This week, the Green Bay Packers will face the New York Giants on Monday Night Football. After three straight good wins, the Packers (6-6) control their own postseason destiny. Jordan Love and the offense appear to be in full throttle. In terms of points allowed per game (20.3), the defense presently ranks ninth in the NFL.
That defense could get a boost when they travel to New York this weekend. Reports continue to trend in the right direction for one former all-rookie to be available on Monday Night.
The Green Bay Packers Could Have Safety Darnell Savage Back For Their Monday Night Showdown Against The New York Giants
Early in the year Savage was turning heads with his play at the Safety position. This was reported on September 25th:
On Monday afternoon, defensive coordinator Joe Barry was asked about the steps forward that Savage has taken this season. It is obvious from watching him that Savage is having the best tackling season of his career and his a force to be reckoned with on run defense. Barry responded (via Ryan Wood on:
“It’s been really cool for him to really take a step. He’s really taken a step this year in terms of leadership. I love the play style he’s playing with right now. He’s flying around, he’s throwing his body around.”
Getting Savage Back Will Provide Great Depth Within The Secondary
Since Savage was drafted by the Packers five seasons ago, he has started 65 games. Getting that experience back will be big. At this point it just seems like a matter of time before the Packers get back the 26-year-old.
In his first game back after a calf injury, Savage played 90 percent of the team’s snaps on defense against the Chiefs on Sunday. As a result, the 2019 first-round selection was sidelined for Week 14 preparation due to a chest injury. To be cleared to play Monday against the Giants, practicing Friday and/or Saturday was necessary. Today was a step in the right direction.