Packers looking to improve key aspect of pass rush in 2025: 'We have to get better'

Despite finishing tied for eighth in the NFL in sacks a year ago, the Green Bay Packers' pass rush never felt consistently impactful and could stand to improve in 2025.

Defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley did a great job of manufacturing disruption via creative playcalling, but the Packers struggled to get pressure with just their four.

Kenny Clark is very much aware of their shortcomings as one of the leaders of Green Bay’s defensive line group, and it seems there is a specific aspect of rushing the passer they will be focussing on ahead of the 2025 season.

Clark told the media Tuesday: “Getting better rushing the passer play action wise is a spot we definitely have to get better at as a unit. We didn't do a good enough job with that last year.”

He also emphasized the importance of getting ahead early in games so their opponents cannot utilize play action and the quick game so freely, forcing them into more true pass sets.

Rashan Gary mentioned play action as an area for the defense to keep working as well, and it appears to be something the coaching staff is harping on in year two of the regime.

The Packers’ defensive linemen were far more disruptive in true pass set situations in 2024, which is nothing unusual; most if not all NFL pass rushes are better when they can pin their ears back and get after the passer.

As a group, Green Bay’s defensive tackles and edge rushers averaged a 12.35% win rate on pass rushes against true pass sets compared to an overall win rate of 9.75% on all plays.

However, there is some validity to Clark’s belief they can do a better job of impacting the QB. 

There are seven defensive linemen who played anything close to significant snaps in 2023 and 2024 who will also be returning in 2025: Rashan Gary, Lukas Van Ness, Kingsley Enagbare, Devonte Wyatt, Kenny Clark, Karl Brooks and Colby Wooden.

In 2023, they averaged a 13.6% pass rush win rate against true pass sets compared to an 11% pass rush win rate overall. Last season, they won at a 12.3% clip versus true pass sets and a 9.8% rate overall.

Both numbers declined in 2024, but the disparity between their ability to impact the quarterback when not facing true pass sets became much more prominent.

There is legitimacy to the idea that getting ahead in games also goes a long way to boosting pressure and sack production.

Consider this: 20.5 of the 32.5 sacks Green Bay’s defensive linemen had in 2024 came in the six games they won by a minimum of 13 points, with the Packers scoring at least 30 points in each contest.

A more consistent offense should naturally lead to better pass rush production, but 2025 is a big year for Green Bay’s defensive front as they look to become a legitimate difference-making unit.

This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Packers looking to improve key aspect of their pass rush in 2025