Coming into the 2023 season there were a few major concerns for the Green Bay Packers. One of the biggest ones was their pass rush. Last season, the Packers struggled to create pressure following the injury to star edge rusher Rashan Gary.
Gary, who was injured in Week 9, was in the top 10 of multiple pass-rushing stats in the NFL, including sacks with 6.0. Despite missing half the season, he finished second on the team in sacks, trailing only Preston Smith, who had 8.5.
Green Bay did little to upgrade the pass-rushing supporting cast this season, which left some people worried about what was to come. However, what was once a weakness has turned into a strength of the team.
Development by young players like Kingsley Enagbare was nice to see in training camp. First-round pick Lukas Van Ness and undrafted free agent Brenton Cox Jr. both played very well. Then you still have veterans Justin Hollins and Smith around Gary as he works his way back from the ACL tear.
The Packers have also gotten great production from their defensive line rushing the passer. A change in philosophy from the defensive coordinator Joe Barry has seemed to work as his defense has relentlessly gotten after the quarterback in the first two weeks of the season.
Just how good has the pass rush been for the Packers? According to PFF, they have recorded 61 total pressures through Week 2. That is tied for the most in the league and is outpacing the other teams with a league average of 36.56.
Kenny Clark is leading the way with 10 total pressures, followed by nine from Devonte Wyatt and eight from Gary. Rounding out the top five is Smith with six and then Van Ness and Colby Wooden tied with five apiece.
The Packers have put together quite an impressive pass-rushing group as they are getting production from all over their front seven. That will make them even tougher to game plan against knowing the pressure can come from anywhere on the field, not just one or two players.
