded with potential, talent, and confidence in the secondary. Overall, there should be no reason why they can’t be the best secondary in football. Two elite cover corners, two game changing safeties, and loads of young role players. When you pair the depth and talent on the back end with an elite pass rush, the Packers will be great against the pass.
As Always
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