The Green Bay Packers struggled mightily to contain quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who rushed for 98 yards, in the NFC Divisional game that ended their season. The Packers needed to get more pressure on opposing quarterbacks, and they signed Julius Peppers with the hope that he would help. They also re-signed B.J. Raji to help solidify the defensive in another step to improve the pass rush. The Packers finished 25th in total defense last season, so the unit as a whole will need to step up, or more adjustments to this lineup will be made.
New starter: Julius Peppers
The Peppers signing was one of the highlights of the entire offseason, as the Pro Bowl linebacker joined an already stacked Packers unit. Peppers had 118.5 sacks over 12 seasons, so he brings a wealth of experience to the Packers defense. He’s one of the more athletic players at his position, making it possible that he could play both 4-3 and 3-4 next season. Regardless, Peppers makes the Packers defense immediately better. Also, he’ll be matched against his former team, the Chicago Bears, twice this season. After the Bears cut him, Peppers should have some added momentum coming into the season.
Area of Improvement
The Packers secondary has long been a problem, as the draft hasn’t produced what the team wanted in terms of cornerbacks. Starters Sam Shields and Tramon Williams were both undrafted, and Casey Hayward dealt with injuries last season to keep him ineffective. At safety, the Packers have Morgan Burnett who was also injured for part of the season. The Packers only have Chris Banjo at safety right now, so the draft will be looked at to help the depth at the position. The Packers could go either safety of cornerback in the first round of the draft.
Potential breakout star: Mike Daniels
Daniels had a great 2013 season, finishing second on the team with 6.5 sacks. A former fourth round draft pick in 2012, Daniels is shorter than many who play on the end (6-foot-1), but makes up for it with his 291-pound frame. Daniels showed the ability to get around opposing tackles last year and has a strong motor when it comes to playing until the whistle. With opposing lines focusing attention on Peppers, Hawk and Matthew, Daniels just might have another strong season.
On his way out: Morgan Burnett
Burnett had high expectations entering the 2013 season, and did not deliver. He was injured for three games and struggled to contain Michael Crabtree in the NFC Divisional game. Burnett signed a big contract before last season, so the Packers expect him to start and contribute. However, if he doesn’t, the Packers will look to Banjo or a player from the draft to fill the role. If the Packers draft safety early, that will put even more pressure on Burnett to play at the level he did back in 2012, where he had 123 tackles and two interceptions.