Inside Linebackers Will Lead The Packers Defense This Year
De'Vondre Campbell and Quay Walker are going to be a huge part of the Packers success this year.
By BruceIrons
Most of the chatter around the Packers this offseason has focused on the offense and the quarterback, in particular, but the defense will be leaned on more than it has in previous seasons, maybe more than it has in decades.
The Packers offense will be under a lot of pressure, but with a new starting quarterback and mostly first and second year guys at receiver and tight end, people will understand if things don't click right away.
Defense is another story.
Not only is that side of the ball chocked full of 1st round picks (including three 1st round selections on defense in the last two years and a whopping seven in the last six years), but they also retained defensive coordinator Joe Barry after another inconsistent season.
If the offense doesn't produce, people will say that the new players need more time. If the defense doesn't produce, jobs will be almost certainly be lost.
But which position group will lead the defense?
Cornerback is a strong position, but Eric Stokes isn't back to 100%, the slot position it still unsettled, and, being realistic, with the way the game is played now, a team can't build a defense around the cornerback position. The offense has so many rules advantages that cornerbacks, while important, but unable to carry a defense.
This is especially true in Green Bay, where question marks at safety continue to build, and will most likely impact how the cornerbacks play.
Of course, pass coverage looks a lot better when the pass rush hits home.
The Packers have the potential to have a great pass rush, but they need Preston Smith, who is about to turn 31, to continue his high standard of play, and they're depending on Rashan Gary to return to form after an ACL injury. Kingsley Enagbare was a gem find on Day 3 last year, but he's not going to be the cornerstone of this defense, and until Lukas Van Ness plays at least a down, he's still an unknown commodity as a rookie.
Ahead of them is a defensive line that has Kenny Clark and some question marks. It would be nice to see guys like TJ Slaton and Devonte Wyatt step up, but for now, we have no idea if they're ready to be full-time contributors.
That leaves inside linebacker.
De'Vondre Campbell followed up his All Pro season with a less-impactful year in 2022, but he was dealing with injury issues that most people didn't realize. When healthy, he is still capable of big plays and an All Pro level of performance.
Next to him is Quay Walker. While Walker got a lot of flack for being the first player (since ESPN started tracking ejections) to be ejected from two games in the same season (a Happy-Gilmore-like feat of legend, if you ask me), that intensity showed in his play. He led all rookie linebackers in tackles, pressures, and completion percentage allowed in coverage. He showed sideline to sideline ability in covering the pass and the run, was a sure tackler, and a valuable inside blitzer.
With Walker primed for a year two jump, and De'Vondre Campbell healthy and looking to return to form, the inside linebacker tandem is set to be the leading unit on this defense.
Their skills, abilities, and physical attitudes are just what modern defenses need.
Both players are fast and athletic enough to cover in space (each ran their Combine 40 in the 4.5's) and break down ball carriers in the open field. But they aren't just quick, undersized tweeners. Both are physically imposing, with 6'4 frames that don't get washed by power blocking schemes. Plus, but are sure tacklers.
As I've previously discussed, the Packers have never had inside linebackers like this.
Now, with the team in a state of transition, De'Vondre Campbell and Quay Walker will lead this defense into the next era.
Bruce Irons has played, coached, and studied football for decades. Best-selling author of books such as A Fan's Guide To Understanding The NFL Draft, A Fan's Guide To Understanding The NFL Salary Cap, and A Fan's Guide To NFL Free Agency Hits And Misses, Bruce contributes to CheeseHeadTV and PackersForTheWin.com.
Follow Bruce Irons on Twitter at @BruceIronsNFL.
Comments (54)
greengold
August 11, 2023 at 06:11 am
“ But which position group will lead the defense?”
I’m going to go out on a limb and say Safety. I mean, Linebacker!
TARIQ CARPENTER.
I really think this hybrid player will become an X-Factor this season. Not to take away from your point, Bruce. I agree Campbell & Walker are going to shine brightly this year, especially with that boatload of talent being infused at DL for 2023. Carpenter will reap those same benefits, as will our secondary. McDuffie looks improved too.
On paper much of this adds up to a lot of good, We’ll see.
TxFred
August 11, 2023 at 07:48 am
Agree with you on Carpenter. Excited to see him develop & contribute.
NickPerry
August 11, 2023 at 06:18 am
Okay Bruce, sounds good to me...
I'm really excited to see what the Packers have in mind for Walker this season. We keep hearing they'll use him more doing different things, which we won't see until the regular season starts, but I LIKE any idea that involves Walker. I think this kid will be GREAT!
Obviously Micah Parsons from Dallas is a special talent with ALL the things he does so well. I can't help but think Walker could do similar things. Whether or not he can do them even close to the level Parsons does is the question I have. I think he can...But I'm a little bit of a Homer.
greengold
August 11, 2023 at 06:35 am
yO Nick!
EXACTLY! I think we’re finally going to see IoC on both O & D, and that Micah Parsons-type role Quay appears to be assuming is probably going to become a thing.
Does Carpenter give us TWO of those? I tend to think so.
Our Front 7 this year! wow.
stockholder
August 11, 2023 at 06:29 am
Nobody wanted Barry back.
Yet- he's the reason for the LBs.
I agree; the Lbs will impact the defense.
And it just won't be the ILBs.
Until Barry was hired.
Gute couldn't find the right combination.
Thank you Coach Barry.
packer132
August 11, 2023 at 08:06 am
Huh? Another post that makes no sense.
Gute found and stole Campbell from the Cardinals, Then he re-signed him last year to a 5 year deal. Gute drafted Walker in the 1st round last year with the 22nd pick. And you blame Gute for what? Get a clue.
CheesedDeadHead
August 11, 2023 at 09:54 am
Your point about nonsense is valid, but:
Rasul Douglas was on the Cards PS.
Campbell was a free agent that the Packers signed to a 1 year contract, so literally any team could have gone after him. Then the Packers signed him to an extension after his All-Pro performance on the 1 year contract.
dobber
August 11, 2023 at 10:33 am
True, but the Cards had Campbell on a one-year deal and let him go, so maybe that's the angle here.
Sometimes players land in the right place at the right time..sometimes they recognize that they're starting to circle the bowl on the way out of the league and something's gotta change. Whatever the case, the Packers were the beneficiaries with Douglas and Campbell.
CheesedDeadHead
August 11, 2023 at 12:04 pm
"True, but the Cards had Campbell on a one-year deal and let him go, so maybe that's the angle here."
Possible. I recall an article in Packers Plus during the 2021 season that De'Vondre picked the Packers over all the other options because they were going to use him almost exclusively as a <senior moment> LB which was what he felt was his best position. I believe he was even offered more money by another team, but in a more versatile role that he felt didn't play to his strengths.
greengold
August 11, 2023 at 11:48 am
First-Team All-Pro. Remarkable.
Lphill
August 11, 2023 at 09:29 am
Barry is a better position coach than he is a coordinator .
stockholder
August 11, 2023 at 09:51 am
I very seldom disagree with you.
But there are problems in the secondary.
I'm following the Article.
Coldworld
August 11, 2023 at 05:09 pm
Barry was an ILB coach not a DB coach.
dobber
August 11, 2023 at 09:33 am
There's no real indication that Barry is doing very much position-group coaching at all. He's got an ILB coach and an OLB/pass rush coach working under him.
stockholder
August 11, 2023 at 09:47 am
He knows the talent.
I believe he had a history with
P. Smith, Campbell, and Hollins.
So the rest is just Game day Ready.
dobber
August 11, 2023 at 09:58 am
Goalposts moved.
jannesbjornson
August 11, 2023 at 01:41 pm
Right, he should be the LB coach and leave the coordinating to someone else.
GregC
August 11, 2023 at 06:46 am
I would love to see the inside linebackers lead the defense this year. That's the best position to lead, because they are in the middle of everything, and one of them wears the helmet with the radio. After neglecting the position for years, the Packers have finally made a real investment in it. So far so good.
That said, Quay Walker needs to improve. He flashed at times last year, but I don't think he was consistent enough. This year I'm hoping for improvement in the defensive line, which will benefit the inside linebackers. Walker could have the opportunity to really shine if he steps up his level of play.
dobber
August 11, 2023 at 09:35 am
Agreed: if your defense is weak up the middle, your defense is weak overall.
I worry more about the S position, but am encouraged that there seems to be movement on the depth chart and that they haven't just plugged in Rudy Ford with fingers crossed and said: problem solved?
SicSemperTyrannis
August 11, 2023 at 12:51 pm
#7 Walker has demonstrated improvement in practice so far. Will that translate to the regular season?
Physicality doesn't seem to be at issue, it's a question of if he gets fooled. Or how often.
GregC
August 11, 2023 at 01:51 pm
Yeah, that's what Walker still needs to prove, and it's the most important aspect of playing the position. Does he have the instincts and the smarts to be in the right place at the right time on a consistent basis?
greengold
August 11, 2023 at 05:47 pm
Greg, I think it all starts up front. DL is key. Their great play makes the LBs better, and every DB’s job easier.
I’m looking forward to seeing the 2s & 3s getting a long look. I think we’re going to see great depth just about everywhere.
18 days until final cuts to 53!!! Wow!
HarryHodag
August 11, 2023 at 06:48 am
My prediction about this season is when it's over defense will be the reason it was positive or negative.
If the Packers defense can't step up, especially early, then it will be a tough year. They just need to keep the team in the game. Scoring won't be as easy as it has been in the past.
But don't forget the Packers were 8-9 last year and dropped the ball when they had a chance at home, with a Hall of Fame QB, to win and be in.
dobber
August 11, 2023 at 09:45 am
That last game is the really visible "win or go home" game, but there were plenty of failings through the middle of the schedule where they couldn't hold leads or couldn't convert late drives against NFC teams...the GIants, Washington, Lions game 1...that might have served to make that second Detroit game irrelevant. In that 5-game losing streak mid-season, they averaged less than 16 points per game.
SicSemperTyrannis
August 11, 2023 at 12:53 pm
Yup. That's why I'm so glad to see the intensity at practice. This team might come out ready to PLAY week 1! When's the last time that happened?
Savage57
August 11, 2023 at 07:23 am
If the old saw, "you need to have a difference-maker at all three levels to have an effective defense" holds up, the Packers should be set to see what the 3rd year in Joe Barry's scheme can deliver.
Clark, then Wyatt at the point.
Campbell, then Walker at the second.
Jyree, then Zuul on the back end.
greengold
August 11, 2023 at 08:41 am
I cannot WAIT to be able to name 2 Safeties with conviction on the back end. The 3 games of testing begins tonight. Who can ball? Who can tackle? Who can PD? Who can create TOs? Who can range? Who can cover? Who can shut down? Who shows the best instincts? Who is our set of playmakers back there?
Do we have playmakers back there? I think we do.
SicSemperTyrannis
August 11, 2023 at 01:08 pm
I think we do too!
At S:
Owens Moore Ford Savage. For the fifth element it's between Sapp Leavitt Johnson, in order of slowest first.
While I'm at it here's our WR by 40 time:
Bo Melton 4.34
Christian Watson 4.36
Jayden Reed 4.37
Cody Chrest 4.38
Simore Toure 4.43
Romeo Doubs 4.47
Andre Miller 4.53
Dontayvion Wicks 4.57
Grant DuBose 4.57
Watts 4.59
Jadakis Bonds 4.63
Malik Heath 4.64
Pretty interesting seeing it laid out like this. I think speed will be more important with JL10, yet Heath has managed to get open.
greengold
August 11, 2023 at 01:54 pm
It is something to see that level of speed at WR in Green Bay. I remember a time when it was fantastic having one player with 4.3 speed...
Jordy Nelson 6-3, 217, ran a 4.51
Andre Miller 6-3 224 is just 2 one hundredths of a second off from Jordy's time.
It's kind of why I like Tarvarius Moore winning one of those Safety spots. 6-2 200 with a 4.32... Known as an assassin vs. the run, with great ball skills.
IMO, he already offers more than Savage, who I believe has underperformed by quite a lot
Having a FS who can RUN STOP??? wow.
T7Steve
August 11, 2023 at 07:43 am
It's not really one or the other. Defense carrying the offence or the offense carrying the defense.
The Defense will set up the offence and the offence won't hang them out to dry. The special teams will place both in good positions to succeed.
We now have a complete TEAM!
The inside linebackers/leaders are something we don't have to worry about and try to hide and cover up anymore.
How very exciting!
SicSemperTyrannis
August 11, 2023 at 01:14 pm
Complementary football sounds so scholarly. I'm advocating violent disruption of the opposing backfield! Not only do we have the players for it, versatility can be a factor and we have that in abundance.
Tonight won't even be a fair test, but a test it will be. From one of the best teams in the league to next week against the unmitigated disaster that was the Pats last night. I'm ok with playing JL10 sparingly tonight as long as he gets to go through everything next week.
TxFred
August 11, 2023 at 07:52 am
Barry, must be the envy of the DC's in the league, with all the 1's. It's all on him. I hope he listened the squad, and lets them play to their talent: Aggressive GPG!!!!
SicSemperTyrannis
August 11, 2023 at 01:15 pm
Fred, from your lips to God's ears ...
Thegreatreynoldo
August 11, 2023 at 08:24 am
The Packers defense allowed 27.5 points per game when Campbell was out with a knee injury (and a shoulder injury that was not disclosed even to the team). When he returned for the last five games, the defense allowed 17.6 points per game (even though Rashan Gary missed all of those game). The defense gave up 21.6 points per game in the first 8 games, but that included allowing just 10 to the woeful Chicago Bears and 12 to the depleted Tampa Bay Buccaneers. TB would finish the year with the 25th ranked offense, scoring just 18.4 points per game. I've written that Campbell was a quality starter in 2022, notwithstanding the unduly high expectations of some fans.
Walker is another kettle of fish. He oozes talent. Quay wasn't very good in 2022. He was a below average starter. Over the years we have seen uber-athletic players fail. The term height-weight-speed prospect is well-known. Walker is indeed big, strong, fast and quick. The really positive thing about Walker is that he can cover. That alone will keep a player in the NFL. Another good thing is that he doesn't miss tackles when he is in position to make them. His biggest issue is run-fits and recognition. He has the talent to be great. Now it is up to the coaches and to himself to get the most out of him.
greengold
August 11, 2023 at 08:53 am
HUGE, TGR.
Campbell didn't make 1st-Team All-Pro for nothing. He's a difference maker, one who played injured last year, and still made a major impact.
Quay is still learning, but should be further along this year than last. I do appreciate his ownership of mistakes made, and I believe that has furthered his commitment to show his very best this season.
Took a buddy of mine to his first Packer game last season, v. Bears, and he is ALL OVER Quay Walker, especially what he showed in the 2nd half of the season. That Bears game... it just hit right!!! LOL.
Quay Walker ranked #1in the NFL at ILB in FF with 3 last season. - That's a stat I love. FFs & FRs are HUSTLE PLAYS!!!
Commentary shared this offseason by the D staff regarding Tariq Carpenter has me really excited for this group as well. Quay lists in at 6-4 241. Carpenter at 6-3 230. I'm fascinated to know what their plan is going forward with Carpenter, and how he affects ILB and S in 2023.
DB Coach Ryan Downard raved about Tariq as a tackler when discussing his switch to the LB room this year. He brings solid ball skills too. 2 INTs the other night. Quay's 2022 grades show him at 70.3 in Pass Rush and 70.8 in Coverage at PFF. His run numbers should improve this season.
I just wonder how Carpenter fits?
Ryan Downard:
“I don’t know. You tell me,” Downard said. “I stood up here last year and said he’s a hybrid. He’s kind of a freak athletically. I think he gives us some options to do some more exotic things with him just because he can rush the passer. We’re going to see if he can do that, we’re going to see if he can cover. I’m sidestepping your question right now because I don’t have an answer. He’s got the ability to play both really.”
Gutekunst:
“He’s a little bit of a tweener because he’s got the size of a linebacker but he plays safety and he has that kind of speed,” Gutekunst said. “He’s really, really physical. I think we’ll kind of figure out exactly where he fits, whether he goes to that safety room or the linebacker room at different times and what packages he plays in on defense and certainly on special teams. That was one of the big reasons we took him.”
I think they know full well what they plan to do with Carpenter, and they just don't want to tip their hand. Add in how a high quality DL can help an LB group... I'm both encouraged and intrigued.
T7Steve
August 11, 2023 at 09:26 am
GG, do you think they're planning for him to spy on running QBs or take on the more explosive tight end problems?
LambeauPlain
August 11, 2023 at 12:08 pm
I think Carpenter's first objective is to make the 53 at a new position. That is not a sure thing. It is rare when an NLF player changes positions and increases production. It did not seem like he embraced the change early on...but seems to be going full bore now.
Intriguing prospect!
greengold
August 11, 2023 at 01:20 pm
I've been saying it for almost a year, maybe more, that they have been grooming Tariq Carpenter to play a role similar to Cam Chancellor from the Super Bowl winning Seahawks, and the Legion of Boom.
Cam Chancellor was 6-3, 231... LOL (1 lb. more) with a 4.69 40 time (Carpenter's is 4.52).
Felt Gutekunst had a love for that Legion of Boom D, which featured elite FS play in the middle of the field, aggressive CBs and a SS who consistently drops the hammer.
It lead to him taking Kevin King. It lead to him taking Jaire. I believe it lead to Gutekunst taking Savage at FS...Stokes... signing Douglas... Maybe Carpenter...? Maybe the Moore signing comes into play here too...
Nobody wants to hear it, but, the Legion of Boom played Quarters, Quarter Quarter Half, and Cover 3.
What did Barry run last year? Quarters, Quarter Quarter Half and Cover 3 > 70%.
You know why last year sucked? Because we ran those concepts, Barry held firmly to them, and showed Gutekunst how many more pieces he needed to complete the puzzle. The injuries killed our chances, along with our insanely weak DL, which literally featured Kenny Clark and 2nd year NT TJ Slaton.
That defense is high stakes, high risk, high reward. It requires a deep roster of talent to run it, because if you lose just one or two key players, the whole thing becomes nearly impossible, and TEAMS WILL RUN ON YOU.
What happened last year? Teams ran on us. Why? This is why.
DEPTH is key. Look at our D roster. Gutekunst built in DEPTH at EVERY POSITION. Just pick one... there's a decent quality backup player.
We'll see about Safety starting tonight...
GregC
August 11, 2023 at 01:58 pm
Good post GG, but it was Ted Thompson who drafted Kevin King. You can let Gutey off the hook for that one.
SicSemperTyrannis
August 11, 2023 at 01:21 pm
GG, this tells me they won't be giving away the cheat code that is Tariq Carpenter tonight, and that probably goes for TE / WR #16 Andre Miller, too. I expect to see them on the field and will be watching, but think it will be pretty vanilla reps.
greengold
August 11, 2023 at 01:26 pm
EXACTLY. They will give these guys a chance to hit, tackle, make plays on the ball, but, they will continue trying to reveal as little of their intentions for the regular season as possible.
I don't know why this has been such an issue here. It was going to take 3 drafts to bring in enough talent to run this stuff. Barry was NEVER questioned by Gutekunst or LaFleur.
The Packers will be running a very exotic D this Fall, and they NOW have all the players they need to run it. Quay & Carpenter are "hook" defenders who can cover. That is HUGE in this D, and Illusion of Complexity altogether. They'll have some positions playing man, others playing zone, all at the same time. Switching off between players becomes less of a problem when your LBs (hooks) can drop back to cover, like a Safety.
LaFleur spelled it out fairly plainly, that they were switching schemes. I think many fans felt DCs should be able to run anything, but, Barry was brought in to run what we are about to see a month from now in Chicago.
fireball
August 11, 2023 at 08:26 am
The main struggle for the Packers this coming season will be two-fold: the head coach, Matt LaFleur, and the defensive coordinator, Joe Barry. If once again the defense does badly the first few weeks of play, will Matt LaFleur be brave enough to admit he made a terrible mistake in retaining Joe Barry. . . and fire him? And, by the way, why in the world did Matt LaFleur ever hire Joe Barry in the first place? Joe Barry had a bad record as a defensive coordinator before LaFleur hired him.
I don't worry about the players on offense or defense. For the most part, they're young and inexperienced playing in the NFL. It's the head coach and the defensive coach that I worry about.
LambeauPlain
August 11, 2023 at 12:13 pm
Barry has always seemed like a panicked, crony hire after Leonard refused the DC offer after a long consideration.
I was impressed with MLF's pursuit of Jim...inspired move that had it worked...wow, who knows. Leonard with 8 first rounders?
Then he follows up that near miss with a failed, DC has been. Perplexing.
SicSemperTyrannis
August 11, 2023 at 01:28 pm
With Brian Flores, Vic Fangio, and at least one other big name available.
Yeah, I think we're all a little anxious about this. I think getting JB away from the sideline with RB on it is a good move!
Coldworld
August 11, 2023 at 08:33 am
Maybe. Maybe the DL gives them a chance to really impose. Everything starts with not being porous in the run game as I see it, for this team at least. Do so and our potential to penetrate all along the line becomes increasingly powerful. That in turn allows the ILBs to really start to dominate and the DBs to be aggressive, where they are strongest. All that helps the safeties versus run and pass. That’s where help is needed.
Success is a joint effort, but for me I think the key to it has to be unlocked by those in front of the ILBs.
T7Steve
August 11, 2023 at 09:29 am
You stole my broken record.
It all hinges on the trenches. Both sides of the ball.
dobber
August 11, 2023 at 09:53 am
"Everything starts with not being porous in the run game as I see it"
I suspect a more active and aggressive front may still get burned in the run game on occasion, but they'll also make some impact plays in the backfield that lead to favorable down/distance. I'll be curious to see how big bodies like Ford and Slayton play--one or both will land on the bottom of the 53 or PS, and will likely be elevated in case of injury and earn some snaps. Ford has a background of ST work in college, too.
Teams will try to control clock and run the ball against the Packers until...
1. ...they show they can stop it
2. ...the offense shows it can score 7s and put pressure on opponents to try to keep up
LambeauPlain
August 11, 2023 at 12:41 pm
Agree with all three of you...Cold, Steve, Dobber.
Show me a football team with dominating O and D lines and a winning record usually follow it.
What won the 1996 SB and earned a return trip in next year was the sublime and inspiring Fritz Schumer and the his top Defense.
Fritz successfully lobbied Holmgren and the Wolfman to invest in his front line. It was done. Reggie was all world...but adding Jonesy, Santana and Gravedigger? A nightmare waiting for opponents.
Coldworld
August 11, 2023 at 01:07 pm
The run game can be entirely stonewalled, which is very hard to do. However, it doesn’t have to be that good: the critical point is to prevent teams from believing that they can just rely on it to get yards and wear us down both. We have to show that runners won’t always win at an average of 3 plus yards and might actually go backwards or nowhere while our D might actually get off the field by downs or bringing our ball skill players into the turnover battle. We also should have better field positions when we do.
dobber
August 11, 2023 at 04:25 pm
In the end, it seems that most OCs don't seem to have the patience to play ground chuck football for very long.
SicSemperTyrannis
August 11, 2023 at 01:31 pm
CW,
of course it's possible to pass rush too much, but I don't think there's any danger of that. It can be brought from anywhere, and keeping opponents guessing could be / should be a huge factor for us this season :)
Coldworld
August 11, 2023 at 05:14 pm
I wasn’t suggesting there was a risk of rushing too much. A dude effect of more threats to rush on the inside is less double teaming of OLBs and less need to blitz extra men and get caught. We could get less with more, but it starts with being stouter against the run.
cheesehead1
August 11, 2023 at 11:20 am
Loads of pressure on this D just like last year which was a big disappointment. Players obviously need to perform better, but Barry needs to up his game big time. IMO, if there’s no big improvement after 6 games or so, then time for Lafleur/Gute to go in a different direction with our D coordinator. GPG!
LambeauPlain
August 11, 2023 at 12:28 pm
Bruce: Walker and Campbell are indeed the best talent at ILB since the Packers went to the 3-4 in 2009.
Walker has talent to be a difference maker as long as his football IQ continues to develop. He has a great mentor/wingman in Campbell.
Who knows how Barry employs him...but Quay was effective at GA rushing the passer from many spots. He did have a few attempts last year. Give him more. He might be a "Parsons-Lite".