It is no secret that the Packers’ defense was underwhelming last year. Coming into the season, the team talked about how the identity of this team was defense and that was not the case during the season. The main problem for the Green Bay Packers secondary was inconsistency and this baffling stat shows just how inconsistent they were.
Looking at some Packers coverage numbers from last year. This was baffling.
In Cover-4:
Allowed 15+ yards on 26% of pass plays.
(32nd in the NFL)In Cover 2:
Allowed 15+ yards on 0% of pass plays.
(1st in the NFL)— Daire Carragher (@DaireCarragher) March 4, 2023
Green Bay Packers Secondary Struggles In Cover-4
When the Packers were in Cover-4, they gave up a play of 15+ yards on 26% of pass plays. That means that one in four plays against the Packers’ Cover-4 defense resulted in a huge play. This ranked last in the NFL. By way of contrast, when the Packers were in Cover-2, they gave up a play of 15+ yards on 0% of pass plays. You read that right. When they were in Cover-2, no play went over 15 yards all season. This ranked first in the NFL. The variance in this stat shows inconsistency.
Love Wisconsin Sports? Listen to 97.3 The Fan on iHeart Radio
Maybe Don’t Play Cover-4?
I am not a defensive coordinator and I do not want to even pretend that I know more than the defensive minds in the league. However, I feel like the Green Bay Packers secondary should look at playing a little less Cover-4 this season. Obviously, it is more nuanced than that as situations and matchups dictate different coverages but the stats don’t lie. Getting all of their players back and improving the safety position would also be helpful but it is obvious that Joe Barry needs to work on Cover-4 in the offseason.
The Green Bay Packers secondary still has some elite pieces. Jaire Alexander is the best at his position. Eric Stokes is still a great young player and Rasul Douglas brings a lot to the team. They need a bounce-back year if the Packers are going to get back to the playoffs.
For More Great Wisconsin Sports Content
Follow me on Twitter at @sorcerermatt, and follow us @WiSportsHeroics. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Wisconsin sports, click here!
