Defensive end Brenton Cox Jr. continues to emerge as a legitimate forward for the Green Bay Packers throughout the 2024 season. Cox Jr. played against the New Orleans Saints on Monday night. led the team with six pressures while the Packers pressured rookie Spencer Rattler, completing 52.6% of his tackles. according to Next Generation Statistics.
Cox Jr. sacked Rattler for a 7-yard loss in the third quarter. He also had another quarterback hit and a run stop on a no-gain. Even after a questionable passing penalty, second-year Edge Rush showed the ability to quickly overcome right tackle Trevor Penning’s block and disrupt the quarterback.
Cox Jr. he now has a sack in consecutive games and in three of his last four. Despite playing just six games, Cox Jr. he has 4.0 sacks – fourth among the Packers defense – and six quarterback hits. Trading Preston Smith during the bye opened up opportunities, and Cox Jr. he took full advantage of them.
Devonte Wyatt also had a key sack before halftime, giving him 5.0 sacks on the season, and rushing defender Keisean Nixon had one sack for loss. According to Next Gen Stats, Lukas Van Ness finished second with five pressures on Saints.
While the individual performances were impressive, what mattered most was the Packers’ overall level of pressure. Green Bay dominated offensively against Rattler and Geno Smith/Sam Howell in consecutive weeks, applying pressure with over 50 percent of the losses in both victories. Jeff Hafley continues to orchestrate timely blitzes and the Packers are applying increasingly constant pressure with only four players on key downs.
Even in a rotating role, Cox Jr. played a gigantic role in the pass rush dominance. Will he be able to stay at the top and provide the Packers with a reliable quarterback to disrupt the postseason?
