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Analyzing the opponent: Ranking NFC North Edge Rusher Groups

By Parker Hurley

Dec 4, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears outside linebacker Willie Young (97) and Chicago Bears defensive end Akiem Hicks (96) celebrate after sacking San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (not pictured) during the first half of the game at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 4, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears outside linebacker Willie Young (97) and Chicago Bears defensive end Akiem Hicks (96) celebrate after sacking San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (not pictured) during the first half of the game at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 22, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Green Bay Packers outside linebacker Clay Matthews (52) reacts during the fourth quarter against the Atlanta Falcons in the 2017 NFC Championship Game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 22, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Green Bay Packers outside linebacker Clay Matthews (52) reacts during the fourth quarter against the Atlanta Falcons in the 2017 NFC Championship Game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Packers:

Clay Matthews, Nick Perry, Kyle Fackrell, Jaye Elliott, Vince Biegel

The Packers most efficient pass rusher last season was Nick Perry. Perry has started 28 games in his career, 12 coming in 2016, and has 23.5 sacks with 11 coming in 2016. To say 2016 was his breakout season is an understatement. Perry is still 26 and was rewarded with a contract extension that will keep him in Green Bay for the next five season. However, beyond Perry, there is a lot to question.

Matthews has seen a dip in production since he has had to shift to the middle more. The team has been drafting to fill the need, and while the versatility that Matthews brings can be used, it appears as though now the greater need is to use him on the edge. However, now at 31 and coming off an injury filled season there is a chance that he does not come back to the Matthews of years ago.

If Matthews does not step up, there are a lot of questions in this unit. Fackrell is a versatile piece that can be used like Matthews and does not have a great experience on the edge. Jayrone Elliott has four sacks in his three-year career. Then, there is Biegel who is a mid round rookie. It is not as rough as Detroit’s situation, but there are a few questions in the Packers edge unit.

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