Thoughts on the Packers run defense in 2022?

[Hacksaw Jim Duggan]

Has the 2-4-5 ever worked?  If I recall correctly the best Packer defenses were with BJ Raji, Reggie White and Gilbert Brown anchoring mostly a 4-3.  Maybe the Packers should try playing more defensive linemen than playing with less.  I don't quite understand someone's argument that blitzing a 250lb linebacker is better than rushing a 300lb lineman.  Playing more defensive lineman should improve the run defense which should be a team focus.  

 

T. J. Slaton is a stud nose tackle.  He is immovable when on the field.  He and Devonte Wyatt are a good start.  Also does anyone understand why this team pays Kenny Clark $20 million per year for about 40 tackles a year with 4-5 sacks?  I would like to see some big changes to the Packer defense this spring.

 

 

[CheezWizHed]

First half of the year, it was terrible.  Second half was actually fairly sound. If the defense played that well all year long, we are in the playoffs. I noted the 2-5-4 alignment in the Miami game and it really improved the 2nd half defense.  IMO, it is a good balance when there are equal chances to run or pass on that particular play.  Don't let them run easily (that nickel or dime would do), but cover the pass better than 3-4-4 and be more unpredictable (especially when we lost Gary and had to blitz more). 

Today's football is barely about stopping the run.  The NFL is pass orientated and our defense should reflect that.  You can't let people run right through you, but if you prevent any big runs and can stop the pass, that is probably about the best you can expect.  Detroit's defense Sunday was probably a good example of that.  We got yards in the run, but not enough to keep ramming it down Detroit's throat.  But every time we tried to go deep, we were covered or picked.  

FYI, Raji was an NT in a 3-4 defense.  There is a reason Kenny Clark makes the ProBowl.  Counting stats isn't it. He impacts the defense, but you have to watch the film to see it, not look at a box score.  TJ Slaton isn't a stud, but he is improving and worth starting next year.  

Wyatt, Slaton, Clark as our starting D-line is a better than we've had in a long while.