The Green Bay Packers biggest question for the 2023 season has been on the offensive side of the ball. With Jordan Love being the new starting quarterback, there is questions to whether or not he can connect with his wide receivers. However, the defensive side of the ball is not as concerning with the leadership coming from the defensive line or secondary according to head coach Matt Lafleur.
Green Bay Packers Head Coach Calls Out Top Leader on Defense
Zach Jacobson was the first to report on the positive comments from the Green Bay Packers head coach:
Matt LaFleur calls Rashan Gary one of the Packers’ “lead dogs.” He says that he’s going to open the regular season on a pitch count and that the team is going to be smart with his usage early on.
— zach jacobson (@itszacharyj) August 30, 2023
Rashan Gary‘s Packer Statistics
Gary has been a true force on the defense or in the outside linebacker position. In 2021, Rashan Gary had 27 total tackles with 9.5 sacks. Last season, Gary played in nine games with 21 solo tackles and 11 assisted tackles as a starter on defense.
Of course, the Green Bay Packers have De’Vondre Campbell, Preston Smith, and Quay Walker alongside one of the top pass rushers. Rashan Gary is seen as the “lead dog” among the rest of the defensive line and linebackers coming into the 2023 season.
The outside linebacker has come back to redeem himself after suffering a torn ACL in Week 9 of last season against the Detroit Lions. During his career thus far Rashan Gary has played in 56 games. He has recorded 80 tackles, 135 tackles combined, and 22 sacks. Gary looks to be a lot faster and stronger after returning from his most recent injury, but will be limited in usage to start 2023.
Packers Defense In 2023
Green Bay will have the youngest team in the league this season. Though, they are returning some players from the previous year. The defense is said to be there strong point going into 2023. This is the youngest group of guys that head coach Matt Lafleur has had in his tenure so far with the Green Bay Packers. Hopefully, speed and athleticism will be a big advantage for the team this year.
It is an unknown as to what the entire team will look like. One thing is for sure, Rashan Gary is one of the leaders of the defense even if he may not be on the field for an entire game when the season begins in a little over a week.
The Green Bay Packers head to Soldier Field on September 10th to take on their biggest rival…the Chicago Bears.
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