The Green Bay Packers ’massive investment in pass-rushers has a chance to provide the ultimate reward against Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The NFC championship game could be limited to whether the Packers can put constant pressure on Brady, the 43-year-old quarterback with six Super Bowl titles.
GM Brian Gutekunst spent significant capital, both in terms of dollars and draft selections, preparing for a time like this. The signing of Za’Darius Smith and Preston Smith as free agents in 2019, the selection of Rashan Gary with the 12th general selection in 2019 and the signing of Kenny Clark before the 2020 season were notable investments in the disruptive capacity of the front defensive end for the Packers. .
Now, all four can pave the way for the Packers to the Super Bowl LV.
Mike Pettine, defensive coordinator, can try to wrap Brady. Pressure in confrontation is paramount; Brady’s fractures while working out of a clean, pressurized pocket are amazing.
The Packers only pressed Brady five times in the first meeting. He chose them.
Two factors worth noting from week 6: Clark was playing in his first game after a groin injury and was still not completely healthy, and Gary played only 17 snapshots. Clark is already healthy and has once again mastered the inside, while Gary has become a legitimate difference maker as a runner to finish his second season.
Both could be vital to revenge. Getting inside pressure is key against any quarterback, but it’s especially important against Brady. Clark can collapse his pocket with power and use his speed to win in stunts and individual battles against guards and centers. Za’Darius Smith could be at his best when rushing inside, and Gary’s steady performance on the edge should give Pettine opportunities to slide Smith inside for chances to advantageous rush against minor blockers.
It’s hard to see a way for the Packers to beat Brady and Bucs without a great afternoon from the pass-rushers. Tampa Bay is loaded with guns in the passing game, and Brady is one of the best in the business at handing out football from clean pockets. Give it enough time and you’ll find Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Rob Gronkowski, Antonio Brown, Tyler Johnson and Scotty Miller for great works.
But the Packers should come in on Sunday with a sense of optimism to get to Brady. Pettine’s defense overcame a strong offensive line and put pressure on Jared Goff in almost 50% of the relegation round relegation. Clark begins to take over the games. Gary has been one of the best football runners in the last month. Za’Darius Smith is good for 3-4 big presses every game. Even Preston Smith is finding ways to affect games, even when he doesn’t get to the quarterback. And it is possible that Kinglsey Keke will return after losing the games with a concussion.
The Packers did a considerable job of rebuilding their pass-rush over the past two years. On Sunday, the group reunited by Gutekunst has a chance to stamp out the Packers ’ticket to Tampa Bay. Get to Brady, get to Super Bowl LV.