Three Packers that saw their stock rise on defense vs. Patriots
The Green Bay Packers defense looked a little more like the unit that resembled the 2022 squad rather than the unit that held the Cincinnati Bengals out of the end zone, but that doesn't mean everyone on that side of the ball played poorly against the New England Patriots. And, of course, it's still preseason. […]
The Green Bay Packers defense looked a little more like the unit that resembled the 2022 squad rather than the unit that held the Cincinnati Bengals out of the end zone, but that doesn't mean everyone on that side of the ball played poorly against the New England Patriots.
And, of course, it's still preseason. That really doesn't need to be said, but at the same time, it absolutely does. People still ride the ebbs and flows as much as ever, so it's an important caveat.
Let's talk about the three Packers who saw their stock rise on defense after Saturday night's matchup with the Patriots.
JJ (Kingsley) Enagbare
This selection is about as easy as they come during the preseason.
Enagbare's roster spot was never really in doubt, but heading into camp, it was going to be interesting to see how he stacked up in a crowded EDGE room.
Enagbare showed exactly why his job was never really in doubt against the Patriots as he recorded 2.0 sacks, 1.0 tackle for loss, two quarterback hits, and a forced fumble that also resulted in his own recovery.
The strip-sack was easily one of the Packers' best plays -if not the best play- of the night:
With Rashan Gary on the mend, the Packers have a really good four-man rotation at EDGE and they could even have five guys if veteran Justin Hollins sticks around.
In all, the pass rush department appears to be in pretty good shape heading into the regular season and Enagbare is a big part of it.
DL Karl Brooks
Another week, another round of Brooks living in an opposing offense's backfield.
it's becoming routine for the sixth-round draft pick, who is looking more and more like a steal as the weeks pass. He recorded 1.0 TFL and a quarterback hit on the night and he would've had a sack if it weren't for a defensive holding call that canceled it out.
Packers head coach Matt LaFleur talked about Brooks' development, as well as fourth-round rookie Colby Wooden's progress, earlier in the week.
"Those guys have done a really nice job, and they gotta continue to stack that," Packers head coach Matt LaFleur told reporters before Thursday's practice. "They're obviously young players, but they've provided a spark in terms of some internal pass rush that we're definitely going to need. I think that's the name of the game in this league in terms of, if you can get teams into those passing situations and get pressure on the quarterback, you have a much better chance of having success, defensively."
Kenny Clark, T.J. Slation, and Devonte Wyatt can't play 100% of snaps, so Brooks and co. will definitely be relied upon in 2023. Right now, it's safe to say he should make a few big plays.
S Anthony Johnson Jr.
Johnson Jr. has come along nicely the last few weeks and he had another good game against the Patriots. He finished second on the team with four total tackles and he got his hands on yet another pass, showing off the ball skills from college that helped him get drafted.
He also tied linebacker Arron Mosley for the most special teams snaps on defense (11) and the total also led the team, as a whole. That's obviously huge because as we've discussed a thousand times, guys at the bottom of the roster need to show they can play teams effectively.
And while no one ever roots for injury, the severity of Tarvarius Moore's knee injury remains to be seen. Johnson Jr. will receive a lot more reps/snaps if Moore misses time, which could lead to a final push for a roster spot.
The Packers are giving the kid every opportunity to make the roster and he's taking full advantage of it.
Three winners on offense from Packers-Patriots game
These guys have to be feeling good heading into the final week of the preseason.
Featured image via Wm. Glasheen USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
