What's Going on with the Packers defense? (nick.james sports edition 1)

The 2017 season will go down in history as one of the most forgettable in Green Bay Packers history. The team lost its head signal caller and its most important playmaker when Aaron Rodgers went down against the Vikings on a questionable hit from LB Anthony Barr. The hit caused a broken collar bone, but it equally broke the hearts of Packers fans across the nation. From then on, the team struggle-bussed along with Brett Hundley and a completely inept defense. Although the season may have been forgettable, it certainly will serve as a catalyst for upcoming changes.

After firing Defensive Coordinator Dom Capers, Head coach Mike McCarthy brought in former Browns Head Coach and Rex Ryan apprentice, Mike Pettine. The Packers have to be hoping that this move makes their defense more explosive. A lot of the players seem to pass the eye-test, but the performance on the field has been disastrous at times. Pettine's scheme is more skewed towards stopping the pass, which would be a huge improvement over some of the defenses Capers put on the field. With Capers' philosophy revolving around stopping the run, perhaps this change in philosophy will eliminate big plays.

Outside observers can likely tell that the new General Manager, Brian Gutekunst, needs to bring in more talented pass rushers and cover men. Others have said that the team needs to move OLB Clay Matthews to the inside. While his skills do translate well to the middle, it may not be a move that the veteran Matthews is willing to make. His contract is up next season.

Pettine has to be excited about some of the weapons on the Green Bay defense, specifically DLs Mike Daniels and Kenny Clark. After a great sophomore season for ILB Blake Martinez, he is beginning to look like a playmaker as well. The secondary is where it really gets interesting. On paper this looks like a superior group, but execution has been lacking. Haha Clinton-Dix had what many consider to be his worst season to date. Demarious Randall, another first round pick, has no doubt made huge plays at times, but seems to be inconsistent. With newcomers CB Kevin King and SS Josh Jones both entering their second seasons after flashing some physical skills, they could both be poised for an expanded role in this defense.

Do the Packers have a chance to fix this defense? Or should they be looking to make more changes to the personnel?