Packers’ Safety Dilemma Resolved

As the Green Bay Packers gear up for Week 13, the resurgence of their safety position has become a welcome challenge. The 2023 NFL season began with concerns about the safety roster, with Darnell Savage facing skepticism after lackluster performances and Adrian Amos departing in free agency. Rudy Ford, though showing promise in 2022, wasn’t universally considered an ideal starter, and Dallin Leavitt struggled to be a viable option.

To address these concerns, the Packers signed Tarvarius Moore and Jonathan Owens in free agency and drafted Anthony Johnson Jr. in the seventh round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Initially viewed as a vulnerability, the safety position has transformed into a formidable strength, with Savage and Ford excelling when healthy.

While Ford and Savage have been impressive, injuries have given opportunities to Johnson and Owens, turning them into impactful starters. Owens, in particular, has emerged as a standout player in recent weeks, adding a layer of complexity to the Packers’ decision-making process.

As Week 13 approaches, Owens and Johnson have been the starting safeties due to injuries to Savage and Ford. In their three starts together, the Packers boast an undefeated record, highlighting the effectiveness of this combination.

The upcoming clash against the Kansas City Chiefs poses a significant challenge for the Packers, especially given the injuries plaguing key players like Aaron Jones and Eric Stokes. The return of Savage and Ford adds further complexity to the situation, forcing the coaching staff to make tough decisions.

Owens, who showcased his prowess with a team-high 12 tackles and a touchdown in the recent win over the Detroit Lions, has made the decision-making process more intricate. His performance, coupled with Johnson’s contributions, raises questions about whether they should retain their starting roles even when Savage and Ford are back to full health.

The statistical analysis from PFF reveals that Ford ranks as the second-highest graded defender overall, emphasizing his value in pass defense. Savage, on the other hand, stands as the team’s sixth-highest graded run defender. Johnson and Owens, while graded lower, have showcased their effectiveness in various defensive facets.

The dilemma lies in balancing pass defense prowess with run-stopping abilities. Ford and Johnson have excelled in limiting completion percentages and quarterback ratings, whereas Savage and Owens have shown excellence in run defense. The likely scenario is a return to starting roles for Savage and Ford if they are both healthy. However, the undeniable contributions of Owens and Johnson suggest they should still feature prominently in the defensive scheme.

In conclusion, the Green Bay Packers find themselves in the enviable position of having a surplus of talented safeties. The decision-making process becomes a chess match, weighing individual strengths against the overall defensive strategy. Owens’ impactful performances have elevated the safety position from a preseason concern to a depth advantage, providing the Packers with a positive problem as they navigate the challenges ahead.