The Green Bay Packers didn’t make many changes to their coaching staff this offseason. The one change they did make was the defensive line coach. Green Bay has a ton of talent on the defensive line, led by Rashan Gary, and yet the unit often fails to generate pressure on the quarterback. GM Brian Gutekunst has invested a lot in the position, and the team wanted more. They brought in former New England Patriots defensive coordinator DeMarcus Covington to coach the line, and he was asked at a press conference what he learned from the legendary Bill Belichick.
Green Bay Packers DeMarcus Covington On Bill Belichick
Before joining the Green Bay Packers, Covington was a coaching assistant in New England beginning in 2017. He rose through the ranks, being an outside linebackers coach and the defensive line coach in 2020. After four years in that position, head coach Jerod Mayo promoted him to defensive coordinator. After Mayo was fired, Covington had to find a new position. Head coach Matt LaFleur was happy to add him to the staff. In a recent press conference, he was asked what he learned from the legendary coach.
“How long we got?” he quipped. When he was told there were only about ten minutes, he responded, “Not long enough.” While the New England Patriots struggled on offense in the post-Tom Brady era, their defenses were always solid under Belichick. There is a long list of great defensive linemen who have gone through the New England franchise. Covington has plenty to work with in Green Bay.
Defensive Line
The Green Bay Packers’ defensive line is led by veterans Gary and Kenny Clark. However, neither has lived up to expectations over the past few seasons. Additionally, first-round pick Lukas Van Ness has shown flashes but not the consistency to stay on the field. Former fifth-round pick Kingsley Enagbare showed some promise in his rookie year but needs development. The Packers also picked up some young players in the draft and through undrafted free agency.
The line has to play better. Plain and simple. The best teams are able to generate pressure with their front four. NFL quarterbacks are too good at carving up blitz-heavy teams. Players like Devonte Wyatt are in a contract year, meaning a huge season could mean a big payday.
Final Thoughts
One good thing the Green Bay Packers seem to be doing is not sitting on their hands with poor coaching. They are being aggressive in bringing in good talent to coach their young players. Will the defensive line improve in 2025?
