TJV
Lifelong Packers Fanatic
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I recently read that Capers played nickel almost 80% of the time last season.
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SpartaChris, I agree the loss of Collins hurt the D but I don’t think his absence alone ‘ultimately destroyed’ the defense. For example, I don’t think Williams’ shoulder would have healed quicker or Peprah and Shields (just to name two) would have tackled better. Moot point now of course. And you’re right about nerve damage. I think it’s likely Williams won’t be 100% by opening day. We just have to hope he’s close to that and doesn’t re-injure it before it can get to 100%.
With all due respect, I don't think we gathered a plethora of D Linemen to only use 2 at a time. That being said, I doubt you will find many who can disagree with such a well written post. I truly enjoyed reading it.I recently read that Capers played nickel almost 80% of the time last season. Even if that’s a bit of an exaggeration, we all know if “base D” meant the scheme played most instead of that usually played on first down, the Packers’ base D has been 2-4-5 over the past couple of seasons. And the way McCarthy and Capers are talking lately, their dime D is going to be a much bigger factor this season. The less the Packers play with just four DBs, the less important the Woodson-to-safety talk becomes: With 5 or 6 DBs on the field, Woodson will play his “rover” role, neither outside CB nor safety and that’s great because that’s where his playmaking skills are best used.
I agree it wouldn't have an impact on Williams recovery or the **** poor tackling, but my feeling is losing Collins and replacing him with Peprah severely limited what we were able to do from a coverage and pressure standpoint.
Well, technically Collins wasn't replaced with Peprah. He was replaced by Burnett and Peprah moved into the SS role that he played in 2010. I agree with everything else though.
Losing Collins obviously hurt, but the defense looked terrible in the 1.5 games when he was still playing. I'm fairly confident the main reason the defense faltered so much was due to a lack of pass rush. A secondary can only cover for so long, no matter how talented. Eventually, something will come open, especially for an elite QB. Of course, pass rush may have been the main factor, but it was a cumulative effect of a poor pass rush, poor communication and tackling, gambling too much, not playing fundamentally sound defense, etc. etc.
I can't imagine any way the defense isn't significantly improved next season though, just like most others here.
I'd say more run-stuffers than anything, which is really all we need them to be IMO. I am however excited about the possible caliber of depth at CB. We may well have a very some incredible talent on our hands, to the point that we may possibly keep six on the roster.All I’m saying here is that while there is an infusion of talent, it’s not like we can make the determination the Packers are overloaded with pass rushing DL at this point
I'd say more run-stuffers than anything, which is really all we need them to be IMO. I am however excited about the possible caliber of depth at CB. We may well have a very some incredible talent on our hands, to the point that we may possibly keep six on the roster.
I also have hopes for Terrell Manning, but he may be a year away from making any kind of contribution to the defense.