Acme Packing Company
When the Green Bay Packers made the blockbuster trade for Micah Parsons, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones cited the acquisition of Kenny Clark as an important one for his defense to be able to stop the run. Although the Packers don’t regret trading for a Hall of Fame-caliber pass rusher, there’s a sliver of truth to Jones’ comments, because right now Green Bay’s run defense is getting exposed.
In an ugly, disappointing, very bad loss to the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, the Packers allowed 163 rushing yards and two touchdowns to their opponent, as Rico Dowdle and company averaged an outstanding 4.9 yards per carry. Dowdle specifically was a problem despite playing through multiple knocks during the game, rushing for 130 yards on 25 carries.
The traditional numbers suggest the Packers have a strong run-stopping unit, allowing just 89.4 rushing yards per game. However, despite being a top-10 defense by DVOA per FTN Fantasy, the Packers currently rank 19th against the run.
Green Bay’s biggest defensive issue appears to be that the defensive line can be worn down easily by an offense focusing on keeping the ball and dragging out long, methodical drives. The hope for Packers fans was that the return of Devonte Wyatt could help bolster a thin DL unit, but another injury, time time to Colby Wooden, showed the unit’s lack of depth again on Sunday.
The bottom of the Packers’ roster on the defensive line is a major red flag right now. Warren Brinson has been inactive on multiple game days, while rookie UDFA Nazir Stackhouse has struggled mightily when out on the field.
It’s unclear how much time Wooden will miss, if any, but the Packers defense is clearly in need of a major infusion of talent in the trenches.
The trade deadline is rapidly approaching this Tuesday, and the Packers have some holes in their roster they could fill by making a move. Cornerback is a position to consider, as is tight end after what appears to be a season-ending injury to Tucker Kraft.
However, with teams now focusing on trying to control possessions and wear Green Bay’s defensive front down, general manager Brian Gutekunst might want to consider being aggressive at pursuing another body on the defensive line to bolster the unit that has the makings of a championship-caliber defense when it’s firing on all cylinders.
