Packers’ Pass Rush

It’s a real asset to have a defense that can generate pressure for the opposing quarterback. After building up an impressive unit in recent years, the Packers have achieved one of the NFL’s best pass rushes and that could play a real role in Week 1 against the Vikings.

With Za’Darius Smith, Preston Smith, and Kenny Clark leading the Packers’ pass rush efforts, Green Bay produced a pressure rate in 2.5 seconds or less last season at 24-percent, trailing only the Pittsburgh Steelers (h/t PFF). Each player will be ready to make things difficult on Kirk Cousins.

The level of pressure Cousins will face will be greater than what Rodgers experiences. The acquisition of Yannick Ngakoue will help Minnesota undoubtedly, but with Danielle Hunter sidelined, there isn’t as much firepower to pressure the pocket.

The discrepancy in the pass rush impact in favor of the Packers could end up having a legitimate influence on the outcome of this game. Cousins will need to transcend this in order to elevate the Vikings’ offense.