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The Green Bay Packers are starting to look like a team that’s figuring it out – and just in time. After a convincing Thanksgiving Day win over the Detroit Lions, Green Bay has now rattled off three straight victories and is making a serious push in the NFC North.
But as promising as things are trending, it wasn’t all good news on Thursday. Defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt went down with a fractured ankle, a tough blow to a defensive front that’s already had its share of challenges.
Wyatt’s injury is a big one. He’s been a key piece in the middle of that line, and losing his presence is going to test the Packers’ depth up front. But while the defensive tackle rotation will need some retooling, there’s another area on defense that quietly deserves attention: the cornerback room – and more specifically, the recent play of Carrington Valentine.
Carrington Valentine’s Recent Struggles Are Hard to Ignore
Valentine has had a solid rookie campaign overall, but the last two weeks have been rough. Against the Lions in Week 13, he posted a 30.7 overall grade and a 29.6 coverage grade, per Pro Football Focus – both season lows.
He allowed two catches for 47 yards, and his tackling woes continued with two more missed tackles. That marks back-to-back games with multiple missed tackles, something that’s becoming a trend rather than a blip.
The week before, in a loss to the Vikings, he earned a 56.7 overall grade with a 23.7 tackling grade. While his coverage numbers on the season – 20 receptions allowed for 239 yards – show promise, the tackling concerns are becoming more than just a footnote.
Open-field tackling isn’t just about stopping a play – it’s about preventing a five-yard gain from turning into a 25-yard backbreaker. And right now, Valentine is struggling to make those stops.
Nate Hobbs Could Be the Answer – If He’s Healthy
That opens the door for Nate Hobbs to potentially reclaim a role in this secondary. Hobbs, who signed a $48 million deal in free agency, hasn’t quite found his groove in Green Bay. Part of that is due to being played out of position – he’s more natural in the slot, but the Packers have asked him to line up outside, where he’s been less effective.
Still, the numbers suggest Hobbs could offer some stability, especially in the tackling department. His missed tackle rate sits at 13%, significantly better than Valentine’s 22.6%. That kind of difference matters, especially when you’re talking about a defense that’s trying to get off the field on third down and avoid giving up explosive plays.
Hobbs didn’t suit up against the Lions, but he was limited in practice leading up to the game – a sign that he’s nearing a return. And while some may assume Valentine has earned the right to stay in the starting lineup, nothing is set in stone. If Hobbs is healthy and ready, the coaching staff may want to see what he can bring to a defense that’s still very much in the playoff hunt.
What It Means Moving Forward
This is one of those quiet storylines that could have a big impact down the stretch. Valentine has shown flashes, no doubt.
But in a league where one missed tackle can swing a drive – or even a game – consistency matters. And if Hobbs can offer more reliability in that department, especially as he returns from injury with fresh legs and something to prove, the Packers might have a decision to make.
With the NFC North still very much up for grabs, Green Bay can’t afford to leave points – or tackles – on the field. The defense has been playing better overall, but the margin for error is thin. As the Packers gear up for the final stretch of the season, keeping an eye on this cornerback rotation could be just as important as anything happening on the offensive side of the ball.
