The Green Bay Packers saw their playoff hopes disappear for all intents and purposes in Week 15. Hosting the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Lambeau Field, a victory would have pushed the Packers to 7-7 on the season and in the driver’s seat for a Wild Card spot.
Instead, they lost the game 34-20, dropping their record to 6-8 on the season and putting them on the brink of elimination. A lot of the blame for the loss will be placed on the defense, specifically, their passing defense.
Baker Mayfield torched the Green Bay secondary, throwing for 381 yards and four touchdowns with a perfect 158.3 passer rating. It was a historic performance by Mayfield, who set records and had the best passing game ever for a visiting player at Lambeau Field.
NFL News & Rumors: Kyle Dugger, New England Patriots, NFL Free Agency, Green Bay Packers Updates
That certainly isn’t what the Packers expected, as Mayfield had the game of his life in Week 15. A lot has played a part in such a disappointing performance, as defensive coordinator Joe Barry has come under fire in recent weeks.
While there are a lot of high draft picks on this defense, they haven’t quite lived up to expectations this season. Major changes are expected this offseason to the unit, as an infusion of talent is needed, especially in the secondary,
The safety position was labeled as arguably the biggest weakness for the Packers coming into the 2023 season and nothing has been done to sway that opinion. They have struggled to find consistent production on their last line of defense, which is part of the reason Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report believes New England Patriots safety Kyle Dugger is the perfect free agent addition for the team.
“Green Bay is going to be in the safety market this offseason, as they have several impending free agents at the position, including key contributors like Darnell Savage, Rudy Ford and Jonathan Owens. While replacing three players with one is impossible, Duggar’s versatility is a big reason why he’d be a great fit with the Packers.
The team is going to have a few holes to fill in the secondary, and the four-year veteran has recorded a significant amount of snaps in the box, as a deep safety and over the slot this season.
It also helps that he’s played well, earning a good run-defense grade from Pro Football Focus and surrendering an 82.0 passer rating when targeted heading into this weekend,” wrote Ballentine.
NFL News & Rumors: Kyle Dugger, New England Patriots, NFL Free Agency, Green Bay Packers Updates
If the Packers could address their safety position, it would greatly improve the outlook of their defense in 2024 and beyond. The front seven looks as solid as ever with younger players emerging and coming into their own and with some better health, there is hope that Jaire Alexander can return to form as well.
There is a chance the entire safety depth chart from the 2023 season isn’t back in 2024 as Darnell Savage, Jonathan Owens and Rudy Ford are all free agents. Adding Dugger as the new centerpiece of the secondary would be a good move for the Packers.
Want the latest NFL analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click here. Interested in reading storylines and analysis about the NBA? Check out our partner NBA Analysis Network.
