At least one national analyst believes Green Bay Packers defensive end Rashan Gary has a large season ahead of him in 2024. How large? NFL Network’s Peter Schrager recently foreseen Gary, who is transitioning to a 4-3 defensive quarterback and is now a year removed from anterior cruciate ligament surgery, is expected to win the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award in 2024.
No Packers player has won the award since defensive end Charles Woodson won in 2009. An offensive player has won the award three years in a row, including Cleveland Browns defensive quarterback Myles Garrett last season.
Could Gary be next?
In his first year after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament last season, Gary had 9.0 sacks and 22 quarterback pressures while playing in just 53 percent of the Packers’ defensive snaps.
When assessing Gary’s potential for a successful season, the following points should be considered:
— He’s back to putting his hand in the ground as a defensive end in Jeff Hafley’s 4-3 offensive front. It’s a high-field, disruptive scheme designed to create negative plays. Gary has already said he feels “more explosive” in the 4-3.
— In his second season back from injury, he’ll likely be closer to playing full-time, especially after a successful off-season.
— He plays alongside a slew of talented players, including Kenny Clark and Devonte Wyatt at center. The Packers will be tough to block, and teams may have to pick their poison in terms of who to double-team in passing situations.
Before his injury in 2022, Gary was on the field for 70 percent of the defense’s snaps and was headed for a potential Pro Bowl season. Don’t be surprised if he picks up where he left off in 2024.
What will it take to win the prize?
In 2023, Garrett recorded 14.0 sacks, 30 quarterback pressures, four forced fumbles and 17 tackles for loss.
Nick Bosa had an NFL-leading 18.5 sacks, 35 quarterback pressures, two forced fumbles and 16 tackles for loss in the 2022 season.
In 2021, TJ Watt had an NFL-high 22.5 sacks, 39 quarterback pressures, five forced fumbles and an NFL-high 21 tackles for loss.
Gary and the Packers’ journey begins Friday night in Brazil. The opener is the perfect opportunity for Gary to make a large statement to the rest of the NFL — a primetime, nationally televised showdown with Jalen Hurts and the Philadelphia Eagles. All eyes will be on Brazil Friday. A large performance on a large stage could set Gary on a rewarding path in 2024.
Additionally, Schrager, who has predicted the winners of the last five Super Bowls, predicted that the Kansas City Chiefs would defeat the Packers in this year’s Super Bowl.
