The Green Bay Packers defensive line looked ferocious on Sunday against the Chicago Bears. They racked up 35 pressures, according to PFF, which was second only to the Dallas Cowboys. Defensive tackle Kenny Clark talked about how this season, the defensive line would look different, and it certainly looked that way in week 1. The reason? Stunts.

Chicago Bears winners and losers from Week 1 vs Packers

Bears QB Justin Fields (1) – Jamie Sabau/USA TODAY Sports

Green Bay Packers Defensive Line Wreaks Havoc

Last season, the Packers struggled against the run, and when Rashan Gary went down with an ACL injury, their pressure rate dropped. Something had to change this season. The Packers used stunts 28 times on Sunday, which was 38% of the defensive snaps. For context, the Packers averaged seven stunts per game in 2022. It resulted in a lot of free runs at quarterback Justin Fields and kept the Chicago running game, including Fields, in check. They used a variety of stunts, and because of the depth, they could send wave after wave of pass rushers.

Packers News: Team will not make coordinator change, says LaFleur - Acme Packing Company

Packers DC Joe Barry Larry – Radloff/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Joe Barry Evolves

Many people, including myself, questioned keeping Barry on as defensive coordinator. His defense underperformed last year, which is unacceptable considering the amount of first-round talent on the roster. This year had to be different, and he seems committed to evolving.

“You definitely have to evolve,” said Barry last Thursday. “I think you have to do that every single year or offenses are just too good now and they change and they evolve and they sign players and they do different schemes. Defensively, you definitely have to keep up with that. I’m a firm believer, my philosophy is what it is, but I definitely think there’s going to be tweaks and there’s going to be subtleties that you change and do things different every single year.”

I give Barry credit. This defense needed to change, and it looks like they have. The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. The Packers are making big changes.

Tyler Allgeier excited about pairing with Bijan Robnison for dominant Falcons ground game - The Falcoholic

Falcons RB Tyler Allgeier (25) – Todd Kirkland/Getty Images

Big Test This Week

I always hesitate to make sweeping conclusions in week 1. This game was against a Bears offensive line that could be cut through like warm butter. The Green Bay Packers defensive line may have looked amazing because they were playing a subpar group. Week 2 is a big test. The Atlanta Falcons are by no means an elite offensive machine. However, their run game is one of the best in the league.

Behind Tyler Allgeier, Bijan Robinson, and Cordarrelle Patterson, the team wants to run the ball. Can the Green Bay Packers defensive line shut down the running game? If they can, they might be able to control this game. Desmond Ridder didn’t inspire confidence last week, and if the Packers can create chaos, it might be a long day for the Falcons.

If nothing else, the Green Bay Packers defensive line is going to be fun to watch. Chaos is fun to watch on a football field. While lining up one-on-one and seeing who wins is interesting, watching a line create chaos is enjoyable. The best way that the Green Bay Packers could help Jordan Love is with a dominant defense. Quietly, the Packers have created one of the best-scoring defenses in the league if you go back to last season. If they can keep this up, the Packers could surprise some people in 2023.