Will Rashan Gary and the Green Bay Packers' Pass-Rush Find Success Against the Struggling Tennessee Titans?
ICARO Media Group
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The Green Bay Packers' pass-rush, led by Rashan Gary, has been relatively quiet in the first two games of the 2024 season. However, a potential breakthrough awaits them as they prepare to face the Tennessee Titans this Sunday. The matchup could prove to be a significant advantage for Gary and the Packers, as Titans right tackle Nicholas Petit-Frere has shown vulnerabilities in pass protection.
According to Next Gen Stats, Petit-Frere allowed a staggering 13 pressures on just 35 pass-blocking snaps in his game against the New York Jets last week. This performance set a new Next Gen Stats record since 2018 for the most pressures allowed in a single game. Gary, who lines up predominantly against the opposing right tackle, could exploit this glaring weakness and create mismatches in the Packers' favor.
Pro Football Focus also highlights the struggles of Petit-Frere, as he has already allowed 11 pressures over 77 pass-blocking snaps in the first two games of the season. Against the Jets alone, he was credited with seven hurries, one quarterback hit, and one sack. These troubles in protecting the quarterback are not new for Petit-Frere, as he allowed 11 pressures, including three sacks and five quarterback hits, in the previous season.
The Tennessee Titans' offensive line has been far from impressive in terms of pass-blocking efficiency. Through two weeks, they rank last in the NFL, having allowed a league-high 33 pressures on just 73 pass-blocking snaps. The struggles continue with a pass-block win rate of 43 percent, placing them at the 29th spot in the league according to ESPN.
Facing the Titans is an opportunity for the Packers' pass-rush to thrive. The change in the opposing quarterback, from mobile threats like Jalen Hurts and Anthony Richardson to second-year quarterback Will Levis, allows the Packers to be more aggressive in their pass-rushing schemes. With containment in the pocket being a lesser concern, Gary and the Packers' deep pass-rushing group can focus on relentlessly attacking the quarterback.
In the first two games of the season, Gary has shown glimpses of his potential with three pressures, including a sack in Week 1 against Lane Johnson. While he was quieter against Richardson and the Colts, Week 3 against the Titans could be the breakout game for both Gary and the Packers' pass-rush.
The Titans' struggling offensive line presents the perfect opportunity for the Packers' pass-rush to showcase their disruptive abilities. With the potential mismatch between Petit-Frere and Gary, the Packers will be eager to unleash their aggressive pass-rushing tactics in every obvious passing situation.
As the Packers gear up for their matchup against the Titans, fans and analysts alike will be eagerly watching to see if Rashan Gary and the Packers' pass-rush can finally make a statement and deliver the disruptive performances they are capable of.
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