Packers 2017 Recap: OLB Ahmad Brooks
One of the Packers’ notable free agent signings in 2017, Ahmad Brooks figured to be a key pass rush figure.
2017 Stats
- Appeared in 12 games with five starts (346 snaps on defense, 13 on special teams)
- 1.5 sacks, 13 solo tackles
Expectations going into the season: Moderate
Expectations were: Not met
Analysis: Brooks fails to make a meaningful impact in 2017
Looking back on our coverage of the move to sign Ahmad Brooks last summer, two things stand out. First, we pointed out that Brooks’ stats may not always line up with his actual production, both for better and for worse. Second, we noted that Brooks had been consistently healthy during his NFL career prior to joining the Packers.
Having written about both of those things, it’s interesting Brooks was neither productive as a pass rusher nor consistently healthy. He posted his lowest sack total and appeared in the fewest games since 2007, a frustrating departure for a player that turned consistency into his calling card.
Still, Brooks did flash at points in the 2017 season. His high-intensity effort against the Steelers was probably his finest game of the year, even if it doesn’t look like much in the box score. He also was a stout run defender and showed the ability to play off the ball when needed.
That kind of versatility could be of use to new defensive coordinator Mike Pettine, though the Packers probably won’t be in any kind of rush to bring Brooks back until very late in the offseason.
