The Green Bay Packers have one of the best secondaries in the NFL. Led by Jaire Alexander and veteran Adrian Amos the Packers will frustrate opposing teams this season. If they were to have a single weak spot, it would have to be Darnell Savage whose 5th-year rookie contract was just picked up. That’ll tie him to the Packers for the next two seasons.
How was 2021
The reality is Darnell Savage was pretty bad in the 2021-2022 season. Last season Savage posted some of his worst PFF grades in his short career. In coverage, his grade was down 13 points from the previous year. In 2020 he posted a coverage grade of 76.7 and in 2021 a grade of 63.6. He was also targeted the most in his short career and gave up a passer rating of 115.1.
Why There is Hope
The Packers can and should expect a jump from Savage. It was the first year in Joe Barry’s defense, he was close on multiple plays, and he had moments where he was really good last season. In his second year of Mike Pettine’s defense, Savage had giant leaps forward and was a dominant player. His QB rating allowed was only 53.4 down 39 points from his first season with Pettine. Packers should expect similar results from his second season with Defensive Coordinator Jor Barry
He is so close
I think we all remember how close Savage was last year. Early in the season he was less than half a second away from multiple interceptions and was less than a half a step behind receivers when he gave up a big play. This year, with film study and natural progression from a young player the Packers, should expect those half seconds to disappear.
What to Expect
I’d expect Darnell Savage to have a season similar to his second season in the NFL and second season with Mike Pettine. This season, if Savage stays healthy could look something like this;
65 tackles, 15 run stops, 4 interceptions, 7 pass breakups, 72 passer rating allowed
These numbers are all in between his second and 3rd season. The Packers will be hoping he shows up ready to go. If he does, they will have the best secondary in the NFL.
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