Packers reserve came into a tough spot on Sunday
The Green Bay Packers suffered another blow to injury in Week 4 when safety Adrian Amos left with a possible concussion. Amos, a team captain for the Packers, is a major feature in the secondary. Amos’ absence could have been something the New England Patriots and their third-string quarterback, Bailey Zappe, could have keyed in on. Veteran Rudy Ford came in for Amos. He didn’t seem out of place for the Packers in relief of Amos.
According to Zach Jacobson, Ford came in clutch during his 44 snaps against the Patriots. He was only targeted two times and didn’t give up a reception.
Rudy Ford played 44 total snaps — 18 in coverage — in relief of Adrian Amos on Sunday, per @PFF. He didn’t allow a single catch in the two times he was targeted and even registered a PBU in overtime. Back-to-back weeks where one of the Packers’ reserves saved the day.
— zach jacobson (@itszacharyj) October 4, 2022
PFF rated Ford as the Packers’ second-best defender in Week 4. He finished right behind Rashan Gary. Ford finished with six total tackles. PFF ranked him as the Packers’ best tackler and coverage defender against the Patriots.
Ford is showing he adds more to the Packers than special teams
The Packers signed Ford to the team in late August. He was expected to be a contributor on special teams. Ford has logged over 1000 snaps on special teams since being drafted in 2017. He showed the Packers this week he can do more than play special teams.
Ford’s performance was impressive on defense. Without him coming in Sunday ready to relieve Amos the way he did, the Packers could have easily given up more points in regulation time, leading to a loss. It’ll be interesting to see if the Packers reserve has earned more time in the rotation on defense.
It’s currently unclear if Amos will pass concussion protocols for next Sunday’s game in London. Following Tua Tagovailoa’s injury on Thursday Night Football last week, teams took injuries to the head much more seriously this weekend. If Amos cannot play, the Packers should be assured that Ford can come in and finish the job in Week 5 against the New York Giants.