Packers film review: Snacks Harrison makes impact against Bears

Green Bay Packers newcomer Damon “Snacks” Harrison made his debut in Week 17 against the Chicago Bears. It was a quiet outing for the ninth-year defensive tackle, but it was a solid day that amounted to only 12 snaps. The light workload was expected after Harrison was signed on Thursday, Dec. 31 after being released by the Seattle Seahawks. Just a few days later, he was making his debut with the Packers.

Even before getting claimed off waivers, Harrison was linked to the Packers dating back to last year. However, nothing ever came to fruition after he contemplated retirement before signing with Seattle midway through the 2020 season.

Harrison was elevated to the active roster for the Seahawks for just three games before his release. Once he became available, Green Bay pounced with the optimism that they could find a more substantial role for the once-dominant run stopper.

From 2013 up until 2018, Harrison was one of the best at his position at defending the run. He racked up tackles and eventually an All-Pro year in 2016. Harrison may not be the player he once was, but he can still serve a purpose in Green Bay. The Packers have been trying to pair another interior defensive lineman with Kenny Clark for years.

For the time being, Harrison is a good short-term solution. For this week’s film review, we are taking a look at his performance against Chicago and how he factors into the defense moving forward.

Let’s dig in:

If they aren’t on the field together, Harrison is Green Bay’s best option to spell Clark. He understands how to use his leverage against double teams, which can free up other tacklers. Here, Harrison drops his weight and doesn’t give up any ground. He is actually able to follow the ball while he’s engaged with the blocker.

With Harrison as the one-technique lineman, the Packers can change alignments for other players on the defensive line, including Clark. An impressive first step on this play puts Harrison in the backfield immediately. This is a run call to the left by the Bears, but because Harrison played it so well, running-back David Montgomery is forced to cut back to the right. The result: a very short gain thanks to the play by Harrison.

Harrison didn’t make a tackle in the Chicago game, but he was using good technique to put himself in good position. Notice how his eyes are on the ball carrier even as he’s taking on the block. His balance, strength, and technique also prevent him from getting washed out on this play. You would like to see him have better balance here when attempting the tackle, but all things considered, it’s a solid rep.

If you thought Harrison was a pushover at this point in his career, you’re wrong. In fact, he’s probably going to push you over. Harrison still has the play strength to push around offensive lineman just like the old days.

What is really intriguing about the Harrison acquisition is having him and Clark on the field at the same time. Together, the two command a lot of attention inside. On this play, safety Darnell Savage has a free blitz, which results in a tackle for loss.

Here’s one more example of Harrison and Clark on the field together. Chicago is in the Wildcat, and Montgomery is running a jet-sweep option. Harrison is taking on a double team, which leaves Clark in a one on one with the center. Collectively, the defense does a nice job sniffing this one out. Clark gets off his man with a power move and is there for the cutback but doesn’t make the tackle. Don’t expect that to happen very often.

In Week 17, we saw what life is like when a veteran defensive tackle is paired with Clark. Obviously, Harrison has only played in one game, but he could already be a step above what they already have in terms of depth on the defensive line. The pairing of Clark and Harrison could be vital to the Packers stuffing Cam Akers and the Rams’ rushing attack on Saturday. If Harrison performs well in the playoffs, Green Bay would be wise to bring him back on a one-year deal in 2021.

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