Darnell Savage’s return to the Green Bay Packers secondary in recent weeks has helped provide some needed stability, specifically with the pre-snap communication component.
“He (Savage) does a hell of a job communicating with the back end,” said Matt LaFleur early in the season, “making sure everyone is on the same page.”
Following the Packers’ Week 15 loss to Tampa Bay, where Baker Mayfield picked apart the Green Bay pass defense, recording a perfect passer rating, the focus was around the pre-snap communication – or the lack thereof – on the defensive side of the ball.
“When you’re having basic communication problems,” said LaFleur after the Bucs’ game, “and you’re supposed to be in a certain coverage or certain rotation, and we’re not getting that communication, that’s what’s disappointing to me.
“The fact that it was poor communication. It always starts with us. It starts with myself, and it goes to all of our assistant coaches.”
However, over the last three games for the Packers’ defense, the communication seems to be much improved. Defenders are in a position to make plays on the ball. Blown assignments have been significantly reduced, and overall, this looks like a much more cohesive unit that is playing together.
That three-game stretch also coincides with Savage’s return from injury. Before the ball is even snapped, Savage’s role consists of communicating with the back end of the defense to ensure everyone is on the same page, coverage responsibilities are known, along with making checks, based on what look the offense is giving.
“I would say that’s one of his strengths,” said LaFleur. “His ability to communicate. I don’t care what sport you’re playing, if you don’t have everybody, especially in our game where there is 11 men on the field, you need 11 playing as one.
“If you don’t, it’s hard to play effective defense, or offense, or special teams, whatever it may be. Communication is a big part of it and he does a great job of it.”
Along with the communication element, Savage has been impactful during the play as well. According to PFF, Savage has been in on eight tackles, he’s allowed three receptions but held the pass catchers to just 16 total yards, and came away with a pick-six in Dallas.
For what it’s worth, Savage was also the Packers’ highest-graded defender in the wildcard game as well.
Of course, having said all of that, Savage’s return isn’t the lone factor for the improved play in the secondary. Jaire Alexander has been playing at a high level. We’ve also seen some schematic changes, which include more blitzing and the disguising of coverages–not to mention that when the pass rush is finding success, the entire defense benefits.
However, it’s also not a coincidence that the secondary has started to look more buttoned up at the same time Savage returned. His presence and what he provides before the ball is even snapped from a communication aspect, along with the leadership he brings, was a missing element.
“He’s really matured, as a football player and as a man,” said LaFleur. “His leadership has really shown through this year. I think he is one of the main leaders, especially in the DB room, but also on our football team. He’s had a great attitude all through the course of the offseason and into this year.”
