How the Packers Defensive Scheme Could Change in 2022
Green Bay will lean on their defense in 2022. How could we see Joe Barry adjust his scheme to handle new players and expectations?
One of the most intriguing parts of this past offseason has been watching the evolution of the Packers defense. The unit ended 2021 on a high note, allowing only six offensive points and 212 total yards against the 49ers in the divisional round of the playoffs. Now, following the trade of offensive linchpin Davante Adams, it seems that the Packers are counting on Joe Barry’s defense to take on a significant role in the team’s Super Bowl quest.
To this end, much of the offseason has been marked by additions to the defense. In free agency, Green Bay signed veteran defensive tackle Jarran Reed and CB Keisean Nixon. In the draft, they added several players from Georgia’s generational 2021 defense, selecting LB Quay Walker and DT Devonte Wyatt in the first round. Further extending their depth, they drafted edge rusher Kingsley Enagbare on day 3. These moves strengthened a unit that had already seen breakout stars Rasul Douglas and De’Vondre Campbell return on contract extensions. Understandably, the resource allocation represented by these moves has Packers fans excited. The defense, for years an Achilles’ heel, appears to have grown into a strength – especially if internal players like Darnell Savage and Eric Stokes can take another leap.
However, it still isn’t clear what the schematic side of the defense will look like in 2022. How will defensive coordinator Joe Barry use his new personnel? How could the defense evolve as in-house players enter their second year in the system? There are quite a few possibilities.
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