The Green Bay Packers have already blown past initial expectations, according to new defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon. He told media Wednesday that the team’s “leadership, the operation and players” have all exceeded what he thought was coming, a pretty wild statement for training camp.
Gannon’s Defense: Versatility Is the Name of the Game
Gannon’s got a vision, and it screams versatility. He is moving interior defensive linemen all over the place, even kicking edge rushers inside. Safeties are lining up everywhere on the field. With talent like Xavier McKinney, Evan Williams, and Javon Bullard, the secondary can show opponents tons of different looks but still run the same plays. Gannon isn’t locking into one style, saying each game will “look different” because of what opposing offenses bring, not just because of his own talent. We’ll have to see how deep his playbook runs early in the season, especially while Micah Parsons is still out.
Offense and Special Teams: Shifting Roles and Rising Stars
On the offensive side, coordinator Adam Stenavich is feeling good about his unit too. He’s hyped on backup interior offensive linemen Jager Burton, a fifth-round rookie, and third-year fifth-rounder Jacob Monk, both having the “right mindset.” And get this: Jordan Morgan, who played guard for two years, is now “our left tackle, and he’s out there to prove it to everybody.” Stenavich says left tackle is Morgan’s “natural spot.” Injuries at tight end have forced Josh Whyle and Drake Dabney into starting snaps, and Dabney especially has “improved as much as” anyone in camp, according to Stenavich, who sees him as more of an in-line tight end. Plus, running back MarShawn Lloyd, who’s barely played due to injuries, is “looking good” and Stenavich wants him to get a big workload in preseason. Even special teams coordinator Cam Achord dropped a nugget about Trey Smack’s specific ball-holding preference. Talk about detail!
Next up, the team has a Friday Family Night scrimmage before the next open practice. You gotta wonder if this early confidence from the coordinators will translate. All eyes will be on how Morgan handles that left tackle spot and if Dabney and Lloyd keep making noise.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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