Eric Wilson only played eight snaps in the Green Bay Packers' victory over the Indianapolis Colts. In that time, he made one interception, forced a fumble, and made a game-changing tackle for loss on an option.
Wilson made a significant impact despite only playing a handful of snaps.
Quay Walker has struggled in the opening two games despite playing every snap. Walker has shown potential as a blitzer but has struggled in run defense, missed four tackles, and dropped an interception. Wilson is Pro Football Focus' second-highest-graded linebacker through two weeks. Walker is 88th.
Many Packers fans believe Walker should be benched after a tough start to the season and have called for defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley to make changes. One option is to give Wilson more snaps ahead of Walker. Wilson has outplayed the former first-round pick despite only playing 23 snaps compared to Walker's 132.
Hafley spoke to the media ahead of their Week 3 game with the Tennessee Titans, and he couldn't hide how much he enjoyed Wilson's performance.
"For the eight plays that he played, I mean, holy cow, what a game he had," said Hafley.
Wilson forced a fumble on Colts running back Jonathan Taylor. The ball went out of bounds before the Packers could recover it, but Hafley loved what he saw.
"I think you guys probably saw the one that he ran down," Hafley added. "He came out on the screen, and did you see the ball laying on the sideline? Did you see the effort that he had and the way he punched it? That's how the guy practices."
Wilson eventually had his moment, intercepting Anthony Richardson early in the fourth quarter.
"It was beautiful. It was like slow-motion watching up there," said Hafley. "The quarterback is probably anticipating him widening and throwing inside, and he just went right up and made the play."
Packers still have high expectations for Quay Walker despite Eric Wilson praise
While Hafley loved what he saw from Wilson, we shouldn't expect Walker's snap counts to decrease anytime soon.
"I love where Quay is at, and not where Quay could be, but where Quay is going to be," said Hafley. "There's some plays you turn on and you're like, wow, that's exactly what we're talking about."
Walker has shown potential as a blitzer—his pressure on Anthony Richardson led to Xavier McKinney's interception early in the game—and the Packers need to see more of that. He's at his best when he can use his speed and athleticism to go after the quarterback or ball carrier.
However, those moments are few and far between. Walker's struggles in run defense and coverage have hurt the defense through two weeks. Per PFF, the former first-round pick has allowed eight receptions on 11 targets for 76 yards, with quarterbacks earning a 91.5 rating throwing his way.
Hafley needs to determine how to get the best out of Walker, but in the meantime, he has to give Wilson more snaps.
