The Green Bay Packers are 3-1 despite a lackluster offense and spotty run defense. Indeed, the only truly consistent aspect of the Packers overall has been their pass defense.
This is, of course, not a surprise to many due to the presence of Jaire Alexander, Rasul Douglas and Eric Stokes as the team’s top corners. Prior to the season, the trio was named in PFF’s top 32 cornerbacks and garnered praise from Aaron Rodgers. However, Alexander has missed time this season with a groin injury. While backup Keisean Nixon has performed admirably, it is the bounce back and improvement of Darnell Savage that has made all the difference in the Packers’ pass defense.
As good as Stokes, Douglas and Adrian Amos were in 2021, Savage struggled. Last season, Savage gave up a career-high 37 receptions while opposing quarterbacks had a 117.4 passer rating when targeting him. He also gave up a career-high 64.9% completion percentage and had a career-worst 13.7% missed tackle percentage. Perhaps worst of all, Savage gave up eight touchdowns in coverage. In the previous two seasons, he had given up four touchdowns total (two in each season).
A new season has brought a new and improved Savage to the Packers’ secondary. Green Bay showed faith in their former first round draft pick by picking up his fifth-year option earlier in the offseason. Savage has rewarded that faith with a stellar 2022 season through four games.
So far this year, Savage has given up just four receptions on eight targets. However, he has lowered his yards allowed per reception from 13.4 to 8.8. Quarterbacks have a passer rating of 77.1 when targeting Savage, who has yet to give up a touchdown. He has missed just one tackle and has a missed tackle percentage of 7.1%. He displayed his improved tackling form in the Packers’ overtime win against the New England Patriots.
Savage has also already recovered a fumble this season (in the Packers’ 14-12 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers). Last season, he recovered no fumbles.
In addition to Savage’s impact on the defense, he has also played a role in the turn around of the Packers’ special teams. Savage has been on the field for 17 special teams plays, or 17% of their snaps. While this may not seem like a large amount, it is considerably more than he played in any of the last two season. In 2020, for example, Savage played 53 special teams snaps, or 13% of their plays. Last season, he was on the field for 18 (4%) special teams plays all season.
Yes, it has only been four games. However, early returns are showing the Packers were right to stick with Savage and to place their faith in him for a fifth season.
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