If Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers is any sort of barometer for how fans should feel about their team, then an understated optimism, particularly on defense, might be the appropriate tenor.
With just a handful of days away from players reporting to training camp, Rodgers expanded on the team’s offseason acquisitions and the defense’s identity as it matures in its second year with defensive coordinator Mike Pettine.
“I like what our GM did, bringing those guys in,” Rodgers told Chris Simms of NBC Sports. “We’ve brought in some really good leadership with Adrian Amos, safety. And we drafted a young kid (Darnell Savage) who’s really talented.”
The shoutout to Savage is particularly noteworthy in that it’s his second endorsement from prominent Packers. From his official Instagram account, Davante Adams a month ago wrote “That boy gonna be special” in reference to Darnell Savage.
Rodgers, however, didn’t just stop with Amos and Savage. In fact, he sounded most excited about Za’Darius Smith and Preston Smith, the outside linebacker additions who, in Rodgers’ estimation, should increase the talent and leadership in the locker room.
“I think the coolest thing is the two outside linebackers,” Rodgers said. “Just watching them kind of fit in, Za’Darius (Smith) and Preston (Smith). And they’re hungry. They’re young kids. They haven’t won anything yet. As an old guy, you love to see that. As much as you love the veterans, it’s good to have a new energy.”
The offseason acquisitions are likely to get most of the headlines, but this is also the second season with Mike Pettine serving as defensive coordinator, the time in which players graduate from rudimentary understanding of the scheme to a more “graduate” level, as Pettine likes to call it.
“It’s great, you know,” Rodgers said. “We’re in our second year with Mike Pettine and there’s just a different feel. I think Blake (Martinez) is stepping into his role as middle linebacker and owning it.”
