Packers need big performance from a defender to have a puncher’s chance

When the Green Bay Packers gave edge defender Rashan Gary a four-year, $96 million extension in October, you could see how much the franchise values him. And he is, in fact, a truly important and impactful piece for the Packers defensive structure. However, he hasn't been as effective as the Packers hope for — and need, especially in big games like the next one, against the San Francisco 49ers, in the Divisional Round of the playoffs.

After signing the big-time extension, Gary had one monster game — three sacks and two forced fumbles against the Detroit Lions on Thanksgiving. Beyond that, though, it's a mixed bag of a good number of pressures, but the lack of sacks and gap contain.

Since week 9, Gary has had only three games with PFF grades above 70.0. That Lions game (91.9) was his only grade above 80.0. And he had three games below 60.0.

"I still think he's highly productive and highly effective in getting after the quarterback," praised Packers defensive coordinator Joe Barry.

But the fact is that the Packers need more ability from Gary to finish off his pressures. Generally speaking, pressures are a much better way of measuring pass rusher play than sacks. But we know how sacks are important and game-altering plays — especially for the Packers defense and how it's playing, without much ability to stop offenses without generating negative plays. And since that Lions game, Gary has had only half a sack. He once again finished the regular season with fewer than 10 sacks — he's never had a double-digit sack season in the league.

Role

Rashan Gary is obviously the Packers primary edge rusher, starting alongside Preston Smith. But so far this season, Green Bay has had a conservative approach to limit their snaps. In the regular season, Gary played only 52.84% of the defensive snaps. It's true that he was coming off injury to start the season, but Smith also played 65.89% of the snaps.

In 2019, for example, both Za'Darius Smith and Preston Smith eclipsed 80% of the snaps. The depth is better now, for sure, but the defensive coaching staff has preferred to play their starter in high-leverage plays.

However, this might be about to change. Kingsley Enagbare, who was the third edge in the rotation, tore his ACL and is out for the season.

The team still has rookie first-round pick Lukas Van Ness and undrafted Brenton Cox Jr. on the 53-man roster, but in such an important game like the 49ers' one is, they will most likely need to upgrade Gary's and Smith's usage.

In the 2021 playoffs, Rashan Gary had an amazing performance against the 49ers. And this version of the San Francisco team is susceptible to pressure — according to PFF, the 49ers are the 7th worst-graded offensive line in pass-blocking.

The Packers need to pressure Brock Purdy to have a chance against such a talented and prolific offense. They can't do it without a big Rashan Gary night.