Thoughts on Green Bay Defense (1 Viewer)

[Yardage]

I've been holding onto the Packers Def just so I could start them for the next 3 weeks since they face STL, JAX, and ARZ, but I'm worried about how their recent injuries are going to affect them. They just lost ILB D.J. Smith for the season plus OLB Nick Perry (knee injury) and CB Shields (shin injury) left the Houston game and they were already without DT B.J. Raji.

Are these injuries just too devastating for them to be a startable Def? Homer input would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

 

[outlaws27]

I'm going to do the same: start them for the next 3 weeks and then drop them.

 

[ClayDavisShee]

I also picked up GB def. It doesn't look like Raji, the OLB, or Shields will miss much time, if any. I think they will be fine going against 3 anemic offenses

 

[trader jake]

Injuries should not be a major concern for the Packers fantasy defense the next few weeks. Matthews and Woodson are healthy and those are the difference makers. Raji & Shields should be back and the way the offense looked against the Texans, the defense could be pinning their ears back against those three opponents (this week a short drive for Cheeseheads to St. Louis and the next two at Lambeau).

 

[Kitrick Taylor]

OLB Erik Walden has been outplaying Perry all season. Perry may very well become a better player, but Walden is bringing it this year.

I'm pretty confident that Shields was only going to be able to hold off 2nd rounder Casey Hayward for a little while longer anyway. Hayward just keeps making plays on the ball.

Losing DJ Smith is going to end up being an issue with their interior run defense. They've already lost Desmond Bishop at that spot, so they are down to their 3rd option.

Raji doesn't offer too much as a pass rusher, so his fantasy impact is pretty low. IMO he's been overrated the last couple seasons. Having said that, he's still their best DL, and the sooner they get him back the better.

Basically, the Packers picked almost all defenders in this last draft. Its starting to look like some of them can play, and may just save their season defensively.

 

[The Dude]

The defense was bad when healthy - not sure how you can argue this is not a setback

 

[ClayDavisShee]

Raji doesn't offer too much as a pass rusher, so his fantasy impact is pretty low.

The nose tackle is the most important position in the 3-4 defense. Their job is to demand double teams. If the nose is weak, offensive lines can single team them, allowing the guards to get to the second level. By eating up blocks, the NT allows his ILBs to make tackles and his OLB/Bandits to get to the QB. Think Siragusa on those nasty Raven defenses or Wilfork currently.I think you are underestimating the importance of Raji here on both the GB real-life and fantasy defense. Not that he is the best 3-4 nose in the NFL, but he is a good one. Luckily, it looks like his injury is not serious.

 

[sho nuff]

OLB Erik Walden has been outplaying Perry all season. Perry may very well become a better player, but Walden is bringing it this year. I'm pretty confident that Shields was only going to be able to hold off 2nd rounder Casey Hayward for a little while longer anyway. Hayward just keeps making plays on the ball.Losing DJ Smith is going to end up being an issue with their interior run defense. They've already lost Desmond Bishop at that spot, so they are down to their 3rd option. Raji doesn't offer too much as a pass rusher, so his fantasy impact is pretty low. IMO he's been overrated the last couple seasons. Having said that, he's still their best DL, and the sooner they get him back the better.Basically, the Packers picked almost all defenders in this last draft. Its starting to look like some of them can play, and may just save their season defensively.

Agreed on much of this...though, I think Shields would be holding off Hayward a while longer...not much. THe problem comes when Bush has to be on the field in dime or nickel situations if Shields is out.Smith I agree on for run defense...but IMO Francois is an upgrade in pass coverage.

 

[sho nuff]

Raji doesn't offer too much as a pass rusher, so his fantasy impact is pretty low.

The nose tackle is the most important position in the 3-4 defense. Their job is to demand double teams. If the nose is weak, offensive lines can single team them, allowing the guards to get to the second level. By eating up blocks, the NT allows his ILBs to make tackles and his OLB/Bandits to get to the QB. Think Siragusa on those nasty Raven defenses or Wilfork currently.I think you are underestimating the importance of Raji here on both the GB real-life and fantasy defense. Not that he is the best 3-4 nose in the NFL, but he is a good one. Luckily, it looks like his injury is not serious.

True...but Pickett has played well in that spot as well...and this allows Worthy and Neal or Wilson on the ends to help provide a rush too (saw that in the Houston game).

 

[dare02]

looking for a new defense to use after Arizona's finished its run of weak opponents, definitely going to put in a bid for GB. Hoping that the offense has turned a corner after this week which should give lots of opportunities for the defense.

 

[Warpig]

GB drafts well so they basically just plug and play much like the Steelers do.

 

[Ray_T]

Generally, I'd say the Green Bay Defense had improved in years past in the way it handles the run.

the injuries are highly discouraging and I think the defense will take some heat when they start to give up more yards as a result.

the reality is the defense will be a lot better than it's performance will indicate. I look forward to seeing what this unit can do when they get everyone back and healthy.

 

[simey]

Who will take Woodson's place since he broke his collarbone?

 

[Samuel L Bronkowitz]

Who will take Woodson's place since he broke his collarbone?

Looks like McMillian took his spot on the last drive. Sam Shields may be back so it will be interesting to see how the secondary shapes up.

 

[The Dude]

Following most the logic in this thread, Gb gets better with each injury.

Bump Packer D

 

[sho nuff]

Following most the logic in this thread, Gb gets better with each injury. Bump Packer D

So your last attempt got no attention you thought you would try again?

 

[The Dude]

Following most the logic in this thread, Gb gets better with each injury. Bump Packer D

So your last attempt got no attention you thought you would try again?

Lack of logic in these boards - your posts included - is comical.

 

[lsutigers]

I'm going to do the same: start them for the next 3 weeks and then drop them.

Agreed. For the Jets (I know. . check it out, you'll thank me later). . .

 

[Kleck]

Starting GB defense with a lot of confidence against the Jags next week. Gabbert might die in the game.

 

[Kleck]

Who will take Woodson's place since he broke his collarbone?

Looks like McMillian took his spot on the last drive. Sam Shields may be back so it will be interesting to see how the secondary shapes up.

M.D. Jennings has been getting more snaps too. In the Houston game him and McMillian were about an even split. Haven't seen the snap count for the Rams game yet. Some depends on what package is being run, so we'll see a bit more of both now.Speaking of DBs, I really like what I'm seeing from Hayward. Liking that TT trade up to get him more and more.

 

[rocketsauce]

I'll start em the next two weeks, but at this point I just expect nothing out of them. So frustrating.

My pick for a DST usually follows the same formula, going after a team that plays consistently with a lead and can force trailing QBs into silly mistakes. Packers just...aren't getting turnovers.

 

[sho nuff]

Following most the logic in this thread, Gb gets better with each injury. Bump Packer D

So your last attempt got no attention you thought you would try again?

Lack of logic in these boards - your posts included - is comical.

Not really...there are things certain players are better at than others.DJ Smith going down hurts the run defense. But he was a liability in coverage.Woodson now going down hurts the run defense more and what they do around the line of scrimmage. But his pass coverage has been lacking this year and his age there has showed. Seemingly more penalties against him than positive plays in coverage this season out of Woodson.It hurts overall because now they have to sub in several guys to do all the things Woodson could do...nobody is denying that. From a standpoint of pass coverage...its not as big of a decline.The defense has laid some turds...but it has also played some pretty good games this year and still has the talent to be a solid FF defense because of the sacks and possibility of turnovers (and a favorable schedule the next couple of games).

 

[sho nuff]

Who will take Woodson's place since he broke his collarbone?

Looks like McMillian took his spot on the last drive. Sam Shields may be back so it will be interesting to see how the secondary shapes up.

M.D. Jennings has been getting more snaps too. In the Houston game him and McMillian were about an even split. Haven't seen the snap count for the Rams game yet. Some depends on what package is being run, so we'll see a bit more of both now.Speaking of DBs, I really like what I'm seeing from Hayward. Liking that TT trade up to get him more and more.

Capers is basically saying Hayward (when Shields returns..or overall) will take over Woodson's spot on slot receivers in coverage...McMillan will be used more around the LOS in run support downs...and Jennings will be used more in pass coverage at safety.Basically going to try and sub in 3 guys to do the things Woodson was doing.