The Green Bay Packers are truly one of the biggest questions in the NFL this season. Perhaps that is why they were given five Prime Time games despite Aaron Rodgers being traded to the New York Jets this offseason. Most of the uncertainties surround the team is on the offensive side of the ball. After all, they do not have a wide receiver or tight end (aside from Josiah Deguara and Tyler Davis) with more than one year of NFL experience. Additionally, Jordan Love is still an enigma until we see him play regular snaps and see what he can do on a week to week basis.
For these reasons, one NFL analyst stopped short of saying Green Bay had the best roster in the division. Gilberto Manzano of Sports Illustrated ranked the Packers’ roster second in the NFC North behind the Detroit Lions. However, he did note that the defense is the reason Green Bay could compete for the NFC North crown this year.
Can the Green Bay Packers Defense Win Them the NFC North?
Of the Packers’ defense, Manzano wrote:
“Green Bay passed on an offensive tackle in the first round for versatile defensive lineman Lukas Van Ness, who flashed elite athleticism during his time at Iowa. If the 6’5”, 272-pound Van Ness quickly finds his footing, the Packers might have the best group of pass rushers in the division with Preston Smith and Rashan Gary. Also, Jaire Alexander remains the best cornerback in the NFC North after another Pro Bowl season.
“Love’s a mystery, and the offense lost plenty of veteran leaders, but this defense might be on the verge of a bounce-back season, making the Packers legit contenders for the division.”
This would certainly be a welcomed progress as the Packers defense has been struggling to reach its full potential under defensive coordinator Joe Barry. Indeed, the edge rushers can be dominant if Gary is healthy and Van Ness is as good as advertised. However, there are still major questions regarding the safety position and the run defense, especially up on the defensive line.
The potential is certainly there for the defense to be better in 2023. When everyone is healthy, it is a unit that boasts eight first round picks. The issue has not been the talent, but rather the coaching. If this defense is going to be any good in 2023, Barry needs to move away from the constant soft zone and questionable matchups (dropping Preston Smith back in coverage) that have frustrated fans for two seasons.
The fact of the matter is that if he can’t, he will likely be fired after the season. Let’s hope Manzano is right about the defense; it would mean Barry finally figured it out.
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