Bob McGinn of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel breaks down some of the changes that Green Bay Packers defensive line could be going through in an attempt to replace DT Cullen Jenkins who left for the Philadelphia Eagles.
McGinn mentions that the Packers employed two separate three-man fronts: the “Okie” and the “Eagle.” With the “Okie,” Green Bay would have their NT directly on top of the center with DEs over the tackles and the “Eagle” had the NT shaded on the strong side of the center with the strong-side DE lined up on top of the tackle and the weak-side DE on the outside shoulder of the guard.
Last season the Packers made more use out of the “Eagle” formation with Ryan Pickett at strong-side DE, B.J. Raji at NT and one of Jenkins or Howard Green playing the weak side position. The loss of Jenkins leaves the Packers with a hole to fill but the team has been using Mike Neal at strong-side DE while shifting Ryan Pickett from DE to NT. This leaves Raji playing Jenkins former role of weak-side end. Last season Raji should that he has the ability to pentrate opposing offensive lines and get to the quarterback so the change could provide Raji with more opportunities to make plays in the backfield rather than at the line of scrimmage.
This is something to keep an eye on if you’re Packers fan during the teams first preseason game against the Browns on Saturday.
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