Packers: Dean Lowry looks to help stop the run, get after QB more in 2020
It was no secret that the Packers really struggled to stop the run during the 2019 season. And when it counted the most, that flaw got exposed. In the NFC Championship Game, the Packers simply had no answers for the ground game of the San Francisco 49ers, who rushed for 285 yards en route to a 37-20 win.
In 2020, Green Bay can’t afford to let opposing squads beat them up at the line of scrimmage like they did last season.
Dean Lowry will play a key role in helping Green Bay shore up their run defense in the 2020 season. The 6-foot-6 defensive end talked to reporters on Wednesday about how the Packers plan to stop the run this year.
“There is no doubt that has been a big focus of ours this offseason,” Lowry said. “I know it’s very early, but the first few practices, you can sense a different kind of physicality. I think that it’s very encouraging so far.”
In order to stop the run, the Packers’ defensive line will need to turn their physicality up a notch. According to Lowry, that won’t be a problem.
“I would say the first few practices – even without pads – were physical. Our offense was coming off on us, it was good to get that work in. Watching the tape from last year, a lot of the big runs that we gave up, we beat ourselves. If we can just do our jobs, do our one-eleventh, and be on the same page, we will be in a good position on the 13th,” Lowry said.
Lowry was able to make multiple big plays around the line of scrimmage last season, but he said that he hopes to get after the quarterback more in 2020.
“Partly it is different schemes that we are doing, but also for me, I have always been a pocket pusher. No doubt, the next step in my game has to be getting off those blocks and finishing on the quarterback. I have always done a good job of getting inside pocket presence and push and getting my hands up in the passing lanes. But my focus now is getting off those pass rush blocks and finishing on the quarterback.”
Even though Green Bay’s struggles against the run last year were well documented, the front office didn’t bring in a lot of help during the offseason. Instead, they opted to ride it out with their current group of defensive lineman. Lowry believes that this was a good decision.
“We know we have talent in the room to get it done, seeing (Kingsley) Keke come in strong in his second year. He came in great physical shape, he is really an explosive athlete. Tyler (Lancaster), his first year I think he was a dominant player in the second half of the season. We all know what Kenny (Clark) can do, Montaravious (Adams) yesterday was off to a great start, and Trayvon (Hester) has game experience too. It’s really about consistency and keeping at it.”
Lowry, who signed a contract extension last year, produced 47 tackles, two quarterback hits, two tackles for losses and an interception in 2019.
