The Packers’ pass rush must improve

The Green Bay Packers’ pass rush was a problem in 2022. While the overall scheme of Joe Barry’s defense was inexcusable last season, the second-year Packers defensive coordinator had a point about the pass rush affecting the secondaries’ ability to defend the pass. One stat shows how bad the Packers’ pass rush has been during the whole of general manager Brian Gutekunst’s tenure.

The Packers’ pass rush was bad this season. It didn’t help that the Packers’ best pass rusher, Rashan Gary, was placed on injured reserve in the middle of the season. However, there were cracks in that foundation before his injury. Preston Smith stepped it up following Gary’s departure, but the pass rush was a glaring hole. According to Pro Football Focus, the Packers finished 15th in pass rushing for the 2022 season.

The pass rush in recent history

The Packers’ pass rush wasn’t abysmal by PFF metrics, but another stat shows just how problematic they’ve been in recent history. Gutekunst was promoted to the Packers general manager position in 2018. Since then, the pass rush has been problematic. According to Matt Schneidman of The Athletic, the Packers’ EPA per snap in pass rushing since 2018 has been the worst in the NFL.

Since Brian Gutekunst took over as Packers general manager ahead of the 2018 season, here are the teams that rank below Green Bay in defensive rush EPA per snap (TruMedia):

— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) February 4, 2023

Gutekunst has to address the Packers’ pass rush

The Packers need to address the pass rush this offseason. They’re required in order for their elite secondary to have a chance at more turnovers. Eight of the ten teams with the best pass rush in the 2022 regular season, according to PFF, made it to the playoffs. The Packers probably don’t have the money to sign a top pass rusher this offseason. While taking a wide receiver in the first round is tempting, the Packers must consider fixing the pass rush in the draft this offseason.