Packers Defensive MVP -

Packers Defensive MVP

Everyone knows who the Green Bay Packers offensive MVP is. Aaron Rodgers is the likely NFL MVP award winner, so it goes without saying that he holds that distinction on his own team. However, the Green Bay Packers Defensive MVP is linebacker De’Vondre Campbell.

This is surprising considering what the 2021 offseason looked like for Campbell. Think back to just over half a year ago. With training camps approaching, Campbell was still a free agent waiting to sign with a team. Then, the Packers acquired him on a 1-year, $2 Million deal. Campbell joined the team and instantly became one of the starting inside linebackers next to Krys Barnes.

On the surface, the most evident element that Campbell brought was experience. Before the 2021 season, Campbell played in 75 games, 70 those as a starter. He has competed against NFL defenses for half a decade and acquired the knowledge of how to lead a defense. Much like the quarterback on offense, a defensive player has a specific helmet with which the defensive coordinator can communicate schemes. Campbell is the defensive signal-caller for Joe Barry and has the important task of lining up the defense and making sure all eleven players know the correct play call.

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As if it wasn’t enough to come in just before training camp, learn a new defensive scheme, and become the defensive signal-caller. Campbell played a career-high 97% of the defensive snaps for the Packers. And not just quantity, but quality, as well considering Campbell was dominant at his position. He not only led the Packers with 144 total tackles, but his 102 solo tackles were more than Adrian Amos‘ 93 combined tackles. In fact, at 102, Campbell has only 7 solo tackles shy of the league leader Jordyn Brooks. Game-in-game-out, Campbell was a tackling machine who helped lead the Packers’ run defense.

In addition to his run-stopping proficiency, Campbell excels in all phases of the game. The Joe Barry defense calls for middle linebackers who can cover opposing receivers, as well as blitz when called upon. Campbell filled up the stat sheet with 6 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, and 5 passes defended.

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For all good defenses, turnovers are important, especially as teams advance to the playoffs. Campbell contributed by creating 4 takeaways for the Green Bay defense. His 2 interceptions placed him in a three-way tie for third place on the Packers alongside a pair of safeties. Campbell also forced 2 fumbles which, alongside Rashan Gary and Preston Smith, tied for the team lead.

Campbell rewarded Green Bay by giving the team another leader in the locker room. He certainly contributed on and off the field towards the Packers’ NFC North title and 13-4 record in the regular season. The Associated Press rewarded Campbell for his individual excellence with a spot on the 2021 NFL 1st-Team All-Pro list.

Playoff Push

Going into the post-season, Green Bay will need everything they can get from Campbell. Starting right away in the Divisional Round where they face a familiar foe. Matt LaFleur’s first season as head coach was ended at the hands of the San Francisco 49ers. In that 2019 NFC playoff game, the 49ers ran for over 200 yards on the ground. That cannot happen again if the Packers want to win this time around.

Can Campbell make enough of a difference? He certainly helped Green Bay get the Week 3 win in San Francisco. During that 30-28 victory, Campbell produced 12 total tackles, one of his six double-digit tackle games this season. That type of performance may be counted on again.

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If the Packers do advance past the Divisional Round, they would need to face either the Buccaneers or Rams. Both teams possess elite offenses that will challenge Green Bay’s defense. Not to mention any potential Super Bowl opponent. The four remaining AFC teams are all capable of scoring a lot of points in a variety of different ways. Excellent play will be required to successfully navigate the playoffs and a versatile defense led by an All-Pro MLB is an important ingredient for the Green Bay Packers. De’Vondre Campbell had an incredible 2021 season. Packers fans hope that continues in the playoffs.

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– Jesse Hall is a writer for Full Press Coverage Packers. He covers the NFL. Like and follow on Follow @hall_jhall1212 Follow @FPCoverage and Facebook.

– Kyle Senra is the managing editor for Full Press Coverage Packers. He covers the NFL. Like and follow on Follow @SenraSays Follow @FPC_Packers and Facebook.