The Green Bay Packers have won 13 games in each of the past three seasons. In each of the past three seasons, the offense has been among the best in the NFL. The defense, too, has been one of the most underrated in the league, especially after Joe Barry took over as defensive coordinator. Now that the NFL Draft is over and key free agents have departed, though, there are questions surrounding both the offense and defense. Two different media organizations, though, gave the Packers’ units some pretty high pre-season rankings.
How the Packers Offense Ranks According to NFL.com
According to NFL.com, the Green Bay Packers boast the seventh best offense in the NFL. For some, this may be surprising due to the Packers losing their top two wide receivers. Davante Adams was traded to the Las Vegas Raiders and Marquez Valdes-Scantling signed with the Kansas City Chiefs.
How will the Packers keep up such a high-powered offense without these two? Well, Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon each had over 1,000 yards from scrimmage in 2021. Additionally, Green Bay used three draft picks on wide receivers, including Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs. Both Watson and Doubs were featured at the NFL’s Rookie Premier. Add in the return of a healthy David Bakhtiari and other offensive linemen will also keep the offense rolling. This of course does not even take into account Aaron Rodgers, who has won the last two NFL MVP Awards.
There will most certainly be growing pains in 2022 with new wide receivers. That being said, Matt LaFleur has done more with less (when key players were injured). When it is all said and done, seventh may be just the perfect ranking for this offense.
How the Packers Defense Ranks According to Sportsnaut.com
According to sportsnaut.com, the Green Bay Packers have the fourth best defense in the NFL. This is an incredibly high ranking, but makes sense due to the focus the Packers have put on defense this offseason.
First, the Packers signed Jarran Reed as a free agent to bolster the offensive line. Then, Green Bay took the money they saved from Davante Adams rejecting their offer to re-sign a couple of key pieces. DeVondre Campbell, who was an All-Pro last season, was signed to a big extension. Additionally, Rasul Douglas inked a three-year extension after a breakout season with the Packers.
After these moves, Green Bay used both of their first round picks on defense. Linebacker Quay Walker was taken first at pick 22. With the 28th overall pick, the Packers took Devonte Wyatt to bolster their defensive line.
All of these don’t even take into consideration the great players the Packers are returning. Preston Smith and Jaire Alexander each signed extensions this offseason. Rashan Gary and Darnell Savage are both entering their fourth seasons, primed for even more improvements. Really the only question this defense faces is when/if they will extend Adrian Amos before he hits free agency.
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