The Green Bay Packers announced many roster changes before of their crucial Week 9 game against the Detroit Lions.
The Packers have signed Jamin Davis, a former Washington Commanders main linebacker, to their practice squad. To make place for Davis, Green Bay waived LB Chris Russell from the Packers’ practice squad.
Davis was selected 19th overall by Washington in the 2021 NFL draft and appeared in 50 games for the Commanders over three seasons, starting 36 of them. Given his expertise, it wouldn’t be surprising if Davis joined Green Bay’s active roster shortly.
Some background on new Packers signee, LB. Jamin Davis
Davis, a former great at the University of Kentucky, came into the league as a highly touted prospect. While it would be unfair to call him a bust, it is realistic to say he did not meet expectations.
Davis appeared in all 16 games as a rookie for Washington in 2021, recording 76 total tackles, 48 of which were solo. Despite impressive tackling statistics, Davis experienced a learning curve in the NFL, particularly when it came to analyzing plays and responding swiftly within Washington’s defensive tactics. That season, he had only one sack, prompting some to question his initial impact in comparison to other first-round linebackers.
The 2024 season, however, saw significant changes with new head coach Dan Quinn.
Davis was moved from linebacker to defensive end in an effort by the team’s new coaching staff to harness his pass-rushing abilities, but the transfer proved difficult. In his five appearances this season, he had 13 total tackles without recording a sack. This decreased production, combined with the positional adjustment, resulted in his dismissal midway through the season as Washington reshuffled its squad. Davis finished his Washington career with 282 tackles, seven sacks, six passes defended, and one interception in 50 games.
Despite being released by the Commanders, Quinn had only positive things to say about Davis. “What a good teammate, Jamin,” Quinn said after the linebacker was released, according to USA Today. “Sometimes good comes out of bad, and he’s someone we’ll be keeping an eye on and rooting for. “He worked extremely hard during his time here.”
He’ll have a fresh start in Green Bay.
Davis is joining the resurgent, dominant Packers defence.
The Packers have started the 2024 season strong, going 6-2 in their first eight games. A resurgent defence led by first-year defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley has been a key factor in their success.
Green Bay’s pass defence has held opponents to 1,885 passing yards and an average of 7.3 yards per attempt, making it one of the stronger mid-tier pass defences this season. On the ground, they’ve limited opponents to 893 running yards, at 4.3 yards per carry. Their run defence is relatively strong, but not among the best – at least not yet.
The defensive line has been the unit’s undeniable strength. The Packers have been relentlessly harassing the quarterback, with 21.0 sacks thus far, ranking eighth in the NFL. Green Bay allows 21.3 points per game (11th in the NFL) and performs well on both sides of the ball.
With a big divisional clash against the Lions coming up, a strong defence will be more crucial than ever.
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