The Green Bay Packers’ pass rush has a chance to get back on track this week against a Los Angeles Rams team struggling in pass protection.
According to Pro Football Focus, the Rams currently have the league’s lowest pass-blocking grade and third-lowest pass-blocking efficiency. For those unfazed by PFF’s ratings, Los Angeles gave up 54 total pressures as a team, sixth in the NFL.
The Packers need a return to form after Sunday’s loss to the Minnesota Vikings, in which Sam Darnold threw for 278 yards and three touchdown passes. For far too long and far too often, Darnold has looked far too comfortable operating in the pocket.
When asked about Monday’s pass rush performance, Matt LaFleur was positive about Minnesota’s pass protection, but said they need to do a better job of only rushing four.
“It was definitely not up to our standards,” LaFleur said. “Give them the benefit of the doubt. I thought they had a good offensive line, especially on offense, they were pretty good players, but I thought as a whole they did a really good job. They did a good job using the chips on the edges. I thought the defenders helped the pass game quite well, so overall I didn’t think it was good enough, especially when we had a four-man attack.”
The Packers were able to sack Darnold twice, although they rushed for more than four on both occasions. Of course, blitzing is necessary to keep offenses in check, but it can’t be the primary source of the pass rush. Rushing more than four players means one of them will throw more players into range. A good offense will take advantage of this. Against Green Bay, Darnold completed five of seven passes for 87 yards after impact. That’s why the best defense is able to disrupt the quarterback’s play when he attacks primarily with the four.
Of course, the Packers’ pass rush wasn’t solely responsible for the loss to the Vikings, but the defensive play was definitely disappointing compared to what they did the week before against the Tennessee Titans.
In Week 3, Tennessee’s pass protection has no answer to Green Bay’s pass rush, which has generated eight sacks and a season-high pressure of 20. This effectively won them the game as quarterback Will Levis turned the ball over three times, a direct result of his lack of comfort .
The Packers are expected to be in more favorable conditions this week against the Rams, but they need to find a way to make their pass rush more sustainable going forward. One solution to this problem may be to enhance the production of the top two pass rushers.
Green Bay named Rashan Gary one of Edge Rush’s 10 highest-paid employees last year, but his performance hasn’t yet matched that investment. Gary has just one sack in his last 11 games dating back to last season, and his 2024 pressure rusher total ranks 61st among edge rushers according to PFF.
Defensive back Kenny Clark, who received a significant contract extension in the offseason, has also had a sluggish start to the season. Clark has yet to record a single sack or QB hit in 107 rushing snaps. Fortunately, Clark should have a favorable matchup this week. Rams center Beaux Limmer has surrendered eight times in the first games, while linebacker Kevin Dotson has allowed seven pressures and two sacks.
Gary, on the other hand, may have a more tough time in Week 5, lining up opposite Los Angeles’ extremely reliable right tackle Rob Havenstein.
But that’s all. The Packers can’t just afford to let their pass rush show up against weaker competition. They also can’t rely solely on Gary and Clark. The arsenal of Gary and Clark, as well as Devonte Wyatt, Preston Smith, Lukas Van Ness and Kingsley Enagbare should make a significant impact each week.
Unfortunately, it looks like Wyatt will miss this week with an ankle problem, which should give Karl Brooks – another talented pass rusher – more opportunities.
Ultimately, while a matchup with an underwhelming Rams offensive line may provide a chance for another substantial day, the Packers’ success this season depends on developing a consistent and effective passing attack regardless of the competition.
