Brenton Cox's Insane PFF Numbers Are Green Bay's Only Hope After Parsons' Exit

Alright, listen up, 12s, because while we're always bleeding blue and green here, sometimes you gotta keep an eye on what's happening around the league. And let me tell you, Green Bay's got a PROBLEM, and it's a huge one. Micah Parsons, gone until OCTOBER. That's a massive hit to their defense, and it leaves a gaping hole where 12.5 sacks used to be. The big question rocking Lambeau right now is simple: who the heck is gonna rush the passer? They're down a total of 24.5 sacks from last season just from guys who are sidelined or gone. But here's the thing, while everyone's talking about Lukas Van Ness, the real secret weapon might just be a guy named Brenton Cox, and he's totally bought into the hype. "I definitely think I'm talented enough to pick up the slack and get to the quarterback," Cox said during minicamp. Talk about stepping up to the plate!

The Sacks Are Gone, Who's Getting Them Back?

Last season, the Packers only notched 36 sacks, and a huge chunk of that, 24.5 to be exact, is straight up GONE. Parsons had 12.5 of those by himself! Devonte Wyatt chipped in four, and the rest of their edge rushers combined for another four. So, you're looking at a measly 11.5 sacks returning to the field. Everyone's been hyping up Lukas Van Ness, but let's be real, his career high is four sacks in 17 games as a rookie. That's not exactly setting the world on fire. But here's where it gets interesting: after Green Bay traded Preston Smith in 2024, Brenton Cox was the guy who actually stepped up. He racked up

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four sacks in the seven games following that trade. He was inactive for nine games before that, but his impact on the practice field was just too much for them to ignore anymore.

Cox Was an Absolute Disruptor, Then Injury Struck

You wanna talk about eye-popping numbers? In those seven games, Brenton Cox rushed the passer 97 times. And get this, among 130 edge defenders who hit that mark, Cox finished an astounding 12th in pass-rush win rate, according to Pro Football Focus. But wait, there's more! In PFF's pass-rush productivity, which measures sacks, hits, and hurries per snap, Cox finished SECOND! SECOND, people! He was ahead of guys like Myles Garrett, Micah Parsons himself, Trey Hendrickson, and Nick Bosa. Aidan Hutchinson was the only one ahead of him. That's elite company! Unfortunately, he couldn't keep that momentum going, suffering a groin injury in Week 1 last season and not returning until Week 16. He did start Week 18 against Minnesota, picking up one sack and four pressures. But Cox isn't dwelling on it. "Not really disappointing," he said. "I played hard, got hurt. It happens. This year, just a better opportunity for me to show it again. You know, it wasn't a fluke. It's who I am, it's who I've been on all levels of football. So, it's great to be out there again and have another chance at it." So, as training camp looms, all eyes are on Brenton Cox. Can he replicate that insane pass-rush productivity over a full season? Green Bay needs him to, desperately. Otherwise, that pass rush is gonna be looking real thin. Get ready for some fireworks, hopefully, it's not against us!

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.