Even against an injury-hit Los Angeles Rams offensive line, the Green Bay Packers' pass rush struggled to generate pressure when only rushing four.
Defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley has to send extra rushers to disrupt the quarterback's timing. Edgerrin Cooper and Karl Brooks came up big in the win over the Rams, but the Packers are getting little help off the edge.
Kenny Clark is beginning to make an impact after a slow start to the season. Per PFF, he made two pressures against the Minnesota Vikings and another three, with two quarterback hits, against the Rams. That's an encouraging sign, but the Packers need more from their Pro Bowl defensive tackle, who is still waiting for his first sack of the year.
The Packers host the Arizona Cardinals in Week 6, and they have just lost a key starter along the offensive line.
Packers have opportunity to find pass-rush form after Cardinals lose Will Hernandez
The Cardinals have lost starting right guard Will Hernandez for the rest of the season due to a knee injury. It's a huge loss for Arizona, as the former second-round pick hasn't allowed a sack or quarterback hit all season. Trystan Colon is expected to replace him in the lineup.
Colon can provide solid cover, but replacing Hernandez won't be easy. While Colon is a generally fine pass-protector, he has an awful 29.4 PFF pass-blocking grade this season, ranking 87th among 94 guards. However, he has only played 26 offensive snaps, so it's a small sample size.
Regardless, the Packers have invested a lot of money and high draft picks into their defensive front. Whether it's Clark, or Rashan Gary shifting inside, the Packers need their star pass-rushers to deliver. Clark has made progress in recent weeks, but Gary has made only one sack and seven quarterback hits in his past 12 games, which dates back to Week 13 last season. The Packers need more.
Jeff Hafley's defense has plenty to worry about in Week 6. Kyler Murray is finding success in the passing game, throwing for 972 yards, seven touchdowns, and just two interceptions in the opening five weeks. Rookie wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. leads the way with 279 yards and four touchdowns.
But the run game is also an issue. Murray has 247 yards and a touchdown on the ground, the third-most among quarterbacks, while James Conner ranks sixth in the NFL for rushing yards.
The Packers' defensive line has to win its matchup. Arizona losing Hernandez is significant, but it's up to Green Bay to take advantage.
