Going into the 2023 NFL season, one of the biggest weaknesses on the Green Bay Packers roster was at the safety position. Darnell Savage was entering the fifth-year option of his rookie contract after two [frankly] terrible years. Adrian Amos, who had a down year in 2022, left via free agency, not that the Packers made any real strong attempts to retain him. Rudy Ford, who had some bright moments with the team in 2022, was brought back, but was not considered by many to be an ideal starter.
Green Bay also went into 2023 with safety Dallin Leavitt on the roster, but he was never considered to be even close to playable at the position.
Due to the concerns surrounding the safety position, the Packers signed Tarvarius Moore and Jonathan Owens in free agency. Additionally, they drafted Anthony Johnson Jr. on the seventh round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
What started as a major concern on the Packers roster turned into one of its greatest strengths. Savage and Ford have played extremely well when healthy. Moore was cut before season started and Leavitt was cut after the win over the Los Angeles Chargers. However, Both Johnson and Owens have played well when injuries have thrust them into the starting lineup. Owens, especially, has been a standout player in recent weeks.
The Green Bay Packers Face a Good Problem as Week 13 Approaches
Over the past few games, Owens and Johnson have been the Packers’ starting safeties due to injuries to Savage and Ford. To be more specific, Owens has started all five of the previous games while Johnson has started three of the last four. Green Bay is 3-0 when they start together.
Obviously, the Packers have one of their most challenging and most important games coming up this weekend as the Kansas City Chiefs travel to Lambeau Field. Of course, their biggest challenge will be figuring out a way to stop their high-powered offense led by Patrick Mahomes.
As was the case last week, the Packers have more than a few players on their injury report. Aaron Jones has already been ruled out and Eric Stokes is listed as doubtful. Savage, who has been designated to return from injured reserve, is listed as questionable, as is Ford who is recovering from a biceps injury.
Typically, when starters get healthy, it is an easy decision to insert them back into the lineup. However, Owens especially has made this decision much more difficult.
In their most recent win over the Detroit Lions on Thanksgiving, Owens had a team-high 12 tackles. He also recovered a fumble and scored the first touchdown in his career. According to PFF, Owens also made five tackles that resulted in no-gain on run defense.
What Will the Green Bay Packers Do if Both Darnell Savage and Rudy Ford Are Able to Play?
As stated earlier, both Savage and Ford have been playing extremely well when they are healthy. The fact of the matter is that there is a reason that they were starting over Owens in the first place.
Ford is listed as the Packers’ second-highest graded defender overall on PFF, and Savage is the team’s sixth-highest graded run defender. Johnson and Owens are two of the three lowest-graded defenders.
The fact of the matter, though, is that that the Packers have two safeties that excel in pass defense. Both Ford and Johnson are allowing completion percentages of less than 60% while holding opposing quarterbacks to ratings of 54.4 and 62.2 respectively.
Savage and Owens, meanwhile, are allowing completion percentages over 70% and quarterback ratings over 100.0. However, both these safeties are excellent run defenders.
The answer, then, is that Ford and Savage will likely return to their starting roles if they are both healthy; however, Owens and Johnson have proven their value in various facets on the defense and still should see the field often.
As the Green Bay Packers navigate their roster dynamics, particularly in the safety position, Jonathan Owens emerges as a key player making the decision-making process challenging but exciting. For more insights and the latest developments on the Packers, including their strategies and player performances, head over to our Packers News section for comprehensive coverage.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What position does Jonathan Owens play on the Packers?
Jonathan Owens plays as a safety for the Green Bay Packers. Known for his defensive skills, Owens contributes to the team's secondary line-up, bringing agility and tactical awareness to the field. His role as a safety is crucial in preventing opposition's pass and run plays.
What is Jonathan Owens occupation?
Jonathan Owens is a professional football player who currently plays as a strong safety for the Houston Texans in the National Football League (NFL).
