Green Bay Packers vs. Philadelphia Eagles: Rookies to watch
As the Green Bay Packers play host to the struggling Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday, we look at 3 rookies to watch on each team that could make an impact.
Which rookies are poised to make an impact on Thursday Night Football with the Green Bay Packers taking on the Philadelphia Eagles?
Here’s a look at three guys from each team to watch.
Green Bay Packers
Darnell Savage, S
The Packers defense, specifically their secondary, has been an area of concern for the team for quite a while. The entire Green Bay secondary has been acquired since 2017 via draft or free agency.
Last year the Packers selected cornerbacks with each of their first two draft picks (Jaire Alexander and Josh Jackson) and added another solid option as an undrafted free agent (Tony Brown).
Combined with 2017 second-round pick Kevin King and former Bears safety Adrian Amos, who the team acquired this offseason in free agency, the Packers secondary was just one piece away from being complete and dangerous. Enter 2019 first-round pick Darnell Savage Jr.
Coming in as the 21st overall pick out of Maryland, Savage got acclimated quickly to defensive coordinator Mike Pettine’s system, and has started each of the team’s first three games this season as a rookie. Furthermore, Savage has played every single defensive snap on the season for a defense that is proving to be one of the best units in the league.
Savage isn’t just out on the field, he’s making plays. As a strong safety, Savage has shown his prowess in both run and pass defense. He already has 13 solo tackles so far this year, as well as a QB hit and a forced fumble. In coverage, Savage has a pass defended in each of the three games so far on the season, and snagged an interception last week against the Broncos.
Against a quality Eagles offense, the entire Green Bay defense, including Savage, will have to bring their A-game to Lambeau Field tonight. Despite losing to the Lions a week ago, The Eagles passing game was effective even with both of their top two receivers missing the game. Philly’s number one receiver Alshon Jeffery is expected to play tonight, so the Packers will face a tough challenge with Carson Wentz at the helm.
Savage may find himself matched up against one of the best tight ends in the league, Zach Ertz. Ertz is a handful for anyone to cover, so if he does find himself lined up opposite of the two-time Pro Bowler, Savage will have to anchor down and show what he is capable of.
This should be the biggest test so far this season for a Packers secondary that has been phenomenal to this point. Savage and his teammates will have to be on the same page, and flying around the field making plays if they want to continue to show their dominance. This defense has improved greatly from just a couple seasons ago, and this could be a great way to show that they can stop even the league’s best passing offenses.