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The Green Bay Packers’ massive investment in pass-rushers has the opportunity to provide the ultimate payoff against Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The NFC championship game could come down to whether or not the Packers can put constant pressure on Brady, the 43-year-old quarterback with six Super Bowl titles.
GM Brian Gutekunst has spent significant capital – both in terms of dollars and draft picks – to prepare 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 overall pick in 2019 and the re-signing of Kenny Clark ahead of the 2020 season were all notable investments in the disruptive capacity of the Packers’ defensive front. .
Now the four can pave the way for the Packers to Super Bowl LV.
Defensive coordinator Mike Pettine could attempt to blitz Brady. Pressure in the match is paramount; Brady splits as he operates from a clean pocket under pressure is astounding.
The Packers only pressured Brady five times in the first meeting. He separated them.
Two factors to note from week 6: Clark was playing his first game after a groin injury and was not yet fully healthy, and Gary only played 17 shots. Clark is now healthy and returning to dominate the interior, while Gary has become a legitimate difference maker as an advantage defender to complete his second season.
Both could be vital for the rematch. Getting inside pressure is key against any quarterback, but it’s especially important against Brady. Clark can collapse the pocket with the power and use his quickness to win in stunts and in individual battles against guards and crosses. Za’Darius Smith could be at his best when rushing inside, and Gary’s consistent performance on the edge should give Pettine the opportunity to drag Smith inside for advantageous running opportunities against less important blockers.
It’s hard to see a way for the Packers to beat Brady and Bucs without a big afternoon of pass-rushers. Tampa Bay is full of weapons in the passing game, and Brady is among the best in the business at handing the soccer ball out of clean pockets. Give him enough time, and he’ll find Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Rob Gronkowski, Antonio Brown, Tyler Johnson, and Scotty Miller for the big games.
But the Packers are expected to enter Sunday with a sense of optimism about their arrival at Brady. Pettine’s defense crossed a solid offensive line and put pressure on Jared Goff for almost 50% of the fallout in the divisional round. Clark begins to resume the games. Gary has been one of the best cutting edge players in football over the past month. Za’Darius Smith is good for 3-4 big pushes in every game. Even Preston Smith finds ways to make an impact on the games, even when he doesn’t hit the quarterback. And it’s possible Kinglsey Keke will be back after missing games with a concussion.
The Packers have done a tremendous job rebuilding their pass rush over the past two years. On Sunday, the group assembled by Gutekunst has a chance to stamp the Packers’ ticket to Tampa Bay. Go to Brady, go to Super Bowl LV.
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