Does something” loom” over this defense when it comes to getting the big stop?
After Jordan Love hit Malik Heath with 1:46 left to play to possibly take the lead in Monday Night’s Game against the Giants, only to have that pass end up incomplete, you still knew the Packers could score.
And then they did. Love hit Heath again for the touchdown. You knew it could happen. It is the Packers offense. They have always had that. It is that unspoken thing. It is part of the culture.
But the defense couldn’t keep the Giants from scoring. The Pack lost (24-22).
Former defensive star Mike Daniels expressed what he thought on X.
Packers fans. No matter the coordinator, no matter the personnel, we seem to not be able to be elite on defense? I played alongside legit HOF players, several all-pros and pro bowlers. Yet mid to bottom ranks. Years later, I see the same thing even with a culture change.
Why?
— Mike Daniels (@Mike_Daniels76) December 12, 2023
If the franchise has been so good, arguably, for so long at developing quarterbacks, where is that expertise on the defensive side of the ball?
Gpg Packers Daniels Reads
Mike Daniels (#76) Bio
Daniels was no joke during his Pro-Bowl 2017 season. Daniels was a powerhouse. In his seven seasons (2012-2018) donning the green and gold, Daniels racked up impressive stats—393 tackles, 29 sacks, and a whopping 74 quarterback hits. Standing at 6’0″ but playing like a giant, he was a relentless force on the line. Beyond the numbers, Daniels brought infectious energy and a never-quit attitude to Lambeau Field. A Pro Bowler in 2017, his impact extended beyond the gridiron, making him a fan favorite. Whether disrupting offenses or engaging with fans, Mike Daniels left an indelible mark on Packers history.
Known for incorporating yoga in his practice, Daniels could play.
What can you say about the history of the Packers D?
We once had the “Dome Patrol” of the ’60s that boasted stars like Ray Nitschke and Willie Davis, creating a hard-hitting and dominant force that helped secure multiple championships.
The 2010 Packers showcased an impressive defense during their Super Bowl-winning season. Charles Woodson and Clay Matthews led a unit that had a knack for creating turnovers and making crucial stops when it mattered most. The culture of that team reflected the resilience and tenacity that has become synonymous with the Green Bay Packers.
However, when discussing the greatest Packer defense of all time, the 1996 squad stands out. Coached by Fritz Shurmur, this defense, affectionately known as the “Reggie White-led Defense,” featured Hall of Famers Reggie White and LeRoy Butler. This unit allowed the fewest points in the league and played a pivotal role in the Packers’ Super Bowl XXXI victory. The combination of a fierce pass rush and a stout secondary made them a force to be reckoned with, solidifying their place in history as one of the best.
The culture surrounding the Packers’ defensive teams has always been about hard work, dedication, and a commitment to excellence. No one debates that.
What certainly is debatable is if that culture is still present. Daniels does not think so.
The lingering question remains: is all of this even “bigger” than Joe Barry?
In the short-term fans want a playoff berth. But in the long-term what can the franchise do to change what Daniels is tweeting about?
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